April showers bring May flowers which adds more colors to our life! Since May is such a beautiful month, it is the perfect time to remember and honor moms. My mom was influential in my life, especially when it came to the importance of how you show up in the world. In the late 1940s, my mom was a fashion model in New York City, so she experienced firsthand the impact image makes on one’s career and finances.  After she married and became a mom, she still looked her best and was proud to have four well-dressed children.   Mom taught me that the value you place on yourself is the value others place on you, and it starts with the image you project to the world.

Moms are often challenged by the changes to their bodies and lifestyle. It’s easy for moms to lose their sense of personal style since appearance is no longer a top priority. This loss of style negatively affects their confidence and sense of self. However, it’s time to have fun with these simple changes that will make an enormous difference to how you look and feel.

Here are the top 10 style tips for moms:

EMBRACE YOUR BODY
Accepting your body shape is the first step to feeling more like yourself again. You look your best when you understand what styles and colors suit your unique silhouette. How your clothing fits is most important. Don’t try to squeeze into old clothes or bury yourself in maternity wear or giant hoodies. Accentuate your assets, the parts you love, and skim over the rest. When you wear suitable styles, you’ll look and feel fabulous!

START WITH THE FOUNDATION
Get properly fitted for a new bra and purchase some comfortable and easy-to-wear underwear. Buy one pretty bra to make you feel amazing when you need a boost. Select seamless underwear in limited colors; so you look great in your clothes.

SIMPLIFY YOUR WARDROBE
Since you don’t have as much time to get ready, simplifying your wardrobe makes sense. Start by discarding all over-stretched maternity wear, things you haven’t worn for years, and things that no longer fit you or your lifestyle. Don’t forget those clothes you received as gifts but secretly don’t like! Only keep the clothes that not only work but also make you feel your best. As Marie Kondo says: “If it doesn’t spark joy, get rid of it.” Remember to save items for date-night or child-free days out.  Now you have a functional wardrobe that you adore!

READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS
As you’re deciding to keep or purchase an item, remember to check the labels. Avoid buying dry clean only silk and cashmere that will not stand the test of time.  Your typical wardrobe needs to be comfortable and cost-effective, allowing you to relax without concerns about stains and creases.

CREATE A SEASONAL UNIFORM
Take the stress out of getting dressed with a smaller collection you love and know how to style. When in doubt, keep it simple with some classics you know always work:

• Shirts with a pattern to camouflage any spills
• Higher waisted Jeans/Jeggings hold in your tummy & enable you to sit comfortably on the floor.
• Jersey Maxi Dresses provide a comfy, stylish look that’s safe for bending down to pick children and spillages off the floor.
• Cardigans are handy to throw over the top of anything and are more flattering than a hoodie.
• Blazer- casual and affordable

FEET FIRST
Save your heels and pumps for work, date night, or a child-free event. Being able to move fast is a must with young children. Let’s make your feet happy with Converse, booties, Toms, or fancy flats in your favorite color.

SPEND MONEY ON YOURSELF WITHOUT GUILT
Spend money on yourself and practice self-care because you’re worth it. The way you dress reflects confidence, self-worth, and your personality.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to look awesome! Accessorizing is an affordable way to add the pizazz!   Remember that how you treat yourself is essential for teaching your children how to see themselves, so dress with the confidence you want to instill in your children. If you’re on a tight budget, add the items you’re lusting after onto your birthday/Christmas wish list.

SAY YES TO THE PERFECT DRESS
Every woman has found the most gorgeous, perfect dress that makes you feel like royalty, yet you have nowhere to wear it. You decide to be practical and not purchase it. You know what happens next, as soon as you need a dress for an event, you can’t find one. The lesson learned here is that when you spot the perfect dress that works with your new style, you feel fabulous and comfortable buying it before you need it. Now you’re ready for that big, last-minute event.

IT’S IN THE BAG
Think practical and stylish, not your typical baby bag. Look for something with pockets and large enough to hold everything you need yet won’t be a bottomless pit in which you lose everything. If you’re treating yourself, Tiba+Marl makes stunningly stylish bags.  While “Boots” and ”Argos” stock more affordable yet stylish bags.  M&S, Madewell, and Cuyana have bags with plenty of storage to handle the baby items as well as your essentials.

STUNNING SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses can instantly make you feel like a superstar, even when you leave the house without makeup! Sunglasses, a great accessory, come in many styles and price points. You may consider an inexpensive yet flattering pair to avoid getting upset when sunglasses are either lost or destroyed.   A personal favorite is Mango, which has cool, classic retro styles.

Are you a mom who has lost sight of your personal style? Do your children come first, along with everyone else?  It’s your turn to ImageUp with a signature style that complements your unique silhouette, personality, and lifestyle. Let’s have a conversation that assesses your current style, where you aspire to go and create a plan of action to achieve your desires. Go to ImageUpSystem.com to schedule your Signature Style Profile.