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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Mom Wardrobe Essentials

March 22, 2017 by Katie Haller

When I became a mom, my whole life changed, including my wardrobe.  I went from having lots of free time to think about outfits and go shopping, to now, where I feel like I’m always in a rush.  I’m rushing to get to work, rushing to get home, rushing to make dinner and rushing to put together an outfit.  My life revolves around taking care of my little Jack, but I refuse to lose my sense of style.  Putting together a cute outfit always affects my moods and gives me more confidence.  I just feel better about myself when I feel put together, and I think that’s important as a mom.  That’s why these days I’ve had to adjust the way I dress and simplify my wardrobe to fit my lifestyle. 

Nowadays, I mostly dress very casual, more casual than I ever did in the past.  I have 10 essential pieces in my wardrobe that help makes styling an outfit extremely simple for me.  
1.) Stripe Dress- I love stripes and dresses are so easy to wear, especially in the warmer weather.  You can dress them up and down.  I like a stripe pattern because it’s a pattern I feel comfortable in and it’s easy to accessorize. 
2.) Long Cardigan- I love long cardigans.  They go perfectly with jeans, leggings or dresses.  My favorite cardigan right now is from H&M.  I love how lightweight it is and how I can wear it with almost anything in my closet.
3.) Long T-shirt- I’m really loving t-shirts right now, especially long ones.  T-shirts are a great staple to have in your wardrobe, especially when they fit nicely. 
4.) Denim Jacket- I love my denim jacket.  It’s perfect for layering over dresses or long tops.  I like that I always feel comfortable in it and it goes with everything. 
5.) Leggings- Leggings are the best kind of pants for busy moms.  They are comfy and when worn correctly, they can be quite stylish. 
6.) Distress Denim Jeans-  I love a good comfortable pair of distress jeans.  They are trendy and casual.  You can never go wrong with a good comfortable pair of jeans.
7.) Large Tote-  I kind of said goodbye for now to all my small clutches and crossbody purses, because large tote purses are the best choice for me.  I avoid my diaper bag, so I always need a purse large enough for all my little guy’s snacks, diapers, and toys.  A cognac color is my favorite for a purse because it can be worn with just about everything in your wardrobe.
8.) Ankle Booties- Heels is hard to do these days because I’m constantly holding my 20 lb little guy.  A cute pair of booties with a low heel are the perfect way to get away with wearing a heal and dressing up a look without overdoing it. 
9.) Sneakers- A cute pair of casual sneakers are the perfect way to complete your mom look.  You can wear them with anything.  I love my Converse Chucks Taylor sneakers. I’ve worn them all the time because they are comfortable and perfect for both work and home. They are the perfect shoe to fit my busy mom life.
10.) Nude Ballet Flats- Flats are always my go-to shoes.  They are easy to slip on and they look good with everything.  I’m due to replace my nude ballet flats from Target this spring.  I’m thinking these scalloped flats would be the perfect replacements. 

Here are some of the ways that I utilize my mom essentials in my wardrobe.

(I do try to link my clothes as much as I can, but because many of the clothes in my closet are clearance finds, thrifted pieces or older clothes, I can’t always find the exact link.  However, I try to link some similar affordable options for you.  You can check out my look below.)
Shop my closet
Dress- Nordstrom Rack (similar similar similar)
 Denim Jacket- Mejier (similar similar)
 Purse- Savers ( similar similar)
Pendant Necklace- Nordstrom Rack (similar similar)
 Green Statement necklace- Charming Charlies (similar)
 Coral Necklace- Charming Charlies (similar)
 Layered necklace- Nordstrom Rack (similar)
 T-shirts-Target (similar similar)
 Jeans- Nordstrom Rack (similar similar)
 All other shoes are linked above!
I hope that you feel inspired to step up your mom wardrobe!  Do you have any go to pieces in your wardrobe?

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Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Mom Style, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • 10 Comments

Comments

  1. Dara @ Not In Jersey

    March 22, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    I have some of these things like a striped shirt and a long cardi. I like how you mixed and matched!

    Reply
  2. Unknown

    March 22, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    SO much love for posts like these!!! I love pieces that are functional and versatile!

    Reply
  3. Caity

    March 22, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    Ah, I am right on board with most of these items! I recently took my wardrobe down to only 33 pieces (yikes!) and I've had to do a lot more mixing and matching, but I love it. The long cardigan is one I wear almost every day.

    Reply
  4. Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy

    March 23, 2017 at 1:15 am

    I so need a striped shirt and a blue jean jacket! One of these days maybe I'll buy one…

    Reply
  5. Justine Y @ Little Dove

    March 23, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    Jacket, cardigan, booties, flats…. yes, yes, yes, yes! I so agree with all your essentials! I don't on a striped dress, but I think that's great too!

    Reply
  6. Katie Margaret

    March 24, 2017 at 3:51 am

    Thanks! Stripes and long cardi's are always my go to!

    Reply
  7. Katie Margaret

    March 24, 2017 at 3:51 am

    Thank you Lindsey!

    Reply
  8. Katie Margaret

    March 24, 2017 at 3:52 am

    33 pieces! That's pretty impressive! I'm sure that you can still do a lot when you get to mix and match!

    Reply
  9. Katie Margaret

    March 24, 2017 at 3:54 am

    Stripe tops and jean jackets are good staples to have. You can re-wear them all the time.

    Reply
  10. Katie Margaret

    March 24, 2017 at 3:54 am

    Thank you!!

    Reply

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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Helping women love what they wear on a budget!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I have a fun fall teacher wardrobe capsule live on I have a fun fall teacher wardrobe capsule live on the blog today! Personally, I have always felt that teachers have the best work dress code because they get to have fun with their work outfits! That's why I have taken a mix of trendy/fun and classic basic pieces to create a full months worth of work outfit ideas! Check out the blog post on thriftywifehappylife.com for all the outfit details! [link in bio] 

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New shoes are a must for me on our back-to-school New shoes are a must for me on our back-to-school shopping list, so I figured that it's okay for mom to get some new tennis shoes too for the new school year!! 

I'm loving these tennis shoes from @akkshoeshop! They are comfortable, good quality and affordable! Use code: LTKAKK for 20% off!! 

Shoes are linked on my blog shopping page [link in bio] You can also download the @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for details!!

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Last week we went back-to-school shopping at @tang Last week we went back-to-school shopping at @tangeroutletshowell!  I love shopping there because they have a store for everyone in our family, plus I always get the best deals!  I was able to find some cute new items for myself and I also stocked up on lots of back-to-school clothes for Jack! 

Here is what we bought...
J.Crew Factory- Midi-skirt for mom!
Old Navy- Athletic top, leggings, and cardigan for mom, plus some athletic wear for Jack and a cute clearance find for Anna! 
Famous Footwear- New shoes for Jack
Carters- Jeans for Jack
Bath and Body Works- Hand soaps 
Book Warehouse- We got a book called “First Grade Here I Come!” to help us get excited for the new school year!! 

Head over to @tangeroutlets today and join the TangerClub for extra savings!! Currently get an extra 25% off the already great savings until 8/29!! 

#TangerStyle #TangerOutlets #TangerOutletsHowell #TangerPartner #backtoachool #backtoschooloutfits #backtoschoolshopping #momoutfits #kidclothes #momfashion #affordablefashion #shoppingonabudget
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Saturday- I wore my Amazon ruffled skirt, with bike shorts under! This skirt is so fun for summer! The tank top is from last summer and it's out of stock. 

Friday- We actually had a night out away from the kids which is always fun! I wanted to keep my outfit really easy, but also accessorize with a few pieces that I don't get to wear often when I have the kids with me. 

Outfits are linked on my shopping page on the blog! [link in bio] Or go to the @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for details! 

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In my own personal experience, as a preschool teacher I always preferred to shop second hand. I spent less on my clothes and I wasn't afraid of getting messy in the classroom knowing that my clothes were so affordable. 

Here are a weeks worth of 100% thrifted outfits! Which would you wear? 

#thriftedteacheroutfit #thriftedoutfits #thriftedfashion #thriftfinds #thrifting #shopsecondhand #thriftythursday #thrifthaul #thriftedstyle #thriftingislife #thriftingtips #secondhandfashion #goodwillfinds #thredupfinds #poshmarkfinds #teacheroutfitideas #teacherstyle #teacherstuff #teacherfashion #outfitideas4you #explorepage #styletips
Summer clothes that can also be styled into the fa Summer clothes that can also be styled into the fall are always a good late summer purchase! I love the color of this romper! It definitely has a fall feel! 

Get 50% off with code: 50BPZCGN Code is active until 8/5/2022! 

Outfit linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for details! 

#romper #latesummer #latesummerstyle #amazonfashion #amazonfinds #momstyle #easyoutfit #effortlessstyle #momstyleblogger #affordablefashion #fashiononabudget #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #explorepage #fashionreels
This ruffled swing dress is so fun to style! It's This ruffled swing dress is so fun to style! It's such a simple dress, but you can find so many different ways to fit it into your wardrobe! Here's 4 ideas! 

Dress is linked on the @shop.ltk app and on my Amazon store front! [link in bio]

Use the code: 50GESUOC to get 50% off this dress! Code activate from 8/2-8/5!! 

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If you missed your chance to snag the Spanx faux l If you missed your chance to snag the Spanx faux leather leggings in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, have no fear because I found an amazing look alike pair! 

I am very impressed with this Time & Tru pair of faux leather leggings from Walmart! I found some minor differences in the fit and quality, but over all they look the same and still have a good fit! Plus they are only $15.96!! 

Leggings are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for details! Also find them on my shopping page on my blog! [link in bio]

#walmartfinds #walmartfashion #fauxleatherleggings #affordablefashion #fashionforall #fashionforeveryone #fallstyle #fallessentials #getreadyforfall #shoppingonabudget  #momstyle #momstyleblogger #dupes #looksforless #splurgeorsave #saveorsplurge #ltkblogger #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip
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