Moms deserve to dress in an outfit they feel good about, especially day-to-day. During the fall, our standard go-to outfits are usually yoga pants and a utility jacket, but they simply aren’t cutting it.
Building a capsule wardrobe that makes you feel good about yourself without requiring too much effort is an easy confidence booster. Because the adage holds true: if you look good, you’ll feel good.
The key to creating a capsule wardrobe is choosing easy-to-wear, versatile pieces with a neutral color palette. (If color is your thing, ignore the “neutral” part.) Think outfits you can dress up or down by swapping out shoes and accessories. Imagine pieces adaptive enough to survive trends. Less closet chaos, more outfits.
Here are 10 staples to inspire your new fall capsule collection or top off your existing wardrobe.
Straight-leg jeans go with everything in your closet
Jeans pair fantastically with most pieces and will get their worth of wear by a long shot. Everyone needs a flattering, go-to pair of jeans.
In between sizes? The Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans by Good American are something magical. Like jeans straight out of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, they’re made in a one-size-fits-four fit. You’ll wear these through different seasons of life without another thought.
Trench coats are for days your outfit needs a plot twist
The long length of a trench gives your standard jeans-and-t-shirt an elevated look, while also meshing nicely with business casual or a cocktail dress. Bringing your kid to soccer practice at 8 am on a Saturday? It’s perfect for a crisp fall morning. Attending a long-sought-after concert with your beau that night? It works for that, too.
The Classic Cotton Trench Coat from Banana Republic is lightweight, which allows for layering in true fall fashion. Its water-resistant finish makes it even more adaptable for everyday use.
A classic tee will do all the heavy lifting in your wardrobe
There’s little a white (or black) tee can’t do. It’s absolutely deserving of a spot in all wardrobes for its simplicity and ease. Fits vary from boxy to cropped, boyfriend, V-neck, and slim fit — meaning there’s truly a tee for everyone.
If you’re not looking to have several white tees, choose one that’s flowy and comfortable. Something with a shape you’ll feel confident in on your best days and on your less-than-hot nights. The Air Tee from Everlane is made of super-light cotton and offers an oversized fit with longer sleeves and a square neck. Tuck it in or leave it out; it looks good either way. Wear it with jeans, sweats, skirts, a blazer, and/or any other way.
Black ponte leggings give comfort without compromise
There’s no way to have a complete wardrobe list for moms on the go without including a pair of leggings. They are simply downright necessary when you’re caring for children in some capacity.
Not all leggings are made equally, however. There are some high-quality leggings designed to enhance your figure, while others are made to last through only a few washes. The Full-Length Leggings from Spanx fall under the first category, featuring a contoured waistband with midriff compression and butt-lifting benefits. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and a hidden waistband pocket, minus that unflattering front seam.
Button-up shirts are effortless
At the mention of button-ups, some will recall the crisp, clean blouse worn by Mia Wallace in “Pulp Fiction,” the kind that must be freshly pressed to look decent. Well, in motherhood, there’s hardly any room to maintain a wrinkle-free shirt on busy days, so the one we’re suggesting is one that adds more texture, like the Casual Gauze Button-Up Shirt by Caslon.
Pair it with jeans, heels, eye-catching accessories, and a patterned bag for date night. Throw it over your shoulders for late afternoon walks or last-minute trips to the library. Tie it around your waist to cover your dirt-covered booty after an impromptu picnic. The options are endless.
A soft structured blazer will make any ‘fit look intentional
Blazers are considered third pieces in fashion as an item paired with a blouse and pants to make the outfit seamlessly look cohesive. However, they can also be a piece that you build your OOTD around, especially if you have one that’s low-effort, yet high style, like Zara’s ZW Collection Linen Blazer. Made from a linen and cotton blend, it has long sleeves and front flap pockets. Wear it over a tee or tank top with jeans, or black pants and a dressy blouse.
While blazers give the impression that intention was put into the outfit, they’re also a winning choice for comfort and convenience. Like the trusty tee, blazers come in a myriad of styles, including oversized, tailored, cropped, longline, peplum, cape, or more.
An A-line midi skirt is flattering while giving you breathing room
The style and length of midi skirts make them appropriate for brunch with family, and also for an office meeting, depending on how it’s styled. A-line skirts in general are one of the most flattering silhouettes, as it makes the waist look cinched, while flowing freely over the hips and thighs. For a bit of variation, opt for a rich neutral color like chocolate, olive, or camel.
Vince Camuto’s Women’s Pleated Pull-On Midi Skirt is the epitome of relaxed sophistication. Made with soft-pleated chiffon, it’s lightweight with an elastic back waistband, making for a comfortable, clean fit.
Wrap dresses will have you looking put-together in seconds
Wrap dresses are so casual, chic, and forgiving that you’ll find yourself wearing them for everything, from kids’ chorus concerts to holiday parties. It’s yet another piece you can dress up or down with the right shoes and accessories, which is always so very appreciated.
If you’re a podcast listener, chances are you’ve heard an advertisement about Quince. The Tencel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress from Quince is made from eco-friendly materials, is super soft, and like the A-line skirt, it accentuates the waist. It’s also available in sizes XS to 3X.
A structured crossbody bag will free up your hands
For a mom with kids living at home, of any age, having free hands is the equivalent of gold. With a crossbody bag, you can carry that benefit anywhere, literally. This item is truly part of a mom’s unofficial uniform (or it should be).
The Coach Pebbled Crossbody Bag, a Nordstrom exclusive, is a beautiful purse made from pebbled leather. It has a curved flap with interchangeable straps for different wear, and features the iconic Coach emblem on the front clasp. It comes in three neutral shades, including this Muted Olive one, which will pair beautifully with any outfit.
Ankle boots are proof that comfort & taste can coexist
You can never go wrong with a good pair of ankle boots in the fall. Plus, you’ll use them all winter. If you already own a pair, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. (Treating yourself is always a good idea.)
The Laguna Chelsea Boot from Sam Edelman is as comfortable as it is sleek. Available in sizes 5 to 14, in medium and wide, the boot features the classic Chelsea look with a refreshed utilitarian style. Bonus: it’s weather-proof.
A wardrobe refresh, because you deserve it
Creating a capsule wardrobe isn’t only about looking put-together, though it certainly helps. It’s about giving yourself the extra love and care you deserve before going about your day. It’s about pouring into your cup sometimes, because you’re so busy pouring into everyone else’s.
While capsule wardrobes consist of basic pieces, that doesn’t mean items have to be boring. Use our list as a guide and make it your own. Have fun with different colors, patterns, and textures. Because after all, your personality is what’s going to make your outfits shine.
We’re in this together.
