Stylish Spring/Summer Uniform for mom with young kids

[Anonymous]

There was a thread that I can't seem to find in the archives from this past Fall that I was so grateful for...Fashionable suburban moms gave their detailed list of "must-have" items for Fall/Winter (cords, dark wash jeans, etc.) It really helped me shop and I needed the help! I've got both toddler and elementary aged kids and I feel out-of-touch with how to dress the part while still looking half-way fashionable. I'm spending more and more time on a field for one of the kids, so I appreciate having clothes that are appropriate for that type of lifestyle (pick-up, drop-off, sports practice while still being drooled on.) Could you help me with your mom must-have list for spring/summer? I'd be so appreciative. One last thing--I absolutely hate my legs due to pregnancy-related vericose veins so I don't feel comfortable wearing short skirts or shorts.

Thank you for your help!!!

[Anonymous]

I'll still be losing pregnancy weight this summer, so I'll be in mostly tailored capris with tunic tops. Maybe some longer chino skirts with polos as well. But I'm nowhere near fashion forward, as you can well see.

[Anonymous]

Here goes:

I live in dresses in the summer. A long knit dress from Target or Old Navy is fun and easy with the kids, going to the pool, etc.
Lightweigt dresses from anywhere (Target, Gap, Macys) etc. are so easy and fun and I feel pretty in them
I do not wear shorts
I like the angle length pants by JCREW in white not capris
Wedge sandals (they actually are really comfortable)
A comfy other sandal perhaps a ballet type sport shoe in a light color
All of the above shoes are fine with dresses too
An easy skirt with a few embelished tshirts (see JCrew or knock off at Target/Old Navy/Loft)
A few fun necklaces (Old Navy has some cute ones that are really cheap)
Always a great bag. A patent in a color, like yellow is fun and easy in the summer. I carry a more expensive cream bag when I am not hauling cheerios and sippy cups
I always love white in the summer. A great white shirt or tunic is a staple
A splurge tunic (try boutiques in Bethesda) or Cusp or other such store
Black and chocolate brown bathing suits
Great shades (I like large ones)
A trench coat (they are every where this year) get one that is not flared or too short

Have fun!

[Anonymous]

correct "ankle" not "angle" length pants per above

[Anonymous]

For spring on a the sports fields, I would recommend Hunter boots for rainy fields or other rain boots; a fun trench coat; jeans and nice tshirts or button down shirts and necklace. If you are slim, a pair or two of black ankle length slim pants would be a good staple with the previous mentioned shirts. A pair of "I don't care if they get wet" ballet flats, i.e. Target has some in patent that are cute, may be good for a $10.00 investment. I like some of the slightly quilted jackets too. Burberry has them as does Lands End, likely others. Perhaps a simple black nylon tote to carry all your misc. gear.

[Anonymous]

Although I do wear longer capri pants (just over the ankle, and a narrow cut), this blog post definitely has me thinking twice about it:
http://www.caphillstyle.com/imported-20091212041935/2009/6/10/faux-pas-death-to-the-capri-pant.html

Look at the Boden catalog for some inspiration on casual looks. I think they have really good stylists and really play with color. If you find them a bit pricey, you can replicate a similar vibe with stuff from Target and Old Navy.

In DC's heat, you might be smart to find a good leg make up rather than not wear shorts or shorter hems all summer (I'm talking knee length, no one *needs* to wear short shorts or minis). Although I like the comfort of long dresses, they are not flattering on my 5'5" frame.

Cotton pants that fit you well--factor in a tailor to hem, possibly take in to get the right fit--will help make you look fabulous.

[Anonymous]

Um, what do we wear if not capris?

I agree they don't look great but I think shorts look worse on most people, and skirts are not so practical when you are on the floor/at the park with little kids, and black pants when there is 100% humidity sounds unbearable!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, what do we wear if not capris?

I agree they don't look great but I think shorts look worse on most people, and skirts are not so practical when you are on the floor/at the park with little kids, and black pants when there is 100% humidity sounds unbearable!

linen pants! capris are worse. wear a walking short if you must. but a pant in a breathable material is not going to make you any hotter than a capris.

[Anonymous]

the ONLY time i've worn capris was hiking. and since i'm allergic to poison ivy that's still not a good idea. the extra 3 inches of missing fabric really dont help you out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Um, what do we wear if not capris?

I agree they don't look great but I think shorts look worse on most people, and skirts are not so practical when you are on the floor/at the park with little kids, and black pants when there is 100% humidity sounds unbearable!

linen pants! capris are worse. wear a walking short if you must. but a pant in a breathable material is not going to make you any hotter than a capris.

I can't pull off linen pants. As soon as I sit down in them, I am full of wrinkles around the crotch. Horrible. Do you look for a linen blend or something? Or maybe I am just a sweatier person than most, which is entirely possible!

[Anonymous]

I think the JCREW ones are ok. I don't like them in colors. White and if you are slim or average. Black in early spring. Linen and sports and kids is a disaster. Walking shorts are great if you are slim and would likely look good in capris or ankle length pants, if not, avoid walking shorts!!

[Anonymous]

I agree, linen pants don't look good for long.

Any links to good, cool cotton pants?

[Anonymous]

Is it stylish *enough* to wear solid color Ts and skirts/lightweight pants and focus on the accessories (jewelry, bag, shoes)?

[Anonymous]

To PP, I think so. I tend to wear solids. You might focus on texture, so the shirt, ,blouse might have some detail to it or your skirt with a plain white fitted t-shirt, that type of thing works well. A few cute necklaces go a long way and shoes in a fun color (red?) and a fun bag is a good look.

[Anonymous]

A couple of favorite looks:

Black skirt (casual) with a white fitted t-shirt and red sandals or ballet flats
light tan ankle length pants with a tshirt or a nice white blouse and any color fun shoe
Jeans and a crisp white button down. Red or metallic shoes
White shirt or ankle length pants and anything on top (tshirts, tunics, button down) and fun shoes (yellow, or orange, or metallic sandals or ballet flats (I prefer pointy toe)