I used to be a huge fan of the show What Not to Wear that aired on TLC, and I still catch the occasional rerun. The anticipation leading up to the final reveals was thrilling, and I learned a lot about which clothing styles flatter different body shapes (spoiler alert: it usually involves straight-leg jeans and a blazer). While I’m not a style guru, I certainly dressed better than many of the participants on the show, and I enjoyed critiquing their choices.
The typical subject was often a frazzled stay-at-home mom who’d neglected her own needs. I used to wonder why these women resisted makeovers that included expert advice and $5,000 worth of new clothes—where do I sign up? Dress me up, Clinton and Stacy!
Now that I’m one of those busy moms, my perspective has shifted completely. No, Clinton and Stacy, you don’t know better than I do. I get why these women were upset about losing their comfy sweatpants. A day spent chasing small children is far from a fashion runway—it’s more like a chaotic circus, sometimes literally.
Then there’s the hair and makeup situation. The show’s makeup artist, Jamie, often taught the “5 Minute Face.” I’d love to see her try to manage that in five seconds while two little tornadoes are running amok. Five minutes can easily turn into a disaster when toddlers are involved.
At least the hairstylist usually left enough length for a ponytail. I made the mistake of cutting my hair into a chic bob, thinking it would make me style it daily. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
While the fashion experts may have their credentials, I consider myself a “real-world” fashion expert. I’ve put together a practical, budget-friendly wardrobe that suits my daily life. I identify as a Practical Mom rather than frumpy because, in reality, I’m in decent shape and wear fitted yoga pants. However, I fall short of the Sexy Yoga Mom vibe—my hair is more messy than effortlessly chic.
So, I embrace my Practical Mom identity and refuse to wear straight-leg jeans, blazers, and ballet flats for errands or playdates. That’s date night attire, thank you very much!
What these fashion consultants don’t realize is that every piece of my outfit is as deliberately chosen as a couture gown, designed to be perfectly mundane for good reason. My running shoes offer the support I need for pushing a double stroller, sprinting after little ones, and standing for hours in the kitchen. My yoga pants allow me to bend down to pick up toys, hoist one child while cradling another, and even transform into a horse for playtime.
My inexpensive tee from the discount store lets me embrace the messiness of parenting—spaghetti with red sauce, sticky fingers, and runny noses are all part of the game. My no-makeup look and unstyled hair save me precious minutes in my busy day, allowing me to leave the house a little quicker. And let’s not even talk about actual shaving, shall we?
I admire women who prioritize their beauty routines, whether out of choice or necessity. I don’t think I’m superior to them, but I also don’t see them as better than me. My choice of clothing isn’t rooted in low self-esteem—rather, it’s a reflection of the freedom that comes with being at home. I can wake up with my kids and skip the morning beauty ritual.
Of course, I enjoy dressing up for special occasions, outings, or nights away from the kids. But during my daily routine, where my biggest interaction might be chatting with my favorite cashier, Karen, at the grocery store, I’m content in my Practical Mom attire.
I firmly believe that clothing conveys messages about the wearer, and the message I’m sending is clear: “Thanks, but no thanks, Clinton and Stacy,” along with, “See you tomorrow, Karen!”
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In summary, I’ve embraced my identity as a Practical Mom and am comfortable in my choices. While I appreciate expert fashion advice, my reality dictates my wardrobe, and I wouldn’t trade it for a makeover.