Dressing up at Home

Put on a pretty top w/your sorts or capris. Wear a dress now & then just because (a sundress, since it's getting warmer out). I felt the same way-that's how I fix it. I've been a SAHM for the better part of 7 years & I feel your pain. I just dress up now & then, even if I've got nowhere to go. I can remember hubby coming home from work to me in a sundress dancing the baby in the living room-once I even sat in heels for a while because I could.
And go buy yourself a new pair of trendy or pretty shorts-a little bit of treating goes a long way!

I used to be just like you...shorts, t-shirts, big sweatshirts, sweatpants, no make-up...I WOULD at least brush my hair into a nice ponytail. I always looked somewhat neat, just in a super "casual" way. I found that after a while, I started gaining weight because I just didn't care anymore about my appearance. My husband was as in love with my as always, everything was great, my kids had some issues that were more important to me than myself, so I felt no need to "look good" to be a good mom. Then one day my son innocently asked me why I wasn't thinner like my sister and my daughter asked me why I never wore makeup like the other mommies. That kind of gave me a kick in the pants. I realized that although I didn't want my kids to think appearance was EVERYTHING, I did want them to take pride in themselves and that includes appearance. I realized I was setting a bad example. So now I still wear similar stuff (comfort is always important), but I've lost some weight and gotten cuter shorts and t-shirts, and sometimes, I'm even known to throw on a skirt with a nice sweater. Nice dark jeans go with any top, casual or dressy and that's my winter uniform. And just a touch of blush, mascara and lip-gloss and I'm good to go. And don't even get me started on shoes! I never leave the house without wearing some sort of heel (cute wedges, platforms, etc) or ballet flat. I'm not obsessed with how I look, but I absolutely put more effort into it than before. I feel better about myself and my kids like the improvement - hubby ain't too sad either. There's absolutely no reason you can't be a cute, trendy SAHM. There are no rules about how dressy to get, just what's comfortable for you. As a rule of thumb, I always wear something that wouldn't be embarassing if someone dropped by for coffee (unless it's morning and I'm working out, then all bets are off and I look like a beast). In summer, light casual dresses are easy to wear and look good, capri pants and tanktops, cuffed denim shorts with a print t-shirt, the choices are endless!! I love being a girl!

Hey J.,
I recently read that no matter how you feel, you should get up and dress up. Not going for the cocktail dress of course, but I'm a big fan of the notion that looking good is a big part of feeling good...which we all really need as busy mommies. I have 3 kiddos, and I feel pretty fun, funky and comfy in some of these combos:
1) Knee length denim skirt and a cute tee (Michael Stars is the tee king.) If you feel like it, add a chunky bracelet (Forever 21 is perfect for inexpensive, on-trend jewelry), and some colorful flats. Not sure about your price ranges, but J.Crew has some amazing flats this season, but so do Target and Payless. I've helped myself to some at both places recently. ;)
2) a Sun dress in a comfy, casual fabric, and then wear your hair in a high pony tail and slide-on one of those new cool 2 banded head-bands. Hip and functional. If it's chilly in the morning, add a jean jacket to this look, and roll up the cuffs.
3) You can't go wrong in a pair of go-to jeans (every girl needs a pair or two) with 2 bright tanks layered over one another, and a pair of flip flops. Old Navy is great for tanks, and their have flip flops in every color of the rainbow for under $5. You could also do shorts with this, and they could be short or the bermuda type, depending on what's flattering on you.
Hope this helps!! Enjoy your summer and your precious baby!
L.

It's not a silly question. I don't get dressed up every day, but I have noticed I do feel a lot better in general when I take the time to feel good about my apperance. How you look definitely effects how you feel about your self and that's not only important for you, but it's important for your children to understand. I don't always "dress up" but I do do my hair and makeup when I'm going out. It doesn't have to be alot. Best of luck :o)

dress the way you want. i go from grungies to night out on the town

COMFY TIDY AND ALWAYS ATTRACTIVE FOR YOUR HUSBAND :) !
whatever it takes, that much of a care should be considered,
I'd say. HappyBe, J.!

Hi J., I work from home so have the same issue you do - no need to even get out of my jammies, yet I really don't feel good about myself when I fall into that habit. So, I have made a point of at least putting on a little lipstick and making sure my clothes are ones I would feel comfortable wearing to a casual gathering with friends. It just helps to have capris and a cute shirt on instead of my baggy sweats and an old T-shirt! I think it speaks to our self-esteem somehow... and I always think of how a good call-center manager has a dress code even when the employees are only on the phones with the customers, since the dress code reminds the employees that they are professionals.

Hi J.- I've been a SAHM for 12 years, and it is difficult to feel "dressed" sometimes. This is what I do.... maybe it will inspire you. I buy 1-2 fabulous pairs of jeans. Ones that you really look good in. Take the time to really find the jeans that are right for your figure. Then I buy pretty tops. I get like 4-5 pairs of fun flip flops for day. I've got a few cute heels for going out. I also invested in some good capri jeans and tailored looking shorts in khaki. Then I just mix and match. We don't have a lot of $, but I save up for the good jeans. I get mine from The Buckle. I buy my tops @ Target, Old Navy, Kohl's, etc. Shop the end of the season clearance for next year's wardrobe. I got a cute top for $3 @ Kohl's last year, and I get compliments on it all the time. Hope that helps!

Hi J.. I like your question, because i think we all feel that way to some extent! I am a first time mom of a 9 week old little boy, and I know exactly what you mean! At some point you can't look at yourself in grungies any longer! Yesterday two girlfriends came over to visit and I put on a skirt and cute top, and it really did make me feel better! And sure, my husband liked how I looked when he got home. But most important is to dress so that you yourself feel good. My plan is to wear grungies at times (like to burp the baby, who likes to bloop on me!) and also some nicer "snappy casual" clothes -- a good mix. I think I can live with myself like that.

J.-
I get in a rut like that sometimes as well, but I usually put on a pair of jeans and it makes me feel a whole lot better, and if I'm feeling particularly frumpy, I will put on a nice (usually cotton) fitted t-shirt or something a little nicer. And, I try to stay away from my tennis-shoes and go for something a little nicer, and I like to make sure I throw on a spat of makeup- whether it be blush or mascara or just a little tinted moisturizer. And most of the time I will at least blow dry and either straighten or scrunch my hair (it's fairly short so it's not an all day ordeal). Anyways, this all makes me feel a little better about myself when I start looking a little bit blah.

Hi J.
I am a new SAH mom and I just felt that I needed to dress up even if I was not going to work, because it helps my self-esteem. I barely put make up now (lack of time due to my 2 year old and my 1 month old) but it makes me feel better. I'm not on a suit, but I have made a deal with myself: no sports pants.
:)

When I get up in the morning I get dressed, normally in jeans and a nice top. If I'm going to be cleaning or cooking I put on an apron that way my clothes don't get ruined and I don't have to change. If my husband comes home or I have to run a quick errand then I just toss off the apron, I'm already dressed and ready for whatever. Plus I have a really cute 50's style apron so if I am wearing it when my husband gets home, he thinks it's cute me being all "Suzie homemaker".

J.,

Look beautiful, not slovenly, for your husband. And be a good example of reasonable but attractive dress for your children.

Linda

J. you can dress up as much or as little as u want!! when I had my daughter who is now 1 year on sunday I dress up cute cute cute as I could (expecially right after I had her) After some of the wieght started coming off I still like it when my husband told me how beautiful I was, or am ;). and with summer coming up the clothes are cute. so really go as far as you need to, to make your self feel great i promise no body is judging

Some days looking nice just doesn't happen. Most of the time, I'm in jeans and t-shirts. When I'm feeling like it, I dress up a little. For the most part, I just make sure I'm showered, not in my sweats/running clothes, and wearing at least a little makeup by the time he gets home from work. If I'm running errands, I get a little more dressed up, too.

I agree with everyone else. Start with a comfy pair of jeans or khakis and a nice t-shirt or easy cotton top. Get into a routine everyday where you are putting on some makeup and maybe earrings and you will feel a lot better about yourself! You don't need to wear things that have to be ironed or dry cleaned to feel good. If you have a bad day and don't get out of PJs or gym clothes don't feel bad either...everyone has those days. Not only will you feel more energetic and more confident, but your husband will really appreciate the effort and your added confidence.

I'm actually a "work-at-home" mom, and I felt from the beginning that I'd better dress as if I might go into the office in order to feel like I was "at work". The office that I work out of is a casual office environment, so jeans and a nice, clean fitted t-shirt would be acceptable.

(When I was really on maternity leave and not working, I was in elastic-waist pants and any shirt that unbuttoned or pulled up quickly for nursing since my little girl was voracious. And pretty much everything was decorated with spit-up all the time.)

As I've been able to add pieces post-maternity, I've looked for comfortable pants & shorts that dress up or down and cute fitted shirts that don't need dry cleaning. I have a couple cute sweaters and jackets that I can throw on to pull the outfit together if I'm going out. (They hide the stains from baby's mouth and fingers that still always seem to end up on my shoulders.)

For shoes this summer I got a pair of Sketchers that look kind of like dress flats but are comfy enough for a long walk, and I got some of the dressier metallic flip-flops, which I figure I can wear out shopping with shorts or a casual dress. Having nice-looking shoes that I can still chase my daughter in is a big help to looking nice.

You need comfortable clothes for staying at home. It's about the fit not the style. Look for casual clothes from places like Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek, and Talbots. I think those places are expensive, but I usually get an outfit for Mom's Day, B-Day, X-mas, etc. Using solids avoids trends that go out of style. I also supplement with shirts from Target (better clothes than Walmart). When school starts, you can check out the moms at the elementary school. A lot of them get out of their cars to talk to each other before the bell rings.

I had to wear business attire for work before I became a SAHM as well, now it's jeans and T-shirts!! And I love it! I do know what you're talking about though because I've often felt I've become the frumpy housewife. One thing I've always done since becoming a SAHM is to shower EVERY DAY, do my hair and makeup. And I always put on earrings, too. It just makes me feel better! With little ones you have to be practical - that means comfortable clothes that can get dirty because they WILL get dirty! So for me it's jeans, tees and tennies. Then I try to spiff up a little for trips out of the house, even if it's just grocery shopping. What does "spiff up" mean? For me it's a button-down shirt, maybe a different pair of shoes, a little more jewelry. I also try to freshen up before my husband gets home - freshen makeup and hair and change clothes if they're really dirty.

Raising your children and caring for your home are your work. They are a work of love but are still your employment. Why not approach it with an attitude of quality and performance? Many people who work successfully from home get dressed for work everyday, it affects their attitude and performance.
Why do you wear any particular clothing? Aside from function, do you dress differently to go out in public than you do at home? Most women do. Why do most women seem to care more about how they look to strangers than to themselves and those who love them? Dress reflects out attitude toward ourselves and those we come into contact with. What does how you dress say about your feelings toward yourself, your children and your spouse? Are they entitled to you at your best? Your husband is going out to work everyday so you can be home with the kids and house. That's an important division of labor, one parent can't be available 24/7 at home unless there is regular income coming in. What do you do to support his efforts? Wouldn't looking as good or better for him than you do for strangers in the store be a nice touch? Wouldn't you be a more cheerful and enthusiastic person if when you pass a mirror you know you look good?

I know where you're coming from. I start to feel ugly if I never dress up.
Right now, I'm wearing some new jeans and new hiker-type shoes, and a v-neck printed tee. We're leaving for the park in a minute.
My usual summer gear is denim, light tan, or white capris that I wear with an assortment of colorful shirts and coordinating cheap flip flops. It's nothing fancy, but at least I feel put together. I also like wearing layerable shirts. I've got one that's turquoise, and I have this cute necklace (it's like a big wire ring that keeps its shape on my neck) with a turquoise beaded butterfly pendant. It makes me feel pretty to have something shiny on :) I have lots of cheap necklaces and bracelets that I like to throw on when I'm leaving the house or before DH gets home.

It's horrible to admit, but I often don't get out of jammies until the little one's nap, at which time I can finally shower. I usually try to look cute for my husband when he gets home. I found after a while that he only thought I got dressed up when I was going to see someone else. I didn't want him to think he was on the bottom of the totem pole. It's made a big difference for our relationship since I've taken the time to always (or almost always) be dressed nice, hair and makeup done when he comes home. And yes, some days that means I'm doing my makeup finally at 5:00! Jeans with a cute top or something similar works. I also will sometimes throw on a comfortable dress to be dressier. Right now, I'm pregnant, so I'm wearing the same clothes all the time and am looking forward to the beginning of July when I'll have a wider option. Remember, men are turned on by sight. Husbands love it when they can come home to a cute little number! That isn't to say shorts and a t-shirt don't work, but changing it up a bit can make it fun. I just try to go for washable. :)

I know that it is hard to want to dress up and look nice while you are at home with a baby or child, because you know that you will get something spilled on your shirt or pants. I have a 2 year old daughter and when I first had her I was much like you and I started to think like you as well. My advice is that you can just do semi-casual pants and a shirt. I also do a comfortable day 2-3 times a week, just depending on how I am feeling during the week. Also just get out a little more and that will make you want to dress up. I know that is how I feel. I hope it will work out for you.

Check out Lucy.com (or there's a store down in Boulder at the 29th street mall)- they have attractive casual active wear, Yoga-type clothes that are really cute and comfortable. Cute jackets, tops, capris, and stuff like that- just as comfortable as sweatpants and ratty old tees, but much more polished looking. Check it out!

I say keep wearing what you feel comfortable in and are able to remain active in.To help battle the frumpy look I invest in lots of expensive/stylish sandals ( I love Dansko because they are cute but you can walk for MILES in them in comfort!), belts and nice sunglasses to perk up the shorts and tshirts. I also make sure I have really nice yet casual jewelry on ...I love Brighton Collectibles because it's flashy yet classic. Hope that helps you feel a bit more
'dressed' up as you enjoy the comfort. Most importantly have fun with the baby!

i know just how you feel. my job was business dress and now i'm sitting around in pj's. maybe this seems funny, but make sure you get a shower early in the day. it will start out your day not feeling grimy (grime-y? how do you spell that?) then i would suggest getting yourself a pair of cute shoes. you can't wear them with your pj's and it will make you want to wear them, so you'll have to dress up a little, but still be functional. I got some cute canvas wedges that look like flats... so more jeans for me! good luck!

I hate feeling like a slob every time my husband comes home from work. I solved this by wearing cute jeans and t-shirts and always wearing earrings maybe a bracelet and make-up for sure.

There are no rules for SAHMs. It's fun to have pajama days. But after awhile you just feel frumpy and it doesn't make you feel good. Some things that make me feel good are ... painted toe nails, cute underwear, fun socks, putting on makeup, cute shoes, jewelry... the luxury is getting time to take a bath or shower. I also make myself get dressed up and go out. You don't need an occasion. I have a friend that religiously watches What Not To Wear and Oprah. She actually takes notes on the fashion tips and shares them us. I've slowly been updating my wardrobe. It's fun. Eating well and excercising will make you feel good. And having an outlet for yourself is healthy. Take care of you.

Many times I will wear comfortable clothes and then change into something clean and nicer, before my husband gets home. Other days I have no problem throwing on a casual skirt, or dress and wearing that around all day. I think that the most important thing is how you feel.

I have been a SAHM for 6 years, and I do like to look nice. I also like to be comfortable, so in the summer I like to wear nice looking shorts like the Bermuda ones, and girly looking bright tank tops and form fitting t-shirts. I also make sure that when my husband comes home I freshen up my make-up and hair a bit. I know he doesn't really want to come home and look at Hagatha. I know that sounds like an ad out of a 1950's magazine, but how many of our grandmothers out there are divorced? I'm not saying to walk around like June Cleaver in a dress and pearls, but all it takes is a little effort, a cute outfit, hair and make-up to make yourself feel better. I bet your husband would like to see you dolled up a little too. Another thing I like to do is throw on a sun dress when I go running errands. Dresses aren't really practical when playing outside in the grass with the kids, so it makes me feel more like a woman and not just a mom to put one on when we are going out and about for the day. I don't think think this is a silly question at all. You are a mom, and that is a huge job that sometimes leaves us without a shower for half the day. I can completely understand you wanting to look nice and feel attractive again. Just get creative and have fun with it.

Try the 'workout' clothes from bornfit.com, when I'm having a 'be comfy' day I just do my hair and makeup.
That way you'll look cute but be comfortable and be able to move with your active little one!!

I am almost always in house clothes, we live in the country so unexpected visitors are rare, although it has happened when I am at my worst :), And I am always home with little ones. Why ruin my nice clothes with spit up, food, cleaning supplies and yes the occasional bugger? And if I feel like brushing my hair I do! During the summer it is falnnel jammies all the time, I am so cold blooded, I hate to be cold, so it is probably the time of year were I look my "worst". During the summer I have cute short jammie sets, you could wear them in public if you wanted, But I have to admit there are days where I just feel like "dressing up", but when I do that I get the "Where are we going? Did you go somewhere?" I have to admit it is pretty said when the family only thinks we are going somewhere when I am dressed up!

For me it depends. There are days when I wear workout clothes all day, like if I'm just going to be cleaning all day or doing yardwork. Normally I wear jeans with a cute shirt. In the summer I love to wear skirts because they keep me cool. If I'm going somewhere I might wear nice pants and a sweater, etc. I just feel better when I look better, totally an individual choice.

Hi J.,

I know how you feel, I am a first time SAHM of a 13 month old! Before having my son, I had a very professional job and I actullay loved getting dressed up. Buying new clothes was my favorite past time. After he was born I worn a lot of sweat pants and gym clothes. Now that I have lost my weight, I wear sundresses and skirts a lot and I try to do my make up everyday to make myself feel good. Now that it is summer there are so many options to dress cute and be comfortable. I never get too dress but you can find a lot of casual sundresses and skirts to wear.

Have a great day!
A.

I am a sahm and before I became one I vowed to never be one of those moms who lives in sweat pants and I've kept that rule. Yes some days I might just wear a plan v-neck shirt with jeans but that's about as casual as I let it get. I always shower, get ready in makeup and hair done nice, I put on a nice outfit and jewelry every single day. I just feel that it makes me feel better as a person to look nice and I know that my husband likes it. My husband loves me for me and I know that he would still love me even if I did look like I had just rolled out of bed everyday but I know he loves to see me looking nice and I think it makes him proud to have a nice looking family. Looks aren't everything but it is a fact that when you look nice and put together you feel that way on the inside too. So like I said I try to have on a nice outfit everyday, one way to look at it is if you put on an outfit and you feel like you could also wear it out to dinner (maybe just change the shoes or add nicer jewelry) and not feel under dressed then your doing good.

I know how you feel about being under-dressed and unattractive! For the first few months, I literally lived in my nightgown and robe, so shorts and t-shirts were a huge step in the right direction. Most days I still slob around the house in my shorts and t-shirts, but often I change into jeans and a nice sweater/blouse for when my husband is home from work. Not because he expects it, but because it makes me feel a little better.

I personally would rather be almost naked except around my boys, though it's not really a big deal in our house-hold. I find it's fun to dress up for play dates at parks or lunch in town, to take a walk up and down the street malls with the kids. Ofcourse I'd be wearing comfortable shoes.
Some moms host parties for the kids and parents and that's a fun time to show off cooking skills as well as dressing up. If you feel comfortable in dressier clothes then you should do what feels good for you. Have fun!!

Ha! I hear ya! When we go out on dates I'm all dolled up now (because I crave it) and he's in his jeans and t-shirt (because he's so eager to get out of the office attire) and we are just fine that way. It suits us both. I dress according to my mood. Sometimes I enjoy madly scrubbing my house in my pjs and then showering and getting a little fancy for some errands or for family dinner. I always do my hair and make-up for my husband though. Go with your mood and don't worry about it.

J.,

It is really easy to dress up a pair of jeans or to wear a comfortable, flowing skirt. A nice form fitting top that shows off your figure and some jewelry will do the trick. I wear stuff like that around the house a lot. It makes me feel feminine.

I know you already have many responses, but I just wanted to add my two bits! We all go through stages of what we where. All of my kids are spaced about 3 years apart. So when my baby is about 2, I start feeling more recovered from taking care of them. So I would wake up about one hour before I know they wake up and I shower, get dressed for the day, and makeup. As if I was "going to work". With a new baby at home. I try to have my shower by 10 am and my hair and make up done by noon! There are some days though, that I feel I need the night shower, so I try to have the kids in bed by 9 pm so I can shower and have some husband time and be in bed by 10:30pm. But either way I try to be dressed nicely. I have gone to the second hand store and found some very nice looking, but cheap clothes that I can wear while doing the major house cleaning in and out and not feel guilty about ruining my nicer more expensive clothes.
I try to look as if I was going to a meeting that I could wear casual to. So I usually wear jeans(in the winter) or capris(in the summer) and a fitting blouse/t-shirt. I try for a touch of makeup and my hair done nice. That way if I have to run to my husband's work, I always look nice. And for a while, he would call and give me 30 min to come have lunch with him and the coworkers (all wives invited). My husband is a VP and what I wear reflects how his work thinks he treats me. And I feel like a Queen in my own right, so I feel that I ought to dress like one! And no I don't wear suits and the way dress up stuff, but I try to look good no matter how I feel. And eventually as I look in the mirror, I start to feel better(when I'm down), then I start to treat the kids better and my husband, well let's face it...would you like looking at your husband in his grubs all the time? I find I can get him to help around the house if I look good! Try it see how people around you act when you wear various types of clothes. You will find you get treated better by complete strangers. My 14 mo old goes in for surgeries way too often. If I'm in my grubs, I get treated like scum by the doctors and nurses. If I'm dressed clean and nice, I'm treated as an equal. They ask my opinion and listen (most of the time, I'm right in my opinion). It makes a huge difference how you are dressed!

Good luck and sorry for my soap box...I think I got on it!

It's all about the mood for me! There are those days when I feel blah and so those are the days when I'll put on my good jeans and a nice blouse. The better I look in the mirror, the better the reflection of the mood inside. Then again, there are days when I feel fantastic and I don't do much beyond sunscreen, bed head and my lounging clothes.

I would suggest investing in some good quality home clothes that allow you to be as comfortable as you want to be but also something that looks sharp on you. Exercise or yoga clothes are usually really flattering on many body types and can easily go from a stroll around the block with the stroller to the grocery store to the coffee shop to meet a friend to playgroup.

Have fun exploring and finding your new look!

I dress up however I feel like it that day. I don't like to get fancy except for church or dates because then the clothes just get destroyed at home by my little girl when we play. But every now and then I do a little extra like make up just for fun, make my hair a little nicer as if I was going somewhere just so I look a little nicer for the dh. But they have some comfy slacks that are comfortable and look nice also so you can feel a little dressed up but comfortable at the same time. Mostly I think that you should dress the way that makes you feel comfortable and attractive as well. Everyone is so different and you find the thing that works best for you. During the summer I were capris a lot and find shirts that looks a little nice so that I don't feel frumpy. But that is me.

It isn't silly, if it makes you feel better than wear something nice. But I would avoid Dry-clean only clothes while your son is so small. When he flings food on you, you won't have to be worried about staining something important. Somedays I feel better if I get dressed nice and do my hair. Other days it doesn't matter to much. My baby doesn't care what I wear! I love watching shows like "What not to wear" and laughing about how they say poeople should dress! Not everyone is going to be on a red carpet everyday! Who wears heels at home anyway?! Maybe some jewelery would help too!

Hello J.
I am a SAHM and I dress casually cute everyday except one day a week. I wear clothes from like old navy or gap. One day a week I wear sweats and a pony tail and get all of my major cleaning done (On this day I do not leave the house, except maybe for a walk). But, I find the rest of the time I like to look good and feel better about myself when I do. The rest of the time I run errands, go to play group and meet up with friends and family. I don't want to look like a slob. I think as long as you invest in some cute casual clothes, do your hair and maybe some make-up you can't go wrong.
A

I have always gotten up and dressed first thing in the morning. It's usually just jeans and a shirt, but I'm always dressed and have some makeup on. I don't think you need to put on your best...especially with a little one, but I think if you stay in sweats or pj's all day you get into a rut and can start to really feel down. How you look reflects how you feel about yourself.

Hi J.~

Really, it's not a silly question. I think most SAHM who are in touch with themselves, and honest with themselves, have had the same question at one time or another. Personally, I don't think it's a bad idea to do that. Part of feeling like a woman, attractive for yourself and for your husband, is looking and feeling your best. If we let those things go, we can start a pebble in the sand of what all can go wrong in the psyche of those of us who are at home. (Not saying that we all get depressed, but there certainly is a different dynamic in every facet of your life when you stay at home). That said, there are days when I get a little 'dressier' than others, especially if my husband is around or we're going to somewhere. He doesn't particularly seem to care what I'm wearing, but I find that I have a different confidence about me when I feel and look better than when I'm unshowered with spit up on me, in dumpy clothes. Just my perspective. Hope it helps.

G..

I try to look and feal nice, but not to over due it. I wear a nice pair of jeans or capris, a button up shirt or nice looking, and I wear some makeup. It makes me feal human that way. For makeup I put on mineral powder and mascara(sometimes a little bronzer). I am not a huge lipstick fan, so that is reserved for when I leave the house. Mineral powder foundation is quick and easy. Everything has to be quick and easy because I have 3 cute little ones at home(5,2.5, 2mo).

I think this one is up to each mom...that being said I do have to say that taking care of myself makes a HUGE difference in how I am feeling. I am a t-shirt jean girl, but I have fun with my "t" sometimes V necks or layers or ones with empire waists, there are so many options out there now to stay comfortable and be able to chase the kids around but still look cute. I love watching What Not to Wear. It helps me to re-evaluate how I am respecting myself (if I am lol) and get ideas of workable outfits that I can still run around in. I put on a LOT of weight after I got married. I had a couple of miscarriages and just let myself go from there. Once I started buying clothes I looked and felt good in, I started caring more again about myself and the weight has been coming off. I to love not having to do the business attire for work, but I need to keep it a step up from casual. I never hang out in my jammies anymore. (some days I miss that lol) but for me it is a mind game. I know if I get up and dressed I am ready to face my day, it gives me energy to put shoes on. I am in "go" mode and get more cleaning done. I have to thank flylady for that eye opener. (www.flylady.net) I don't go to the store in sweats, not for anyone else but for me--I feel better about me. I used to get so frustrated trying to buy clothes that were age appropriate and not business--it seemed like you either had to dress teenybopper or business. I've noticed the past couple of years that there are more options out there...don't know if it is just me seeing more now or if there really is a change in what is available. I often still do business type tops with my jeans, or I will throw on a pair of fun dress shoes with jeans and a t and a blazer. with summer coming on not so much lol.
the point is that as moms we are so great at putting everyone else first--one of the best ways to take care of those we love is to take care of ourselves. You will probably get as many different suggestions as there are people! and deciding what works for you will take some time BUT the best tidbit I could share? Take care of yourself so that you feel loved and special, it will make the rest of it so much easier.

I wear whatever sounds/feels good for that day! Some days thats sweats - some days thats a nice dress! Usually I find something in between. For the summer I love to pull on a pair of capri pants with a cute top and some cool jewelry to pull it together. I think you can go as "dressy" as you want. No one knows what you are dressed for and if thats what feels good - great! I think its fun to get a little more dressed-up when I go to the mall, doctor, kids school, etc. versus the grocery store. As SAHM's we don't have a ton of opportunities to get dressed especially for something and so I dress a little nicer every chance I get.

I have found that if I go a couple days without getting completely ready (meaning do my hair, put on make-up, jewelry and nicer clothes) I feel frumpy and ugly. I force myself to get ready at least 3 or 4 out of the 5 weekdays. I have found that I feel much better about my body, the way I look and everything else when I make a special effort to do this. Also, I think my husband appreciates when I don't look frumpy all the time! He loves me (and tells me) all the time but he seems to like it when I have taken a little time for myself.

Wear what feels good and watch what others around you are wearing - that keeps me entertained (!) and gives me ideas. Good luck.

J.: Like many of the other responses you've received, I also tend to feel better when I "dress up" a little more. Most days I will wear capris (jean or khaki-type) and a nice tshirt top or a button top and ALWAYS have to do my hair and makeup every morning so that I feel human. Sure there are days where I will pull my hair back and maybe thrown on something more like sweats, but on most days I feel better about myself if I dress up a little bit more. A.

It depends on the day and what is going on. If you are not going anywhere don't bother. If you are going somewhere, put on a little makeup and dress semi nice. If you are going on a date with your husband I would go all out! So he remembers why he married you and that he is special enough for you to go to the trouble.
I tried to only wear machine washable clothes cause sometimes no matter what you end up with something all over you!
C. B

I myself struggled with that. The longer I didn't get "dressed" for the day the more frumpy I felt. It makes you kinda depressed. I suggest taking a shower everyday, doing your hair and makeup, and wearing something comfortable, but that makes you feel like a woman. It is amazing the morale boost it gives you. Even if you don't go anywhere, you will feel better. Good luck

I love skirts, little t-shirts and sandals! It makes me feel dressed up but not overly dressed up! Or, a cute shirt from Anthropologie with cropped pants and sandals. Cute jewelry, like silpada also adds just a little something without going overboard! Have fun!

Before I had children, I had to dress for work as well. I wasn't allowed to wear slacks so it was either a suit or a nice dress with heels. When my husband and I wear dating he either saw me all dressed up for work or dressed for a night on the town with him. If I ever wore jeans, I always had a nice top on and always had my hair and face done. That all changed when I quit my job to raise children. It took me a little while, but I realized that he did not enjoy coming home to a dishrag wife. My hair was usually pulled back in a ponytail or up in a jaw clip, no makeup, and not dressed to impress for sure. The shorts and T-Shirt are OK most of the time, just make sure they fit nice, go well together and your hair and makeup are on. On days you dress up to go to lunch with the girls, go to the doctors, whatever, stay dressed up. You'll feel better and he will see that you still care what you look like around him.

L