If you’re anything like me, slipping into a pair of jeans and a non-sports bra feels like dressing up.
Like most moms over the past few years, athleisure has slowly taken over my closet, while my “real” clothes sit untouched—gathering dust and maybe even a few moth holes. Once upon a time, I used to shop at cute boutiques and swore I’d never buy clothing (or, let’s be honest, underwear) from Costco. But here we are. Cotton briefs in my massive shopping cart, next to the bananas and strawberries.
And while I could easily say it’s because I’m “too busy,” I won’t use that excuse—because truthfully, I’m not that busy. Between my remote work, household duties, and the endless driving around of my kids, I still have pockets of free time.
I just genuinely prefer a stretchy waistband over a stiff one, and clothes I don’t have to worry about spilling coffee on or splattering with oil while I cook. It also helps that I can head to a Pilates class and ease right back into my daily routine without a full outfit change.
But here’s the thing: dressing down every day comes at a cost—not just in how others perceive us, but in how we perceive ourselves.
Apparently, there’s even a term for this: enclothed cognition—the psychological influence clothing has on the person wearing it. Think about it: wear a power suit, and suddenly you feel more focused and in control. Work from home? You’re likely sporting the classic Zoom look—business up top, sweatpants below. It’s funny because it’s true, but also because it works. What we wear really does affect how we show up.
These days, I’m still wearing athleisure—but with more intention. I’m becoming increasingly aware of fabrics.
Many synthetic athletic clothes—especially those made from polyester blends—contain PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally. These chemicals have been linked to a host of serious health issues, including increased cancer risk, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, and developmental delays in children.
Now consider how our skin becomes more absorbent when we sweat. It’s not the kind of thing I want to think about every time I step on a treadmill (which isn’t often), but it’s real. While I haven’t done a full closet purge, I’ve started to shop more consciously—opting for cotton, linen, and sustainable blends whenever possible.
Just the other day, I had to attend a meet-and-greet at my child’s school. My first thought was, “Can I get away with my usual leggings and a loose shirt?” But then I paused. I was about to meet teachers, other parents, and the principal—people who would have a renewed first impression of me. They usually only see me while I’m in the car, during carpool.
I decided to go with a long linen dress instead. Comfortable, presentable, and yes, I felt it. That subtle shift in confidence. A sense of being more grounded and pulled together. That’s enclothed cognition at work.
So this school year, I’m committing to dressing better. Not for anyone else—just for me. I’m investing in fewer but better pieces. Clothing that feels good, looks good, and lasts through both seasons and trends—even if that includes elevated athleisure.
Because how we dress affects how we feel. And how we feel shapes how we show up.
As I slowly reform my closet—donating what no longer serves me (thank you, Marie Kondo) and picking up a few new gems from the occasional online sale—I’m finding myself drawn to a few key staples and a new mom style:
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Pure cottons, linens, and soft cotton knits
Brands I love: Free People, Zara -
Muted earthy tones, whites, and monochromatic separates
Brands I love: Mate the Label -
Breathable, buttery-soft leggings and matching tanks with built-in support
Brands I love: Z Supply, Alo, Oysho -
Flowy, flattering dresses with just the right amount of structure
Brands I love: Reformation, Reiss, Zara -
Denim shirts and vests that work effortlessly over dresses or basics
Brands I love: Abercrombie & Fitch
If you’re in the (extended) leggings-and-messy-bun phase, I am with you. That’s still the majority of my days. But even small shifts—like wearing a soft cotton dress or upgrading to natural fibers—can sometimes give a much-needed lift.
A little reminder of who we are beyond being busy moms.
