How is a mother supposed to dress?

Question

I just saw a question where lots of people criticized the mother for not dressing 'appropriately.' It just made me think what is an "okay" way for a parent to dress? It seems she dresses the complete opposite of me (by the way there is nothing wrong with that) but both she and I get nasty looks or comments. What is a mother supposed to wear that is "acceptable to society?"

I look nice. I wear clothes from the stores the first lady mentioned and still when I go to doctors appointments I get glares. Are we all supposed to wear a tee shirt and jeans everyday?

I am not asking because I'm planning on changing my style I am merely asking to see what people think. It's just that society sees everything wrong these days. If you dress nice--you're a snob. If you dress funky--you're a horrible parent. It seems the only way to people seem to be "okay" with is a t-shirt and jeans.

Answer 1

The truth of the matter is that in reality, noone really is looking at you. If they are, it's most likely for reasons other than critizing your fashion expression. In truth, they are probably glaring because they are pondering about you. Maybe a little bit about fashion, but if you wear clothes that are not outragous or revealing, it probably has to do with how you carry yourself, what kind of aura you project, the children you carry, body language, or for the mere reason you just happened to catch thier eyes. Ever ask yourself why you were looking at them when you saw them look at you? Fashion, to me, is the least way we attract attention to ourselves in most scenerios. Our expression of clothes gives only a minute impression. It's funny really, how society spends more and more money consuming "trend" fashions, when really all we have to do is say hello or smile to give a good impression. But that's just my opinion. Who really knows what goes on in people's heads. But as for my opinion about self-expression with clothes-wear what makes you feel good, pretty, and comfortable. To stay safe behind glaring eyes, just don't show to much skin and I think it's all fair game after that

Answer 2

I'll dress however I want and however I feel comfortable. I do not believe I should have to dress "older" just because I'm a mom or because I'm 32. I still get mistaken for a teenager more times than I care to mention. At first it was cool but now it is kind of embarrassing. However, I look young, so if I want to dress young I will.

I often wear cargo pants or jeans. I wear t-shirts. I love silly or insulting t-shirts. I'm a NASCAR fan and own a zillion NASCAR shirts. My favorite shoe since I was 12 is Converse all-stars. I always wear them. Up until very recently my hair was black with purple and pink stripes. Up until last year I had more than 17 piercings.

For the most part no one seemed to care. The only issue I ever had was with some of the other home schooling moms. They are all very conservative. They wear floral skirts and sweater sets. That just isn't me and just because I'm a mom doesn't mean I have to give up my own sense of style or individuality and become a Stepford.

Another thing I often point out is that there isn't a magical switch that gets flipped as soon as you pass a certain age. Just because you turn a certain age doesn't mean your style changes. It isn't like I'm wearing cargo pants one day and then the second I turn 32 I switch to floral skirts. Why? Because society has a formula for the way a person should dress? I'm a mother of two with a third on the way. I home school. I coach cheerleading. I run my own home business. I do volunteer work. So, what is my formula? What am I supposed to wear? And if I suddenly stop volunteering or decide to send my kids to public school will that change my formula and I now have to wear different clothes? I mean who decides these things?

Bottom line for me is I do not care what is acceptable to society.

Answer 3

I get a lot of looks for the way I dress! For example, 7 months into my pregnancy I was at the grocery store...in the ice cream aisle of course. It was early August and very hot. I was wearing a short skirt (when I say short i mean to my knees, not to the floor) that I had made, and a little tank top. My beautiful belly was all the way out. I had dreadlocks, a nose ring, several visible tattoos, and hairy armpits and legs. Yikes! That's asking for it. I live in a very affluent community. There was an obviously wealthy woman standing about 10 feet away from me with her husband. she looked my up and down and said (very loudly), "UUGGHHH!!! Can you believe *THAT* is breeding?" I was obviously hurt. How could she tell my morals and values from the way I chose to decorate my body? I took several deep breaths and calmly said, "Well, I certainly hope you didn't breed. You have horrible manners. What poor values to teach your children." I picked out my ice cream and walked away. Of course as soon as I got outside I burst into tears...must've been the hormones ;) I'm certainly not suggesting that mom's dress like me. But I think that no matter how you dress, there will always be someone there to criticize. That being said, there will also always be someone who thinks you are beautiful dressed that same way. That was a good lesson for me on not judging others on their appearance.

Answer 4

First thing, who cares what society thinks?

I have never been one to flash my body, so as a mother I do not dress that way. If another mom does hey go for it, I no my teenage boys like it....

Society is the last thing a mother should have to think about. If your man likes it, this is all that matters!

Have a great evening!
(a mother who wares boots (boy size), jeans (usually mens cowboy cut wranglers) ,tee shirt (of horses,cowboys or native Americans) and/or flannel shirt that usually belongs to the Mr. which is big on me, with my hair in a ponie tail and who is told doesn't look my age lol....)

P.S Reading the comments before me I say EMBARRASS those kids!! The kids of today need to be happy with who they are! Be who makes you happy! Our parents did it to us, this is just ONE joy of being a mom! Do not take that away just because it is no longer politically correct.....

Answer 5

OK, really she can wear what ever she wants to, sure nothing too extreme to totally embarrass her kids but if she's going out with friends, her kids won't be around (or shouldn't be).
I guess in my opinion, I wouldn't give a rats behind what others though of how i dressed, if they have an issue with it, it's their problem, not mine.
I don't have kids, but if i did, i don't see why i should change how i dress just to fit in with all the other mothers around, who cares what they think? just coz you have kids, doesn't mean you have to dress like an old lady and wear the most disgusting clothes, sorry but alot of mothers do, it's gross.

Answer 6

Have you ever seen those grown mothers who try to pull off wearing the same type of clothes and brands as their daughters? Not a pretty picture. We all know you want to be young, hip, and "with it" but common, your just embarrassing yourselves. I think that a mother should dress sophisticated, in brands such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, The Motherhood store etc. Dress your age instead of your daughters age, you know what I'm talking about? We don't expect you to wear turtle necks all the time, well not until your 60 at least anyway.

Answer 7

Who cares, be yourself. I mean I have to say to you moms that are like in your 40's and 50's and dont umm well have quite the body that you used to, umm the mini skirts and platforms and tank tops with your boobies hanging out isnt well all that flattering but whatever. By dressing in what makes you happy and makes you feel best and feel like your self is showing you children that its ok to be an induviual and isnt that what we are trying to raise our kids to be, and acheive ?? My man gives me friendly greif all the time about saying that I should wear more makeup and etc. But in the end I dont care what anyone thinks about the way I look as long as I am comfortable and happy. And that is exactley how our kids should feel about themselves too. Being an idiviual and showing your kids that its ok is the best lesson that anyone could teach.

Answer 8

How ever she feels the most comfy! I am 30 and I don't dress any differant now then i did at 18! I think you should choose your outfits according to the atmosphere, I dress a little better when i go to school functions and things related to my children. Other then that I am all blue jeans and sexy tops and what ever makes me feel good.

Answer 9

Do you really care what everyone thinks is acceptable? You are your own person, and you can dress any way that you like. Me personally, I wear anything from skater type clothes, to nice sweaters and a pair of slacks. You should where what your comfortable in, you shouldn't let others tell you what is acceptable!

Answer 10

Well, I think that depends on waht you are doing. Should you go to the store with your kids while wearing a mini skirt and a low cut cleavage showing shirt...no...but if you are going without your kids or you are going to the club then by all means wear what you want. I like to wear sarcastic shirt that say things along the lines of "My bad attitude is none of your ******* business" and yes I wear these in public with my kids but they are not revealing. I believe what you need to do is wear something that you can still feel like you are being yourself without looking like you are ready to jump the next man that comes along especially when you have your children with you.