What to Wear: Stay at Home Mom

Sometimes, dressing well can be surprisingly simple. It’s often just a matter of getting a few nice things and knowing what looks good on yourself. Here is Ashley’s question:

I am a stay at home mom of a two year old little girl so I feel completely out of the loop as far as fashion is concerned! I really do try to stay abreast and your blog has been one of my tools to do so.

Here is my delimma: Since I had my little girl I have lived in Bozeman, Montana and Springfield, Missouri. Both places are, of course, not the fashion capitals of the world and frankly people could care less about what the trends are. But, now we are moving back to my home town near Atlanta, Georgia and I will be going and doing a lot more things than I have the last two years. I will be back with all my old friends and family, most of whom are pretty stylish people. I really want to look like a pulled together, hip mom. I have been scouring the web for cute outfits and pieces and I have found several things that I like, but I am having a really hard time putting together outfits. I really have to many questions to even begin to ask.

Would it be possible for you to help me put together a couple of outfits with mix and match pieces for a mom of a toddler who wants to look like she has a life outside of mommyhood? I am definitely working on a budget and would really appreciate affordable pieces, so that I could actually buy them. I am thinking along the lines of Target and Forever 21. I am 5’2″ and 107lbs. I have blonde hair and blue eyes and pretty fair skin. I know this is a tall order, but I know all the stay at home moms out there would really appreciate your help!

My recommended formula is pretty basic: comfy/cute shoes + well fitting pants/jeans + top + jacket/coat + jewelry = classy mom. Throw in a dress or two and you’re set. Look at Angelina Jolie, she wears jeans and black t-shirts all the time. I’ve mixed a couple “trendy” pieces in here, but they’re not as important as the basics:

Jeans – Old Navy has some cute looking pairs.
Shirt – I think I saw someone wearing this today, with the sash belted in the back. A black button up shirt has got to be the easiest way to look polished.
Blazer – I love the bold, but muted, plaid of this blazer from La Redoute.
Sneakers – These slip on chucks are so chic to me.
Dress – A simple sweater dress is easy to throw on with tights for a lunch with friends or other event.
Boots – A simple pair of boots from Target really elevate the knit dress.
Purse – From Forever21.

Starting to build your wardrobe with black and grey will make it easier once you feel more comfortable and want to add colors. Or you can play with adding bright jewelry and accessories as a start.