With school pick ups/drop offs and sports practices in full swing, I wanted to share a few easy mom-on-duty outfits I’ve worn lately! I aim for elevated casual -oftentimes with a baseball cap to conceal messy hair days- and comfort and layering is a must for our weather lately. Most of these also employ the simple “3 color” guideline which is helpful for keeping outfits looking cohesive!
1. structured jacket + jeans + sneakers
This has been a go-to smart casual outfit formula whenever I want to wear jeans and sneakers yet still feel put together. My jacket is old H&M, but the recent Mango one I reviewed works well here, or do a cardigan jacket for a more cozy relaxed feel!
This Amazon bodysuit tee continues to be a versatile basic that appears twice in this post. Such a good light layering piece – nice and soft, tucks in without any bulk, and is form-fitting without being tight or restricting. I sometimes wear the bottom part un-snapped and just tucked into my bottoms, but coming from someone who doesn’t like fussy items…it truly is very quick and easy to snap and unsnap!
2. jogger sweatsuit set + elevated accessories
This is the most petite-friendly jogger set out there I’ve found and comes in TONS of colors! The joggers have a retro-inspired, high waist and loose but slightly tapered fit, and the sweatshirt is relaxed with dolman sleeves. Gap also has hoodies and wider leg sweatpants in matching colors.
Gap XS petite bottoms are usually pretty loose on me, but the wider elastic waistband on these works, and I actually find the length to be pretty short. It fits well for me at 5 feet tall, but I wonder if taller petites might want to size up on the bottoms for a looser fit and extra length. I’d also go with a darker color next time to make this more practical around little kids.
To make a sweats set feel less frumpy, don’t overlook details like the shoes and bag. I would opt for a stylish pair of sneakers over gym shoes and added a pop of color here with my cap (a souvenir from Monoprix, which is like the Target of France).
3. Cardigan + Jeans + pop of color
I cannot get enough of the pop of red and burgundy trends this year! Mostly since this trend is actually so classic, and reminds me of looks that I loved 5, even 10 years ago. I love how relaxed and effortless the looser cardigan and jeans feel here, while paired with slightly more dainty, dressy accessories like sleek ballet flats and a small crossbody bag. Both of these were pre-owned online finds and now complete my years-long hunt for classic Chanel red pieces!
These jeans are one of the few “looser” cuts I’ve found that still come in the flattering high rise that my millennial self wants, plus an extra short inseam that petites can actually wear with flats & sneakers! See a comparison on me here of the Short vs Extra Short. The light wash is currently fully stocked.
4. Textured skirt + flats + layered sweater
Here’s the Sezane skirt and cardigan again that was reviewed back in this post! The skirt in size 2 is typically loose at my waist, but was perfect when I was feeling bloated and found this to be much comfier than jeans. The temps change 10-15 degrees while we’re out on the weekends, so a sweater over-the-shoulders that can be worn in the afternoons has been a must!
5. Cropped jeans + flats + cardigan over the shoulders
This is a variation on outfit #3, except with basic neutral colors and the sweater tied over the shoulders on a warmer afternoon. If you don’t like a long jean with flats, these are a nice option that are just a little wider than straight jeans. You can see my review and guide post here for the J.Crew Slim Wide jeans.
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