The Christmas season is upon us, and this year I feel like dressing up and dressing classy! But, what does classy look like when you are a mom?
It seems a lot of styles today are either completely impractical for a mom or totally inappropriate for anyone, let alone a mom.
I want to look stylish. I want to feel comfortable. I want to be modest. I want to be me.
Is that too much to ask?
So, here’s what I came up with€¦I would love to have your input!
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Starting at the top with my hair. It’s going gray. I don’t feel like doing anything about it. I once met a woman in her early 30’s who had gone completely gray. It was beautiful. She had it styled nicely and it looked stunning. I actually stopped her and told her so. She informed me that her husband was of Indian descent and in his culture gray hair was beautiful and desired. She had been a hairdresser and said it was difficult for her to let it go, but she had learned to love it. She was owning it – it didn’t own her. She didn’t look dumpy and old because she was a classy gray.
I’m determined to own mine too in the same classy way by keeping it styled nicely. I have a Hair & Makeup Pinterest board where I pin things I want to try, including YouTube videos of haircutting and styling tips. I do not believe gray hair has to act its age. I can still wear my hair “young” and look like a classy mama at the same time!
Next, my makeup. I use a lot of L’Bri products (see my review of their skincare line here), but I absolutely adore the tinted lip balms from HardLotion! I use these nearly every day to add just a bit of color to my lips while still keeping them moisturized in the dry winter weather. Love, love, love these!
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Some of my favorites are the Bee Silk bar (keep these by your sink and in your purse!), the rash cream (safe for cloth diapers!), and of course, the tinted lip balm.
Now for my jewelry. This is where I really like my unique personality to come out. I like my earrings big. I try not be obnoxious with them, but I do like them dangly.
I also like scarves! They can totally take a plain ole t-shirt and make it fancy. That is definitely an A+ in my book! (added bonus: they hide some of those “mom moments” – see my Murphy’s Law for Moms!)
Now, for the actual “classy mom” outfits! I like to find that one great piece and work with it. Sometimes it is a skirt, like this deep red skirt from Deborah & Co.
Even though I am only 5’4″, I like how classic and beautiful maxi-skirts are, and I don’t think they make me look any shorter than I already am. This one is a nice color for the holidays. My secret sister sent me the scarf (yippee!) and I had the black long-sleeved t-shirt in my closet. The jewelry was also something I had on hand. And don’t forget the fleece leggings (it’s below freezing here!) and the boots!
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Snag that really great ensemble piece or a pair of fleece leggings or nursing tank (with or without lace on the bottom) or another great layering piece like the half tee tank (I use these with shirts I love that are just a bit on the “low” side 😉 )
Sometimes a classy Christmas outfit begins with a great sweater or pair of jeans. Sometimes it is even a piece of jewelry that makes you smile or a pair of shoes that fit just right.
That reminds me — SHOES! Christmas is the perfect time of year for boots!
I found these at WalMart and I love them! They are a dark brown and go with just about everything, and they are so comfortable! I really want a pair of black boots, but I have had a hard time finding anything. I don’t want a heel and I don’t want them obnoxious. Anyone have any suggestions?
The photo above where I’m wearing jeans, I’m wearing some Israeli-made leather shoes that I found at a thrift store! They are unbelievably comfortable! Shoes can totally be the base of a classy mom outfit!
So, there you have it. My guide to a classy Christmas wardrobe! Keep it comfortable. Keep it modest. Keep it beautiful. Keep it you!
Want to see more holiday outfit ideas from other bloggers?
Jacinda says
Love the red and black outfit, Amy! And is it weird that seeing you in a pair of jeans made breathe, “Phew? I’m not the only homeschool mama who still wears them?” 😉
Amanda says
Haha…I thought the same thing!
Amy says
LOL – I put that in there just to show that I am not a skirts-only kind of gal. I think you can still be quite modest and wear jeans. 🙂
Joy says
I loved that you included the jeans picture! I agree that you can still be modest in a pair of jeans. 🙂
deborah says
That deep red is gorgeous on you! It’s so fun to see all your outfits!
I love my boots too, when it gets cold out!
Lisa says
All of your outfits are lovely, as is the smile upon your face! I love the sweater in your brown boots shot! Thank you for the ideas!
Charlotte Moore says
You look great. Love the red and black. You have really lost the weight and it shows. Wish I could say the same about myself.
BLESSINGS!!!
Dawn says
Just wanted to say I love every pic above!! I’m 46, and after having 10 kids in 19 yrs, I am ready for some classy additions to my wardrobe!! My youngest is 6 now, and I am really starting to search thrift stores for nicer things to add. It’s fairly easy to find them if you’re patient!
I’m pretty much a jeans girl when at home, but I’ve found some cute tops to dress them up!!
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage says
I think the maxis actually make ladies look taller. They also balance out figures for those of us who are still becoming Trim Healthy Mamas. ~smile~ You look lovely.
Amanda says
I loved seeing all the styles you ladies blogged about. I have to say I LOVE your brown outfit in the last picture. Brown is one of my favorite colours and my goal is find a nice brown corduroy skirt (or make one) this winter.
Jillian says
As usual, you look so pretty in all the pictures. The thing about going gray is something on my mind. I actually started a post about it, but didn’t know where to go with it. I’m still not sure what I want to do. lol. Anyway, I love the outfits you pair up. 🙂
Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage says
I love your outfit, Amy! And your hair gives me hope! 😉 I definitely have a generous dose of “gray hair genes” running through my blood, and, at 32 years old, I’ve got a fair share of the white stuff popping up. I really appreciate your perspective!
Great post!
Judy says
The red shirt…is it an elastic waistband? I prefer them. Also, I am only 4’11, do you think it would be too long on me?
Kristen @ Smithspirations says
That dressy red skirt, wrap, and black tee outfit is so eye-catching!
And I’m all for going gray. 😉 I think it looks classy. I’ve never had a gray hair, though. I’m 30, and my mom started graying at 16. I think I got someone else’s genes when it comes to gray, but I still want to just let it go! Unless hubby decides he doesn’t like it… but anyhow, I’m with you. I think it can be stunning!
Becky says
I like your ideas, thank you for sharing! Thank you for your words about the grey – I’ve been going grey and quickly approaching my 40th birthday. I keep thinking about coloring it but my hair doesn’t take color well and usually damages it. Thank you for encouraging me to embrace it and accept it.
A little off topic but I just wanted to tell you that I can really see your weight loss in these photos, especially the photo showing your earrings and the one of you in jeans. You can see the hard work you have been doing – you look great!
Lara says
So glad to hear another Christian woman talk about letting her hair go grey. My dad was completely grey by the time he was 30. My Granny too. I have a huge white streak on one side and salt and pepper every where else. It gets tiresome having people tell me that I am too young (41) to be letting my hair go grey. I am thinking God gave it to me I should love it and embrace it. The white streak is soooo pretty. I wish my whole head was that color. Thank you for your post!
Blessings and love to you my sister in Christ!!
Lori Chyko says
You’re Beautiful in every shot! Thanks for sharing with us all 🙂
Kathy Eller says
You are looking great Amy! I have been more and more convicted lately of how I have “let myself go.” I’m not used to putting much time or thought into my appearance….it’s beginning to really show:) I have been dreaming of a pair of brown boots. Funny coincidence for you and I–my black pair came from….Walmart. I hardly ever shop there but was perusing the clearance rack and found a pair for $5.00, that fit perfectly.
LaToya Edwards says
Amy you are so beautiful!
Marci Ferrell says
Love all the outfits but the brown one on you is my favorite. So pretty and classic and comfortable looking Amy. How about you and I go black boot shopping together. I’ve been looking for a pair for awhile now 🙂
Amy says
Yes, please! Come by and pick me up! lol 😉
Joy says
I love all your outfits, Amy, especially the red and black one–beautiful! And your hair looks great! 🙂 You really made me want to try one of those tinted lip balms!
Melissa M. says
Great outfits, Amy! I constantly second-guess whether I should color my gray or not at 44. It is quite gray/white now. My husband seems to like my hair so I try embrace it. I think a woman can rock her gray hair with a great haircut and great skincare and adding some color to her face, if she needs it. You seem to do all these things just right!
Amy says
You know, I can’t say I won’t ever color it, but for now, I’m owning it! 😉
Heather @ Raising Mighty Arrows says
This has been so much fun! I especially liked your brown outfit! Looks very nice!! 🙂
Jane Montgomery says
This was funny! You and I think totally alike with our dressing! I am 46 and, like you, am starting to go grey. I don’t want to colour it (or color it….I’m Canadian:))…because I think God gave us grey hair for a reason…and it is not the children!…it is our inner beauty and wisdom shining out. I find that not colouring it I worry about it less. I just have a hard time knowing how to put it up all the time, or if I should grow bangs long or short. I just started to grow my hair long about 3 years ago as I have always had short hair so knowing what to do with long hair is somewhat a daunting task…I love big earings…especially with natural beads, and silver…etc…I always wear skirts though and I am fairly fussy with the length as we have 3 floors in our house and climbing stairs holding things and my skirt up is not ideal…I got a pair of black boots this year at Walmart…they look just like your brown ones there…no heel and not too many buckles, etc…just comfy with a bit of class. I have to get to my son’s school at 8 in the morning to do supervisor duty on the playground so boots are key to staying warm around my toes (and long john’s! Black ones under all my skirts) and I am much warmer than in any pair of jeans…
anyways….just a little hello…I love your blue scarf too:)
God Bless and have a Merry Christmas Season!
Jane Montgomery
Amy says
Boy, I may need to shop YOUR WalMart! 🙂
Bambi @ Nursery of the Nation says
You look great, Amy! Love the style options, esp the blue jeans thrown in there!! 🙂
Heather McCool says
Love that you are keeping the gray! Thats exactly my plan and i have memories of my grandmother with super thick long silver hair, mine is similar (but still brown, although my mother is in her mid 60s and only has a light dusting of gray so i may not see gray for a long time!) and i hope its just like my grandmother, it was so lovely and so classy.
And i love your classy mom outfits! Ive found some beautiful maxi dresses (made from elegant material, not t-shirt type) at thrift stores that i love. Im only 30 and some things still feel a bit old, but i try to pair those with younger things like bright purses, or jean jackets.
Im gushing, i just love this post!
jayme @ No Regrets Living says
Wow! You look great! The black shirt with the scarf looks wonderful on you! This comment has no point other than to share that!
Barbara Keding says
Just thought I’d mention to you, if you like danglie earrings, you might want to check out auntmaes.com! She makes earrings specifically to match the flexi clips made by Lilla Rose. 🙂 Lots of ladies love to wear a flexi in their hair with a pair of matching earrings 🙂
Any business she gets is very much appreciated. She became a widow about a yr ago & was left with very little funds, etc. She is trying hard to make a living at home, so she can homeschool her son.
Dana says
You look great! I admit, I did notice a few grays in your hair last time we visited, and I was so glad I wasn’t the only one that was letting them grow! I think of mine as a “crown of splendor” from Prov. 16:31, a gift of sorts. I hope I can keep that perspective as more come in! 🙂
Jennifer Lyden says
I’m with you on the scarfs! They can come in handy as a nursing mom especially! Also, I want to say I also loved seeing you in jeans. I’m certainly not against skirts by any means, I love wearing them too, but it’s nice to see I have company with my jeans as well! 🙂
May says
I also love your red skirt! And I agree about scarves, they are wonderful and really dress up a standard outfit.
Unrelatedly, I just thought I’d let you know that I had a dream the other night that you were pregnant and came to my antenatal clinic (I’m training to be a midwife, in real life not just in the dream) and I measured your bump and we talked about diastasis recti. Such an odd but quite nice dream!
Amy says
LOL – how fun!
Misty Basey says
just found your blog! awesome! I am letting myself go gray too! I feel so alone! I love scarves & earrings too. I like to dress in modest clothes also, mostly skirts. I see you wear makeup. Me too. I’m so glad to find your site