15 things I find chic about motherhood
A list of things I find chic with a slight twist.
Before jumping in, I want to acknowledge that I know motherhood and Mother’s Day can be painful and sensitive topics for some, so if you need to skip this one, I get it. Sending lots of love. x
We’ve seen all different aspects of motherhood portrayed in the media and shared online, from the joys to the hardships, and of course, the satirical. Every Mother’s Day, I think of this SNL skit that always gave me a good laugh.
Not too long ago, before I had kids, I probably believed this was a pretty accurate portrayal of what becoming a mom would look like: the sad jeans, bad haircut and completely losing your sense of identity.
I’m aware we all have our own experiences, and I won’t sugarcoat it—there are lots of parts of motherhood that feel far from glamorous. There are times when it can feel rocky and chaotic, especially depending on what stage you’re in.
But now, after almost 9(!) years since my firstborn, I feel like I have a bit of experience to reflect on that I can take a step back and perhaps offer a different perspective: the things that I find chic about motherhood.
As you may have guessed, this is inspired by the various “things I find chic” lists floating around (and most recently, by this one I loved from
)—but with a slight twist. I admit some of the things on this list can be considered universal and not only applicable to motherhood, but they’re insights I’ve personally discovered since becoming a mom.I hope you enjoy and consider sharing what you’d have on your list from your own experiences.
1) An evolving style. I think many of us can relate to the challenges of having to adapt how we dress for a new lifestyle with kids. It was only after my kids got a bit older that I could appreciate the process of re-discovering my personal style. As my style evolved, I put less pressure on what looked good and instead found a sense of comfort, confidence, and thoughtfulness in how I dress.
2) Sensible shoes. Running after kids all day, you kind of have to embrace practicality in footwear. I rarely wear heels anymore and don’t even miss them. There are so many chic options that don’t require you to sacrifice comfort: ballet flats, loafers, slippers, mules, clogs, and of course, even runners.
3) Learning to be thriftier. Being thrifty is on another level when you have kids and realize how quickly they grow out of things. Instead of buying new, you become more accustomed to borrowing things from family, sharing hand-me-downs with friends, and shopping second-hand. I love how mom-to-be
put it in her recent letter:“This is being in community. This is pushing back on overconsumption.”
4) Nostalgic photos. A reminder to all moms to get in more photos with your kids because they’re going to cherish them one day. It’s a special thing to see your parents from a different moment in time.
5) Passing things down. Not only material things but also your culture, stories, and hobbies. Your love of books, movies, music, cooking, etc. How chic is it that the things that were once meaningful to you can be passed down and live on through your loved ones?
6) Soft pants. Unrestricting, stretchy, and comfortable—the kind of pants you can lounge in and get down on the ground to play with your kids while still feeling put together when you go outside.
7) Moments of tenderness. Morning cuddles in bed. The sweet sound of a small voice calling out “mommy”. Watching my husband do our daughter’s hair. Or the kids unexpectedly holding hands. They’re the moments that can soften a hard, stressful day.
8) Becoming a better listener. My kids are 7 and 8, and at the ages when they have a lot to say. One thing I’m trying to be more mindful of is giving them my undivided attention when they talk. Being a good listener and someone who others can turn to are chic traits in my eyes.
9) Random love notes. Finding these pieces of scraps around the house always makes me smile.
10) Meaningful jewellery. Even better than a beautiful piece of jewellery is something that’s sentimental. A dainty locket, a necklace with your kid’s initial, and even something homemade from your loved ones.
11) All the sayings/lessons you tell your kids daily apply to you, too. “Be yourself.” “Be kind.” “It doesn’t matter what other people think.” “Be proud of how hard you tried.” “Keep going, don’t give up.” “We can’t control everything, but we can control how we react.” “Be grateful.” “It’s ok to make mistakes. It’s ok to fail.”
12) Impromptu play. It’s chic not to take yourself (and life) so seriously. Sometimes that spur-of-the-moment dance party or game of Uno with the kids is more important than getting your to-do list done.
13) Getting to relive experiences with fresh eyes. Seeing how excited your kids get taking escalators, going on a plane, and watching a movie you’ve already seen, makes even the mundane things feel new again. One of my favourite things now that my kids are a bit older is getting to share some of my favourite childhood movies with them.
14) Making new mom friends. The upside of awkward playdates is that sometimes you end up finding other moms you connect with that you wouldn’t have otherwise met. I’ve made new mom friends from my kids’ daycare, school, and hockey—I can honestly say it’s nice to be surrounded by other moms who get it and are going through the same experiences as you.
15) Finding inspiration from other chic moms. I remember after my firstborn, feeling like my social media timeline was all about “how to dress like a cool mom”. It would make me feel self-conscious and like there were these made-up standards to live up to. It’s a relief to no longer be consumed with trying to be a ‘cool mom’, and I love finding inspiration from others who are redefining what being a mom looks like and simply are… chic.
I know I’ll probably miss some (I’m sorry!), but here are a few of my favourite Substacks (by writers who are also moms) for style inspiration:
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
If you’re celebrating today, Happy Mother’s Day to you. <3
*For transparency, gifted items are marked. When I accept a gifting opportunity it’s because it’s a brand I shop at or a piece I’m curious about and want to share with you. All selections and thoughts are my own.
**This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission.
Couldn’t agree more with this list! So special! X
That is a beautiful List. Thank you for sharing ❤️