7 Stylish TV Moms

People often ask me, “where do you get outfit inspiration?”. My answer has been the same forever, television. I typically watch the same shows and movies over and over again because I fall in love with characters and I never want the saga to end. I am looking at makeup and outfits, overall parenting skills and picking and choosing which parts of this character have remained timeless and will work best with my everyday lifestyle. Although it was very hard to choose, I have narrowed it down to my top seven stylish mami’s.

7. Peggy Bundy — Married With Children

Peggy Bundy’s style was iconic to say the least. She was in a league of her own and she followed no rules. From lime green zebra print spandex, to bright red Dolly Parton hair. She made motherhood look easy, because she didn’t really care that much. She never cooked, barely cleaned, and she drank during the middle of the day. She sat on the couch and watched tv and bought things that her husband could not afford. Not necessarily the lifestyle of a modern woman, but she looked very good doing it.

6. Lisa Landry — Sister, Sister

Lisa Landry is probably the most relatable tv moms and one of my first inspirations. Her desire to be a fashion designer influenced me as a young girl who had a dream to work in the industry. She never gave up and always worked hard to make her dream a reality. She was one of the first black female entrepreneurs on television. She worked hard so that her daughter could accomplish her goals. We can’t forget how this legend dressed icons like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, and the tall one from Boys II Men’s mother. Her personal style was simple but always chic. From accessing to cute kitten heels, Lisa was always dressed for the occasion. Even if the occasion involved sitting on the couch and eating chips.

5. Aunt Viv (the first one) — Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The original Aunt Viv, like the true black queen she is, never missed a beat with a good outfit. Always dressed to impress and embodied the attitude of a career woman. Her husband was a judge but don’t get it twisted, Aunt Viv had a PhD from UCLA. A great role model for her two daughters, an example that hard work and tenacity can help you achieve your goals. All the way from West Philadelphia, to Bel-Air California, Aunt Viv was living the dream. A college professor, mother, wife, stylish and did I mention a dancer? We stan a well rounded Queen!

4. Betty Draper — Mad Men

Mad Men took place in the 60’s. One of my favorite eras in fashion. Betty’s personal style was influenced by Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, and Jaqueline Kennedy, the icons of the 60s. The character embraced the true essence of a modern housewife at that time. She was formerly a model so the elegance and beauty were inevitable but when she became a housewife, the looks did not end there. She embodied 60’s glamour and as her character developed, and her love interest changed, her style always told her story.

3. Carmela Soprano — The Soprano’s

Carmela Soprano was an Italian Catholic married woman in the late 90s. She made it clear she was not dressing to impress men, but the upper echelon of women to show her status and role. Her designer clothes were modest but not gone unnoticed by a true fashionista. From Dior, to Louis Vuitton, to diamonds, and fur coats. The boss’s wife was required to show off a little bit sometimes. Whether she was going to church, or going to see someone in the hospital, there was always an elegance about her that could spark inspiration for an outfit.

2. Dee Mitchell — Moesha

Dee established her role in the Mitchell household immediately. Like any black mother she had her children’s best interest at heart always and did not hesitate to put them in check when they crossed a line. And Lord, knows Moesha was always crossing a line. Dee’s style was one of someone who had everything together. Each outfit could be accompanied by a matching jacket or scarf and know that her hair was laid, sweetie! From her italian shoes to her high waist jeans and sneakers, Dee was always going to come with a fire look.

1. Fran Fine — The Nanny

Nanny Fine is my all time favorite tv mom. Now that I have ventured into vintage shopping and making sure I am buying good pieces, Fran is the recipe. From Jean Paul Gaultier, to Moschino, the clothes she wore then now have so much more value and they still haven’t gone out of style. It is baffling how she afforded all of these designer pieces, but who really cares because she looked so good! She cared a lot about the way she looked and what she had on, and she still managed to be a very good role model for the Sheffield kids, for the most part. She is the least conventional television mom but her style remains the most iconic.

This article is dedicated to my mother on her 55th birthday. She has lived graciously and has taught my sisters and I the importance of a good outfit since we were kids. Her overall approach to motherhood has helped me grow into the woman I am today and helped me to find my creativity and fashion sense at such a young age. She is The Supreme Mother, The Mother of All Mothers, and my favorite of all time. She embodies traits from all of these women (even Peggy Bundy) and will forever be my biggest inspiration. I love you mommy, and happy birthday!

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