Fashion Choices That Don’t Get in the Way of Parenting a Toddler
Toddlers and fashion don’t mix - or so we’re lead to believe. Toddlers are often messy, they grab onto your clothing, you need to have your arms and legs free and flexible to grab small people determinedly toddling towards things they shouldn’t be near, and you need to be able to carry any number of bags, toys, lunchboxes, and so on without messing up your outfit. Little wonder that most busy toddler parents pick very basic, easy-wear outfits. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. There are fashion choices you can make that won’t get in the way of your parenting but also won’t make you look frumpy. Here are some tips to help:
Practical monochrome sets
Complicated styling isn’t easy when parenting toddlers - and, when you do achieve a more complex outfit, you’re likely to be frustrated when your darling child launches their breakfast at it. So, keep things simple in terms of colours and styling. Don’t worry, there are plenty of stylish outfits for women out there that don’t require a lot of complex colour and pattern-blending. Instead of a lot of visuals in patterning, pick monochrome sets that focus on the form, texture, and silhouette of the outfit. A head-to-head black-and-white outfit, for example, has an understated elegance that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.
Cool and Casual Denim
Denim is a classic wardrobe staple that’s both stylish and practical. Denim, when applied properly, give a classic, understated, and even semi-’rustic’ look that a lot of people love. Even better, good denim is tough enough to withstand small hands grabbing at it, and doesn’t need a lot of time-consuming ironing and general aftercare.
The trick with denim is not to overdo it. Jeans are often the best denim choice for busy mums and dads, as they’re tough, practical, and timeless. Try not to combine your denim jeans with a denim jacket unless you’re really into the double-denim look (in which case, go for it! To each their own!). Instead, remember that denim is versatile, and you can pair it with pretty much anything you like. You can dress it up with a smart jacket, or down with a simple t-shirt or hoodie. Dress your denim for what the day demands!
Going Nude and Neutral
Neutral tones are central to both minimalist interiors and minimalist fashion. Shades like beige, cream, taupe, and soft browns create a sense of calm and cohesion that can be valuable amid the chaos of caring for an energetic toddler.
In fashion, these tones translate into understated yet sophisticated looks. Beige knit trousers or a soft-toned co-ord set all contribute to a refined aesthetic that feels modern without being overpowering. However, do remember that paler colours show stains more, so make sure that your nude tones are easy to spot-clean, and that they’re not so elegant and fragile that you can’t chuck them in the washing machine at the end of the day.
Minimalist Accessories: Less Is More
Accessories are a great way to help you feel feminine when the demands of motherhood are getting to you - but they can also be hazardous with toddlers around. Small hands love to grab at dangling earrings and necklaces, and smaller items of jewellery can be choking hazards.
However, this doesn’t mean that fashion-conscious mums should give up on jewellery altogether. Instead, be careful to pick items that are harder to grab and pull, like stud earrings or band-rings. And, if you can, make sure that your chosen accessories don’t come with choking hazards. For example, pick earrings with hook backs, rather than with friction or screw backs that could fall off and find their way into curious mouths.
Conclusion
You really don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style when parenting a toddler. However, it is probably a good idea to get a bit more practical with your fashion choices during the toddler years. Pick monochrome outfits that don’t require complicated styling, look for practical fabrics like denim, and be aware of the risks that jewellery can bring. Within these few parameters, you really can develop a new sense of style that accommodates everything your toddler can throw at you.