Getting dressed as a parent is very different to getting dressed before kids. Back then, I could take my time, try things on, change my mind and leave the house without worrying about sticky fingers or mysterious stains. These days, getting dressed usually happens quickly, often with someone asking me for a snack while I’m halfway through it.
For a long time, fashion felt like something I’d lost along the way. Comfort took over, and I stopped really thinking about what I wore as long as it was clean and practical. But over time, I’ve realised that fashion as a mum doesn’t have to be complicated or unrealistic. It just needs to work for real life.
These are the five things I’ve learned about getting dressed as a mum, and they’ve genuinely made everyday life feel a little easier.
Comfort always comes first, and that’s not a bad thing
If something isn’t comfortable, I won’t wear it. It doesn’t matter how nice it looks on the hanger or how much it cost. Parenting involves a lot of moving around, bending down, carrying children and sitting on the floor, so clothes need to move with you, not against you.
Comfort doesn’t mean giving up on style. It just means being honest about what actually works. Soft fabrics, elasticated waists, breathable materials and shoes you can walk in all day make a huge difference. When you’re comfortable, you naturally feel more confident, and that shows far more than any trend ever could.
Once I stopped trying to force myself into clothes that didn’t suit my lifestyle, getting dressed became much less frustrating.
2.
A small wardrobe that works is better than lots of clothes you never wear
I used to have a wardrobe full of clothes and still feel like I had nothing to wear. Now, I know that fewer, better choices work much better for busy days.
A good parent wardrobe is built around reliable pieces you can mix and match without thinking too much. A couple of pairs of jeans or trousers you love, tops that wash well and don’t need ironing, and layers that work across different seasons. When most things in your wardrobe go together, getting dressed becomes quicker and easier.
This is why capsule wardrobes are so popular with parents. They take the pressure out of decision making and make mornings run a bit more smoothly.
Getting dressed needs to be quick and realistic
Most mornings are busy. There’s usually someone who can’t find their shoes, someone who suddenly remembers they need something for school, and very little time left for yourself.
Over time, I’ve learned to rely on simple outfit formulas that I know work. The kind you can throw on without much thought and still feel put together. Jeans and a nice top with trainers. A dress with a jumper and ankle boots. Leggings with a longer top and a good jacket.
Having a few go to outfits ready in your head saves time and removes stress. It also means you’re less likely to stand staring at your wardrobe wondering where to start.
4.
Your clothes need to suit the season and the stage you’re in
What you need from your clothes changes depending on the weather and the age of your children. Dressing with a newborn is very different to dressing when you’re running after toddlers or juggling school drop offs.
Seasonal dressing is about being practical as well as comfortable. In colder months, that might mean warm coats, layers and shoes that cope with wet playgrounds. In warmer weather, breathable fabrics and outfits that can handle long days out become much more important.
Accepting that your wardrobe will change as your life changes takes away a lot of pressure. You’re not dressing for who you used to be, you’re dressing for the life you have now.
5. Feeling like yourself matters more than following trends
Fashion as a mum isn’t about keeping up with trends or buying new clothes all the time. For me, it’s about feeling like myself again, even on days that are full of parenting responsibilities.
Sometimes that’s as simple as wearing a colour I love, adding jewellery I never take off, or choosing a bag or coat that makes me feel good. Small details can have a big impact on how you feel.
When you feel comfortable and like yourself, everything else feels easier. You’re not just getting dressed for the day, you’re doing something small for your own confidence.
Our Final Thoughts
Getting dressed as a parent doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive or perfect. It just needs to work for you and your life right now. Comfort, practicality and confidence can all exist together, even on the busiest days.
Fashion for parents is about making things easier, not harder. And once you let go of unrealistic expectations, getting dressed can actually become something you enjoy again.
