The idea of a single mom uniform is a bit problematic, especially since motherhood looks different for everyone. However, a pillar of the concert is the possibility to move freely and at any moment, because anything can happen with children. And as a mother, you have to go with the flow. So whether you spend your days on the playground or in the office, you need to be ready for anything.
Four years into this motherhood thing, I’ve lived in two worlds: one as a stay-at-home mom, biking around LA with my baby in tow, the other as an acquisitions editor, walking into my office in NYC and back home in time for dinner and a bath.
One of the perks of being a shopping editor is exposure to tons of new releases, label releases, and viral finds from Amazon. I’m also well versed in how people live with these products, what makes them work (or not) and why you should buy them.
Then find mommy (me) curated picks that can help you look put together with little effort and get you out of that morning rush, to the office, and at home. Plus, everything on my list is designed to work in synergy, and some of the best fashion moments come in unexpected pairings, like a jacket and bike shorts. Hey, it works.
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Dagne Dover
A mini bag
Moms are notorious for throwing everything into one giant bag, but I can only say that this doesn’t work for me. I end up carrying things I don’t need and hurting my back. So, I’m rooting for the mini purse, which really cuts you down. I love this one from Dagne Dover because you can wear it with or without a belt and it’s neoprene so it’s easily waterproof and washable. I poured a bottle of children’s Benadryl into mine and was able to wash it clean leaving it like new. It comes in six colors.
$125 for XS at Dagne Dover
good american
Mom jeans
A good pair of jeans is essential – talk to the wise – buy the style that suits you perfectly. The stretch in these skinny jeans is amazing, making them #momjeans favorites. I’ve recently tried Good American Always Fits, but I prefer these – again, my advice is to go for it.
$139 a good American
Amazonia
Chunky sneakers
Chunky sneakers are such a vibe. It gives you support, adding a lightweight platform and elevating your sneaker game. I love a pair of Balenciaga sneakers, but there’s no way I’m going to drop $1,000 on sneakers. After much research, I came across these from Fila that you can score for under $60. They are comfortable and I can wear them without untying the laces. I even love how dirty they look – and they go with skirts, jeans, shorts, leggings – everything on this list.
$56.89 (originally $70) on Amazon
Walmart
Versatile leggings
Leggings are another mom staple, and these are chic ones you can find at Walmart. I wear them alone, with a blazer at the office, under skirts or dresses, or for relaxing on the weekend.
$20 from Walmart
quince
A petticoat skirt
This one definitely gives off 90s vibes, but in the best way. Petticoats are gorgeous, they can be dressed up or down, paired with a crop top or a hoodie, jacket or tank top. You can create so many versatile looks with this one-of-a-kind piece that’s in heavy rotation for moms of all styles, including me. Gutui is a great brand that offers quality washable silk at truly incredible prices.
$60 at Gutui
Amazonia
A ribbed shirt
I’m totally guilty of seeing Julia Fox rocking her ribbed tank top on TikTok, and while I wouldn’t wear this piece as a mini dress, I admire her ingenuity. This is a basic layering piece that is inexpensive and can always look sharp.
$18 for a six-pack on Amazon
Free people
A fedora hat
Hats are essential for the mom on the go. Bad hair day? This is your solution. Are you doing lessons on the playground? Take shelter. All you need to rock a fedora is confidence.
$139 per person free
Hi yoga
A suit
Listen to me. This suit gives the total mom. It’s great under clothes or fun on its own. Your child will call it a track and he won’t be wrong. Yes, it’s expensive, but the buttery soft fabric makes it worth it.
$128 at Ciao Yoga
Birkenstocks
Washable Birkenstocks
It was a battle between Crocs and Birkenstocks, and honestly, I’ve lived in both. As we head into spring, I feel like my thumb is hurting. Although I employ a family without shoes, I make an exception for these, mainly because they are washable.
$49.95 from Birkenstock
Not
A prairie dress
On the other end of the spectrum, these prairie dresses from Doen are mostly coveted. I love anything you can slip on for instant yet understated sophistication. Made with quality material and cut, these dresses offer an anti-bodycon look that is totally sexy to me. I think the combined look gives this item its charm.
$268 per doen
Anthropology
A double-breasted blazer
Pairing a blazer with bike shorts is iconic, but you can also pair it with jeans or a prairie dress.
$49.95 (originally $170) at Anthropologie
Cat bird
Jewelry just for you
Jewelry is something I wear for myself, and a bracelet is something I can easily look at throughout the day when I need to remind myself that I’m a person, not just a mom. I love this brand for its quality materials at affordable prices and I prefer gold because you can wear it 24/7 without stretching – I also wear it in the shower, in the garden and during training.
$144 a cat bird
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.