Image via Complex Original
She changed your diapers as a kid and laid out your outfits when you started going to school. Hell, for the few years of your life, she literally dressed you. As your outfits changed from onesies to baby Jordans to your current steez, no doubt some of the lessons she taught you about clothing still stick with you. And no, we're not just talking about the laundry advice she gave you before you left for college. With Mother's Day in full effect, there's no better time to examine these 10 Style Tips You Can Learn From Your Mom.
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Cardigans are appropriate for any occasion.
While the President has had an impressive year in style (his opinions on the current state of menswear notwithstanding), it's clear that First Lady Michelle Obama sits on the throne of most stylish person in the White House. One of the best-dressed moms ever, her wardrobe consists of pieces from lauded designers like Tracy Reese and Thakoon, easy-wearing garments from J. Crew, and menswear heavyweights like Thom Browne. Talk about variety. She's established a pretty good uniform though—cardigans with just about everything. It's a good thing the versatile knitwear piece can be worn in a bunch of ways. While you won't be wearing it with a dress or skirt, you certainly can put it on over a T-shirt and jeans or switch it up as a layer under a sportcoat.
Yes, you can wear floral prints.
Mom had florals on the couch, the wallpaper, and maybe even some of her clothes. Looks like that's rubbed off on the menswear community, as the pattern is quickly replacing camo as menswear's most prominent. Mom knew that going OD floral would be a little much though, so follow suit and consider one big floral print worn with contrasting solid gear like jeans.
You can find awesome things for below retail.
From cutting coupons every weekend to scouring the sale rack to dress your fast-growing ass, Mom always knew how to find a deal. And the deals haven't grown more scarce in the online world either. Mom's frugality inspired you to seek out online coupon codes for 10% off or even beg store employees for a discount... whatever works to save a you a little green.
Embrace washed denim.
These days washed denim is all the rage, but Mom has been up on that trend practically forever. While street style celebs and wannabe #menswear bloggers stay rocking "dad jeans," everyone knows that the high-waisted, washed "mom jeans" have been around for much longer.
Mend old things to make them last longer.
When you ripped your favorite shirt or a pair of pants as a kid, Mom was the one who sewed that right back up. She taught you that clothes can last a lot longer if you take care of them correctly, and know a thing or two about how to mend garments. So next time you have to sew a button back on that button-down shirt, remember who showed you how to do it in the first place.
There's nothing wrong with embroidery
Think that visvim embroidered pocket tee came out of nowhere? Wrong. Mom's broach game inspired it, so did the collection of rad embroidered sweaters she busts out each winter. You can channel that DIY punk vibe by getting custom work embroidered on outerwear like denim jackets or even moto jackets for a vintage Marlon Brando look.
Layers have a practical purpose.
Spring layers can be tough, but if done right it can look awesome. Mom always knew the importance of extra clothing, especially when the weather's super cold. That's why she always had you bundled up like Ralphie from A Christmas Story, it was her way of hugging you 24/7.
Always wear clean underwear.
A fresh pair of skivvies is the ideal start to any kit. Now that you're older, you don't need your name on the tag of every pair (this should probably have stopped in like middle school at the latest). You can also afford to up your game from the boxers you wore in high school and college to some proper underwear that isn't made from 100% struggle cotton. Just be careful, you don't want people accidentally thinking your name is Calvin Klein.
Find a hairstyle that suits you, and stick to it.
Famous moms from Marge Simpson to Kate Gosselin knew the power of a signature 'do. A mom's work is never done, and she's spending most of her time taking care of things that aren't her appearance (like you know... children), so having a go-to haircut means getting ready each morning is a little easier, and so is a trip to the salon. Having a signature cut of your own means all you need to do is keep it maintained, which means seeing the barber for a shape-up every now and then. A close-cropped haircut is preferable for warmer weather, and that whole "side part" thing is a lot easier to keep up with than say, Justin Bieber's weird pompadour thing.
If you have a belly, dress around it
Whether you're carrying a child or a few extra pounds, there's a way to wear that extra weight with grace. For expectant moms, there are maternity clothes, but for dudes with a spare tire, there's well, a tailor. Don't be fooled into wearing oversized clothes to hide it, that just makes you insecurity obvious. Rather, clothes that actually fit the body without being too tight will do wonders for your overall form. That's the reason Beyoncé looked awesome during her pregnant 2011 VMA performance.
