Why Our Moms are (and Will Always be) Total Babes 

In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, the ESSENCE editors are taking a moment to salute the sensational style of our moms. And since it's Throwback Thursday we've rounded up our favorite retro photos of our favorite ladies and we've shared the best style advice they've passed down to us. Long story short...we defintiely get it from our mamas! 

Pretty is as pretty does. Which means our beauty is a direct reflection of our kindess and hearts. Oh! And you can never have to many pairs of shoes.

-Mary Ann, mother of ESSENCE.com's digital fashion & beauty director Julee Wilson

Earrings and brows are a must to complete your look.

-Debra, mother of ESSENCE's assistant beauty editor Andrea Jordan

Never leave the house with rundown heels. Even if you can’t afford new shoes, take your old ones to the shoe repair” and “Don’t be afraid of re-sale shops; the best items are vintage.

-Fran, mother of ESSENCE.com's beauty & hair editor Deena Campbell

Style at any age is not based on buying or wearing designer labels. Focus more on fit, comfort, and if you’d still wear it a year from now.

-Regina, mother of ESSENCE.com's photo editor Joslyn Winkfield

My mom and my grandmother are definitely two of the flyest ladies I have ever known. When it comes to fashion their motto included three things: crisp, coordinated and comfy. Never walk out with anything that's wrinkled, never put on something that doesn't match and never try to force yourself into something that doesn't fit. When you wear a bold and bright smile, the outfit is even better! 
- Dell and Julia, the mother and grandmother of ESSENCE.com's editorial assistant Lauren Porter

My mom has always been a firm believer in the “less is more!” philosophy. Whenever I would think about adding another piece of jewelry or layering on another coat of my eyeliner (you remember—raccoon eyes were all the rage among high school girls in the mid-2000s), I would be met with her gentle mantra that, “Taylor, less is more!” Even though we now live thousands of miles apart, I can still hear her words as I pick out my outfit in the mornings, comb through my jewelry drawer or even furnish my new apartment. See, mom—I was listening! 
- Suzanne, mother of ESSENCE.com assistant editor Taylor Lewis 

My Mom taught me everything, from walking in heels to keeping a rich shade of lipstick with me at all times. Thanks to her, I love a good deep red lip.

-Dorothy, mother of ESSENCE.com's art director Teneille Craig

Always be prepared! Although she never said it flat out my mom is the master of always being prepared when it comes to style. Whether it’s having a sweater on standby if it gets cold or a pair of flats on hand when your heels do you dirty.

-Patricia, mother of ESSENCE beauty editor Nykia Spradley

Be an individual! Don’t try to look like everyone else.

- Frances, the mother of ESSENCE fashion editor Joiee Thorpe

Always wear red lipstick.
- Katrina, mother of ESSENCE's entertainment director Cori Murray 

My mother has always encouraged me to express my individuality and to be fearless….as long as you follow the golden rule. 
- Evelyn, mother of ESSENCE's beauty and style director Pamela Edwards Christiani

My mother once told me that it’s corny to buy the same item in multiple colors and for some reason it stuck with me. She’s also a huge fan of my style so she’s always encouraging me to “do you, boo!” 
- Dawn, mother of ESSENCE.com's producer/fashion writer Dominique Hobdy