5 Fall Trends Moms Can Wear Everyday

Yes, I know.  I trashed 2009's Fall trends pretty good in my post, The Uninspired, The Unflattering, The Trends of Fall 2009.  But the truth is, while the runway does influence trends, it certainly doesn't dictate them.  At the end of the day, stores stock clothes, shoes and accessories that people want to buy.  Which is why, YEARS after the return of the skinny jean, you can still find amazing boot-cut jeans in stores.  We like 'em.  We buy 'em.

So.  Despite all of my 2009 runway hate, there are some new-ish Fall trends out there that moms can take advantage of.  The trends below are ones that I've deemed "mom friendly" because they can be worn everyday (with the kiddo around), there is a good selection in stores, and they come in a wide range of prices.   

1. Ruffles

Ruffles have been making an appearance for the last few seasons, and this fall is no exception.  I love that you can find ruffles on everything from comfy cotton shirts and cozy sweaters, to silky date night tops.  My favorite picks for moms are pictured above. 

First is the Gumshoe Sweatercoat, $168, from Anthropologie.  Sweatercoats are an amazing way to look pulled together fast.  Just slide on on over your spit-up stained t-shirt and go.  No one will be the wiser.

Second is the Ruffled Hoodie From Old Navy, currently on sale for $20.  This hoodie comes in a wide range of colors.  I love the combo of girly ruffles on a basic hoodie.

Lastly, J. Crew's Tissue Ribbed Ruffle Henley, $39.50, is a great choice for nursing moms.  Or any mom, really.  I love this henley peeking out from a v-neck Grandpa cardi.

2.  Eternity Scarf / Snood / Circle Scarf / Tube Scarf

  

Ok - let's get our terminology right.  A circle, eternity, or tube scarf is all the same thing:  a scarf with the ends sewn together, resulting in a circle that you simply loop around your neck.  Like a long, fuzzy, warm necklace.  A Snood, is basically the same thing, however the panels are wider, allowing one to then pull it up over their head.  Think of a snood as a scarf + hood combo.

The advantage, especially for moms, is ease.  If you've ever had the ends of your scarf get tangled up as you bent to pick up the baby, the circle scarf eliminates the problem. 

Above left is Echo's Single Infinity Scarf, $45 at Bloomingdales.  This one is thick and shorter than most, so just pull it right over your head.  The pink is very on-trend, but it also comes in a dark purple and black.  

Next is Shopbop's Bop Basics Thick Knit Eternity Scarf, $68 at shopbop.com.  I love the cable knit, and this scarf also comes in ivory and black.  (NOTE:  Bop Basics also has a to-die-for cashmere version for $175.) 

Lastly, I'm loving Topshop's Fairisle Snood, $44.  I love the old-school, classic print in this updated shape.

3. Plaid

  


Plaid is so huge this season, you can literally get in anything: tops, pants, bags, shoes, hats, scarves, etc.  You name it, they've made it plaid.  I'm also a big fan of the now ubiquitous plaid boyfriend shirt - if you love that look, then now is the time to rock it!  You can find the plaid boyfriend shirt everywhere.  However, the plaid selection is so huge this season, I wanted to focus on some plaid looks in some unique silhouettes.

First up, AE's Plaid Ruffle Tunic, $39.50, is a slightly more feminine version of the plaid flannel shirt.  The cut is pretty lean, so I would order a size up - it looks best when a bit over-sized.  Pair with skinny or straight leg jeans, or for a really comfy option, throw it on over leggings.

Next is Marc Jacob's Little Plaid Jersey Tee, $148 at Saks.  As most of you know, I love inspired, unique T-shirt options, and this is one of my fav's.  Wear with anything.  If the price is too steep, Martin+Osa have a version that is similar for $69.

Lastly, Heritage 1981 has this adorable plaid romper for $22.90.  Every once in a while I like to highlight a look that pushes most moms out of their comfort zone...and I realize that a romper is one of these items.  But trust me. This is a very cool look - throw it on over leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt and add tall boots and a slouchy cardi for warmth.  SO cute.  This is another piece that you don't want to fit too tight...I'd order this one a size up also.

But seriously - there are so many great plaid options out there, you can afford to take your time and be picky.  Find something you adore.

4. Straight Leg Cords

I always love cords for fall, and I'm really loving cords updated in a straight leg silhouette.  However, I know that not all of you share my love of skinny pants, so I did include a fabulous boot-cut option.

Above left is J. Brand's 14" midrise cord in chocolate, $158 at revolveclothing.com.  These cords have a slightly mom-friendly higher rise, and a good butt.  I also love the dark chocolate color and the way these cords almost look like velvet.  Cozy, cozy, cozy.

Next are Gap's Real Straight Cords, shown in Fawn for $54.50.  For the more adventurous, I also love them in the dijon color (aka bright yellow).

Lastly, for those of you who always comment back and ask for a not-skinny option, I am also loving Gap's Boot Cut Cords, $54.50, shown in Bordeaux.  The bordeaux color is great - you could pair it with black, camel, brown, anything. 

5. Slouchy Cardigans

 
 

A slouchy cardi is what you reach for when you need something warm, but can't quite face the winter jacket just yet.  It also doubles as fabulous lounge-wear around the house.  I really love these over a simple tshirt, with skinny jeans tucked into great big 'ol slouchy boots.  Again, more skinny jean love.  But YES - the slouchy cardi will also work with straight leg or bootcut jeans, but please make sure they are sleek.  This is not a good pairing with boyfriend jeans.  

First up, Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Kimono Sleeve Cardigan, $295 at piperlime.com.  This is pricey, but super cozy boho fabulousness.

Next, for a cardi that is a little less overwhelming, but still slouchy-fab, try J. Crew's Trentino Cabin Cardigan, $138.  I have watching this cardi, stalker-like, for several weeks now and debating the purchase...and they've now sold out of my size.  Sob!  So if you love it, don't wait. 

Lastly, the Shawl Collared Cardigan, $34.80 at Forever 21 is a great choice for hiding a poochy stomach, and would even work well for pregnancy (until, of course, the very end).  

Happy Fall Shopping!

xo,

S

Comments

[RookieMom Whitney]

Wow - so many suggestions all in one post. (I'm not so generous with my readers :-))

I have a plaid tunic from Anthro that I love. I wear it over black leggings and I feel ten years younger. In fact, I was wearing it and was mistaken for ten years younger. Wahoo!

Just bought skinny-ish cords at J. Crew. My first foray into the world of skinny. Again, I think it looks youthful. Appropriately so.

I'm going to go follow many of these links. Love the circle scarf for moms suggestion.

[rachel]

Love the ideas - so many trends that I am not sure I can do but I love these suggestions.
The circle scarf is great and I love the choice of ruffles - not too over the top.
I will be checking these babies out.
rachel

[Amy]

Okay, I've been avoiding the plaid (makes me feel like I'm back in middle school and Nirvana is playing on the bus), but you've convinced me. I'm on a mission to find a tunic, wearable with jeans or leggings and tall boots, on my next shopping trip!

[jordan 2011]

Beautiful!!! You truly have an eye for colour.