Stylists and fashion icons have often put together lists of the ten must have items for women who want to make a good impression. More often than not these lists are best suited to professional women who don’t have small children to look after.
So that got me thinking. What would the ten wardrobe staples be for busy mums with little time to choose outfits in the morning, let alone go shopping for ‘in’ pieces? They would have to be practical, feminine and stylish, and found in most women’s wardrobes.
These are my top ten wardrobe items for busy mums:
- A good quality cardigan.
- A feminine button up blouse in one of your optimum colours.
- A white (or cream) long sleeved t-shirt.
- A pencil skirt.
- A blazer that you can dress up or down.
- Comfortable and flattering jeans.
- A tailored wool coat.
- Versatile heels in a neutral colour.
- A feminine scarf.
- Ballet flats.
Why these? Because you can wear them in different combinations and still look stylish!
For instance around the house you might wear the long sleeved tee, your jeans and some ballet flats with a cardigan on a cool day. Pop on a blazer and pretty scarf over the top and you’re ready for a lunch date with friends. A pretty blouse can be worn with jeans and flats for casual, or with a skirt and heels for something dressier. If you’re worried about chasing after kids in heels, ballet flats look great with skirts as well.
A nice woollen coat in winter is warm, practical and covers up whatever you have underneath (especially if you’ve raced out of the house this morning and somehow managed to stain your shirt with something!)
If you’re not a jeans wearer you could swap these for another style of casual pants or a casual, practical skirt.
And this list can easily be adapted to your personal style and optimum colours. A pear shaped, romantic personality and light cool woman would chose a pencil skirt in a dark colour like charcoal grey, black or navy, and jeans in dark denim. Her long sleeved tee would be white and her blouse could be a pale pink ruffled affair if she wanted it to be. Teamed with a pale cardigan and blazer and nude heels her wardrobe would be practical and pretty.
On the other hand, a dark cool, heart shaped woman with a classic personality would chose dark coloured tops with classic lines sans ruffles. Her blazer and cardigan would also be in darker hues and her pencil skirt and jeans could be in brighter, lighter colours.
And of course, using accessories is a great way to liven up any outfit. Belts, scarves and statement jewellery are all options. In winter you could swap your ballet flats for a pair of great boots in a neutral colour or add tights to complete your look!
Do you agree with my top 10? What would you add to or take from the list?
Originally posted 2014-04-14 22:38:01.
That is a very accurate top 10 I think! I have been trying to figure this out myself! Now I just need number 2 & 7! 🙂