How to maintain your style while managing a toddler

Most of us mums would agree that glamour isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when we think of motherhood.  If it’s not that your clothes go from clean to avocado spattered within 5 seconds of putting them on, it’s that we just don’t have time.  Most days (hello, me included) we need to get ready for the day with military precision.  Our children just don’t care if we’re not finished; they want our attention and they want it about five minutes ago. 

With this in mind, I thought I’d jot down some ways we can perk ourselves up in a matter of seconds.  Style and individual identity can still be our friends.  We don’t need to throw them out with the recycling; it’s all about prioritising and being realistic. 

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve left the house looking washed out and returned like a preened goddess. 

• We may not always have time to put on a full face of make-up but for a fresh faced look in five, put on  a bit of concealer under the eyes, some highlighter on the cheekbones, a slick of mascara and some lipstick.  And if you’re going out in the car as a passenger, sling some products in your changing bag and do it on the way.  I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve left the house looking washed out and returned like a preened goddess. 

• Leather and pleather are fantastic fashion choices because not only do they make a change from standard mum-jeans, they wipe clean.  Wipe clean!  Who’da thunk it? 

• A common problem with most mums is that you suddenly don’t know what to wear.  It’s really odd.  It’s like you’ve given birth to a human and now all of a sudden, skinny jeans are not for us.  If you’re having a bit of an identity crisis, ease yourself in by doing some window shopping online such as ASOS (or Net- A- Porter if you’re feeling really fancy).  Save the items that catch your eye and revisit them every time you find yourself in a fashion rut.  You’ll be surprised at what you like when you’re not in a crowded shop under the lights of a bleak changing room.  

• Speaking of mum jeans, I’d recommend choosing a high waisted style.  It makes everything look neat and tighter.  

Go simple.  If you can hear carnage erupting downstairs, a staple wardrobe is a-ok.

• Sea salt spray is absolutely wonderful for making you look like you’ve got intentionally messy hair.  Anything that means I don’t have to waste time finding a brush and brushing my hair is a friend of mine.  After just a few spritzes and scrunches you’re good to go. 

• Once a week, when my son’s tucked into bed, I fake tan.  I always feel better when I’ve got a bit of colour and it makes me feel really confident.  There are some fab wash off products too, which you can just slap on in the morning.  But I like that I only have to mitt-up once a week and I’m covered.  I know lots of mums worry about looking like Dale Winton, but start off light and you can’t really go wrong. 

• Go simple.  If you can hear carnage erupting downstairs, a staple wardrobe is a-ok.  Jeans, t-shirt, trainers.  You can’t go wrong.

• Accessorise with statement jewellery, hair bands, scrunchies and neckerchiefs.  Perks an ordinary outfit up in seconds with zero thought needed. 

• Because, like a lot of women, I like to wear black black and more black, I sometimes like to mix up my footwear.  One of my favourite outfits is a simple black dress, with a ridiculously bright pair of shoes in another colour.  Flattering but a teeny bit daring. 

• During my son’s nap time I’m often stuck underneath him with only my phone nearby.  I flick through Instagram and take screen grabs of outfits which look awesome on other mums with the intention of recreating them at a later date.  We need inspiration and it’s helpful seeing what works on someone else.  Sometimes I’d never think to team certain items together, but looking at them in action suddenly prompts me to give it a whirl. 

Don’t be afraid of your new body.  Post baby, the majority of us won’t look the same but it doesn’t mean you should hide away.  

• A teeny, tiny heel with a winter boot means your legs look longer, your outfit registers as ‘smart-casual’ and you can still leg it after your toddler who’s made a run for the fire exit. 

• Don’t be afraid of your new body.  Post baby, the majority of us won’t look the same but it doesn’t mean you should hide away.  My boobs are far less impressive than they used to be after pregnancy and breastfeeding, so while I’m not so keen to show off my cleavage, I now try to nip my outfits in at the waist. If you’ve been given some curves, brilliant!  You don’t need to cover up; be proud of them.  It’s about having the confidence to show them off.  Yes, easier said than done at the beginning but with practise, you’ll get there. 

Susie Verrill previously ran the social media accounts for titles such as Nuts and Look magazines and now works as a freelance journalist and blogger. She lives with her partner Greg, 2 year old son Milo and a whole host of animals in the Woburn countryside, and watches a worrying amount of 80's crime documentaries during nap time.