Stay-at-Home Moms Need a Work Uniform, Too

Do you roll out of bed each morning, throw on whatever's clean and charge into your day, only to wind up feeling frumpy and negative about your appearance? Has your need for clothes that are easy to clean and comfortable left you with the standard stay-at-home mom wardrobe full of oversized t-shirts, jeans and sneakers? Never fear. By taking lessons from your sisters who work outside the home, you can change from frumpy to fabulous with ease.

Each morning, moms who work outside the home get ready for work by doing their hair, applying make up and most importantly by putting on outfits specifically designed for the type of work they do. A banker wears a business suit, a nurse wears a white uniform, a retail clerk wears khakis and a collared shirt.

By following a few simple tips, you, too, can create a simple, practical and stylish "stay-at-home mom uniform" that will make you feel put-together and ready to face the world with confidence. This uniform can be broken down into five basic parts: shirt, pants, shoes, hair and face.

The mainstay of just about every stay-at-home mom's wardrobe is the t-shirt. These shirts are comfortable, stain-resistant and inexpensive, but too often they are also oversized, frayed and unflattering. By paying attention to fit, color and style you can keep the t-shirt as an essential wardrobe piece without sacrificing style. Choose t-shirts that skim, but do not cling to, the body. Make sure that they are not too long, making your legs look short, or too short, treating everyone to a flash of belly every time you reach up. Select colors that flatter your skin tone rather than choosing colors that are fashionable. Finally, choose shirts with pretty details like ribbon trim, beads or embroidery to create a personal touch.

Jeans are another critical component of the stay-at-home mom uniform. When selecting jeans, the number one factor you need to consider is fit. Unlike the old days when there was one style of jeans for every body type, there are a wide variety of styles available to flatter every body type. The best way to find what flatters you is to go to a store that carries a wide variety of styles and try on a selection of jeans. Look at yourself in the mirror. Do the jeans sag in the seat? Do they make your legs look short? Do they emphasize or hide the figure flaws that we all have? A slightly flared leg, like a boot-cut, can balance wide hips. A trouser-cut will lengthen the appearance of your legs. The same fit rules apply to khakis as well as jeans. Once you've selected a style, choose a color and a wash. A simple rule of thumb is that a dark wash looks more dressy than a light wash. Once you find jeans you like, buy several pairs at once.

Shoes are an especially easy way to dress up your uniform. In the summer, flat, strappy sandals look pretty and are practical. Don't be shy about choosing them in bright colors. Unless they are especially well-made and embellished, avoid flip-flops, especially rubber ones. Nothing says frumpy like the slap-slap of rubber shower shoes on the floor of the grocery store. For winter, leather ankle boots with a medium heel are always a good choice for outdoor wear. For indoors, how about a pair of stylish clogs to wear over a pair of brightly colored, wool socks?

Finally, you need to remember that hair and makeup are also an important part of creating a finished look. Invest in a good haircut that leaves your hair long enough to pull back. That way you can style it for an evening out, or pull it back with pretty clips during the day. Again, choose a style that suits your face rather than following fashion. If you color your hair, be sure to touch up the roots regularly. Or better yet, embrace your gray and strike the chore of getting your hair colored off your to-do list forever! In the morning, brush your hair and pull it back in a neat ponytail or twist. If you don't know how to put your hair up without ends sticking out all over the place, ask your hairdresser to teach you how to create a simple, quick updo for daytime wear.

For makeup, every woman needs, at the minimum, a facial moisturizer or light foundation with at least 15 SPF. This is particularly important for stay-at-home moms, who spend a lot of time outside with their children. To complete your look, follow my mom's advice and "wear a little lipstick." Choose a color that suits your skin tone and buy two, one for your purse and one for your makeup bag. Makeup companies are now offering tinted lip glosses that moisturize as well as provide light color.

Your stay-at-home mom uniform is now complete. You can personalize your uniform by adding accessories like fun earrings, scarves and belts. You can also wear more makeup and style your hair on less busy days. But on those crazy mornings when you only have five minutes to get ready, you can rely on your basic uniform and simple hair and makeup routine for a simple, polished look that will carry you through even the most hectic day.