As a mom of three I've found I spend less and less time putting myself together on a daily basis. It's not that I've lost my desire for fashion, but that the quick pace of parenthood has left me prioritizing work or my kids over my own appearance. On lazy Sundays I'm perfectly happy wearing no makeup and rocking a messy bun while spending the day in leggings and a t-shirt, but most other days I want to look put-together without the time commitment.
Lucky for me I spend a great deal of time on Instagram connecting with super stylish mamas who always look put-together, and make it look easy and effortless. The amount of outfit inspo coming across my desk is amazing! 🙌
With all of this fabulous inspo and my desire to look and feel more put-together, I decided to do a little experiment. For 1 week I took inspiration from 6 stylish ladies and applied it to my own wardrobe. Now of course I didn't want to spend a fortune buying new clothing for this post, so I adapted each outfit to classic pieces that can be found in *most* wardrobes.
Each outfit is geared around a statement piece or cool take on how to wear something differently. The best part... each outfit is simple enough to put together in a minute or two. No complicated combinations and nothing that requires a fancy hairstyle. A messy top knot or quick pony will look great with each look!
Take a look through the 6 key looks below.
// Outfit 1: The Moto Jacket //
photo credit: Merrick's Art
Moto jackets are great because they elevate your look in an instant. Currently it's trendy to pair your moto with sneakers for a cool, modern look.
Key elements to this look:
- Moto jacket in leather, suede or any faux material
- T-shirt
- Skinny jeans
- "Dressy" sneakers (AKA any sneaker you wouldn't actually go for a run in)
// Outfit 2: The Floral Tee //
photo credit: KB Styled
As you probably already know, jeans and a t-shirt are such a go-to for moms. I love how Brooke from KB Styled upped the ante with her floral t-shirt and Addidas sneakers. Her style choices took a basic look to street-style-cool.
Key elements to this look:
- Floral or printed t-shirt
- Skinny jeans with ripped knees
- Vintage athletic sneakers
// Outfit 3: The Knit Dress //
photo credit: Latisha Springer
Whether you're pregnant or not, a fitted knit dress is always flattering. It's a simple piece to use as a base layer to add on to. I love how Latisha paired her striped dress with a denim jacket and sneakers for a casual yet put-together look.
Key elements to this look:
- Knit Dress
- Denim jacket or chambray shirt
- "Dressy" sneakers
// Knotted T-Shirt //
photo credit: @mrscassierea (Instagram)
Another fantastic way to up your jeans and t-shirt game is to add a knot to your t-shirt. I read a few months back that "the tuck" was out and it's now all about "the knot". While I still tuck my shirts all the time, I love the addition of the knot. It's a great way to make your beloved t-shirt feel new again.
Key elements to this look:
- Basic t-shirt (loose enough fit to knot on side)
- Casual denim (note the cuffs at the bottom– instantly adds a cool factor)
- Slide on sneakers or flats
// Athleisure + Baby Wearing //
photo credit: Patricia Chang NY
I have to give Patricia mad props for making baby-wearing look this cool. Her look is so effortless it appears she could have rolled out of bed like that (in a good way!), quickly wrapped her baby up, and ran downtown for a quick coffee date. All while looking amazing yet casual. 🙌
Key elements to this look:
- Joggers or leggings
- Fitted tank or t-shirt
- Satin bomber jacket
- Solly Baby Wrap
// The Utility Vest //
photo credit: @livinglifekelley (Instagram)
Vests are great for stepping up for style game. During the fall or winter months I live in my J Crew quilted vest. It literally looks good with everything. For spring and summer months a quick and easy update is the utility vest. I love how Brittany styled hers casually with soft denim and sneakers. Just adding that extra layer makes all the difference and takes your look from basic to style expert.
Key elements to this look:
- Utility vest
- Light wash denim
- white or soft grey t-shirt
- "Dressy" sneakers
What do you think mamas?! Can you apply these same key elements to your daily outfits?