Dressing for success may seem like an odd subject for an article geared towards moms, and on the surface, it is. Let me put it all in perspective for you, or in this case, let it all hang out. The thing I’ve learned being a stay-at-home mom over the past 20 years is that schools call, people visit unexpectedly and emergencies happen only when you are not dressed for them.
Let me set the stage for you. A not-so-young, not-so-thin, and perhaps large-busted mom is called to the school minutes after she has dropped her daughter off at the front door. There isn’t really a problem, but they need her to come back to school to handle an issue. Like a good mother, she turns the car around and heads straight back to the school and into the office. She does this without thinking. Actually, that’s a lie. All she can do is think. She’s thinking, “I’m so embarrassed. I haven’t brushed my hair yet.” She’s thinking, “What are they going to think? I am not even wearing a bra.” She turns brave-faced into the office and handles the issue all while self-doubt and embarrassment about what the staff is thinking fills her mind.
I have a feeling that the office staff never gave a moment’s notice to the lack of bra or personal hygiene that morning. What I want for you to carry away is that her state caused her embarrassment, worry and concern. Why put yourself through that? We make our children start their day dressed, fed, and groomed; ready for whatever comes their way. Why wouldn’t we require that of ourselves? Better yet, model that behavior for them.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all about a pajama day. We regularly plan them here. They are filled with movies and comfort food and loads of relaxation and fun. I recommend you have one at least three times a year. I am talking about the other days of the year, whether you leave the house or not.
Being dressed gives you confidence to tackle the day and the freedom to jump at an opportunity that comes your way. My own experience with not being dressed was having to turn down coffee dates or impromptu outings, because I didn’t feel right being out and about the way I looked.
Being frumpy held me back from some of the relationships that I held dear. Looking back, I feel horrible that I allowed not getting up and dressed to steal moments and memories from me. Again, my friends (hopefully) wouldn’t have thought less of me, but my own self-doubt and thoughts were the underlying issue.
Being frumpy held me back from some of the relationships that I held dear. Looking back, I feel horrible that I allowed not getting up and dressed to steal moments and memories from me. Again, my friends (hopefully) wouldn’t have thought less of me, but my own self-doubt and thoughts were the underlying issue.
Let me reassure you, I don’t mean you have to look like you just walked off the cover of Vogue. I don’t even think you need to wear make-up. Just ask yourself “when do I feel my best?” Dress to that level. I have a personal rule that either my hair or my make-up has to be done. Let’s be honest, some days you just don’t want to do the whole kit and caboodle. This approach works for me. I feel I am presenting myself well and I don’t question whether others are judging me the whole time. Find what makes you comfortable, so you can present YOU confidently.
Disclaimer: The name of the ‘school mom’ has been withheld, because she might not be my friend anymore if I wrote about her publicly.
