The Uniform - Tops

Most moms I know have jeans that they like and fit them well, but they get stuck in a shirt rut.  It's just easy to  go out and buy variations of the same cotton scoop or v-neck tee shirt in the summer and sweater in the winter. Shirts should be easy - what's better than throwing on a flattering pair of jeans, a top that you know looks great, picking out a few accessories and walking out the door knowing that you look polished and pulled together? But it does require a tiny bit of effort!  Jeans and a tee can be a great look if you are mindful of a few details. When you are shopping for shirts, think about:

Washing Instructions:

Unless you really, really, really love it, buy shirts that are machine washable.  On a rough day, you'll be lucky if your shirt makes it through naptime before you need to change it.   

Length

With jeans, shirts look best when they hit below the hip - usually between one to three inches above the crotch.  Try on a few tops and judge for yourself what length looks the best.   After multiple pregnancies, I usually choose shirts that are a little longer - definitely don't want to be flashing my belly any more! Tunics, of course, should be longer. 

Sleeves

Sleeves are important! I think that 3/4 length sleeves are pretty universally flattering. Sleeveless shirts are often very flattering as well.  Even if your arms aren't super toned, by baring the entire arm, sleeveless shirts add length.  Cap and short sleeves intersect the largest parts of the arm and are harder to pull off, unless your arms are toned.




Fit

When you are trying on a shirt, think about where it hits on your hip and also how it feels across the shoulders.  If your shirt is too tight across the shoulders, it simply won't be comfortable.  To hide a post-partum belly, try on loose fitting tunics, patterned shirts that will distract, shirts with ruching around the waist, or woven button down shirts.



Color

Do you know what colors flatter you the most?  Think about what colors you've worn when you have been complimented and choose shirts in those colors.  Love a color that doesn't flatter you?  You can get away with bottoms or shoes in just about any color, but shirts are close to your face and should compliment your skin tone. If you need to wear it on top, use a layering piece and add a more flattering color over it.  I love yellow, but it looks horrible on me, so I wear it in pants, jewelry or camisoles.

Woven or Knit

Basically a woven shirt has no stretch to it (think most button down shirts) and a knit shirt has a stretchier feel to it.  Because their fabric is usually somewhat stiffer, woven shirts can hide a bunch of figure flaws . And if you think button downs are dowdy, check out Forever 21 where the button downs are inexpensive, abundant, and embellished with ruffles, ruching, and patterns.  And yes, if you over 30, you can shop at Forever 21.



Neckline

Do you know what neckline looks best on you?  If not, stick to V-necks, scoops, and boat necks until you can experiment with a few different necklines and throw out your crew neck tops - it's a very unflattering cut.  There are a bunch of articles and blog entries on the internet and in style books, but the mirror won't lie - just check yourself out in various necklines with a critical eye and look to see if they flatter shoulders, neck, and face shape.



The Detail

Three seasons out of the year, my uniform is jeans and a top, so I make sure that each top I buy has some sort of interesting detail to make it stand out.  Although a plain old white tee-shirt and jeans can be stylish with the right shoes, belt, and bag, there are so many ways to add to your outfit by picking out a shirt with detail.  Whether it is with stripes, buttons on the sleeves, a ruffled neckline, or just a bright and flattering color, pick tops that are visually interesting.