March 6, 2016
It was pajama day at the local coffee shop, but only my daughter and I were in on the fun. On that particular morning, I sported a camouflage fleece hat (a necessity to conceal my bedhead), oversized fleece pajama pants (I’ve concluded that three sizes too big is ideal for comfort), and my go-to hooded sweatshirt. To assert my femininity, I donned earrings, despite the discomfort they brought, to avoid being mistakenly addressed as “sir.”
Truth be told, every day is pajama day for me; I’m essentially a walking advertisement for casual wear, favoring loungewear over “normal” clothing. My concept of “normal” is quite flexible, as my “everyday” attire leans heavily toward relaxed styles.
Since becoming a work-at-home mom (WAHM), my wardrobe has evolved into what I like to call “Slovenly Chic.” While I’ve amassed a decent collection of clothes, it seemed unnecessary to dress up when my office is my couch. My workdays blend into my personal life, creating a constant sense of obligation without any distinct transition to signify relaxation. Thus, I’ve embraced the comfort of loungewear throughout the day.
Living in casual attire presents its challenges. During a visit to my mother’s house, I took a phone call in her backyard, prompting her to mistake me for an intruder, thinking a disheveled teen had breached her gated community. I’ve even startled my own neighbors; while walking my dog near the elementary school, one neighbor slowed down to investigate what she deemed a suspicious figure—me. Thankfully, she recognized my dog, and as I waved, she realized it was just me, encased in my husband’s oversized flannel pajama pants, with my sweatshirt tucked in (a pro tip to prevent wardrobe malfunctions).
Shopping in slouchy attire often guarantees overzealous customer service. Sales associates and even security personnel frequently hover, asking if I need assistance every thirty seconds. I sometimes feel tempted to quip, “Can you assist me in shoplifting this outfit by cramming it into my pockets?” (I often utilize my hands, pockets, and occasionally my bra as a makeshift purse, but that’s a story for another time.) Generally, I refrain from speaking my mind and accept the reality that looking disheveled attracts attention in stores.
However, there are undeniable perks to my relaxed wardrobe. My children seldom request rides to school, preferring the bus instead of facing the embarrassment of being seen with me in my mismatched outfits. One of my favorite weekday looks involves layering a nightgown over pajama pants, topped with a velour robe. Occasionally, I’ll opt for a hair wrap instead of a hat, which only enhances the wildness of my appearance—and by “wild,” I mean astonishingly unkempt.
Dressing this way ensures I’m always prepared for a nap and, most importantly, completely comfortable. Best of all, it’s possible to achieve a semblance of being put together (again, this is subjective) simply by swapping pajama pants for leggings or well-fitted sweatpants and replacing my fleece hat with a scarf.
Today, for instance, I feel quite stylish. I’m wearing leggings, snow boots, a sports bra, and an oversized French terry “dress” (fine, it’s a sweatshirt, but it’s from the women’s section at Target, not my husband’s, and it’s untucked). A touch of lip gloss and mascara completes the look. Today, I feel “fancy” and attractive at the coffee shop. As someone who typically dresses down, it doesn’t take much to feel this way.
I know I’m not alone in this. There are countless work-at-home mothers, stay-at-home moms, and weekend-working moms who prioritize function over fashion. I see you out there, celebrating pajama day whenever it pleases you, embracing comfort even as you’ve moved beyond the stroller stage of life.
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In summary, comfort is paramount for busy moms balancing work and family life. Embracing an effortlessly chic style allows for practicality without sacrificing personal expression.
Keyphrase: Effortless Comfort for WAHMs
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