Next to Christmas, this is the happiest of time of year for a lot of us moms….because 1) our little slices of heaven GO BACK TO SCHOOL, and 2) Back-to-school shopping and 3) we get to get fully ready before 10am! The last one is particularly exciting because for a moment each day, we get to look like we actually have our *ish together at drop-off…well, most days at least!
The craziness of the school year though can bring on stress and anxiety. From pick up to drop off and in betweens, moms have to put on a lot of different hats! The one thing that should be effortless is your style. Build a wardrobe that is ready for whatever role we’re playing each day. And let’s be honest, you deserve to be your back-to-school best too!
Whether you’re a stay-at-home, a working-mama, a PTA mom, a whatever-you-want-to-be-Mom, here are 4 drop-off outfits that will get an easy A+ in chic, and ready for anything we have lined up for the day, while the kids are away. And I’ve thrown in a couple no-fuss looks for the little dudes in your life!
“Off to Pilates” mom
Leggings and workout gear were most likely our uniform all Summer. But come back-to-school, we’ll wear workout gear and actually get to go work out! Ready for a Pilates class (and a spin class), opt for flattering workout pants in a happy hue, relaxed tee and comfy sneakers. A balanced athleisure ensemble that will even hinder the judgments when you are still wearing the same look at pick-up!
what I’m wearing:
V-Neck Tee | Zella Leggings {similar on sale here} | Nike Shoes
“Heading to a meeting” Mom
If you’re juggling work & home life, keep your look classic and effortless. Start with solid pieces that will go anywhere and with anything, then pair them with something eye-catching like statement accessories or treated (coated or printed) bottoms. Try a bright bag or leather-like pieces that are on trend for the season and still appropriate without being distracting! A versatile white blazer and classic pumps also helps rounds out the ultimate power mom look.
what I’m wearing:
White Blazer | Spanx Leggings | Black Pumps | Rebecca Minkoff Bag
“Ready for Brunch with friends” Mom
Dresses have always been a staple and all around must-have in my wardrobe. It’s the easiest thing to pull out, and look pulled together! A fun shift dress with embroidered details is not only flattering on all shapes, but also easy to layer with a denim jacket over the shoulders or around the waist. Pair with a suede bootie for casual affairs or swap for heels for something more fancy. Impress stylish friends and school moms alike!
what I’m wearing:
Free People Dress | Vince Camuto Booties | Henri Bendel Crossbody Bag {c/o} | Sunglasses
“Effortless Cool style” Mom
If there’s one staple layering piece every women (especially moms) needs in her closet, it’s a good leather jacket, preferably a moto jacket. You can wear this classic yet trendy piece with everything, and up your status to mega cool mom. Wear it with your favorite distressed jeans, a flowy dress (long or short), a pleated skirt, stripes, or…literally anything else. Paired with basics like a stripe tee, a neutral skirt, a fun hat and booties, you have the perfect recipe for the coolest Fall look!
what I’m wearing:
Topshop Moto Jacket | Tan Skirt | Stripe Top | Peep-Toe Booties | Chanel Bag {similar version here}
Toddler Style
Now that we have moms inspired, we can’t forget about our little ones. But school attire isn’t too different from mom attire. Again, the key is comfort and function. When the day’s goal is to play and learn, four things are essential to my back-to-school shopping list…joggers, layers, a backpack and shoes they never want to take off!
Kids need room to grow and to move, and joggers never fail. Stock up on this mom-favorite for potty training graduates especially. They are the easiest to pull down and up, and guaranteed to fit all shapes and sizes.
Second to comfortable joggers are plaid, flannel or denim jacket! Pick one of these kid friendly layers to slip in his/her backpack. Layers not only make little ones look stylish but ready for changes in temperature or unexpected spills.
Also essential to a productive day at school is the perfect backpack; one that is appropriately sized to each child, and of course, in his or her favorite color. The right backpack will make or break the first day of school. Ok…not really. But a cute on will highly improve those “first day”’ photo opps.
And lastly, kids shoes! It is sometimes impossible to find a pair that fits well, but when you do, BUY MULTIPLES! Stick with neutrals sneakers for the most wear in day-to-day and school activities.