Getting dressed is one of my favorite things to do. These days, I do not have the same luxury of taking my time trying on different clothing combinations as I used to. Our mornings here are comfortably chaotic; the house is usually messy from the night before; Dylan’s making coffee, I’m chasing Francis trying to change his diaper, he’s running around and then eventually we all eat breakfast before the day begins. We only have a certain amount of time all together before Dylan leaves for work so I usually don’t have time to browse my closet to figure out what to wear. It’s been in this phase of motherhood that I have started to appreciate the concept of a uniform.
Everyone’s uniform is different- a formula of sorts that remain at the center of all your outfits. It simplifies the process of getting dressed and is one less thing you have to think about before you get the day started. A uniform is a general silhouette of an outfit that is your go-to when getting dressed.
I’ve noticed uniforms are greatly informed by what you’re doing every day and where you are doing it. Does your job require you to dress a certain way? Do you walk to work? Do you drive? Is it hot where you live? Is it humid? Are you chasing an energetic 20-month-old and sitting in the dirt? All important details to consider.
After thinking about it all week, I’ve noticed for my own uniform that each outfit must check these boxes: A). must be easy to breastfeed in, B). must be lightweight and breathable (it’s currently 93 degrees here), C). Must be okay if it gets dirty or stained (from the toddler but mostly from me) and, D). must make me feel like myself.
I struggled a lot in my early postpartum days finding outfits that fit my new body and new lifestyle but still felt like me. It felt like my body was still rearranging for months after giving birth and I was desperately trying to find pieces of my old self by wearing my old clothes. I squished myself into jeans and blouses only to just sit around the home as I nursed and tried to figure out how to live with my new 8 week old roomate before changing back into pajamas. Pre-baby, getting dressed was a sacred daily practice and at the time, I was stuck between my small clothes and loose sweats, not knowing where I fit in. But I’m not the same person as I was before the baby and as soon as I realized that, I inched my way closer to acceptance and just bought some bigger pants.
20 months later, I feel like I have found a new uniform for my new phase of life that still checks the requirements of my day but also makes me feel like the eclectic grandma-art-teacher that I am at heart.
My current uniform equation is made up of a few categories: Tank tops + oversized button-down tops, + Loose shorts (& Pants), + comfortable shoes, and statement accessories (mostly hats and socks!)
Tank Tops
Tank tops have become a staple in my closet. They’re easy to breastfeed in, good for the hot weather, and come in a plethora of different styles! I love these from Arq and Weekday. I also can’t get enough of this Girl Rodriguez one-piece.
Linen Button Downs
For me- these are the best. The linen is so breathable for hot days and they dress up any outfit immediately. They remind of me Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated and make me feel like I have my life together even when I (a lot of times) don’t. I get most of my linen from French farmer’s markets (annoying). But I have found some great alternatives in this one from Everlane and this one from Donni. I recommend sizing up (nothing worse than a tight linen sleeve in the heat) and even going for men’s sizing; the boxier the better. This men’s camp shirt from Corridor is fabulous and fits perfect in this category. I have also been eyeing the camp shirt from the Simon Miller x Mango collab that looks nice and boxy.
Loose shorts
I have not yet found the perfect pair of loose shorts. I thrifted this purple pair from Holiday the Label and stole a white pair from my husband’s closet. I’ve heard great things about this one from Industry of All Nations, these from Jungmaven, and these from LA Apparel that have lasted me a few years and held up well!
Loose pants have been crucial in this phase of life. I am 20 months postpartum and my body is still fluctuating so much. I don’t really fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes and I’m OK with that. It’s not even so much that my weight has changed, it feels like my bones have changed. I’m still getting used to new things on my body. In general, I’m really happy that it was able to grow, carry and push a giant baby out and then feed it for another 20 months! But it’s also been a challenge to feel like myself when my previous go-to’s don’t go up past my knees. My solution to this phase has been to just to buy some bigger clothes. I haven’t worn jeans in months. My body is just craving loose, oversized, flowy clothes that give it space to expand throughout the day. Anyways, all of this is to say that I love loose pants and loose shorts and a reminder to go easy on yourself.
(Extra) comfortable shoes
Comfort in a shoe is a necessity but I can’t get myself to wear any athletic sneakers. I used to be able to sport a chunky loafer or stiff cowboy boot but chasing the toddler has forced me to only wear shoes that are cushiony and squishy. Recently, I have fallen in love with jelly shoes. Like everything else in my uniform, they are breathable in the heat, have some support, and make me feel like the European grandma I am at heart. I got mine from Mellissa and there are some on sale too.
I’ve been wearing sneakers most days as most of our days are spent outside going to the playground or long walks. The comfier, the better. I have been wearing this green pair from Woden for months! I stole this gray pair of Onitsuka Tigers from my sister and love their narrow silhouette. I always opt for colored sneakers if I can (like these pink Nike Cortez ones! And omg what about these!). Somehow when they are colorful they feel less athletic, more spicy and more exciting. I’ve had my eye on these Suicoke ones for months.
Hats & Socks
I never was a hat person. But again, as I’m mostly outside with the toddler, I find that the hat makes me feel more put together and (bonus!) protects my face from the sun. I grabbed this Auggie one from LA Natural History Museum, but I think these are also great: Le Sirenuse Cap, Bird Cap, Jungmaven cap and this one from Brother Brother.
As for socks, I think they’re the best way to spice up an outfit. I love these comfy ones from Baggu, Jimmy Lion and Socksss. The bolder the pattern the better!
So tell me, what is your uniform? Do you believe in uniforms? Are you a spontaneous dresser? Let me know in the comments, I want to hear your thoughts!
Till next time!
xx
Kayla
💓