We're Moms Who Work in Fashion—We Swear By These Stylish and Practical Outfits
I'm not sure if I would consider myself a new mom anymore since my daughter just turned 3 and I'm expecting my second in July. But now that I'm a bit more seasoned, I realize that one of the most challenging parts of my motherhood journey, especially in the beginning, has been identifying ways to maintain my personal style. Once I became a mom, some of my favorite pieces didn't fit in the right places anymore, and I often didn't have the time to put together outfits the way I could before motherhood. I knew I needed to find a solution in order to feel like myself again.
This isn't uncommon, especially among working moms who need to get dressed and head back to work after a few months of scrubbing and sanitizing bottles during nap time. I found that for me, it's all about figuring out a new way to get dressed. What's my rule of thumb? Keep it stylish, but add a touch of practicality for unpredictable moments, and don't rush to fit into those heeled ankle boots you used to run around in. In the spirit of Mother's Day, I caught up with two mothers, content creator Chandler DeHart and Who What Wear senior fashion market editor Judith Jones. (As Jones's co-worker, I can confirm that she's always had impeccable style, but after the birth of her second child, it's become even chicer.) Both women have their own unique ways of navigating motherhood while staying true to their personal styles. (Hint: They find most of their favorite pieces at Macy's.)
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Chandler DeHartAs a mom, what does your typical day look like, and how do you fit getting dressed into the mix?
I do my best to make my mornings as efficient as possible to set the tone for the rest of the day because with a baby in tow, every little task seems to take double the usual time. I try to wake up a few minutes before my son to start my coffee and get some quick skincare on my face. From there, I wake him up, feed him, and then let him have some independent playtime while I take advantage of that time to get myself ready. It's important to me to still take that time for myself because it helps me be more productive and also just helps my overall mood for the day! From there, every day is a little bit different. My son is at home with me all day, so we have a balancing act of work and play all day long. I take advantage of his nap times to get work done, and he goes everywhere with me. It's not the most productive my life has ever been, but it's by far the most fulfilling.
How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year?
I'm not sure we have actual Mother's Day plans in place just yet, but I'm hoping for a fun day with my husband and son—maybe the zoo or something similar outdoors. On top of that, a little "mama" time would be lovely. Is hoping that my husband has a surprise massage scheduled for me too hopeful? Maybe he will read this first.
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Chandler DeHartWhat tips do you have for working moms who are struggling with balancing their wardrobes and their mom duties?
This is a great question! I feel like as a new-age, stay-at-home mom with a full-time, work-from-home job, I have an interesting perspective. For me, my outfits have always been a huge part of my identity. It's important to me to wear things that I love and that make me feel really good every single day. I told myself that after I had a baby, that wouldn't change. I feel like it's actually made me better at that cool-girl style because now, I go for pieces that are both comfortable and stylish. For example, when I want to reach for leggings, I'll usually reach for baggy jeans instead. Maintaining that standard of not sacrificing my wardrobe just because I'm a mom now has helped me hold onto a part of myself that I'm proud of. (And it's so easy to lose a lot of yourself in taking care of a little one.) I've also learned not to sweat the messes. Some of my nicest trousers have had pureed sweet potato splattered all over them, and that's okay. It's just part of the messy, beautiful joys of being a mom.
Why do you wear these Macy's pieces on repeat, and how else would you style your picks to extend the longevity of your wardrobe?
I actually chose the pieces I did for the exact reason that they can all be styled in lots of different ways and will last me a very long time, even as trends come and go. The satin trousers and blazer can be styled together or apart as separates that lend an elegant touch to any outfit. The black satin midi dress is a summer staple that I'm loving right now, and don't even get me started on those platform sandals. I might even get caught sleeping in those this season. They're so comfortable.
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Judith JonesAs a mom of two, what does your typical day look like, and how do you fit getting dressed into the mix?
As a mom of two with a full-time job, my days are always pretty busy! The mornings are especially hectic when I'm busy making lunches and getting my son ready for preschool, then feeding my 7-month-old baby girl and getting her changed and settled before I start my workday. Because I need to be ready to walk out the door early to take my son to school and then start work straight after, I no longer have the luxury of time to dream up what I'm going to be wearing on any given day. Instead, I try to get ready quickly and efficiently in the mornings with outfits that can take me from meetings and press previews to school pick-ups seamlessly. I tend to reach for chic and versatile staples that look fashion-forward and make me feel comfortable. And I'll always accessorize. Chic jewelry and a great handbag are a dream for amping up a simple look with minimal effort.
How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year?
This year, I'm so grateful to be spending it with my own mom, my husband, and my kids. We'll be going to one of our favorite hotels by the beach for brunch and taking a walk along the ocean after. I'm also planning on plenty of time for extra hugs and kisses.
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Judith JonesWhat tips do you have for working moms who are struggling with balancing their wardrobes and their mom duties?
I would say there is no such thing as balance! Some weeks I find I have slightly more time to put together a chic look, and other weeks I just resign to wearing jeans (okay, maybe leggings) and a simple tee.
I would recommend having a handful of chic, trend-forward staples at the ready that you know are comfortable but stylish and can easily take you from meetings to playdates. This could be a cool oversize button-down over a tank top and relaxed trousers or a chic blazer over a versatile black dress. I find a great blazer always adds a cool factor to your staples. And don't underestimate accessories when you want to give your outfit a fashion-forward touch. Investing in some chic accessories such as a luxe handbag or a gold or pearl necklace can take your outfit from zero to 100 in an instant. Motherhood has not changed my style, but it has impacted it. My priorities are different now, but that doesn't mean I can't look stylish. I simply choose pieces and trends that fit into my lifestyle.
