The momiform. We all have one. Many moms (myself included) tend to gravitate to a certain top, a pair of jeans, or leggings and comfy shoes in our closet when choosing an outfit for the day. It’s our go-to look that makes us look put together and it can handle the wildness of babies, tots, or teens. While there’s no harm in having a go-to outfit, lately I’ve been looking to add some new pieces to my wardrobe that will compliment this stage of life (motherhood) and will also last for years to come. Pieces that are easy to throw on, are cute and stylish, and also mom appropriate, i.e. can handle bending down picking up toys and toddlers. This is why our team has put together a list of clothing essentials that every mom needs in her closet. So if you’re looking for a new momiform or a capsule wardrobe that is specifically for motherhood, this one’s for you!
1. A Good Pair of Jeans
Jeans are a necessity in any closet and as a mom I’m so happy that high rise jeans are in style now! They are the perfect thing to throw on, make you feel like you’ve dressed up for the day, and stay comfortable. I particularly love a good skinny jean and this Tulip Frayed Hem Skinny jean (BB220J) from Just Black Denim has become a new favorite of mine. It’s obvious as soon as you look at them and try them on that they are high quality. I really love that each pair is stitched carefully by hand in the USA (Los Angeles) and tailored beautifully. They are a clothing essential for moms for sure.
The Denim for Days mom jeans (BP207N) from Just Black Denim have the perfect high rise and a relaxed fit through the leg. They feel like sweatpants, but look like jeans! The perfect thing for your momiform. They’re super cute with mules or tennis shoes and can be dressed up with wedges for a night out.
2. Striped Shirt
Striped shirts are classic and I think every one should have at least one in their closet. If you don’t have a good one then you need to check out these tops striped tops from KULE. They are a serious new fav of mine. We got the Modern Long – White/Lilac and the Modern Long – Navy/Cream. They are perfect for any season. These are made of super soft 100% cotton that’s light and airy, making it a perfect base for so many outfits. It has a straight boxy cut, but the fit is slightly snug across the chest for a bit of added femininity. The rest is loose-fitting throughout the waist for comfort which I believe all moms can appreciate.
3. Wrap
Whether you’re nursing, running errands, sitting in the pediatrician’s waiting room with your child, or meeting a girlfriend for lunch, a good wrap is a great staple to have. It can really complete a look and provide coverage and warmth when desired. These wraps from Mer|Sea are fabulous. They are designed as travel wraps, but we wear ours even at home. Pair it with a basic tee and leggings or jeans and you’ve got a great momiform.
Could these tassels on this wrap be any cuter?! A clothing essential for mom for sure!
4. Classic and Statement Jewelry
I’m all about a fun statement piece of jewelry, but I think it’s essential for moms to have a few pieces of jewelry that are minimal and beautiful like these from Minoux. These classic Raindrop Hoops and delicate Gold Choker Necklace are stunning and go perfect with any look. True momiform staple pieces. Plus, I love that they’re made to order and support a small, woman-owned business.
On the other hand, a fun stack of multi-colored bracelets can add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit! We love these from Roxanne Assoulin.
5. Hat
Sometimes our outfit needs an extra something, or we have a bad hair day, or we want to protect ourselves from the sun. This is why every mom needs a cute hat in her wardrobe! One of my favorite shops for hats is Gigi Pip. They have a wide selection that is perfect for any style. I love styles: a classic baseball cap, fedora, straw hats, and more.
6. Everyday Bags: Tote, Crossbody, Market, Satchel
Moms need a few different bags for all kinds of family adventures. One of those should be a good market or beach bag.
Market Bag
This customized market bag from Apolis is ideal for shopping or beach outings. Choose what you want printed on your bag and make a statement with your look. It has a water-resistant interior that’s easy to wipe clean so spills are not a problem. And I really love that mothers who handcraft your bag receive Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund. Your purchase is changing women’s lives.
Crossbody Bag
This Catherine Crossbody bag from Gigi New York is great for date nights or outings when you really only need the essentials. It easily fits a few diapers, travel pack of wipes, a wallet, lip balm, and your cell phone! It’s chic and simple and compliments any outfit, while leaving your hands free for littles.
Statement Bag
We love Poppy + Sage woven bags. They’re perfect for summer and are sustainably made: from the materials to the handwoven nature of the making process. Choose a crossbody for days on-the-go or a tote to fit all of your mama essentials! I love that the Camilla crossbody is lined, holding all of your goodies inside instead of spilling out when you open it! The gingham is super fun and seasonal to spice up your momiform, plus you can pick your lining!
Satchel
This Parker Satchel bag from Gigi New York is the perfect mom bag for your momiform. I love how many compartments it has because it keeps my things and my toddler things separate and organized. No more digging for what I need! This bag has two top zipper compartments that are padded, has a center zip compartment divider with two slip pockets and has a magnetic closure to keep the bag closed. I like how this bag has structured handles to throw on my arm when I need to dash and it has a detachable shoulder strap if I prefer to carry it over my shoulder. It’s impeccably made and can be personalized with your monogram.
7. Workout Look
This has become one of my FAVORITE looks. You look chic, you feel comfortable, and you will receive tons of compliments wearing workout clothes! Us moms love to wear workout clothes (because raising children is a workout) and these pieces really add more style to an easy outfit.
I’m wearing the LITE high-rise leggings in Smoke from girlfriend collective and their Paloma bra. Over it I’m wearing the Catalina Travel Sweater in Sky from Mer|Sea (which is divine!) and paired it with these New Balance sneakers in Ice Blue and this straw tote from Poppy + Sage. And this water bottle from Hydro Flask goes perfectly! It’s seriously the cutest and most comfortable outfit and clothing essentials for all moms.
The bra and legging collections from Girlfriend Collective are perfect for workouts and beyond. I love that the bra is long enough to throw on a jean jacket over it and still feel dressed, while the high rise leggings cover your mid-section! Go from hot yoga to lunch in no time.
Plus, Girlfriend Collective is committed to sustainability: their LITE leggings are made of recycled fish nets, and their original compressive material is composed of recycled water bottles. The company is ensuring the world will be a beautiful and healthy place for our children and grandchildren. Best of all? They make a maternity legging and are completely size inclusive.
8. Shorts
With the warmer temperatures, moms also need a good pair of shorts. Everlane has some great options and I chose these cotton twill shorts. They are the perfect high-waisted short. They aren’t too short but not too long and have a slightly looser fit through the seat and thigh. This makes it more comfortable and functional for motherhood. I paired it with this linen tank, hat, and leather mules.
9. Jean Jacket
We love Everlane’s mission of sustainable fashion. This blue jean jacket is perfect for taking your workout look to the streets or elevating a simple t-shirt dress. It’s available in several different washes and has interior pockets to give the option of going purse-free!
This shrunken denim jacket is also perfect for layering your momiform. It’s made of rigid, non-stretch denim. This denim jacket has a cool, cropped fit and bracelet-length sleeves for a tailored look and feel. It pairs perfectly with high-rise bottoms.
10. Button Up Blouse
Another great shop to check out is Storq. They have some great essential pieces for pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum that really grow with you through your journey of motherhood. This button-up shirt is buttery soft, has a relaxed fit and is tailored for all 9 months of pregnancy and beyond. It’s absurdly comfortable, machine washable and nursing-friendly! Every mom needs a classic button up–for sure a closet essential for mom.
I love this shrunken cotton shirt from Everlane. It’s super soft and leightweight; perfect for breezy summer nights. It hits right above the hips, giving you the option of going tucked, untucked, or (my favorite!) French tucked! I’ve paired it here with my very favorite Everlane cropped pant in bone. Such a great summer momiform.
11. Shoes: Sandals & Flats
A comfortable pair of sandals is a must, especially in the summertime. I particularly like Salt Water Sandals. They have cute looks for babies, toddlers, teens and adults! I really like that they are so versatile. You can wear them with almost anything and they look great. These sandals are made with 100% genuine leather uppers in a range of fashionable colors, plus, you can wear them in the water! These are the Original Salt Water Sandal and the Retro.
Flats are most definitely a clothing essential for moms and I am not exaggerating when I say the Demi flats from Margaux are the most comfortable flats I’ve ever put on my feet. They are made with Italian nappa leather, they have a supportive insole and plush foam padding which makes it soft and comfortable. I also like that it has a functional bow and you can adjust the cord.
These suede Mariella mules from Nisolo are such a versatile mom option! I love to use them to dress up jeans and a t-shirt or add a bit of style to a black shift dress. Nisolo is another favorite for ethical, intentional shoes and leather goods. Additionally, they have a great range of both men’s and women’s shoes that become instant outfit staples.
The James Oxford from Nisolo is a good option that pairs well with almost any outfit. I got the almond color and they are a little lighter in color and yellower than I anticipated from looking at their pictures on their website. But I still love mine and think they are a great neutral. It’s a cute polished, updated oxford shoe that adds a fun boyish flair.
12. Dress
Every mama needs the perfect go-to dress, and this caftan from Storq doesn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect length for getting on the floor and chasing after toddlers. Also, it has buttons for easy nursing access. It’s roomy enough for pregnancy, but fitted enough for pre-pregnancy and postpartum. The optional waist tie can add some definition; tie it above the bump empire-style or at your natural waist to create an hourglass effect. Best of all? It’s super, duper soft.
There you go! The clothing essentials you need for your momiform that every mom should have in her closet. These pieces mix and match well together giving you lots of different looks. And the great thing is that it covers you through every season all year long. Looking good through motherhood! 😉
