When I think mom style, my mind immediately goes to the classic ’90s mom jeans (you know, the ones before they were “cool”) or a tired mom wandering around in yesterday’s pajamas (which is really just her husband’s oversized tee and sweatpants) covered in spit up.
My mind resonates heavily with the latter because for a long time, that was me. Not that there is anything wrong with a cozy tee and outrageously comfortable pants, but I learned through experience that there is a time and place.
Mom Style
With three kids three and under, the days I would actually “get ready” were fewer and further between. It got to the point where getting myself ready for church made me feel like a completely different person. I did not recognize that woman in the mirror! It felt like I didn’t have enough time or mental energy to be creative to put together an outfit.
Had I lost myself?
My sister and I would take a break from the kids on the weekend and go to the store and buy a whole bunch of random things. What felt like great buys at the time did not translate into clothes that would last beyond a season. I felt like I was constantly spending money yet never finding my style.
That was about six years ago when I first started blogging (over at Nicole Fergesen, but go easy on the archives would you?…). I started a series in an attempt to inspire myself to actually get ready for the day called #igotdressedtoday. It was then I discovered the simple recipe to my mom style. I am super pro-embrace your season and who you are, but I needed to find myself again. I needed to feel beautiful and put together more than once a week.
In an effort to figure out who I was as a woman who was also now a mom, I found my style. Like, good mom style. I am not talking super trendy, I am talking timeless, tons of bang for your buck, and chic, even if all you’re doing is chasing a kid around a park or grocery shopping.
Here’s a cheater’s guide to my mom style capsule wardrobe
40 outfits with 15 items
I quickly put together more than 40 outfits with only these 15 items, and I am sure I could get more! 4 tops, 2 one pieces, 4 bottoms, 3 outer layers, and 2 footwear.
Now listen, and really hear me here. Sometimes, especially in this case, it is worth investing in quality pieces. They will last, keep their fit, and look great! Fewer clothes, but better clothes. I learned this the hard way. (I am looking at you, expensive leggings…). So yes, it is more money upfront, but you will save in the long run. Promise. And you won’t feel the need to shop all the time because you already own the right things, so truly money saved! Most of what I linked above are direct links to my favorite items. Some are very similar ones because they are so old they no longer make them.
No-Brainer Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
I am not lying when I say this is what I wear 90% of the time. My husband asked the other day why I wear the same clothes when I have a whole closet full… Listen. When you have figured out what works, is easy to throw together, why mess with it? You can see all levels of outfits above ranging from a comfy outfit to take the kids to a playdate, all the way to church or date night chic. The key is dressing up or down the same items with a simple change of footwear or outer layer!
My other piece of advice would be to get some simple jewelry to spice it up. My favorites are these necklaces from Madewell or Target, or the Kendra Scott one I am wearing below! Throw in some simple studs and you are good to go.
So what do you think? Are you going to give it a shot? Which outfit are you going to try first? I always recommend great leggings or joggers, a tee, and denim jacket and white sneakers to start, but it depends on your daily life. (see below- same tee as recommended above in black. I have it in white too…it is that good!).
// Related article // Busy Mom’s Fall Capsule Wardrobe //
For more outfit and style inspiration, go follow me over at Nicole Fergesen or my liketoknowit.
