Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Reader Question: I Need Help Dressing like a Grownup. (Part 2)

See part 1, and the original question from Gleemonex, here.

As a working mom myself, I know how easy it is to dress down on the weekends. I mean, really, really down (note that I almost never post my weekend outfits). So I've been thinking about some "mom uniforms" that are comfortable without sacrificing style. I start with a soft t-shirt that feels like it's my jammies and doesn't cling uncomfortably. Then I throw on skinny jeans. I am in love with the Always Skinny jeans from The Gap, they are so flattering and make it look like you are making an extra effort. Top it off with an army jacket. This trend is just that, a trend, so I wouldn't spend much money on it. Throw on a bright scarf--I love orange with olive green--and the ubiquitous flat boots and you've got a more modern take on the mom uniform of jeans and a t-shirt. A fun studded wrap bracelet gives you just a little edge.



Speaking of uniform, Gwyneth Paltrow swears by the sweaterdress/leggings/flat boots combo. Love her or hate her, she's on to something. Depending on your work environment you could wear this any day of the week. Since you are very fit and have nice legs, I'd go with a shorter sweaterdress that skims the body. Just make sure it covers your rear end. You can go with a fun bright color, or a more neutral grey. Flat black boots (again!) will make you look more polished, but if you choose wisely they are every bit as comfortable as sneakers. I have a 10(!) year old pair of flat black riding boots that I could walk 5 miles in, I swear. And I know some might scoff at the floppy knit beret, but they are so cozy and more chic than a ponytail when you have dirty hair to hide. Lastly, a quirky pendant necklace edges you out of "stir crazy mother of small children" territory.



This was fun! Hopefully Gleemonex was able to walk away with some new inspiration and grown-up looks, both for work and play.

5 comments:

  1. These are both fantastic recommendations for chic and easy comfort clothes!

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  2. Ooooooh, I love it! LOVE! It's like you guys actually know me -- how do you DO this? As I said yesterday to Adrien -- probably all these picks seem simple and obvious to you, but to me, it's a revelation!

    So: You have finally convinced me I need flat boots -- I can be so frickin penny wise & pound foolish that I talk myself out of things that would be cornerstone items -- I do that a LOT. And pretty much all of these would work for the office (at least my current office, heh) -- AWESOME PICKS, MARIANNE!!!! THANK YOU!!

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  3. Aw, you are very welcome! You won't regret some classic flat boots, trust. I can't wait to see how you use these posts as inspiration for future purchases!

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  4. I just clicked on the shirt and was introduced to Outnet. Where has it been all my life??!?

    You guys need to do a list of some of your favorite online shopping sites.

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  5. That is a great idea, we will work on a post with our online shopping resources!

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