Women who work outside the home get to/have to buy a wardrobe. They have a reason to get up, do hair and makeup, and dress nicely. Stay At Home Moms often struggle with their wardrobe – in fact, it is easy to slip into a rut and not have one. Even so, it is possible to Dress for Success as a SAHM!
Shoes Change Your Outlook
The very first thing you should do every day is put on shoes. Simple. This is a tip from my years of staying home with children that I got from The Fly Lady . . . anybody remember her? She is sooo right! It is impossible for me to sit around, or take a serious nap, or not get up and at it if I have my shoes on. I have always worn Nike Crosstrainers. They cost much more than regular tennis shoes, but I need the support for feet, legs and back. SAHMs are on their feet A LOT!
In fact, I give you permission to wear fleece and flannel all day . . . IF you have your shoes on. There is nothing wrong with this uniform. It is soft, cozy, warm and comfy. Just make sure the top matches the bottoms – you’ll feel better about yourself. Still, if you have to go out and you wear this particular uniform, people will think you are still in your pajamas. I have another solution.
Scrubs for a Stay at Home Mom
Scrubs are the ultimate uniform for everyone – even SAHMs! Think about it: They are durable. They do not wrinkle. They are comfortable. They have HUGE pockets – and lots of them – to put Legos and Barbie shoes in when you are vacuuming. And, here’s the biggest plus, if you have to go out, it won’t matter how bedraggled you look or feel. People will assume you are a medical professional and excuse your bedraggledness for a hard day’s work – and rightfully so! No need to change clothes to run to the store. (But you have to keep your shoes on!)
Scrubs can be bought anywhere, but in keeping with my frugal nature, I rarely buy them new (and if I do, I get the cheap ones at Walmart). Look at thrift stores, in the back. There is usually a whole rack of them that are perfectly fine to wear in public.
In the closet, I hang the pants on the same hanger as its matching top. Then, in the morning, I just grab a hanger of scrubs, get dressed andput on my shoes! Now, I guarantee you will feel like making the bed, brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and putting on bare minimum makeup. Go start your day!!
What is the foundation of your SAHM wardrobe?
Emmie O says
What a great idea! I never would have thought of that one on my own.
Oh, and the FlyLady is so right about wearing the shoes! Who would have thought something so simple could completely change your day. (She’s still around, BTW)
Amanda says
Ha! I love the idea of wearing scrubs and with my wardrobe of yoga pants I can’t believe I haven’t thought of scrubs yet!
Angie R (AKA the beer lady) says
This is one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ moments. I’m not a SAHM, but I recently had to take an early retirement due to disability, and I’m still trying to adjust to a new routine. Or to be more accurate, to *make* a new routine. Now, I have to confess, I’m pretty sure I’ll abandon the daily shoes when summer rolls around again, but for now, well, I’ve got my shoes on. 🙂