If you were to draw up a list in your head of who the most hardworking, inspiring women in your life are, likely many of them are also moms. It goes without saying (but is also worth mentioning) that raising children is no easy task. Regardless if you work in an office or stay at home, motherhood is a role worthy of recognition and requires a huge amount of patience, juggling, and dedication. With all of the crazy schedules and inevitable temper tantrums (yes, both at home and the office) personal style can become a lower priority. When crunched for time and short on inspiration, stylish moms turn to outfit-saving items that will quickly pull together an everyday look.
Ahead, 12 moms share the one wardrobe staple that consistently saves their outfit. These range from a one-and-done piece like a tailored jumpsuit, to a pair of pants that literally go with everything, all the way to the epitome of a perfect handbag. Hear from women who are entrepreneurs, fashion editors, and creative directors for inspiration on how you can invest in pieces that not only look polished and put together but can also be thrown on quickly and effortlessly. On that note: Happy Mother’s Day!
Molly Thompson, Co-founder Of The Kind Campaign
Her Outfit Saver
"They elevate the entire look and allow for me to go from playing blocks on the floor with the babes to a meeting for Kind Campaign to drinks with friends without having to think twice about my outfit. You can dress them up with heels or do a cute flat or a nice white sneaker — so easy and so versatile which is essential when you’re on the go."
Bo Carney, Owner of Mohawk General Store
Her Outfit Saver
"I love an easy oversized blazer. Nothing too fancy or tailored. I wear jeans and tees a lot so this is great to just throw over whatever I have on and instantly I look put together."
Brittany Hurdle Ewing, Freelance Consultant
Her Outfit Saver
"Wearing a shirt, dress, skirt, outerwear, or pants with visible buttons, will instantly make you look more polished! It sounds silly but the perception of buttoning up in some form looks as though you put in the effort, while somehow appearing effortless. A confusing methodology, I know. I also made the decision weeks after my son was born to get ‘dressed’ everyday, even if I wasn’t going anywhere. It’s really easy to fall into wearing workout gear around the house when your body isn’t quite the same, but getting ‘dressed’ actually does wonders for your self-confidence!"
Gillian Gorge, Tory Burch Public Relations Director
Her Outfit Saver
“Tory Burch’s Lee Radziwill Petite bag is my go-to. It’s small and structured, but spacious enough to hold everything I need. Better yet, it doesn’t get in my way when I’m chasing after my daughter…”
Sherri McMullen, Founder of McMullen
Her Outfit Saver
"My go-to looks and outfit-saving pieces are almost always black — that makes it easier for styling."
Dasha Faires, Creative Director
Her Outfit Saver
"I have had these high-waisted sailor trousers for almost four years and they have not failed me. I can wear them with sneakers or a block heel, a cropped sweatshirt or a blouse tucked in and they immediately make an outfit."
Christy Dawn Petersen, Designer
Her Outfit Saver
“Between running a business and raising two little ones, I need getting dressed to be effortless. I wear our signature Dawn Dress all the time! It’s an easy dress to throw on and be comfortable, but still feel beautiful, and you can really wear it anywhere.”
Monica Paolini, Sea Co-founder
Her Outfit Saver
"I am the biggest fan of a jumpsuit. You can dress it down during the day with a pair of sneakers. and then just add heels at night and feel totally put together. The best part is that you don’t have to think about what goes with what. It’s just one and done!"
Judith Jones, Fashion Editor At Who What Wear
Her Outfit Saver
"No matter how disheveled or tired I feed, I can always count on a trusty black blazer to look instantly polished. Whether I style it with jeans, a dress, or even over leggings and a tee, it's a quick, easy, and genuine "working mom" outfit saver!"
Kerry Pieri, Fashion Director At Harper's Bazaar
Her Outfit Saver
"This might sound obvious, but nothing helps me feel more put together than a pair of great fitting jeans. I’ll wear these with a silk blouse and knee high boots to the office, and then come home and switch to a heavier knit and sneakers for a walk with my baby and husband and never have to look like a wreck. Even when I feel like one."
Jennifer Camp Forbes, Founder And Creative Director At Le Fashion
Her Outfit Saver
"As a new mom I have found that statement button-down shirts work wonders in making me look and feel more put together. They instantly elevate jeans and leggings, plus the easy-access front makes them a godsend for breastfeeding."
Amy Levin Klein, Founder And Executive Director Of College Fashionista
Her Outfit Saver
"A classic trench coat has become my go-to piece as of late. I can hide pajamas underneath it if I am running to grab an early morning coffee with the baby or neighborhood stroll. I also wear it with a black leather pants and boots out to dinner with my husband. It's my favorite thing right now!"
