As a parent, your biggest priority is obviously your children, and quite rightly, you always put them first. However, that doesn’t mean you have to neglect yourself and, in particular, your wardrobe.
Ultimately, what you wear reflects who you are and how you want to be perceived by the world, and that shouldn’t change just because you are a mum or dad.
While you might not buy as many clothes for yourself now that you have children, it doesn’t mean you can’t still look fabulous whenever you take your kids out and about. You just need to call on the help of a few accessories.
With that in mind, here are six stylish additions you can make to any outfit that is sure to make people perceive you as a yummy mummy or dishy dad.
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a brilliant accessory for any parent to call upon.
Not only do they protect your eyes from the potential dangers of the sun when you are out on playdates at the park or beach, but they can also mask eyes that suffer from a lack of sleep – all while making you look incredibly stylish!
You can’t go wrong with modern Prada sunglasses, although Cartier, Ray-Bans, Dolce & Gabbana are all exceptional brands as well.
Whatever brand you choose, they come in a range of styles, including oval, double-bridged, butterfly, and geometric. Just make sure you choose one that best suits your face’s dimensions and profile.
2. Nappy Bag
If your children are toddlers or younger, you will undoubtedly have to carry a nappy bag with you.
While it will contain wipes, rash cream, a change mat, and waterproof bags for the practical side of nappy changing, there is nothing to say the bag itself can’t be a stylish accessory.
Long gone are the days when nappy bags were dull and functional. Today, they come in a range of sizes, colours and quality materials that will enhance the overall look of what you are wearing. Here are some of the things you should look for.
Overall, black, taupe and grey are neutral colours that compliment any outfit you wear. But don’t be afraid to go for something bold and vibrant that will really capture other parent’s attention.
3. Ear-rings
You’ve got to love earrings and their ability to draw people’s eyes away from the clothes you are wearing.
If you find yourself dressed in an outfit that makes you feel drab and frumpy, a good pair of earrings can make all the difference in sprucing it up.
When you are with the kids, it’s worth wearing a stud or non-dangly set because kids are less likely to try to grab them when you are carrying them.
However, for those rare times when it’s date night, or you are going out without the kids, don’t be afraid to break out the gold, silver, diamonds, or pearls, depending on the occasion.
4. Hats
When you have children to look after, bad hair days are inevitable because you seldom have the time to get ready properly.
Even if you did manage to get your hair perfectly set, children will more than likely find a way to mess it up (how many times has your child wanted to play barber or hairdresser?).
For this reason, hats are exceptional accessories to draw upon because they can quickly hide your messy barnet.
Like earrings, hats come in various styles, including everything from a baseball cap and fedora to a snapback or a cloche. Again, pick one that best suits your face and is a neutral colour that can go with any outfit you choose to wear.
5. Scarf
A scarf is a very versatile accessory for every parent. Not only can it instantly lift a plain t-shirt or top with a vibrant pattern or colour, but it can also hide that unsightly drool stain that your infant left on your shoulder!
Scarves can also be used to keep your child warm on a cold day, hide a mummy tummy or dad bod and even, at a push, be an emergency change mat.
Try to find a good quality one with durability and style to match its practicality.
6. Phone Case
We all have mobile phones that we want to use regularly, but with children in tow, treating them with the same care and attention as you did before they were born might be a challenge.
Thankfully, a good phone case can protect the longevity of the device. It also provides an opportunity to add a stylish touch to your look.
There are thousands of styles and designs to choose from when it comes to phone cases, so don’t be afraid to inject some personality.
However, given that you have kids who might want to use them or at least regularly touch them, it might be worth choosing a more robust model.
It would be better still if it were made from eco-friendly materials, too.
