When you’re a mom, it can be all too easy to put your own needs last, which often means that style is something you had pre-children. But, it doesn’t have to be that way – and it doesn’t always need a lot of effort. That’s why we’ve put this article together for you featuring outfits for mom (or grandma) if you have busy days of childcare, school runs, and running errands.

We haven’t thought about work too much with these outfits, but if you do need working day inspiration, you could take a look at classy business outfits or how to wear jeans and still look professional.

What to think about when putting together outfits for mom

Your own style

Just because you’re a busy mom, that doesn’t mean your own style has to go out of the window. If you haven’t done this yet, take a look at how to find your style personality with this quiz. Even if you’re just wearing a simply outfit of jeans and a t-shirt, you can always add elements of your style personality with your shoes or accessories.

Being comfortable

If you have a busy day with your kids, you’ll want to be able to move comfortably. Choose flat or low heeled shoes, and materials that stretch.

Does it go together?

To make life easy for yourself, build up a capsule wardrobe. That way, everything will go with everything else, and you can easily put together your outfits each morning – or set them out in the evening at the same time you set out any school clothes or uniform for your children. Take a look at our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

Luxurious materials

Casual doesn’t need to be boring. You can make it look and feel classier by opting for luxurious fabrics like satin, silk and cashmere. For instance, your jeans with a cashmere sweater, or your leggings with a silk tunic. Of course, if you’re dealing with small kids, you may opt for fabrics that are easily washable like polyester satin.

Invest in your casual basics

While it’s easy to be drawn to fancier items in the shops, be sure to cover your basics as you may wear these much more often. Really invest in what you wear the most.

Don’t forget your accessories

You can always wear a subtle necklace, small hoop earrings, studs, or a watch as jewelry. You’ll probably want a practical bag, like a tote to keep all your essentials in. But just because it is practical, that doesn’t mean it can’t stand out. Choose a bag in a bright color or an interesting print.

9 outfits for mom

Let’s start with 9 outfit ideas that you could put together. Read on, and you’ll see the outfits together in one capsule, so you can see how you can easily mix and match everything.

jeans and blazer

An absolute classic, and for good reason. Adding a blazer to your jeans instantly elevates an otherwise casual look. Choose a print t-shirt, and comfy sneakers. The Tretorn X J.Crew sneakers (below) are a collaboration with luxury sportshoe designers Tretorn, and they have an ortholite insole for comfort.

Jeans, tee and blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve BlazerJ.Crew Classic-Fit Montauk Graphic T-ShirtPAIGE Claudine High Waist Frayed Hem Flare JeansTretorn® X J.Crew Nylite sneakersJ.Crew Printed Reusable Everyday ToteArgento Vivo Huggie Hoop Earrings

dress and sneakers

You don’t have to stick to pants and leggings to be comfy. A dress is a great alternative for summer. Just make sure your dress isn’t too tight, or that it is stretchy so you can move. Wear with a denim jacket if you need extra warmth.

To go from day to evening, just add heeled sandals and statement jewelry. Take a look at the best shops for contemporary jewelry from Etsy for inspiration.

Outfits for mom - Denim jacket, dress and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Louisa Lady Denim JacketTed Baker London Opalz Puff Sleeve Midi DressTretorn® X J.Crew Nylite sneakersTory Burch McGraw Leather ToteArgento Vivo Huggie Hoop Earrings

tunic and leggings

Leggings are the ultimate in comfort. Wear them with a long tunic – look out for a shirt or long top with a special fabric or print – and team with sneakers or loafers.

Outfits for mom - Tunic and leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Masai Copenhagen Gila Floral Stripe Cotton Poplin Tunic TopZella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket LeggingsOn Cloud 5 Running ShoeTory Burch McGraw Leather ToteArgento Vivo Huggie Hoop Earrings

cardigan and wide leg jeans

You may not want a structured jacket. But, you can get a look that is just as smart with a cardigan. Look out for a cardigan that is structured like a short jacket, and wear with a camisole underneath.

Outfits for mom - Cardigan, lace cami top and wide jeans | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Emilie Patch-Pocket Stripe Sweater Lady JacketThe Drop Natalie V-Neck Lace Trimmed Camisole1822 Denim High Waist Drapey Classic Shirt Wide Leg JeansLifeStride Tango Wedge SandalLongchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote BagGucci Interlocking Stud Earrings

coatigan

An alternative to the shorter cardigan (shown above) is a longer cardigan designed to look like a coat, but offering more stretch. Wear with your jeans, leggings or slim pants.

Outfits for mom - Coatigan, shirt, flared pants and loafers | 40plusstyle.com

ANRABESS Open Front Cardigan JacketTreasure & Bond Drapey Classic ShirtATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Rib Ankle Flare PantsFranco Sarto Balin Platform LoaferLongchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote BagKurt Geiger London Fabric Link Chain Necklace

jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is a perfect choice if you don’t want to think about putting separates together. Just make sure the material is flowy or stretchy to keep you comfortable all day, and that it’s easy to get on and off. Then, you can easily style as formally or casually as you need by wearing with sneakers, flats or heels, a cardigan, moto or denim jacket, or a blazer.

Outfits for mom - Cropped cardigan, jumpsuit and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

COS Cropped CardiganCOS Wide Leg JumpsuitKurt Geiger London Eagle Stud EarringsLongchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote BagDean Davidson Signature Checkered Semiprecious Stone Pendant Necklace

trendy denim

Jeans are a staple of busy moms’ wardrobes. So, think about updating your denim. Look out for a trendy pair of jeans that will give a simple jeans and t-shirt, or jeans and blouse, outfit a new look.

Moto jacket, peplum top and trendy denim wide jeans | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Elora Cropped Suede Biker JacketVeronica Beard Randa Floral Surplice Silk TopFRAME Front Slit Raw Hem Wide Leg JeansKurt Geiger London Eagle Stud EarringsTory Burch McGraw Leather ToteGucci Interlocking Stud Earrings

midi skirt and moto jacket

You’ve already seen a dress in our round-up, but also think about separates. A loose-fit midi skirt will be super comfortable. Wear with your favorite tank top, t-shirt or sweater, and add a moto jacket to keep your look modern.

Moto jacket, tee, midi skirt and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Elora Cropped Suede Biker JacketBoden Boxy Stripe T-ShirtCaslon Linen Midi SkirtTretorn® X J.Crew Nylite sneakersTory Burch McGraw Leather ToteGucci Interlocking Stud Earrings

print pants

Everything else we’ve shown you so far has featured a print on your top half, but doing things the other way round works fabulously too. A pair of print pants and a plain top work particularly well during the summer months.

Also look at how to wear printed pants in a chic way.

Denim jacket, white shirt, printed pants and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Louisa Lady Denim JacketBoden Kimono Sleeve Linen ShirtBoden Relaxed Linen Pull On PantsTretorn® X J.Crew Nylite sneakersLongchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote BagDean Davidson Signature Checkered Semiprecious Stone Pendant NecklaceKurt Geiger London Eagle Stud Earrings

trackpants

When it comes to comfort, a pair of track pants will definitely give you room to move, walk, and run, or whatever you have planned with your kids. Look out for a t-shirt with an interesting shape to go with them, like the twist-front top by Zella (below).

Jacket, tee, tracksuit and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Zella Studio Luxe Performance JacketZella Twist Front T-ShirtZella Live In Pocket JoggersKurt Geiger London Laney Eye SneakerLongchamp Medium Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote BagKurt Geiger London Eagle Stud Earrings

your outfits for mom together in one capsule

You can see all the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can change the different clothes and shoes around to get lots of different looks. You could tuck the shirts into either of the wide leg jeans, wear the moto or denim jackets over the jumpsuit, or wear the camisole under the blazer for a smarter look, for example.

Mom outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Shop the outfits for mom below:

Continue reading:

  1. 9 Ways To Wear A Blazer With Jeans For Day Or Night
  2. Outfits For Summer: The Summer Capsule Wardrobe You Need This Season
  3. Business Casual Attire For Women That Hits Just The Right Balance Between Formal And Casual

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Outfits for mom - what to wear when you're a busy mom | 40plusstyle.com
Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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