Over the last year or so I've noticed that my clothing has started to change... well maybe even further back than that... but recently it has become more deliberate on my part. Back in the day I would just throw on a t-shirt and shorts and not really worry too much about my actual appearance. Then we brought the boys home, and I realized that there were times and places people were actually watching my family and I needed to do a better job representing my family and even the vocations of motherhood/homeschooling/adoption.
And now, well, it's sort of strange. I now actually see myself as a mom (that has taken a while), and the way I look and think about myself has changed. Shorts are fine for working around the house, or an errand where I probably won't get out of the car... but I've found myself now not wanting to be seen in public with shorts on (very often). It has nothing to do with my figure or anything like that, it has more to do with a since of modesty that is more pronounced than it was before. Now, don't get me wrong, I've never been one to fall on the immodest side. I don't care for showing skin... but this is different. This is more of, I'm a grown-up with grown-up things to do, and shorts are for kids or for working.
Why am I even posting about this? Um, I guess because I thought it was interesting to me to actually put two and two together on my recent clothes choices. Have any of you ladies noticed a change in how you perceive yourself and changes to wardrobe because of it? Or MAYBE it is the lack of sleep talking :-).
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I wear skirts more than shorts in the summer, but it is about comfort more than modesty. I feel more feminine in them too. But in the winter it will be jeans most of the time, because I loathe wearing pantyhose and I'm not on board with tights just yet. I do think about what I wear a lot more though, and what kind of example I am setting for my children (daughters especially). If I won't let them wear something because it is not appropriate, I have to have the same standards for myself. Overall, I have always put thought into what I wear, but what influences my decisions has definitely changed. There is also a part of me that feels like I need to look like I am pulled together when out with my kids, just to give people less ammunition for criticism regarding our family size. Maybe that is shallow, but its the truth.
I don't think it is shallow at all. It's true, people are judging us when we are out and it is easier to avoid some of the non-sense if our appearance is tidy. This is something I'm usually conscious of when I'm getting the boys ready for something!
You know you're in a serious clothing rut when you trade your day clothes (drawstring pants and basic tee) for your pajamas (drawstring pants and basic tee). I'm totally guilty of dressing shabbily out in public (modest but shabby). I don't think shorts in public are immodest so long as they are long enough. I want to change my wardrobe to be more feminine but oftentimes that means sacrificing comfort and I like to be comfortable.
It's not so much that I think shorts are immodest (for me), I am just starting to realize (for me) that they are too casual for running around town. (Of course if that is the only thing clean and dry, well then I wear shorts and as nice of a shirt as I can to dress them up.)
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COMFORT! So I try to pick my clothes that are both attractive and COMFORTABLE!
You can find some cute, lightweight skirts at stores like Target and Kohl's, sometimes in the "juniors" section. They all have elastic waists, so a teenage body shape/size is not required. I have several that are just plain cotton with a cute pattern, and they pair easily with t-shirts and flip-flops. I definitely want to be comfortable too, so I always take that into consideration. I even bought a dress from the girls section at Target this week! I had to get an XL of course, but it is simple and cute and with some earrings and a necklace looks like an adult outfit, not too childish.
Okay, I could talk about clothes forever, but I'll stop now. :)
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