Sisteen fashion items that I found myself using and liking as I turned thirty-five years old and became a mom. Both practical and stylish.
One of my fascinations about gorgeous older women is how they manage to age gracefully. But now in my middle thirties, I think I`m starting to understand it, if just a bit. I noticed a huge shift in the styles of clothing that intrigue me. I now pay more attention to sexy styles and cuts that are interesting but not too revealing.
A hint of skin here and there, but I now prefer to be more covered. When before mini-skirts were my go-to summer staples, I now love flowy longer skirts and pants. Not that I`ve disposed of my shorts and minis, but that now I don´t always go leggy like I used to. I`m not defined by my legs anymore. I`m now enjoying and exploring more creative styles and alternatives that are appropriate for my age and lifestyle.
I guess, I`m now having a taste of aging gracefully. Haha!
It´s important to note that my style choices right now are also influenced by my being a stay-at-home mom raising a super active toddler boy. It´s fair to say that in many instances I`m sacrificing my desire to look very put-together for a more functional and practical outfit but in doing so, I`m learning to find ways to still feel and look stylish.
1. A flowy jumpsuit.
This black and white jumpsuit is an example. First, I`m a huge lover of polka dots, and I think it doesn´t matter how much I`ll age, I will still adore this print.
But I also love the total glamor and elegance of the look. I can chase my toddler around and still look fabulous! I`ve no problem chasing my boy in those strappy high heels too, my knees are still pretty good. As long as I don´t have to do the chasing whole day all by myself, meaning my husband is with me to help, this outfit will make me navigate a party with grace.
2. An eyelet top.
Similar: Forever 21 Ruffle Eyelet Shirt – wear with high-waist retro jeans or denim skirt.
So stylish for spring, this Nanette Lepore’s white eyelet top is trully a stunner. I can wear it with almost anything — from printed knee-length pencil skirt or nude skirt to black high-waist trousers. I would categorize it as a quick pick-me-up whenever I need to look glam but don´t have enough time to prepare. (Busy moms will certainly relate to this, but hey, it works for busy career women too!)
Worn with something simple, the outfit will still standout.
Of course, I really love the sleeves, the neck, and the hems. A fitted white camisole with spaghetti straps will complete it.
3. Long Sleeve Ruffle Fluted Blouse Top.
One reason why I am currently leaning towards darker tops is the way they hide stains and dirts — very well. Think of a toddler rubbing his cherry-stained hands on you, you´d opt for darker tops too. However, I find black to be boring. So my solution is choosing black tops that are dotted, with a chic crewneck and cascading ruffled sleeves.
I think you´ve already noticed by now how I use the sleeves to create a statement. Yes, that´s exactly my style strategy. I would wear this top with a gray A-line skirt that is fitted around the hips and flares on the bottom half.
4. Long bell sleeves.
Split Shoulder Ladder Detail Top
Since we´re currently enjoying summer, out are my bold pieces. This gorgeous printed top embodies my current summer mood. And again, the sleeves! I don´t have this exact top but most of my tops right now are similar to it. I like wearing it with stretchy skinny jeans, but when the temperature hits 30 C, you bet I reach for the shorts.
5. A-Line Casual Comfy Tunic Dress.
A-Line Casual Comfy Tunic Dress
There are days when all I want to do is finish the laundry and cook dinner early so I can also rest early, but since I have a toddler who needs to go out, play outdoor or go for a walk especially if the weather is nice, I have to pull myself up, put on something descent such as this comfy tunic dress, and then finish it with some cute but comfortable flip flops or sandals.
What I love about this tunic is that while it´s casual and comfy, it´s feminine and sexy. I will finish it with my favorite black flat sandals, but on lazy days I´ll opt for my comfy pink flip flops.
6. Open Front Knit Cardigan.
Before I had a baby, I´m all for leather jackets. I actually invested on four gorgeous leather jackets. But the moment I became a mom, leather ceased to be my go-to cover-up. I now prefer cozy, open front knit cardigans.
Before my son, I couldn´t imagine myself writing the above paragraph. It´s just hard to comprehend until you yourself walk the mom walk. It may seem trivial, but simple choices like this make life so much easier and lighter.
I guess I will eventually go back to my being a leather lady (I still wear my leather jackets once in a while, by the way), but for now, cozy cardigans are my go-to toppers.
7. Skinny Stretch Jegging.
When it comes to my bottom wear, stretch is very important to me right now. I must be able to squat, split or run in a second — all to ensure my son´s safety or that his needs are met. Non-stretchy jeans are currently at the bottom of my list. But even better than super stretch jeans are skinny stretch jeggings. Early last spring I stock up on this. There´s no more shortage of jeggings in my wardrobe.
I like wearing them with white cotton tees on really laid-back days. If an event calls for me to dress up my jeggings, I wear them with a chic silk botton down in white, or with a see-through, shoulder-drop printed botton-down (layered with a camisole, of course).
8. Wrap Dress.
I´ve written enough on this blog how elegant wrap dresses are, but I actually started buying wrap dresses for myself only recently. I prefer quarter sleeves over long sleeves. And last week, I was so lucky to bag an investment wrap dress with kimono sleeves, in a really lush dark green, white and black pattern, for fifty percent off.
I call myself lucky because I´ve been checking that dress on display the entire season but was unwilling to pay for it full price. When it went on sale, there was only two pieces left and one was my size. Oh, what a really lucky day!
9. Slimming Pencil Skirt.
After giving birth, I quickly got back my flat tummy and I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight, thanks to my rigid daily walk, pushing my toddler in a stroller through a mountainous terrain. However, for the past ten months I´ve been lazy and I noticed that my tummy isn´t tight as it was. Right now I´m not very confident of my tummy, but I still love wearing pencil skirts.
The solution are spandex shorts or something like this slimming pencil skirt above.
10. Pleated Mini Skirt.
I still do wear short skirts every now and then, whether it´s in cold or warm season. But gone are my body con mini skirts. I now prefer A-line or pleated mini skirts. In winter, I layer the skirt with black leggings and tall knee-length boots. In summer, I opt for strappy sandals.
11. Mermaid Pencil Skirt.
Mermaid Pencil Skirt (sold out) / Similar: New Yor & Co, Express
I`ve always loved mermaid skirts. I find them very feminine and I love just being feminine. As I get older, however, I prefer more longer mermaid skirts than the above the knees. I always finish the mermaid look with a pair of pointed toe, cigarette heels pumps. The result is very classy.
12. Bodycon Pencil Skirt.
Kate Kasin Skirt / Similar: Junky Closet Stretch Pencil Skirt (Brighter Print)
A body con midi pencil skirt such as this becomes a staple in my wardrobe in winter. I often team it up with a puffy sleeved sweater and tall, pointed-toe boots. Because my tops and sweaters are often neutral, I choose more vibrant or interesting skirts. I find this dark floral midi pencil skirt perfect for winter.
13. Pleated Midi Skirt.
Yet another midi skirt, only this time it´s pleated and easy to dress up or down. I can wear it with white, silk button down for a glam look, or with a simple white tee for a casual look. It´s also fun to pair with platform high heels.
14. African Print Knee Length Flare Skirts.
African Print Knee Length Flare Skirts
The older I get and the longer my skirts get, the more I dig for wild prints! I find myself admiring more African prints this past two years not only for clothing but also for home decors.
15. Crossbody Bag.
Before my son, I was defined by my structured handbags. But when I had him, my hands are either pushing his stroller or carrying him. All my handbags have retreated into our huge storage cabinet and haven´t seen the spotlight for almost two years now.
Sometimes I miss strutting the streets in high heels and my one arm carrying a handbag. But for now, a crossbody bag does the job.
16. Travel Rucksack Casual Purse.
And on days when my son and I spend the day exploring the city, his diaper bag bursting with stuff, I choose a fashionable backpack. Wearing a rucksack is fun too; reminds me of my younger days.
When I was in my twenties, I used to dread the thirties. But now I find thirties to be the best years, actually. I want to make the most of it while it lasts.