Q: A week or so ago I was reading the comments posted in response to a fashion-related article on an entertainment website. There, one woman stated that “nice yoga pants” (an oxymoron!), a tee shirt, and sneakers were perfectly acceptable attire for shopping or lunch with a friend. She claimed that because of her children, she no longer had time to put any effort into her clothing choices. People who think this way drive me nuts. (I have kids, and I donʼt wear yoga pants or sweats unless Iʼm going to the gym!) Could you please offer some stylish, easy-to-wear suggestions for moms on the go?
A: Absolutely! With so many easy, affordable clothing options on the market, itʼs time for busy women to stop using their children (or husbands, jobs, and pets) as an excuse for their lack of effort on the fashion front. The outfit mentioned in your question contains exactly three pieces: yoga pants, a tee shirt, and sneakers. While itʼs understandable that a busy mom might not have time to spend hours layering or accessorizing, there is no reason not to swap the gym wardrobe for three more stylish pieces. After all, nothing says “I give up” quite like a pair of sweatpants!
Below are five three-piece summer outfits that a busy mom can don just as fast as those grubby sneakers and sweats, and will have her looking a whole lot better:
Busy mom Halle Berry is the epitome of easy summer style.
Print sundress (1), low wedge espadrilles (2), and belt (3)
If anything, this combo will take less time to assemble than the ensemble described above. (No sneakers to tie!) It takes all of two seconds to slip a sundress over your head, and another two to step into a pair of wedges. Print dresses—comfy, casual, and oh, so cute—are everywhere this season, from J. Crew to JC Penney. Choose from short, knee-length, or maxi, in cotton, linen, or knit. Accessorize with an easy-to-walk in wedge (like the Plush Pillow by Aerosoles) and emphasize the smallest part of your waist with a stretch belt. (The Kimchi Blue Wide Interwoven Belt by Urban Outfitters is a great neutral choice that will go with lots of outfits.) Too busy to spare the extra five seconds to do up the snaps? You can always ditch the belt for a free-flowing fit.
Cotton skirt (1), tank top (2), and “fancy” flip flops (3)
You canʼt get much simpler than a cotton skirt and basic tank top, and itʼll look loads better than your workout gear. Opt for a long skirt in a fun pattern (like this French Connection maxi), or go for something shorter and more structured, such as this dark denim skirt from Banana Republic. Slip on a solid-colored tank or cami (Gap is a great place to stock up on basics, like their $12 ribbed tank) and a fancy thong sandal. Just leave the rubber flip-flops at home.
Leggings (1), tunic top (2), and ballet flats (3)
If you have the body for leggings, a capri-length pair with a tunic top and flats can make for an easy (and equally comfortable!) alternative to yoga pants and sneakers. Stores like H&M stock capri leggings for less than $10, so save your splurging for a great blouse or tunic, like the Soft Wedge Tunic by AG Jeans or the MaxMara Floral-Print Tunic. Pair your outfit with a versatile metallic (Aldoʼs Parm will go with everything) or bone-colored flat. Have time for an extra piece? Belt your tunic for a more polished look!
Slim or skinny jeans (1), fashion sneakers (2), and top (3)
Really canʼt break out of the “tee shirt and sneakers” mentality? At the very least, swap the gym duds for their trendy, fashion-minded cousins. Instead of yoga pants, choose a slim or skinny jean in a candy color like like pink, green, or purple. (Lilly Pulitzerʼs Worth Straight Jean comes in all three, as well as yellow, orange, and blue!) paired with a trendy polo or rugby top (like this one from Madewell) and cute fashion sneakers. When choosing a sneaker, go for something that does not look like anything youʼd wear on the treadmill. Steer clear of bright whites, racing stripes, and logos, and opt instead for a fun color or pattern. (These Lacoste slip-ons are an adorable place to start!) Slip-on sneakers not your style? You can never go wrong with a classic Chuck Taylor.
Capri pants (1), a colorful top (2), and sandals (3)
White and khaki are popular capri colors for the summer months, but might not be the most kid-friendly way to go. Instead, opt for a bright color like red or kelly green, then pair with a simple striped boatneck or solid tee in a contrasting color. Add a flat sandal like J. Crewʼs Audra or the Serenite by Steve Madden, and youʼre good to go!
Rebecca Frey is a costume designer, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. She has worked on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and Conan, and is also the owner of Seek New York, a NYC-based company that provides a friendly, low-pressure approach to style and offers personalized shopping tours with licensed NYC guides. Every Tuesday, she answers your most pressing shopping-related quandaries. Need Becky’s help? Email your questions to emily@askanewyorker.com.
