Do you have a “momiform,” or mom uniform? I do. I’ll be honest with you: I love my sweatpants and my Lululemon as much as the next gal, but wearing sweatpants all day doesn’t help me in the productivity department. I’m constantly switching back and forth between work mode and mom mode throughout the day, so it’s important I wear something that allows me to transition from meeting to mac n’ cheese. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve found I get a lot less done in my day when I don’t get dressed. And getting dressed doesn’t mean “put on a dress,” but it does mean I’m going to be wearing something other than my barre gear.
With that in mind, I’ve given some thought to what a good momiform is. I’ve teamed up with local boutique owner and stylist Brooke Feather, owner of Brooke Feather, who’s shop is full of cool, momiform-worthy treasures (and so much more), including the jeans, top, bracelet and sunglasses I’m wearing (shopping details below). We discussed what the important elements of a momiform were: it’s easy to throw together, it should look polished, but it also should be something you don’t have to think much about. It reflects your true style and your true self. It’s supposed to be a look you can throw on effortlessly and still look good. Nothing fussy or uncomfortable allowed.
There’s a reason successful, very productive people wear the exact same thing every day and make no decisions about wardrobe; when you’re making other hard decisions all day, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time getting dressed. But if you still need to look put together, even when you’d rather be in bed, here are the six elements you’ll need to make sure your momiform is on point:
6 Essential Elements of a Good Momiform
1. Find the perfect pair of jeans. The right pair of denim can cover all manor of sins, including a post-partum stomach like mine. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to have a few pairs of jeans you LOVE instead of a bunch of pairs that are just fine, whatever. According to Brooke, “you need great jeans that fit well. Spend money on this – they make the outfit.” Bellbottoms and flares are back, baby! And I’m excited to put the skinnies away for awhile. Even with a little distressing, these jeans by FRAME Denim feel tailored and put together (call Brooke Feather to order). And can I tell you a secret? They legit feel like sweatpants and they keep their shape very well. So if you’re in the market for feeling super comfortable while looking good, I’d highly recommend.
2. A cute, versatile top. With a nicer pair of pants or denim shorts, this top from The Great could easily be dressed up or down. It’s flowy, but not tenty. I’m not feeling like wearing a skin-tight tunic yet, but I’m also not feeling the whole tent look. I just had a baby, for goodness’ sake… Why should I hide under a giant shirt? I absolutely love the peplum on this as well as the gingham. Give me gingham any ol’ day.
3. Comfortable, transitional shoes. I love a good wedge for running around during the day because it doesn’t feel like a heel, but it does feel a little more dressed up. I can pop into a business meeting, run to the grocery store, then go home and carry a kid up and down the stairs in these. They also look great with a wider legged jean like this. This one also comes in gold.
4. Good jewelry. Jewelry is another category where I’d rather have less things I really love that a bunch of stuff I just kind of like. Jewelry my in your momiform should be comfortable and classic. I tend to stick with neutral colors so I can pair my jewelry with anything, and I am in love with this one of a kind cuff by Beth Orduna. I love the stone, it’s so unique and perfect for Spring. Brooke says, “if you use a neutral color palette with your accessories, you can mix and match and add a pop of print or color with your clothing and vice versa.”
5. Awesome sunnies, to hide undereye circles. I don’t get much sleep these days. So I need a large variety of sunglasses at my disposal so you can’t tell how exhausted I am. I fell in love with these ROSE GOLD Illesteva sunglasses, and knew they would complete the ideal momiform.
6. A diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. I get compliments on this Fawn Design bag all the time. It’s big, yes, but it’s really sleek and cool and fits EVERYTHING. Diapers, work stuff… it’s all in there. I don’t like having to switch bags multiple times a day. I need this bag to do it all. If I have to carry a bag all day, every day, it might as well not look like an ugly diaper bag.
If you’re in Houston, stop by Brooke Feather in River Oaks to shop her Cali cool wears, incredible denim selection and warm-weather looks.
So tell me… what does your momiform look like? Do you have one?
I love this look! Especially those sunglasses!
You look gorgeous! In this way, well everything, but especially jeans 🙂 Keep it up!
Those jeans are amazing and I totally agree with finding a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag! Love this!
xo
Lee Anne
I live in jeans! I have to agree if I dont get dressed in the morning I am so much less productive. My go to outfit is a basic v- neck t-shirt and skinny jeans. The reason for skinny jeans is it is always boot season here in Norway and skinnies work better with boots!
I absolutely love this look & am always looking for cute “mom life ” approved pieces to add to my wardrobe! This outfit is definitely something that looks fashionable and functional!
Spending some money and getting key pieces for your wardrobe is so important when you transition to mom style. Having time to decide what would look great just isn’t an option any more. I like going to my closet and knowing that whatever I grab will look good. Great tips!
I’m not a mom, but I think these are all necessities we could use (well the diaper bag being a great bag altogether 🙂 )! Love this look…that peplum shirt is so cute.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
This is totally a cute outfit! So chic. But I’m all about my Lululemon, too.
This outfit is super cute. I’m loving the gingham top. The whole look really shows off your style
xoxo
January
http://www.thebouncyponytail.com/
Omgosh. The diaper bag that’s does not look like a diaper bag has been my thing since day 1!
That top is so, so cute! Gingham AND peplum? Yes, please!
xo Brie
http://www.sophistifunkblog.com
What a fashionable mummy. Great look.
I’m not a mom but I’m definitely loving these tips and your outfit! Love your wedges – my mom has a similar pair and I steal them all the time!!
Rachel | http://www.seashellsandsparkles.com
I love this mom uniform Esther! Getting them as one of my favorite prints and I feel like it goes with so much! Way to rick the flares!
Love this from top to bottom! The shoes (and pedi color) are super-cute, and so it the top!
Those jeans and shoes are amaze! xx
Let’s talk about how amazing you look mama!! I am so with you… The right pair of jeans solves any wardrobe problem!
Gorgeous! I love the term “momiform” and the outfit!
So stinkin’ cute! I am in love with those jeans specifically. Higher waists and flares are so flattering on everyone.
Yes! This is a lovely mom uniform. I so agree with finding the perfect pair of denim and a baby bag that doesn’t look like a baby bag. You look gorgeous!
http://mykindofsweet.com/
Jeans are perfect, love the top, wedges are cute and your non diaper bag is awesome. Do love that bracelet. Perfect outfit.
You are so adorable! I saw your picture on Instagram and loved it so much, but now that I see the whole look, I love it even more. I really need a pair of flared jeans like that, and you look super cool and stylish with that bag.
You are so right about spending a little more money for something you love that fits well. Your wardrobe should be filled with things you love that are easy to wear so dressing is a snap! Love this post!
Haha I’d never heard the term ‘Momiform’ before, but yours is styled perfectly! I totally agree about spending money on a few pairs of really good jeans instead of having lots that don’t quite fit right. And I NEED that diaper bag!
Well, this is head to toe perfection!! I need it all! Love those jeans and shoes SO much! Plus I need that top!!
You’re adorable and your momiform is spot on! <3
Loving your shirt and shoes in this, such a fun style statement.
I am a mom of 4. I love being a mom of 4, but i hate to look like i am a mom of 4. I am going to add some of your touches to my wardrobe. My new look is a tank top with a button down. As i am nursing and taken on a bit more weight, my chest has outgrown my stomach. I can put it on, button a few buttons, tuck it in or out and i am ready to go in and out of meetings, as well as pick up the kids. I got a great component This afternoon.
I don’t get as many of those these days of throwing myself together.
Keep it together ladies. Us moms are awesome!