What to Wear on the Homestead

Several years ago I read a magazine article about the trend of women wearing aprons making a comeback. The author had a passion for wearing aprons as a utilitarian accessory on a daily basis. I loved the look and reminiscing on how women in the 1950s would never fail to don an apron. So naturally I collected vintage aprons whenever I could find them! I don't wear one every day, but I'm going to get my aprons out and display them in my kitchen so I can have them handy as I work this spring on my modern homestead. Aprons keep your clothes clean and add a feminine touch. Aprons look equally good with dresses, skirts, jeans, or capris.

I want to encourage you lovely homemakers to take the time to put on clothes you feel good in every day. Moms, try to avoid dressing like teenage boys. You know, a boxy t-shirt, ill fitting jeans (a.k.a. "mom jeans"), and running shoes. Running shoes should never, ever be worn unless running! Never. Ever. Leave flip flops to the kids unless you are going to the pool or beach. Wear a real shoe that gives you some support. You will have more energy, get more done, and your smile will be brighter while you run errands if you feel good about how you look, rather than hoping no one you know will see you. Do something with your hair and put on a little makeup. Scarves worn on the head can cover a bad hair day and give your look a hint of vintage style.

For gardening, ladies, you need the proper gear, and there is no reason not to look fabulous doing it! A wide- brimmed straw hat, a casual cotton dress, pretty garden gloves, and cute wellies or clogs fit the bill. Make sure you have gloves thick enough to protect your hands from prickly weeds and thorny rose bushes! (Picture a British beauty at work in an English garden, with a bit of eccentric style.)

To keep you organized, make sure you store your winter clothes away. Only clothes that are in season should be in your dressers and closets right now, although you will want to keep a few sweaters and long sleeved shirts and pants available for this transitional period when weather can be unpredictable. Having off-season clothes still in one's closet makes it difficult to get dressed in the morning. You can't even see what you have if your drawers are stuffed too full.

Being a stay-at-home homesteader does not mean you have to dress like your kids, or at the opposite end of the spectrum, look boring and matronly. You can be feminine, pretty, and practical all at the same time!!