I have found that there is a HUGE difference between how I wore clothes before I was a mom and the clothes I now prefer to wear as a wife and a mother. I guess that it's possible because there is a very obvious (to me at least and of course my husband) 20 pound difference and the way I see myself.
In high school I was led to believe that showing off the feminine figure with was flattering.
I couldn't find a good picture of what I was describing but, you get the gist from this look. |
My early years of college I was led to believe that plus bought into the sloppy, Pj's as day clothes, just rolled out of bed look.
Mismatch PJ Day |
In our culture we are led to believe the sexier the better for women. We're also told that wearing pjs in public is an acceptable clothing choice. It has become a free for all. It has become overly subjective. I find this less than liberating. I find it shackling. Shackling because it minimizes true beauty and intelligence. It takes away from others their ability to see me with dignity. People do judge on appearance. Our clothing choices tend to say a lot about how we view ourselves, our respect for others, and how we want to be treated.
I feel lazy in sweats. Yes, I realize that's silly because normal people work out in sweats. I'll be honest, when I put on sweats, ALL I can really think about is laying on the couch and sleeping. Now, when I put on a nice outfit and do my hair I feel like, I could run errands, clean the kitchen, and if someone came to the door, I would have no problem answering it.
I no longer see myself as someone with something to prove by my looks as I did in high school. I see myself as an example to set for my children, a lovely image for my husband to come home, and a woman with dignity who should be respected by myself and others.
I feel better when I dress nicely. I act differently when I dress nicely.
My good friend Sarah and I often send our "Momiform" outfits to each other as a sort of way of holding each other accountable. It is one of my favorite parts of my day.
I have even noticed that since I have made a distinct effort to look nice every day that my husband treats me differently. Not in a huge way but in little ways.
A "Momiform" day with my little man :) |
Sarah's outfits are different than mine. I usually wear a skirt and a shirt and do my hair. I don't wear makeup but will try to accessorize a little bit here and there.
My challenge for you is to try just one day this week (if you don't already) to put yourself together. Does it make you feel different? Does anyone treat you differently?
With three little ones at home, I can say that the definition of my "momiform" has changed with the birth of each of my children. I do find the same thing as you, Emily, that if I am dressed in real clothes (not sweats or pj's) I am ready for my day. If I'm planning to really clean house/yard (we live in the country) I'll wear a t-shirt and jeans, whereas if we're going to town, I'll dress nicer than that. No one treats me differently, but I do feel different when I dress myself for those purposes. One thing: I always put on my shoes. If my shoes are on, I can tackle my day without the lazy creeping in. :) Clothing affects my attitude toward the day for sure!
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