A Modish Mom’s Style Guide to the Morning Rush

I’m ugliest in the morning. I wake up looking like a mole-covered forest creature with spiderweb hair and sleep creases on my cheeks. Let’s not even discuss my dragon breath. I have precisely 45 minutes to get two little girls ready for school completely uncaffeinated. In the past, I have grabbed my cheap Costco leggings and a pullover with flip flops or Uggs. I am #basic like that. In an attempt to do my boutique personal styling business a justice though, I have curated a selection of mix and match pieces (a style guide, if you will) at an affordable price point to make us modish moms look damn fine in the drop-off line. 

Pants

Three styles that lend themselves to chic and easy dressing are leggings, joggers, and jeans. Leggings are the most coveted bottom; moms show more loyalty to their favorite brand of leggings than their hair stylists. Over the past five years of momming hard, I’ve kissed a few frogs. While my heart belongs to Costco, I have many clients that swear by LOFT and Zella Live In. 

Joggers may never replace the ease of leggings, but they are a close second. Z Supply offers a jogger in magnet and teak (read: gray and tan) adorned with ties on cinched ankles. These can easily be paired with a classic button-down shirt, flannel, leather, or denim jacket on top.

I always plug Old Navy jeans because they check all the boxes: variety of sizes (ranging 0-20 in regular, petite, and tall), reasonable price point under $50, and impressive suck-em-tuck-em power in the seat and thighs. My go-to style is the Rockstar Jegging solely because they have a yoga waistband (cue all the moms fainting). 

Dresses 

In my opinion, nothing looks more effortless than a casual dress. Shirt dresses and straight silhouettes offer the most versatility. The denim popover dress shown from Gap is multi-season-friendly and can be worn with ANY accent color or pattern. I own this boatneck dress and style it with flats and a statement necklace on the fly. Skipping makeup and hair? Both of these dresses are equally as darling with a baseball cap and denim jacket. In addition, I purchased an Eileen Fisher t-shirt dress on a whim, and it became an instant favorite. The black dress featured is buttery soft and as luxurious as bathing in lavender with a glass of wine surrounded by candles and the tunes of Savage Garden.

Tops and Sweaters

It’s a good practice to stock up on t-shirts that fit and wash well. I am certain many moms would prioritize the length when searching for basic tees and tanks. These tees, presented in a wide range of colors, are mom-bod approved. 

If it was socially acceptable (and, of course, stylish) to publicly wear a snuggie, I would own one in every color. Since I am working to avoid the Lululemon-clad moms who LOL and ROFL at me in Facebook group chats, I’ll opt for tunic sweaters because they offer the comfort of a snuggie with the panache of a Mercedes. The featured sweater from Savvy Chic Boutique is under $70 and would slay all day with any shade of denim or leggings.

Is athleisure your jam? I scored this Zella wrap sweater during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and have already worn it with the golden trifecta of pants mentioned above. The simplicity of this knotted pullover flatters every figure from XS to XXL!

Outerwear

Michigan’s unpredictable weather has me playing musical chairs with my coats during the school year. My fall and spring staples are a basic trench coat and blazer. November through March marks the least stylish months of my life where I roll in wearing an adult-sized bunting that hides my pajamas. However, on the days I am feeling fierce, I have a killer statement coat. The one featured in the collage is available this month at Savvy Chic Boutique, and I guarantee this style is going to fly off the racks everywhere.

Shoes and Accessories

Minimal accessorizing of the above items can be done tastefully with the addition of a few key pieces. Mom life inevitably delays hair-washing. For this reason, I always keep a few trendy hats in my closet for those quick runs to the school and grocery store. In the summer, I wear a straw fedora from Banana Republic. During the cooler months, I sport a tan wide brim felt hat from Target. I plan to add a black iteration to my wardrobe from Etsy in the fall. 

Delicate necklaces are HOT this year. They add a subtle polished flair to basics and beyond. I’m crushing on the Stella & Dot Kari Layered Necklace. Similar styles can be found in the Universal Thread line at Target and Baublebar. Stock up, layer, and pair them with stacking rings to create the ultimate statement. 

Every woman should own leopard flats. The classic Sam Edelman pair I have selected can be worn with EVERY clothing item in this post. As the seasons turn, opt for a trendy ankle boot. Sole Society has a voguish collection of booties in a myriad of heights and textures. While I wish we could all saunter around in these beautiful pieces year round, the reality is…winter is coming. If you haven’t done so already, invest in a pair of tall, fleece-lined winter boots, like this Sorel pair. At the end of the day, nothing is sexier or more stylish than a mom who’s warm. And confident. And well-rested. But mostly warm.

What’s your go-to style for the morning rush?!