Mamas, we've been getting requests from our readers to update last year's article on the 11 Mom-Drobe Fashion Essentials for Spring/Summer 2011. In it, we advised our readers to get a great maxi dress, find one perfectly chic Spring jacket, figure out how to rock shorts, and to embrace flare denim, stripes, printed tops, TOMS, cool, flat sandals and scarves.
A year later, that article continues to be the best place to start for mamas rebuilding their wardrobes. Trends really haven't changed much. You can still count on a maxi dress, a chic jacket will always save an outfit, flares are hard-rocking, and I wear my TOMS daily. Also? A shout-out to printed tops. Still going strong.
So what has changed for 2012?
In a word, color.
(photo credit: Gap.com)
This Spring brings new, colorful, approaches to getting dressed that even the most color-adverse can love. And there are a couple of new silhouettes whose mom-drobe possibilities have me excited.
Go Get Some: Colorful Accessories
Whether or not you bought into the bright-denim trend (and I love it for Spring/Summer)...you can still perk up your existing summer basics by rocking a few bright accessories. And by "a few" I mean at least three. Three bright accessories keeps the look cohesive. My new favorite accessory combination? Bright sunglasses + bright pedicure + a big 'ol bright bag.
But, you know. Do it your own way. There are really no wrong answers here*.
J.Crew Selina Sunglasses | J.Crew Skinny Leather Belt | Lucky Brand Laced Fringe Abbey Road Cross-body Bag | Dannijo Lindsay Friendship Bracelet | Carlos Santana Tye-Dyed Bag | Stella & Dot Serenity Necklace | Essie Mango Bango
*Another right answer? Do the whole thing in soft pastels (perfect for color-haters). Or even...neon. But if you are a neon-loving Mama, I'd keep the neon accessories to a max of two. Otherwise...walking highlighter?
Add In: A Chambray Shirt
This shirt was on fire last year, and probably should've been part of my original list. However, it took me some time to realize the staying-power (and the usefulness) of this light-weight denim shirt. The secret to it is this: it is THE perfect counterpoint to all of the bright and patterned. And bonus? It looks amazing with shorts.
Find one that that is soft, and has sleeves that easily roll up. I love Madewell's, below, but these shirts are currently available everywhere.
Try: A High-low Skirt
Ive also heard these skirts referred to as "mullet skirts"...but they are actually the exact reverse of a mullet: party in the front...all bizness* in the back.
*moms are the bizness, amiright?
Here's the thing: these skirts show off cute shoes, a little bit of leg, but won't leave you anxious about accidental bum exposure while picking up the kiddos, bending over to tie shoelaces, babywearing, etc.
Just make sure that the fabric is printed on both sides. Some of the cheaper versions are only printed on the outside...letting the white liner show in the front view.
Free People at ASOS | Forever 21 Sheer Floral | Target Knit Skirt
Trust Me: A Peplum Top*
This trend can either be sharp and sophisticated or flowy and boho. Both are fabulous. And both will transform your old momiforms. Wear this top with shorts, pencil skirts, flares, cropped denim - anything, really.
Curvier mamas should look for a structured peplum top that shows off a tiny waist. But no matter what your body type, finding a peplum top that highlights the smallest part of your torso (even if that's your rib cage) is the key to wearing this trend. So if one top doesn't work....try another. You might be surprised.
*Or? A peplum skirt. Looks rad with a plain white tee and flat, fun sandals.
ModCloth Coral Coasts Top | NY & Co. White Peplum Top | Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Peplum Top | ASOS Orange Floral Lace | Tahari Knit Top
Be Happy: In Happy Pants (aka Printed Denim)
Denim makers are finding new ways to make us covet denim (damn them!!). They've colored it and waxed it and now? They've printed it. With fabulous, fabulous prints*. There's leopard, snake, tye-dye, ikat, floral, graphic, polka dot and some prints I don't even have a name for. Scared? Try this trend in baby steps - Forever 21 has a very toned-down version of leopard print jeans for $25 and Target is still stocked with my favorite 80's floral-print shorts for $17 and Delia's has a pair shockingly similar to Current/Elliott...but for $40 instead of $200 (I make no promises about fit, Mamas).
This trend is, hands-down, the easiest way to perk up a t-shirt and jeans mom-uniform. Why? Because printed denim looks best with a simple white tee. (Although, M has some other fabulous ideas on how to wear printed denim here....) Come winter, throw a dark, fuzzy sweater on over these happy pants and be...uh...happy? (Clearly, I have a way with words.)
Here are my current favorites....
Current / Elliott Lemongrass Dot | Joe's Geranium Tribal Print | Joe's Baltic Wash | Paige Verdugo Leggings in Tumble
*I have the Paige's in Tumble wash. They are, hands-down, Raines favorite pants that I own. "WOW MOM!! YOUR PANTS ARE AWESOME!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!" Yeah. Mom is cool. Not sure why that's so hard to believe, however....
xo,
S
