As busy moms we have no time or energy to put into our outfits and yet, looking in the mirror everyday and seeing the same sweatpants with a hole in them just isn’t doing anything for your self esteem. This post is for the moms who want to look good without having to do much work. I will take you through how to have some basic pieces in your closet that will be timeless, last you forever and give you tons of cute and easy outfits.
What is Capsule Wardrobe? It is a collection of clothing items that can be worn multiple different ways to give you to endless outfit combinations while keeping things minimalist.
I’m a mom of 2 under 2 and a fashion graduate, ready to put my styling skills to good use to give you the ultimate busy mom’s guide to dressing well.
NOTE: It is all about the right fit and the right quality with building a capsule wardrobe. If you want these pieces to last and actually give you the effect you’re looking for, I would invest in high quality options with a focus on how they fit you. Going the extra mile to get them professional tailored to you is even better- especially if you’re intending to wear them often.
TOPS: white shirt
White shirts are so great because they give such a clean look to an outfit so simply and effortlessly. I would recommend having one- two good long sleeve and short sleeved options.
TOPS: bodysuit
A bodysuit is my favourite thing to wear as a layering piece or top because they give you the right fit without you having to worry about showing unwanted skin while you’re chasing after your kids. I like to get black or a neutral colour so that it is more versatile with different outfits.
BOTTOMS: blue jeans
There’s a reason Lorelei Gilmore wore jeans in almost every episode. Personally, I would rather have one good pair of jeans that fit me well and I feel comfortable in than 10 pairs of jeans that I hate wearing. Do some searching to find the right cut that works well for your body type. For me, I like a high-waisted, bootcut, mid-wash pair of jeans.
BOTTOMS : yoga pants
These are essential for on-the-go days where you want to look put together but also want something easy to move around in. I like to have these in a few dark colours and styles (straight leg, wide leg and a short). I also always like to get the ones with pockets because I’m always needing the extra cargo for my phone, keys, a diaper, etc.
BOTTOMS: trousers
You can dress these down for casual looks or dress them up to go out. It’s good to have a shorts option for warmer days and a pants option for colder days (or days you haven’t shaved). My favourite are these yoga pants hybrid ones that give the right look but are super comfortable.
BOTTOMS: the skort
The skort is the best invention in women’s clothing. There is nothing more uncomfortable for me than a skirt that I have to move like a robot in for fear of my buttocks making an invited appearance at brunch. Sports fix that problem but still let me be feminine and girly!
DRESSES: everyday dress
Dresses are easy to throw on and look put together without having to do much. Hello Pride and Prejudice doing your chores in a cute frock and also hi to wearing the same dress with a jacket & heels to go to an engagement party for that second cousin you don’t remember.
DRESSES: the little black dress
Every girl needs a black dress that is the go-to dress for an event. It’s so easy to switch up with different shoes and jewlery to look different each time.
JACKETS: leather jacket
Leather jackets are classic- they elevate any boring outfit. Black is always a good choice but I also love a good brown leather jacket- I think it’s from the years of my youth watching Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill rock one.
JACKETS: denim jacket
Denim Jackets never go out of style and they go with almost everything. Also, denim on denim is cool and I will die on that hill.
SWEATERS: knit sweater
Knit sweaters are a staple in any wardrobe, especially for chilly days. I love a button up, a pullover or a chic turtleneck. Just avoid ones that look like your grandmother’s- or don’t if that’s your style, rock on grandma.
SWEATERS: cardigan
Throw them over your clothes and easily take them off when you’re having a random hot flash in the middle of the day. Get a trench style one for a little extra something something.
SWEATERS: zip up
As a breastfeeding mom, these are a go-to. Another comfy but cute essential to have- the softer the better.
OPTIONAL: vest
These are not something that I would say every woman needs, however I personally would always include this. Sweater vests are really cute especially for layering on top of dresses and puffer vests are simply the best.
SUITS: ONE PIECE (JUMPSUITS)
I lived in jumpsuits during pregnancy and postpartum days- they are so free and they look great. You can go fancy with it or stick with the everyday overalls.
SUITS: TWO PIECE
The two piece suit is an outfit already put together for you or you can mix and match for multiple combos.
SHOES: the ballet flat
As a mom, you need to be able to run around in your shoes. The ballet flat goes with everything and looks professional while still providing function.
SHOES: the white sneaker
Reeboks are my go-to for any neutral sneaker because the quality is great and the price is affordable compared to other shoe companies. They have so many options- these are two that I adore.
SHOES: the black heel
Running after your toddler at a wedding as she heads for the antipasto bar to grab a fistful of shrimp? These shoes got you covered.
LOOKBOOK
Here are 10 examples of outfits that can be put together with this capsule wardrobe. It’s all about the accessories that you pair them with.
OUTFIT 01 Accessories: Leopard Print Rectangle Glasses, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick – Satin ‘HAZE’ Shade, Wine Red Crossbody Bag
OUTFIT 02 Accessories: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick- ‘POET’ Shade, Twisted Gold Hoops, Wine Red Shoulder Bag
OUTFIT 03 Accessories: Attitude Oceanly Blush Stick- ‘SILKY PINK’ Shade, Black Nonslip Headband, Beige Corduroy Tote Bag
OUTFIT 04 Accessories: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eu De Parfum, JW PEI Brown Shoulder Bag, Black Belt with Gold Buckle
OUTFIT 05 Accessories: Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush- ‘CHEIROSA 71’ Scent, Beige Diaper Backpack, Silk Beige Scrunchy
OUTFIT 06 Accessories: Amber Headband , Coffee Brown Leather Backpack, Attitude Oceanly Blush Stick- ‘GINGER’ Shade
OUTFIT 07 Accessories: Jumbo Claw Clip, Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush- ‘BUBBLE GUM’ Shade, Nude Slouchy Hobo Bag
OUTFIT 08 Accessories: Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighter- ‘ICED OUT’ Shade, Black Slouchy Hobo Bag
OUTFIT 07 Accessories: Beige Diaper Backpack, Flower Hair Clip, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick- ‘PEACHY NUDE’ Shade
OUTFIT 08 Accessories: Green Clutch, Green Suede Heels, Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow- ‘EMERALD’ Shade, Green and Gold Drop Earrings
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases*
If you wear any of these outfits or styling ideas, send me a picture by email ([email protected]) or Instagram @mombrainmondays & I will feature you in one of my posts! Thank you for coming along for the journey.
With love,
Emily