Character Types: Moms of TV

In the 21st century, the role of “mom” is changing. Where once “mom” was middle aged and often slightly overweight, mom can now be anything from a hot soccer mom to a successful attorney. Regardless of the type of mom role you are looking for, there are a few key features that set looking for a mom role apart from looking for a role as a leading lady with no kids. The two main keys are simple/ low-maintenance and modest. While mom can be hot, America still has certain images and ideals of how a mom is “supposed” to dress and moms also have greater limitations on their time which determine how they can dress. So, the key to mom is simple, no frills or few frills and versatile, wash-and-wear styles for both hair & makeup and wardrobe.

Here are 5 types of moms and what kind of looks they might present to help you get started.

1.) Traditional Soccer Mom 

A “soccer mom” doesn’t necessarily mean an athletic mom or certain style of clothing, but rather a mom that devotes herself more toward raising a family than trying to juggle home and career. Since she doesn’t go to the office, comfort and ease are the name of the game. Ponytails, no iron blouses and sweater sets are quintessential “soccer mom” items, as are capris, yoga pants, track suits, driving shoes or loafers and plain tennis shoes or sneakers. Keep colors neutral and prints small. For accessories, choose small, neutral items that you would wear with everything. A pair of small gold earrings, a simple wedding band and plain watch are all the domain of the soccer mom.

2.) Executive Mom

While executive mom will be more inclined towards business suits and slightly more tailored outfits, the idea is that once again, mom doesn’t have a lot of time to dress in the morning. In addition, Executive mom may lean more towards a wardrobe in a neutral palette so as to be able to change pieces with ease when the kids get messy. Stay away from designer suits with lots of detail or suits that are overly form fitting or aggressively tailored.  Accessories don’t have to be quite as neutral and understated as Soccer Mom’s, but aim for pieces that are still neutral enough to be worn with a few different outfits.

3.) Hippie Mom

Hippie mom may wear lots of chunky jewelry, scarves and loose, somewhat shapeless clothing, but for your headshot, be sure that if you wear an item like a peasant top, you take a tip from models and use clothes pins or binder clips to gather up loose material in the back. You can give the impression of wearing something loose and flowing, but make sure it doesn’t end up looking like a tent in a headshot. As with all headshots, you want to still have neat, tidy, pressed or steamed clothes with no wrinkles. Also, for headshots, instead of opting for a lot of jewelry, which may clutter the photo and draw attention away from your face, maybe opt for one or two medium sized jewelry pieces, such as a turquoise ring or heavier silver earrings.

4.) Flamboyant Mom

Flamboyant Mom will often wear bright colors, chunky jewelry and more curve-hugging clothes. Flamboyant mom is much more concerned with her appearance and is the most likely to still have acrylic nails and a high maintenance hairdo as well as a great spray on tan. While Flamboyant Mom may spend significantly more time on her wardrobe and appearance than other moms, she is still a mom- so think “aging starlet.”

5.) Young Mom

Moms on TV no longer have to be middle aged, but they are still just as busy. While a young mom might show a little more skin than any other mom but flamboyant mom, her look is still neat and tidy, but simple and easy-care. 

To recap, a few elements moms-types have in common are:

• Easy care hairstyles and clothing
• Minimal or highly versatile jewelry that matches a number of outfits
• Understated sex appeal