Before my daughter was born, it was important to me to make sure that I could still invest in my personal style once she arrived. I didn’t want to lose that part of myself to the hustle and bustle of motherhood, and having a stylish yet mom-friendly wardrobe has helped me stay true to that promise.

If you’re a mom, you know your time to head out the door is almost always limited. From getting the kids ready, to making sure your diaper bag is stocked, to making breakfast, to getting everyone out the door – you’re left with just enough time to grab the first thing you see in your closet and rush out. I know that for me, having something quick, comfortable and cute is a must. Whether you proudly sport those “Mom Jeans” or not – it goes without saying that moms can be stylish too!

Today, I’m sharing with you some of my essential pieces that will help you feel put-together, comfortable and confident while you’re juggling your long list of mom duties.

 

It's a well-established fact that having a good pair of versatile, year-round jeans is essential to any wardrobe. When shopping for the perfect pair of denim pants as a mom, I always look for two things: the perfect length – a hem that skims right below my ankles – and the perfect stretch, to make sure that I can move freely in them. I’ve also been really enjoying high rise jeans that help tuck in my “mommy pooch” and don’t have to be pulled up all the time! From running after my toddler, to squatting down to get things off the floor, to picking up my baby, having a pair of denim that has great stretch and the right rise and length will give you the comfort you need for your daily tasks.

I also love to have a good pair of boyfriend-fit jeans on hand. Their laid-back vibe works so well for those days when you’re on the go and need a loose-fit pant but still want the casual feel of jeans.

Denim doesn’t just have to mean pants though! A great denim jacket in your wardrobe is a staple piece that goes with literally anything. I wear mine year-round, whether it’s over maxi dresses or a flannel shirt. The perfect balance of laid-back and tailored makes throwing on a jean jacket instantly transform you into the cool mom on the block.

 

Maxi dresses have always been my go-to, especially in the summer months – who wants to wear pants when it’s a flaming 90°F all summer long? (Welcome to the south!) I found a renewed appreciation for them when I got pregnant and now being a mom. They are easy, quick and ever-so-stylish!

The nice thing is, maxi dresses have become so popular over the past few years that nowadays you can find them in pretty much any clothing store you step foot in. I try to get dresses that barely sweep the floor, or hit right at my ankles. I don’t want anything too long, because I will most definitely not be wearing heels on a busy day. Paired with a denim jacket or cardigan, you can easily transform your look into dressy or casual. If you find a maxi dress that is long-sleeved, then you are in for an extra special treat, so grab it while you can!

From time to time you may also find jumpsuits that are fully sleeved – I’ve especially been seeing them popping up at places like Gap and Madewell in really nice wide-leg styles that are oh-so-comfy. My sister snagged one this past summer and we both lived in it! As a hijabi, not having to layer in the summer months is at the top of my priority list, so sometimes it is worth the extra buck or two to invest in some high-quality, long-sleeved pieces.

If you’re a new mom, you will quickly discover just how pricey maternity and specialty postpartum clothing can be – but don’t be dismayed. While it may be worth it to invest in a few specialty nursing-friendly pieces, you can still find plenty of versatile options in mainstream clothing stores.As a mom who nursed for a whole year, being able to find nursing-friendly clothing was at the top of my checklist. I found myself wearing a lot of button-up shirts, wrap dresses and pretty much anything that was loose fitting or had a low neckline. That way I could easily nurse, without spending a fortune on the more expensive stuff.

Jersey. All day. Every day. So easy to throw on, comfortable – and they stay put! This is exactly what I need in a hijab while I’m out running after my toddler.

We’ve heard the saying “Jerseys are like the sweatpants of hijabs,” and I couldn't agree more. I adore Haute Hijab's Premium Jersey Hijabs because they have everything you want in a jersey, with a slight sheen that makes them feel just a little bit fancy – and the colors they come in are just to die for! I’ve been living in the Light Mink (left) and Rose Quartz for the past few months. These colors go with literally every outfit I own!Another huge plus of wearing jerseys – I can wear them without any pins! You can't beat them for everyday comfort, convenience and casual-chic style.

This has been my slogan since being pregnant. I’d say I wear some kind of tennis shoe 6-7 days out of the week. My absolute favorite brand is Keds – aside from comfort, they have a huge selection of shoes that come in different styles with fun prints, colors, and my all-time favorite...glitter! Yes, sparkly, glittery Keds have been my obsession for the past 3 years. I wear them with maxi dresses, jeans, palazzo pants, maxi skirts, you name it! It’s the perfect way to add a pop of fun color in a way that also happens to be totally practical and comfortable.

 

Move over, Mom Jeans – the Mom Bag is so hot right now. Diaper bags are not the same as they used to be. So many companies are coming out with stylish baby bags that come in a variety of styles and prints. My personal favourite is the backpack. I like to have both hands free especially when I’m alone with my daughter. After she grew out of the infant stage and didn’t require so many “things”, I ditched my diaper bag and switched over to a black leather backpack with gold hardware. It’s the perfect size to fit both of our things without having to compromise on my personal style. 

So there you have it! These are some of the most essential items that I make sure are practical for my busy life while also allowing me to express my style. What are your go-tos?

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful! Are you a mom that wants to maintain her style? Share your own tips on how you’ve done so, I would love to hear from you! And don't forget to share with other stylin' moms you know! ;) 

 

Danah is wife to Kareem and mama to their daughter Kinzah (aka Kiki). She was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and loves all things food, fashion, photography and home decor. After having Kinzah, she created her blog, Mother of Pearl, where she shares a glimpse into her life as she navigates motherhood and hopes to build a safe space for other mamas to connect. You can follow her on Instagram.