Effortless Mom Style: Building a Wardrobe That Works for You

Getting dressed as a mom shouldn’t feel like a full-on styling session. Who has time for that? I’ve been there, staring at a closet full of clothes that needed to be carefully styled to look good, and honestly, it just made getting ready exhausting. These days, I’m all about building a wardrobe that’s casual, cute, and easy—something where everything works together without much thought. I used to think that buying trendy clothes would be the secret to looking effortlessly stylish. But here’s the thing—I’d buy these pieces that looked amazing on the hanger or on the perfectly styled model in the picture, only to find that they were a total hassle to wear. They needed so much effort to make them work with anything else in my wardrobe. I’d end up standing in front of my closet, frustrated and wondering why my outfits never looked as good as I imagined. It was exhausting. Getting dressed felt like a challenge, and honestly, who has the energy for that in the mornings? And let’s be real—those “effortless” looks you see on models in photos often aren’t as effortless as they seem. A lot of the time, stylists use pins and clips to adjust the clothing for the perfect fit in a photo. These hidden tricks are used to create a very specific silhouette that might not be achievable in real life. Without those adjustments, the piece often doesn’t hang or fit quite the same way. It’s a little like magic—those perfect outfits aren’t always as perfect without a little behind-the-scenes help, and I was left wondering why it never quite looked the same on me.

Now, I’m learning to shop smarter, and it’s been such a game-changer. American Eagle has been one of my go-to places lately. They have these great long-sleeve shirts and lounge clothes that are not only comfy but also super stylish. And if you’re like me—a ‘90s kid—you’ll totally get this: as a kid, I’d watch movies and TV shows and see girls rocking the cutest pajamas and lounge outfits. I’d think, “One day, I’m going to look that cute when I’m hanging out at home.” It’s funny, but with some of these cozy American Eagle pieces, I feel like I’m finally living that dream. Everlane has become one of my favorite brands, and it’s easy to see why. Their box-cut tees and long sleeves are designed so thoughtfully—they hit right at the sweet spot on your jeans, not too long or too short, which makes them incredibly flattering. This length works because it visually balances your proportions, hitting at or just above the hip to create a clean line that doesn’t overwhelm your frame. You don’t even need to tuck them in—they just naturally look polished. I’ll be honest, I didn’t always know how much cuts and proportions matter. For years, I’d rack my brain trying to figure out why some girls always looked so effortlessly great in their outfits, while I often felt frumpy. It wasn’t until recently that I realized it’s all about the cut—and not just of one piece, but how the cuts of your clothes work together.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Pair balanced cuts together: If you’re wearing a looser top, pair it with more fitted bottoms, like skinny or straight-leg jeans, to keep the look proportional. On the flip side, if you’re wearing wide-leg pants or joggers, a more fitted or cropped top works best to define your shape.

• Avoid competing lengths: For example, a long tunic top paired with baggy pants can overwhelm your frame, while a crop top with super low-rise pants might leave your proportions feeling off. Instead, aim for pieces that visually “meet” at a flattering point, like high-rise jeans with a mid-length top.

• Be mindful of layering: When layering, make sure your outer layers don’t swallow your shape. A boxy tee under an oversized jacket can work, but it helps to define your waistline with something like high-rise jeans or a belt to create structure.

• Focus on where things hit: The hemline of a top or the rise of your jeans matters more than you think. Tops that hit just above the hipline or right where your pants start tend to create the cleanest, most balanced look. Jeans that sit at or slightly above your natural waist elongate your legs and create a polished silhouette.

  
  

These little details made all the difference for me. Once I understood how cuts work—and how they either complement or clash when put together—getting dressed became so much easier. It’s not about overthinking, but about knowing what works for your body and your style. That’s why Everlane’s pieces stand out to me—they get these details right. Their basics take the guesswork out of looking put-together, and honestly, that’s such a relief on busy mornings. If you’re still figuring out what works for you, start paying attention to where your clothes hit on your body and how they work together. It might take a little trial and error, but once you get it, it’s such a game-changer. And then there’s Levi’s. Honestly, I feel like their jeans just work for everyone. I love their low-stretch options—they’re perfect for mom life because they hold their shape and still feel comfortable enough to wear all day.

Thrifting has also been such a fun way to add unique pieces to my wardrobe. There’s nothing like finding a great vintage jacket or a cute tee that gives your outfits a little personality. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, and I love that it helps me create a wardrobe that doesn’t feel like everyone else’s.

One of the biggest things that’s helped me is being more intentional when I shop. I’ve started thinking about colors and how everything will flow together. For example, will this new piece match my go-to jeans? Can I layer it with something I already own? If it doesn’t fit seamlessly into my wardrobe, or if I’d need to buy multiple things to make it work, I just skip it. Future me is so grateful for this change. It’s saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Another thing that’s made a huge difference is letting go of the idea that I need to dress a certain way to look good. At this point in my life, I don’t care if something is trending on TikTok or Instagram. I like my style, and I’m proud of it. Yes, I pretty much dress like I could head to a ball game with my t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes every day, but honestly, I’m freaking comfortable. I’ve had that phase in my young adult life where I chose cute over comfort, and let me tell you—it sucked. No thank you, not anymore! I love being comfy. My toddler and I regularly play the game of “how many times will mom pick this up for me?” and guess what? My stretchy jeans are a dream for that.

So beyond curating the perfect wardrobe that’s effortless, I want you to know that you should own your style, because it’s yours. Wear your socks and sandals—I do! Do what you want with your style because it reflects your personality and uniqueness, and that’s just plain awesome.

My last note is that if you’re feeling stuck with your wardrobe, my advice is to start small. Find those pieces that make you feel good and work well with what you already have. Build on that, and before you know it, you’ll have a closet that works for you instead of against you.

What about you? Do you have favorite brands, tricks, or go-to pieces that make getting dressed easier? I’d love to hear what’s working for you—I’m always on the lookout for inspiration!