When I was pregnant I was telling everyone, including myself, that my life wasn’t going to change much at all when the baby arrived. That the baby would fit into my life, not the other way around.
Yes, I can hear all you other mum’s laughing at me from around the world saying “oh, how cute….”
One thing I didn’t expect was how much my wardrobe choices would change. Not because Mum’s dress different or your style has to change, but because everything becomes about practicality when you have a baby to carry around.
Like how now, I always choose clothes with as many pockets as possible. You know, so you can keep all those lovely half eaten snacks in.
Or clothes with the least amount of zips, buckles or buttons. (Or sometimes I choose clothes with the most because geesh they keep a baby occupied for hours!)
But when your wearing a baby in a carrier, big bulky jumpers or jackets just don’t work. Or when you’re bending over looking into or getting things out of the pram (or off the floor), low rise pants maybe aren’t the best choice.
Unless….you’re trying to bring back this look….
So here is my list of the 10 essential fashion items every Mom needs to have in their wardrobe to be practical, comfortable and stylish all at the same time.
1. A QUALITY SKINNY JEAN
I can’t stress the importance of a pair of jeans that are comfortable and good quality. Jeans can be worn for all occasions – they can be dressed up or dressed down – but they are one of the easiest things to throw on in the morning when you don’t want to have to think about what to wear. Let’s be honest, that’s pretty much every morning! I ALWAYS invest in a great quality jean.
True Religion Halle Mid-Rise Skinny Jean – $67.62
2. COMFY JOGGER PANT
Let’s be honest, we all just want to be comfortable, right? Sometimes, we just want to stay in our pajamas all day, right? But, sometimes we also have to go out in public and while there’s no law in going out in your pajamas, it isn’t really socially acceptable. Yet. For days when you just want to be comfortable get yourself a nice but stylish pair of jogger pants. More and more is active wear becoming a part of our daily fashion so take advantage!
Lee Active Performance Nova Jogger Pant – $29.36
3. LIGHTWEIGHT PULLOVER
A nice lightweight pullover is essential for cooler days when it’s too cool for just a t-shirt but you get too hot running around after the kids in an actual jumper or jacket. It can be hard to find a pullover that actually looks cool (as in trendy) and this one isn’t super-tight so you won’t feel all suffocated and restricted – you guys know what I’m talking about!
Stella & Dot Zipper Pullover – $89
4. SUPER CASUAL SUPER COOL T-SHIRT
I am THE biggest jeans and t-shirt kinda girl but totally for a good reason! If you can get the right t-shirt, with the right amount of slouch, the right amount of v-neck and the right amount of tightness, t-shirts can be pretty sexy. Yes, even on us mum’s! And they go with any kind of bottoms.
Casual Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee – $16.99
5. BIKER STYLE LEATHER JACKET
I have a confession to make. I am a leather jacket addict. I have many in my wardrobe. Leather jackets are just so cool. They are so great for winter, even though they don’t look warm (if you’ve never worn one) they generate some serious heat. I know I said you should be looking for clothing items without a bunch of buckles and zips but the practicality of a leather jacket outweighs the hardware that comes with them.
It’s another item that can be worn with anything and it can dress up or dress down an outfit. If you are someone who doesn’t like the idea of real leather, you always have the choice of a faux leather jacket. AND much cheaper – bargain for you! My three tips when choosing leather jackets – tight, short, biker.
Leather Planet Leather Jacket – $99
6. CUTE SWEATER
I love a nice, snuggly sweater. Though I find that a lot of sweaters are a little…fuddy duddy. Like what my nana would wear. But find yourself a nice little sweater and it will go with your jeans and jogger pants when the weathers cold and with your daisy dukes when the weather starts to warm up a little.
Cable Knit Heart Patch Sweater – $26.99
7. A DRESS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
I love a maxi dress because you can keep it super casual and wear it around the house or out to a play date but if you need something a little dressier, for date night with the Hubby for example, then pop on some sparkly jewellery, a cute belt around the waist and some heels and you’re good to go! I particularly love the colour of this maxi dress. And look! Pockets!
Short Sleeve Maxi Dress – $16.99
8. Shorty Shorts
I have to admit, my legs are not my favourite part of my body but when it gets a hot as it does here in Australia then it gets to a point where you just gotta get your legs out. I like denim shorts because they look like you made some sort of effort with your appearance but are still practical with all those pockets. Plus denim shorts make your butt look good!
Lucky Brand Mid-Rise Cut Off Denim Shorts – $49.50
9. “Make Me Look Fit” Sneakers
I personally love Skecher sneakers and have owned a quite a few pairs over the last few years. I find their sneakers super duper comfy but not overly “sporty”. I use them when I go for walks – lets not pretend I’m super fit or an athlete or anything. But considering the amount of time us mum’s spend on our feet, finding something mega comfortable and long lasting – oh and don’t forget super cute – is essential.
Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker – $39.99
10. Something To Slip On
I highly suggest also having a pair of go-to shoes without laces. Something that you can easily and quickly slip on when you’re in a rush is a blessing. If you don’t have a kid you’re probably thinking what the heck are you talking about, it’s just laces but try spending 30 seconds doing your laces up while your toddler is trying to get her hands on every “weapon” in the house. And of course, Tom’s Shoes helps someone in need every time you purchase a pair.
Toms Shoes – $49.95
So, that’s my list of wardrobe staples for any new mum or mum on the go (find me a mom that isn’t!). Do you have anything in particular that you just can’t do without in your mom wardrobe? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know what other mum’s out there are doing!
