How To Look Good And Save Money: The Stay At Home Mom
The Affording Motherhood Webinar Companion
I was fortunate to spend some time with Shannon Clark and the members of her incredibly helpful website, Affording Motherhood. Shannon gives thousands of grateful mothers the information and inspiration they need to work from home and budget successfully – so they can spend more time with their families.
Many of her members, like most stay at home mothers, put themselves last when it comes to new clothes. Your husbands need clothes for work and the kids are constantly outgrowing theirs, so there isn’t much left over for you. Shannon asked me to step in and show you how a capsule wardrobe full of budget friendly pieces can offer you a smart, and much deserved turn at something new, for you.
As the featured guest on Shannon’s webinar, 5 Essentials Every Smart SAHM Needs in Her Wardrobe, I discussed those essentials, as well as how to create a capsule wardrobe full of outfits that will go “from the floor to the store” without breaking the budget. You need to be comfortable, but still want to feel polished. Find out how to accomplish this by watching the webinar and then referring to the rest of this post for highlights and links to fantastic, wallet-friendly finds!
Let’s apply these!
1. Toppers
A slinky navy cardigan to wear over tanks and other sleeveless tops immediately takes a basic outfit up a notch. A soft, navy jacket that feels like wearing a cardigan, takes that notch even further up, because the shoulder maintains enough structure to look polished (see below in the shopping section for a ponte knit jacket that “seamlessly” combines a cardigan and a jacket!). And finally, a classic denim jacket can be worn with everything, including skirts and dresses.
2. Elevated T-Shirts
They may look like ordinary t-shirts, but if you look closer, you’ll notice fabrics that drape, subtly scooped necklines, and added details like a knotted front. And the floral sleeveless top looks delicate and romantic, but its fabric is built to last.
3. Legging Alternative
Ponte pants are an excellent substitution for yoga pants. They are just as comfortable, stretchy, and durable, but their pant-like details are a definite step up from the gym. Keep in mind that ponte fabric can often run big, so be prepared to size down.
4. Dark Denim
If you only buy one pair of jeans, make them dark denim. This inky tone can easily be dressed up or down. Look for an inside tone that will show some contrast if you wear them cuffed.
5. Refined Shoes
In general, look for visually lightweight shoes. Thin straps and subtle details are feminine and refined. Block heels provide more stability and comfort, so it’s ok to go higher. And sneakers are less bulky than gym shoes.
Put them together!
Just a note…
These are just a sampling of the many outfits you can put together with the 15pc SAHM Capsule Wardrobe I created from Target. Unfortunately, the tan sandals and sneakers didn’t arrive in time for the photos, so I substituted them with something similar from my closet.
Other Options
During the webinar, I discussed the comfortable flexibility of casual skirts and dresses. I also showed a way to get yoga pants or leggings out of the gym by adding an elevated t-shirt, a stylized shoe, and an outerwear piece that covers the rear.
Click below…
When you click on the products below, you’ll be taken right to them. If you make a purchase through these links, a commission is potentially earned by WWTNT at no extra fee to you. But don’t worry, only products that I truly value for my readers are chosen to be featured.
15pc SAHM Capsule Wardrobe
- A New Day Stripe Scoop Neck T-Shirt 8.
- Universal Thread Navy Stripe Tie Front T-Shirt 14.99
- Who What Wear Floral Print Sleeveless Button Down Shirt 12.49
- A New Day Fitted V-Neck T-Shirt 8.
- Universal Thread Scoop Neck Tank Top 8.
- Universal Thread White Plaid Shirt 19.99
- A New Day Ponte Pants 24.99
- Universal Thread Curvy Skinny Dark Wash Jeans 24.99
- Universal Thread High Rise Skinny Dark Wash Jeans 24.99
- A New Day Ribbed Cuff Cardigan 15.
- Universal Thread Medium Wash Denim Jacket 29.99
- A New Day Bi-Stretch Twill Blazer 34.99
- A New Day Haley Two Strap Sandal 29.99
- Mad Love Lennie Sneakers 22.99
- A New Day Winona Ankle Strap Sandal 19.99
Alternatives & Additions
- A New Day Ponte Knit Blazer in Black 29.99
- A New Day Ponte Knit Blazer in Navy 29.99
- A New Day Striped Ponte Knit Blazer 29.99
- Universal Thread Light Wash Denim Jacket 29.99
- Assets by Spanx Ponte Shaping Leggings 28.
- Who What Wear Floral Print A-Line Slip Skirt 29.99
- Who What Wear Floral Tunnel Front Shirt 24.99
- C-9 Champion Running Overcoat Jacket 40.
- A New Day Elbow Length T-Shirt 8.
Additional Accessories
- Universal Thread Hartley T Strap Sandal 15.99
- Mad Love Regina Sandal 19.99
- Universal Thread Jenny Slide Sandal 19.99
- Universal Thread Alisa Ballet Flats 14.99
- A New Day Leopard Ankle Strap Sandal 19.99
- A New Day Michaela Pumps 24.99
- Universal Thread Hummingbird Ankle Strap Sandals 27.99
- Converse Chuck Taylor Shoreline Sneaker
- A New Day Raven Sport Sandal 27.99
- A New Day Brown/Black REVERSIBLE Tote Bag 23.99
15pc Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Perfect T-shirt 8.
- Universal Thread Plus Size Tie Front T-shirt 17.99
- Who What Wear Plus Size Floral Sleeveless Shirt 13.49
- Ava & Viv V-Neck Essential T-shirt 9.
- Universal Thread Plus Size Scoop Neck Tank Top 8.
- Universal Thread Plus Size Plaid Shirt 22.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Ponte Pants 24.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans 22.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Dark Wash Skinny Jeans 27.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Cocoon Cardigan 24.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Denim Jacket 34.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Knit Blazer in Navy 34.99
- A New Day Haley Two Strap Sandal 29.99
- Mad Love Lennie Sneakers 22.99
- A New Day Winona Ankle Strap Sandal 19.99
Plus Size Alternatives & Additions
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Knit Blazer in Pink 34.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Knit Blazer in Gray 34.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Knit Blazer in Black 34.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Freeborn Denim Jacket 34.99
- Who What Wear Plus Size Floral Print Wrap Top 26.99
- Who What Wear Plus Size Floral Slip Skirt 31.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Skinny Jeans in Pink 29.99
- Universal Thread Plus Size Med Wash Skinny Jeans 27.99
- Ava & Viv Plus Size Scoop Neck T-shirt 8.
Join me!
Thank you again to Shannon Clark, creator of Affording Motherhood , for the introduction to the many mothers that want to spend their money wisely. You are hard workers who deserve to feel refreshed and confident when you get dressed each day. I’ll continue to create content that will help you accomplish that. More posts like: How to Edit Your Closet Like a Stylist (so you can add to the things that are already working well and lose the clutter that isn’t), How to Discover Your Signature Style (so you don’t waste money on things you won’t wear), and the Under $100 Series featuring smart finds at great prices.
I’d like to give you 5 more things!
When you become a member of the WWTNT community, you’ll learn simple methods that will help you develop your style and confidently modify your wardrobe to fit your lifestyle, without the frustration of wasting time or money. Subscribe now (see below), and you’ll receive my FREE 15 minute mini course as well as a business card sized checklist that you can refer to while shopping. It will help you put an end to that nagging buyer’s remorse!