So here’s the deal – being a mum destroys your style in ways you never imagined. One day, you’re tossing off cute outfits with ease, and the next, you’re just trying to find a pair of clean leggings that don’t have some mysterious stain on them. It’s not that you’ve given up caring about looking good. It’s just that, in between the diaper changes, the snack-making, and the general chaos of keeping small humans alive, fashion falls pretty far down the list of things to worry about. But let’s be real – when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it kinda changes everything. Your walk is different. You show up differently. And no, this isn’t about impressing other people. It’s about looking in the mirror and recognising yourself again.

Image Credit: Pexels
Dress for Your Life, Not Someone Else’s Instagram Feed
Somewhere along the way, social media convinced us that “effortless mum style” means looking like we just stepped out of a magazine on the daily. But the reality? Most of us just need clothes that don’t make life more complicated.
Comfy sneakers? Essential. High-waisted jeans that actually fit? Yes, please. A simple, oversized blazer that makes even a basic tee look intentional? Absolutely. The trick is to invest in pieces that work for you, not some influencer who has a completely different life (and probably a full-time nanny).
Adopt the “Polished But Practical” Rule
If it’s too much trouble to wear or makes getting around a problem, it’s not worth it. You don’t need a closet full of expensive clothing you’ll never actually wear. What do you need? A few good pieces that make getting dressed easy.
A decent pair of jeans. A well-fitted tee that doesn’t lose its shape after one wash. A bracelet or pair of hoops that adds just enough “I tried” without actually requiring effort. You don’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul—just a few items that make you feel put together without the stress.
Know When (and When Not) to Consider Your Children’s Opinions
Let’s talk about the small critics we’re bringing up. Kids are truthful to a fault, and they’re going to have opinions about your wardrobe at some point. Maybe your toddler tells you that your distressed jeans are “broken.” Maybe your preteen begs you to “just wear normal mum clothes” when you’re feeling wild.
There’s a time to take their opinions into consideration (probably best to avoid sheer tops at school pickup), but at the end of the day, it’s your body, your style, your confidence. The most lovely thing you can do? Let them see what it looks like to love yourself at every stage of life.
Effortless Doesn’t Mean Boring
If you’re stuck in a style rut, shake things up—without it having to be hard. A bold pair of sneakers, a statement sweater, or adding a trendy trench coat over what you typically wear can have a huge effect.
Mixing textures? So underrated. Leather and soft knits, denim and flowy fabrics—it just makes it more interesting.
Confidence is the Best Outfit – Wear it Every Day
In the end, style is a question of how you feel. You could be wearing the trendiest thing in the world, but if you don’t feel comfortable in it, it’s not your style. What is the only fashion accessory that matters? Confidence. And maybe, a good pair of jeans, just maybe.
So, if you’ve been in a style rut, consider this your hall pass to care again. Not because you have to, but because you deserve to feel good. And trust me – your kids might pretend to be embarrassed, but they’ll remember seeing their mum leave the house like she actually had fun. And that’s the kind of mum style that never goes out of fashion.