If you know me, then you know that I like fashion, and I strive to look my best. Flashback to before I became a mom and I felt like I had it goin’ on. I was a size small and it was just me so I had all kinds of clothes and looks for any occasion. Fastforward to now that I am a mom and I find that I have to be much more intentional about what I look like. I can no longer fit into those size smalls, and I feel like I am always busy and running around like crazy. With a busy mom schedule, it can be difficult to shop (or if you’re like me you’re usually buying something for your child when you do). It is also sometimes difficult to get used to and dress a post baby body. Also, it takes me long enough to get myself dressed let alone me and my kid. Trying to get me and a kid out the door on time and both look good may as well be an Olympic sport.
Being a busy mom comes with its challenges especially when it comes to looking pulled together, but I’m laying out a few tips to do it in style in spite of the obstacles.
1. Invest In Sets and Jumpsuits
Nothing says put together like a set or a one piece. Sets make it super easy to look good because it’s a top and a bottom that matches. They go together. It takes the guess work out of what to wear and makes matching and looking good effortless.
Similarly, jumpsuits are great for busy moms because it’s one piece. Again no guess work. Your top and bottom are covered so there is no deciding on an entire outfit when trying to get out the door especially with a little one. Just throw it on and go.
I especially like some of the sets sold by Aritzia. As far as jumpsuits, I have a green go-to jumpsuit I love from Banana Republic Factory. I wear it all the time. It’s effortless and easy to accessorize. It’s no longer in stock, but BRF still has some cute ones for you to check out. I also found this cute number at Nordstrom. As a plus the Nordstrom offering is a Black Owned/Founded brand.
2. Take Vitamins and Supplements
In many ways beauty is from the inside out. What we take in is what shows up on the outside. I am a firm believer in taking supplements for healthy hair, nails, and overall wellness. It’s easier to look pulled together when you look healthy and your hair and nails are one of the biggest representations of this. You may know, I am a brand ambassador for Mary Ruth’s Organics. I take the multi-vitamin for hair growth daily and also biotin for the health of my nails. Healthy hair and nails are the foundation for my beautician and nail technician to work with in getting me together so I try to do my part to keep them on point. Taking vitamins is quick and easy and is a great addition to a busy mom’s looking pulled together routine. Disclaimer, I am not a doctor so definitely consult yours before beginning a vitamin regimen.
3. Drink Water
As we all know, drinking water has many health benefits. It helps with weight management, promotes healthy skin and hair, and being hydrated gives you energy. All of these are keys to looking our best as busy moms. If drinking water is a challenge for you, try adding lemon or other fruits to infuse it for a better taste. Also, try getting a water bottle equivalent to your goal of ounces to drink in a day so that you can easily track your intake. Oh, and pro tip, it’s best to fill your water bottle up the night before for a less hectic morning when trying to get out the door.
4. Have a Skincare Routine
In my view, taking care of yourself really is half the battle when it comes to looking pulled together. I know it can be hard as busy moms to do something for ourselves, but we gotta stick to our nighttime skincare regime even if it’s abbreviated. I know, I know, we are tired, but we can’t neglect ourselves because we are pouring into everyone else. My nighttime routine is very simple. I tone and then rinse/wash my face. I follow with a moisturizer (usually a natural oil like Argan or Vitamin E oil) and that’s usually it. Some nights, I do throw in a little Tretinoin (prescription retinol) and one night a week (usually Sundays) I try to do a face mask. When I am really in a hurry or just don’t really feel like it, my go to face wash method is Olay Daily Facials. They are perfect for busy moms (and travel). Just wet the cloth, wash, and rinse. I find that washing with a cloth such as this helps to get rid of more dirt and grime. The cloths also leave my skin looking healthy and hydrated which a tired busy mama is always in need of. Plus, great skin means less need for make-up which helps a busy mama get out the door faster.
5. Schedule Beauty Appointments
I’m a huge believer in regular beauty maintenance and as a busy mom, being able to schedule appointments in advance is a life and time saver. I love stylists that use scheduling apps that allow the client to schedule their own appointments. I schedule my hair appointments for weeks out in advance to ensure they happen and to take it off my mind and to-do list at least for a while. It is also a good practice to wear hair styles that are easy to maintain and that are conducive to a busy mom schedule. I would also add here when it comes to nails, opt for nail colors that are more neutral in nature (white, French manicure, neutral) as they tend to wear well for a longer period of time. I don’t know about you, but as a busy mom, I don’t always get to the nail shop for a few weeks at a time so I need colors that look good even if the nails themselves are not freshly done. Additionally, getting nails done is expensive so I try to space out the time in between. When it comes to neutrals, OPI’s “Put it in Neutral” pictured here is one of my favorites. For longevity, you can also get shellac or acrylic on your nails which last longer than regular nail polish. This is also where it helps to take biotin so that nails have a defense during the shellac or acrylic manicuring process. The net of it is to do whatever beauty maintenance you do on some type of schedule so that you can keep up with it. Scheduling is so important when you are a busy mom trying to look good on the go.
6. Find Your Shade
Nothing says put together like the perfect lip color. I can be having the worst hair day, but the right lip stick completely cancels it out and makes me look like I have my stuff together. Personally, I love and highly recommend MAC’s Ruby Woo, but find the perfect lip shade that works for you to look chic even if the rest of your look is thrown off. As a plus, lipstick is a grab and go. You can always throw it in your or your little one’s bag on your way out the door and put it on in the car.
To all my busy mamas out there keep it up. Your kids are blessed to have you as a mom, and you are doing a great job!
You got this girl and not only can you do it well, you can do it in style!
