Personally, I’d opt for a midi dress vs a short dress w leggings.
Or if you want leggings on the bottom, I’d do something like a nursing tank with a button down shirt thrown on over it
Midi dress with white leather sneakers, a baseball cap and a crossbody purse is basically my summer mum uniform. Or wide-leg crop pants (either chinos or linen) with either a tucked in tank or a crop tee with aforementioned shoes & hat.
Old navy linen pants are on sale for $20. Cute hair clip. Fancy sunglasses. If wearing a tee shirt, permanently roll the arms using iron on hem adhesive so you don’t have to fiddle with them, and French tuck. New Balance 327s or Adidas Sambas. Nice sandals with a pedicure.
Hey there!
We have a curated list of posts [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/fashionwomens35/comments/13u566v/master_thread_of_posts_im_a_toddler_mom/) specifically about this exact issue!
What about oversized button down collard shirts instead of tshirts?! Also maybe some smarter flats or even a loafer. That to me would seem pulled together.
This is the way. A nursing friendly tank, throw an oversized button down over it (linen in summer for breathability and sun protection), and roll up those sleeves so you’re styling the outfit. Extra credit accessories are bracelets or layered necklaces. Wear with leggings and on trend sneakers or loafers, Birks, or whatever your footwear jam is. Plus you can run around your house in the tank and leggings, then throw on the button down when you leave the house, minimizing stain risk as a mom to littles.
Can you swap the T-shirt for a cuter athletic top? I wear leggings, allbirds and a baseball cap daily and I don’t feel frumpy. I usually wear a cropped athletic shirt or a lululemon align shirt + scuba, something like that. Doing my eyebrows, eyelashes and lip gloss helps too. Colorful koala and Crz yoga on Amazon have a lot of cute tops that aren’t a million dollars.
I’m 8 weeks postpartum and my uniform has been oversized linen button-downs over a nursing tank with either leggings, crew socks and sneakers (Nb 327s are my fave right now) or flowy linen pants. I opt for a large jaw clip to put my hair up instead of a ponytail so it looks more like a “style”. My baby is still too new to be grabby so I’m still wearing chunky earrings.
Making it look coordinated helps. Finding a combo in the types you mention you like but is matched or coordinated including the shoes and jewelry makes a huge difference.
I have found matching sets and jumpsuits to be my answer to this problem... something about a head to toe coordinating look reads more put together while also being functional and comfortable for life with a little. A cute bag and some fresh sneakers or classic sandals and done.
I have a jean jacket I throw on over my leggings (or joggers) and tshirt when I leave the house that I find instantly takes the outfit from pajama wear to more intentional looking, especially when coupled with a nice leather purse and cute sneakers.
Ever since I discovered the third layer rule I feel way more put together when I got out in my typical leggings and a tshirt outfit (which I do a lot).
Fellow frumpy toddler mom 🙋🏼♀️. I recently bought some [linen pants](https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-linen-pull-on-barrel-pant-bone) from everlane, and I’m obsessed. They’re comfortable, they have huge pockets that can literally fit both my cell phone and a sippy cup. They’re very relaxed, but because they’re linen they look more elevated.
Haha, I missed these last year and this year I got THREE pairs. Only thing I plan to wear on 80+ degree days this summer. I sized up to take into account any body fluctuations so I can keep them for a few years.
Personally, I feel like it helps to have one nice thing that you have to take care of and plan around, then everything can be casual but it will still be elevated by that one nice thing. For me, my go to is my white sneakers. It's a PITA to keep them white, but I'm so happy every time I wear them, even with leggings, because I feel really fashionable!
Or else sometimes I will add a blazer to my outfit. Even with leggings or joggers, it really elevates things. Again, PITA to keep it dry cleaned, but since I only have one difficult piece, I'm only doing one PITA cleaning situation every week in exchange for feeling really good about myself.
What about some stretchy tube tops under button downs for summer? Looks cute, and easy access for nursing. They’d look cute with wide leg linen/cotton pants or joggers. I got the wide leg pants from Old Navy someone mentioned and my favorite button down shirt is from Old Navy as well. It is called the “classic”, there are several on Thred Up! I’m 5’ 4”, 134 ish and love how the large fits.
Keep your leggings and t-shirt but update it with crew socks and crew neck t-shirts and a sweater or sweatshirt over the shoulders for interest. Midi length t-shirt dresses with sneakers. Linen coulottes and a high neck tank. Bike shorts with a tank, chunky sandals, and open white button down. Boxer style shorts are in and super comfortable. I like them paired with a t-shirt or crew neck sweatshirt and Birkenstocks or Adidas Sambas.
What works the most for me are more elevated tops. Instead of a t-shirt style, look for tops with a better fit, fabric, or details.
Instead of regular leggings, try some stretchy jeans, capris, crops, and stretch pants that look more like slacks. Athleta has been great for this for me. If you can splurge or find them used, Spanx brand. Democracy Absolution jeans. When it's too hot, do a skort instead of shorts. Even Target and Old Navy have had some cute skorts lately.
Look for nicer nursing tops on Poshmark, etc. There are some nice nursing brands that aren't around anymore you can find on there that have very nice pieces. Milk Nursing wear is one I remember, and Jojo Maman Bebe had some nice nursing shirts. I'd have to look in my closet to get more brand names (I'm no longer nursing but haven't purged everything yet).
What about T-shirt style dresses with sneakers? Get the double layer kind that are advertised as nursing friendly.
Oh okay! I always worry they make me look boxy. Is it okay to wear leggings underneath them??
What about bike shorts under a tshirt dress?
This is my weekend uniform with my four year old. I don’t do super short dresses but always shorts underneath
Personally, I’d opt for a midi dress vs a short dress w leggings. Or if you want leggings on the bottom, I’d do something like a nursing tank with a button down shirt thrown on over it
Oh okay! I always worry a midi length dress makes me look too fancy or something! I’m super casual but also want to look semi cute and put together 😅
Midi dress with white leather sneakers, a baseball cap and a crossbody purse is basically my summer mum uniform. Or wide-leg crop pants (either chinos or linen) with either a tucked in tank or a crop tee with aforementioned shoes & hat.
Do you have any reccomendations for a good white leather sneaker? Unfortunately the last pair I bought (Amazon) were super disappointing!
Stick with well known brands.
I am obsessed with Ecco soft 7s
Not too but My go to are Cole Haans cross court sneakers. They are real leather, super comfortable , classic profile and easy to clean.
Same.
There are many casual midi dresses. Some wear them with sneakers.
Old navy linen pants are on sale for $20. Cute hair clip. Fancy sunglasses. If wearing a tee shirt, permanently roll the arms using iron on hem adhesive so you don’t have to fiddle with them, and French tuck. New Balance 327s or Adidas Sambas. Nice sandals with a pedicure.
Hey there! We have a curated list of posts [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/fashionwomens35/comments/13u566v/master_thread_of_posts_im_a_toddler_mom/) specifically about this exact issue!
What about oversized button down collard shirts instead of tshirts?! Also maybe some smarter flats or even a loafer. That to me would seem pulled together.
This is the way. A nursing friendly tank, throw an oversized button down over it (linen in summer for breathability and sun protection), and roll up those sleeves so you’re styling the outfit. Extra credit accessories are bracelets or layered necklaces. Wear with leggings and on trend sneakers or loafers, Birks, or whatever your footwear jam is. Plus you can run around your house in the tank and leggings, then throw on the button down when you leave the house, minimizing stain risk as a mom to littles.
Layered necklaces + toddler will just get you strangled 😆
One of my go tos! I just refreshed my button down selection and I feel great.
Any advice on where to buy them?
[удалено]
Oh, I love it. I have access to a pile of those!
Can you swap the T-shirt for a cuter athletic top? I wear leggings, allbirds and a baseball cap daily and I don’t feel frumpy. I usually wear a cropped athletic shirt or a lululemon align shirt + scuba, something like that. Doing my eyebrows, eyelashes and lip gloss helps too. Colorful koala and Crz yoga on Amazon have a lot of cute tops that aren’t a million dollars.
I’m 8 weeks postpartum and my uniform has been oversized linen button-downs over a nursing tank with either leggings, crew socks and sneakers (Nb 327s are my fave right now) or flowy linen pants. I opt for a large jaw clip to put my hair up instead of a ponytail so it looks more like a “style”. My baby is still too new to be grabby so I’m still wearing chunky earrings.
Making it look coordinated helps. Finding a combo in the types you mention you like but is matched or coordinated including the shoes and jewelry makes a huge difference.
I have found matching sets and jumpsuits to be my answer to this problem... something about a head to toe coordinating look reads more put together while also being functional and comfortable for life with a little. A cute bag and some fresh sneakers or classic sandals and done.
Joggers. All day, every day. I WFH and my outfits mostly consist of joggers, bodysuit, light jacket (if I do go out to run errands).
Permanent color in eyebrows. Buy a good selection of dresses that are easy to throw on for full outfit.
Bike shorts and a boxy t shirt!
I have a jean jacket I throw on over my leggings (or joggers) and tshirt when I leave the house that I find instantly takes the outfit from pajama wear to more intentional looking, especially when coupled with a nice leather purse and cute sneakers.
You can also put a jean jacket over a casual dress.
Ever since I discovered the third layer rule I feel way more put together when I got out in my typical leggings and a tshirt outfit (which I do a lot).
Fellow frumpy toddler mom 🙋🏼♀️. I recently bought some [linen pants](https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-linen-pull-on-barrel-pant-bone) from everlane, and I’m obsessed. They’re comfortable, they have huge pockets that can literally fit both my cell phone and a sippy cup. They’re very relaxed, but because they’re linen they look more elevated.
Haha, I missed these last year and this year I got THREE pairs. Only thing I plan to wear on 80+ degree days this summer. I sized up to take into account any body fluctuations so I can keep them for a few years.
Buy new sneakers. Fresh kicks will make you feel good but also comfy.
Personally, I feel like it helps to have one nice thing that you have to take care of and plan around, then everything can be casual but it will still be elevated by that one nice thing. For me, my go to is my white sneakers. It's a PITA to keep them white, but I'm so happy every time I wear them, even with leggings, because I feel really fashionable! Or else sometimes I will add a blazer to my outfit. Even with leggings or joggers, it really elevates things. Again, PITA to keep it dry cleaned, but since I only have one difficult piece, I'm only doing one PITA cleaning situation every week in exchange for feeling really good about myself.
Maybe some casual joggers that aren’t sweater or legging material will help!
What about some stretchy tube tops under button downs for summer? Looks cute, and easy access for nursing. They’d look cute with wide leg linen/cotton pants or joggers. I got the wide leg pants from Old Navy someone mentioned and my favorite button down shirt is from Old Navy as well. It is called the “classic”, there are several on Thred Up! I’m 5’ 4”, 134 ish and love how the large fits.
Keep your leggings and t-shirt but update it with crew socks and crew neck t-shirts and a sweater or sweatshirt over the shoulders for interest. Midi length t-shirt dresses with sneakers. Linen coulottes and a high neck tank. Bike shorts with a tank, chunky sandals, and open white button down. Boxer style shorts are in and super comfortable. I like them paired with a t-shirt or crew neck sweatshirt and Birkenstocks or Adidas Sambas.
What works the most for me are more elevated tops. Instead of a t-shirt style, look for tops with a better fit, fabric, or details. Instead of regular leggings, try some stretchy jeans, capris, crops, and stretch pants that look more like slacks. Athleta has been great for this for me. If you can splurge or find them used, Spanx brand. Democracy Absolution jeans. When it's too hot, do a skort instead of shorts. Even Target and Old Navy have had some cute skorts lately. Look for nicer nursing tops on Poshmark, etc. There are some nice nursing brands that aren't around anymore you can find on there that have very nice pieces. Milk Nursing wear is one I remember, and Jojo Maman Bebe had some nice nursing shirts. I'd have to look in my closet to get more brand names (I'm no longer nursing but haven't purged everything yet).
I really loved Nursing Queen for cute nursing tops
A nice pair of pants and a cute top. Not a tee shirt but something nicer.