Any of us with children older than five are probably familar with the former cover of the maternity Bible, What to Expect When You Are Expecting. That picture of a woman in a dowdy duds, frumpy footwear and helmet hair was enough to put you off the idea of motherhood for ever! Argh! Is that what I will look like once I become pregnant and a mom? Thankfully, the publishers updated the book’s jacket a few years back, but that image, combined with the enduring charicature we all have in our heads of the classic (and perfectly set and styled) 1950s mom, still clouds our view of what a mom should look like.
I don’t know about you, but people often say (and mean it as a compliment) “You don’t look like a mom.” I’m sure Ali gets that all the time! Well, us moms today are hip and stylish. So, in celebration of Mothers Day, here’s a reminder of the tips and tricks that keep us mommas of the new millenium looking hot, hot, HOT!
Sexy not slutty! – When I say sexy, I mean sophisticatedly sexy. Looking our best for ourselves and no one else, because it makes us feel good, confident. The key is balance. Wearing a plunging neckline? You go girl! We just don’t pair it with a micro mini and 6 inch heels. We balance it with a great pair of flared jeans or knee skimming skirt and boots. Take a look at these slutty vs. sexy looks from Guess.
Slutty – too tight, too much skin … need I say more?
Sexy – focuses on one area only, the great shoulders and arms and skims the rest of the upper body in a flattering way.
Slutty – too tight, too much skin top and bottom – all too much!
Sexy and cute – focuses on one asset only – the bust. Flattering flow to fabric and lovely length.
So, want to heat up your personal style? Here are a few tips.
- Take a new look at what’s in the stores, featured in magazines and online and think about how you would like to look and feel, and GO FOR IT!.
- Try something new – take an hour or two at the mall and try new stores and styles with an open mind. Take advice from the assistants and an honest friend. You’ll be surprised what you hadn’t considered before that may suit you.
- Fight fashion fads – no matter how au courant a look might be – if it really doesn’t suit you, don’t follow the fad. You’ll look best in colours and cuts that flatter your hair, skin tone and figure.
- Empahasize your assets – stunning shoulders? Wear tops that bring the focus to your shoulder area (like the bandeau Guess sexy above.) Awesome arms a la Michelle Obama? Go sleeveless in a simple top or dress! Empasizing your assets also brings the focus away from any little problem areas. (Photo below from telegraph.co.uk.)
Underwear and sexy go togther like ummm…bras and panties. None of the above will work unless you have the right fitting undergarments.
Support network – Our busts are not what or where they used to be in our pre-kid years. If you haven’t had a proper bra fitting in ages, get one and get the right support or bust enhancing bras. A great bra will make any outfit look and feel better. I’m all for saving money, but your bras are the wardrobe essential on which you should splurge for the best quality and fit you can afford. Local specialty stores, with trained personnel are often a good choice. Here’s a seamless push-up from La Senza.
The Bottom-line – And, when it comes to panties – avoid VPL (visible panty line) and thong top exposure at all costs. There are so many micro fibres and well fitting, boy cut thongs that this closet curse can be terminated once and for all. You may need to buy different shapes to accommodate your outfits. These boy cuts are from La Senza. Note how the bra and panties don’t match, but do coordinate.
Having talked about the practicalities of underwear, dont forget that it’s not just about function, have fun with it – (in whatever way you choose!)
Of course, the hottest looking mommas know, that there are two free things we can all do right now to look and feel our best. #1. Stand and sit with great posture. A straight back will add height and give you a more toned, put together look immediately, no matter your figure type. #2. Smile! It’s the most flattering accessory ever, especially worn with those macaroni necklaces and Fruit Loop bracelets we’ll be receiving this weekend.
I wish all you hot momma’s out there a wonderful Mother’s Day. Enjoy every minute in style!