I have various readers and friends who are mothers of young children, and they often bemoan the fact that since their mini muffins came along, it’s been virtually impossible to put together a fashionable outfit. And when you’re looking for something that fits the following criteria:
- Can be thrown on in a sleep deprived haze;
- Doesn’t restrict toddler chasing movement;
- Can act as a napkin for any and all things including but not limited to food/glitter/glue/vomit;
it’s understandable why one would throw in the towel and on the same jean/t-shirt combo day in and day out. So, in honor of these wonderful women, I’ve pulled together a quick Yummy Mummy dressing tutorial—because everyone can (and should) feel fabulous.
Garanimals for Adults
I have a secret. While I’m known for my love of all things girlie, the reason I incorporate so many dresses into my wardrobe isn’t because it highlights my femininity—it’s because it’s easy. Think about it: if you throw on a dress, you don’t have to worry about picking out another item of clothing in order to leave the house without risk of being arrested for indecent exposure.
I think of dresses like Garanimals for adults. For those of you non-parents out there, Garanimals is the clothing line that includes a little animal emblem on each item, so that children (or fashion challenged parents) can automatically know that something matches, by pairing the emblems. Giraffes with giraffes, bears with bears, etc. With dresses, you automatically know that your top and bottom matches, because they’re sewn together. No thinking required. It also means less laundry, which I’m always a fan of.
And for those of you boo-hooing about how much you hate dresses, let me tell you: a simple dress with a forgiving cut is just as comfortable as sweat pants, which, unless you are the uber fashionable Kelsi Smith and doing a fashion experiment, you should not wear out of the house.
If you stock up on comfortable dresses in simple shapes, you can rely on shoes and accessories to punch up your look, inexpensively and easily. I’ve pulled together the below example, bringing you from fashionable summer day to night, by using the same basic black dress (an excellent stain-hiding color) and swapping out the accessories and shoes. I’ve relied on flats so you can move around easily, bracelets instead of easily pulled earrings or necklaces to toddler-proof you, and everything is under $50 from Old Navy & The Gap, online. Here’s to you, Yummy Mummy!
- Gap Maxi Dress, $44.99
- Old Navy Mosaic Beaded Sandal, $15
- Old Navy Fashion Cuff, $5.97
- Old Navy Bauble Gladiator Sandal, $24.50
- Old Navy Metal Bangles, $9.50
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute post, Miranda! As mama to three little ones ages 5 and under, I’m totally on board with the mommy ‘dress’ code! They are so easy and feminine, and can be forgiving. (Although they are a little tough if you are nursing.) I have the Gap maxi and it’s awesome!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Jody! And I’m thrilled to hear the Gap maxi is fabulous in person, too! XO
THANK YOU Miranda!! Dresses are absolutely one of the easiest things to throw on in a hurry! Love the accessories and the stumble-proof sandals! You’ll be a pro at this when your turn comes around!!