HOW TO GET YOUR STYLE MOJO BACK AFTER BECOMING A MUM

BY ROSIE McKAY

Ah, motherhood. It makes your heart overflow, steals your boobs and let’s face it at times your sanity too, but if there is one thing I have vowed it would not take away from me, it’s my style. But alas, even I can attest that after my second babe, Maia, was born I subscribed to the lycra all-day-everyday school of style for waaaaay longer than I should have.

Don’t get me wrong, I love activewear, but I mostly feel best in it when I can actually work out. Otherwise, on those really testing days when nothing goes to plan, it just feels like a reminder of the workout that never got done – and quite frankly I’d rather not be reminded of that fact!

As a working mum I quickly realised that dressing for the way I wanted to feel, in clothes that make me go “mama’s still got it” is so empowering and completely shifts my mindset.

So, if you feel like you’ve lost your style mojo, it might be time to hang up your tights (until your next workout that is) and start making your way back from mumsy to Not So Mumsy (pardon the pun ) Not sure how or where to start? Here are my top tips to get your style mojo back.

1. DECLUTTER

If you don’t feel good wearing it, or it no longer suits your shape, it’s time to go.

Here’s how to kickstart your declutter:

• Go through your entire wardrobe and make three piles – KEEP, DONATE, REPAIR/TAILOR/DRYCLEAN.
• Next reorganise everything you want to keep into style and arrange by colour. For instance, I like to have sections for tees, tops, shirts, dresses, skirts, pants, jackets and then I arrange them by colour.
• Drop off your donations / repairs and drycleaning items. Sometimes an alteration like lifting a hem or removing a sleeve etc will breathe new life into an existing piece.

Get up, dress up, show up. That's my motto for checking into the new work week. Talking of "checks", this check blazer is one of my go-to's. I love that it works with a tonal tailored outfit like this, or back with skinny leather pants and studded boots for something a bit edgier (see stories for that look). Still haven't found the perfect one for you? Hit link in bio for 6 more check jacket buys, in sizes from 6 to 16 plus. Happy Monday!

A post shared by myvirtualstylist (@myvirtualstylist) on May 27, 2018 at 2:14pm PDT

2. SHOP SMART

It’s really easy to buy things on a whim just because “it will do” or you saw it on Instagram and you don’t have time to shop. After decluttering I would advise to start rebuilding your wardrobe with intentional purchasing. Start with what I like to call a “core wardrobe” which is a tight edit or pieces that mix-and-match into a variety of looks that won’t date easily and will allow you to create a series of effortless go-to looks with that will take you from running errands, to park hangs, soccer practice and beyond. Blazer, stripe top and leather pants is one of my all-time fave looks – I just switch up the shoes depending on whether I’m heading out the door to an appointment or a playdate with friends.

Stick to neutral colours like white, black, grey, nude, navy, red. They all work together and don’t date easily, but in saying that, don’t be afraid to add some personality to your look by choosing striking silhouettes, statement accessories or pops of colour that suit your personal style.

Just don’t go overboard buying too many trend-driven prints and colours because you will end up with a wardrobe full of pieces that won’t work together. Also, where possible, try to buy an entire outfit that you love. Knowing you have a complete outfit that works together takes the guesswork out of getting dressed!

Once upon a time I used to have a "work" wardrobe, a "weekend" wardrobe, a "going out" wardrobe, but once I had kids and I started my own business which often requires me to meet clients and on other occasions work from home, I completely changed the way I thought about my wardrobe. I set a general rule when buying pieces - before purchasing I must be able to think of a minimum three different ways / occasions I could wear the piece. I think it's better to build a wardrobe of classic pieces that can mix-and-match for a variety of occasions. This also ensures that you are not just cluttering your wardrobe with trend pieces that you will only wear once - and which can confuse your style! Feel confused about your style? Drop me a DM or email for a complementary vid/phone consult and we can talk through what the next steps might be to help you reclaim your style again

A post shared by myvirtualstylist (@myvirtualstylist) on Jun 20, 2018 at 3:26am PDT

3. DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE

There is no denying your shape changes after having kids – even if you go back to the size you were pre-baby, you will notice your clothes will sit differently. My best advice here is to stop worrying about size. Dress the flatter your shape, if that means buying a medium instead of a small or 12 instead of 10, because it looks better, just do it.

I personally have a mix of ranges from S to L in my wardrobe. I buy the size that can works best for the way I want to style the outfit I want to wear. Focus on buying silhouettes that highlight your best bits. Love your shoulders? Show them off with off-the-shoulder tops. Have a small waist, highlight it with high-waisted bottoms or belted outfits.

4. UPDATE YOUR HAIR & MAKEUP

It’s amazing how a new hairstyle or a colour change can instantly make you feel like a million bucks. Updating your image is the perfect finishing touch to your new wardrobe. You know what they say, change is as good as a holiday – and given you have kids and that could be a long time coming, going a shade lighter or darker sounds like a bloody good idea!

EXCLUSIVE NSM OFFER
Treat yourself! To help you get your style mojo back Rosie is offering 20% off all My Virtual Stylist services including digital packages and one-on-one face-to-face style consults. Simply enter MVSLAUNCH at checkout.

Rosie McKay is a Sydney-based stylist and founder of My Virtual Stylist, a personal styling platform that offers a range of digital styling and personal shopping services so you can have a personal stylist at your fingertips. Good shoes and a good strong long black are non-negotiable, When she’s not curating the perfect style edits for her clients you will find running around after her babes Samson and Maia. You can get more of her expert style advice and check out what she’s wearing, buying and loving on Instagram and Facebook.