I blog about balancing life as a working mum but I have a lot of friends who are stay-at-home mums. They often complain to me about the stereotype of the stay-at-home mother being a frumpy woman in leggings with messy hair, which isn’t exactly great for your self-confidence. Style for stay-at-home mums is tough. You want to look good and feel like yourself, but you need your clothes to be comfortable and practical for all the chores and playing with the kids. Try these tips to feel more fabulous and stylish, without sacrificing comfort or practicality. 

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Buy Nice Loungewear

Loungewear doesn’t have to be tracksuit bottoms and shapeless t-shirts. Treat yourself to some nice pieces that are comfy but still look great. There are lots of pretty matching sets available, or trousers with sneaky elastic waistbands that don’t look like joggers. Jeggings can be a good option too, so you look like you’re in jeans, but aren’t having your movement restricted by tight denim. 

By treating yourself to nicer loungewear, you’ll feel better. You can be dressed as you need to be at home, but not feel embarrassed if you have to answer the door, or have to get changed if you need to go out to run errands. 

One of my favourite places to buy stylish loungewear, which looks fabulous but is super comfortable has to be Femme Luxe. They have a STAY HOME loungewear style that is both stylish and affordable.

Focus On A Clean, Fresh Appearance

Nobody’s expecting you to take ages putting your makeup on, but taking a little time for yourself will make you feel a lot better. Even on busy mornings, take the time to wash your face and brush your hair (even if you then just shove it into a ponytail). Master the five-minute simple make-up routine if you feel better with make-up on. Doing this might make you feel more human! Like the nice loungewear, you’re not prepared to dash out on the school run without feeling good about yourself. 

Buy Clothes That Fit Well

Even basics will look more stylish if they fit you as they should. When you shop for clothes, learn how to spot a perfect fit. 

Rile of thumb is, shoulder seams should sit on your shoulders, not below them. Skirts should hit above or at the knee, unless it’s a maxi skirt, which should touch your toes without dragging on the floor. Trousers should reach your ankle if they’re a skinny fit, or brush your toes if they’re a boot cut. 

Throw out things that don’t fit. It’s better to have a few pieces that fit beautifully than a drawer full of things that are too big or too small. 

Embrace Comfortable Trends

You can be comfortable but still in style and on trend. Keep an eye for trends that are naturally comfortable. Athleisure is perfect for mums, as it involves incorporating sportswear inspired pieces into your everyday outfits. You can buy trendy joggers, rompers, sneakers, and hoodies, and even invest in some t shirt embroidery, and be very comfortable. Embrace practical trends like cross body bags and baseball caps. 

You’ll be comfortable, and able to chase the kids round, but look like you follow fashion, and have time to follow what’s current.

Buy Basics In Cute Styles

Invest in the pieces you’re going to wear the most and remember that basic doesn’t have to be boring. Look for simple trousers, t-shirts, and sweatshirts with interesting details. This could mean choosing great fabrics, fun colours, interesting patterns, or details like embellishments. For example, buy a plain t-shirt with a peplum shape.

You’re still wearing the same pieces and will be practically dressed, but will look a lot more fabulous and might even enjoy your clothes more. 

Add Accessories

The smartest accessories for you will depend on the age of your children. If you have a toddler or a baby, it’s probably not wise to wear expensive, or dangly jewellery and other accessories. If your kids are older, there’s no reason you can’t accessorise to your heart’s content. 

Accessories add interest to even very simple outfits, and are a good way to add a pop of colour or to show some personality. Wear cute jewellery, or a wrap a light scarf around your neck. Add a pretty clip to your ponytail. Treat yourself to movie star sunglasses for the school run. 

Pick pieces that are good quality and hard-wearing, so they’ll stand up to the demands of mum life. 

Find What Makes You Feel Good

Some women feel naked without their mascara. Some women only feel like an outfit is complete if they’ve put on earrings. Work out what that thing is for you. What makes you feel ‘done’, and makes you feel good.

This could be wearing nice earrings, putting on lipstick, or wearing cool shoes. Embrace it, even if it doesn’t seem practical for staying at home all day. If it lifts your confidence, it’s worth doing, and you shouldn’t feel silly about wearing lipstick when nobody but the baby is going to see you. Confident mums raise confident kids, after all. 

Get On A Schedule

Make yourself a schedule so you can get ready for the day quickly. If you’re rushing around trying to get you and the children ready, it’s probably you that you’ll decide to skip. Get up a little earlier so you have time to shower in peace, choose an outfit and get your five-minute face on. Even a short time to yourself to get ready helps, as you can focus on you and not whether everyone has their shoes, schoolbags, and matching socks. Then when you’re ready, you can focus on the kids.

Stay-at-home mum life

Being a mum is a tough job, and it can be difficult to find much time to focus on yourself. If you’re able to take even a little time to feel more fabulous, you will feel much better about yourself and a lot less like only ‘Mum’. Your confidence will show to your kids too, and they’ll learn that taking care of yourself is important. By looking after you, you’re setting them a good example, so no mum-guilt required.