I’m convinced there’s a secret giant WhatsApp group that all mums are in. They agree on which of our clothes they’re going to rip into, because no matter who you ask and no matter their age, all mums seem to disapprove of the same handful. See? I bet you’re thinking of something your mum has side-eyed.
It’s true that mums always know best, but when it comes to our outfits, sometimes we just know better – am I right!? So I’ve rounded up all the pieces from our wardrobes that mums wish we would ditch. I’ll bet that piece you were thinking about is on this list…
‘Tent’ clothes
It’s odd because as soon as we hit our teens, all our mums wanted us to wear were baggy figure-hiding clothes, and now that smock dresses, knitted co-ords and wide-leg trousers are part of our daily rotation, they have something to say about it. I’ll bet whenever you wear a ‘feminine’ dress or a figure-hugging fine knit you get a lovely compliment, right? They’ve done a complete about-turn!
Ugly shoes
Similarly, ‘ugly’ shoes – think chunky grandad sandals, dad trainers and clogs – all warrant an eye-roll from Mum. Any ‘cool girl’ shoe is a potential mum-repeller since they don’t tend to tick the pretty or dainty boxes, so expect commentary if you sport your Dr. Martens, Uggs or Birkenstocks around mum.
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All-black
Whereas we tend to see all-black as a chic, practical outfit, mum’s tend to see it as a sign we’re sad or in some sort of mourning state, when it often couldn’t be further from the truth. If I want a sleek, easy outfit, it’s the look I’ll happily turn to – but not if my mum has anything to do with it.
Ripped jeans
I’ve known plenty of women who say it’s a running joke among their mothers and grandmothers to ask if “everything is ok” and “do you need to borrow any money” since ripped jeans could never be intentional – they’re a sign you’re hard-up and need a new pair.
Again, they’re another It girl staple that mums just don’t get. But equally, don’t pass up the offer for cash to fund a new pair…
Tracksuits
Tracksuits are a key off-duty go-to – if I’m popping out for a nail appointment or to collect dry cleaning, they’re easy to throw on, and in chic colours, they make for a stylish look. Though any mum would disagree. In her book, an effortless look (naturally) looks like you’ve made zero effort, particularly this one since it likely ticks the ‘tent’ clothes box too, so mums aren’t keen to say the least.
Trainers with everything
In 2023, sporting a pair of trainers for every single event from birthday drinks to the office (bar any black tie occasions, of course), is the norm. Smart styles like Adidas Stan Smiths tick the workwear box, while cult It trainers like New Balance 530s can be worn to brunch and dinner with friends. Just don’t wear them to dinner with your mum.
I’ll guarantee any other shoe – from mules to loafers to ballet flats – will get the mum seal of approval.
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