Mom Style: 13 "Cool Mom" Fashion Staples You Need
If you're a busy mom on-the-go like me, then you may fall into the trap of totally neglecting your wardrobe at times. As someone who has survived the newborn and toddler stages of motherhood (and now is about to do it all over again!) I completely get the postpartum and young mom haze of wanting to rediscover your personal style but also keep it practical.
So today let's make revamping your cool mom style top priority! Over the years I have come to find that having some modern mom on-the-go closet staples to always pull from makes putting together stylish but casual outfits super easy.
13 Cool Mom Fashion Staples to Add to Your Closet
1. Trendy Sneakers
A good pair of sneakers is the best investment in your cool mom wardrobe. Especially in 2025, where wearing sneakers with anything and everything is the vibe. As a casual style queen myself, I recommend a good pair that works for both when you want to be seriously active (like for the gym or running) but also won't clash with a basic outfit. Personally I love my OnCloud sneakers in black and white for this! But there are so many styles and color combos out there that all totally work with everything from a pair of jeans to your gym outfit.
And then I also recommend owning a more trendy casual pair like Adidas sambas, Nike Blazers, or any court style sneaker. These work best for when you don't necessarily need to be active but will be on your feet all day (which aren't we all when we have kids to chase around and sh*t to do?)
2. Skorts
During the warmer months, a skort is such a vibe for us stylish moms. My own closet is overflowing with them because it's a fun way to get a cute flirty but comfy look! If you want even more style inspiration, be sure to check out my post on 17 different ways to style skorts from date night to sports games!
3. Cute Baseball Hat
I literally could not do mom life without a cute baseball cap. There are too many days to count where I just don't have the time to do my hair or makeup (especially during the newborn / young baby days!) and so a chic baseball cap it is! It's one of those accessories that screams I swear I'm a cool mom but also I just did not have it in me to actually do my hair / makeup / shower etc.
4. A Good Belt Bag or Crossbody Bag
A go-to crossbody or belt bag is definitely a must when you're trying to be a trendy (but practical) mom! Real life requires us moms to be able to be hands-free often, so a cross body or belt bag is the best way to still have access to our essentials but still be able to snatch a fast crawling child or multi task.
5. Initial Jewelry with Children's Initials
This is one of my favorite mom fashion staples! Because as moms, we love our kids and of course we want to brag about them a little bit. I love a simple necklace or bracelet that has your child or children's initials on them. Personally, I have a permanent bracelet with my daughters' initials on them, and then a necklace I wear every so often as well.
I'd stray away from any huge statement jewelry and keep it simple so that it can something that works with a wide variety outfits and won't go out of style over the years. Since you're going to be a mom for the rest of your life!
6. Matching Loungewear Set
I have far too many matching loungewear sets to count at this point, but it's because it's for sure an ultimate fashionable mom closet staple! It can very easily take you from playing on the floor with your kids to school drop off to coffee with a girlfriend! They are also amazing for when you're newly postpartum because comfort is EVERYTHING during that 4th trimester.
Plus it's such a good base to add all these other fashion staples in the list too to really take it to the next level. I'm a fan of having a few in different colors and for different seasons. I seriously wear mine over and over. Outfit repeating never felt so chic!
7. Trendy Sunglasses
A cool mom must have. Especially for those of us who are not getting much sleep! Cover those tired eyes, but make it chic! I honestly love Amazon, Marshall's and TJMaxx for finding trendy pairs on the cheap (also because I'm ADD and the queen of losing things so I can't have nice things). But I also love the Quay brand of sunglasses for a little bit of a "splurge" that isn't insanely expensive.
8. Full-Coverage Swimsuit
When summer hits, you're gonna want a cute but full coverage swimsuit in your wardrobe for sure. If you find yourself at the town pool, beach, lake - wherever your little swimmers like to go, then you know you're in that water splashing around with them. Gone are the days of casually lounging on a beach chair with a drink in our hands (sigh). So a swimsuit that is going to actually stay in place and cover what we need to be covered is going to be key.
I love Aerie and Target for affordable but cute options in this department!
9. Bike Shorts or Catsuit
I love a good pair of bike shorts or even a catsuit for layering underneath everything from dresses to a graphic tee or an oversized sweater. It's a comfortable layering piece for the warmer weather that ensure you're comfortable and covered well on the bottom when you're on the go but also really easy to style up to look cute.
10. Sleek, Insulated Tumbler or Stanley Cup
One way to really make sure the world knows you're a millennial mom on-the-go? A Stanley cup or really any large insulated tumbler.
Okay so yes that is my Stanley cup above, BUT my best friend introduced me to the Brumate cups and I fear Stanley cups are now inferior due to the no spill factor that Stanley cups are severely lacking! You still get all the benefits: A straw, large size, cupholder friendly (perfect for the car and stroller), and easy to clean! But, you don't have to worry about it tipping over and spilling everywhere.
Us moms do not need another mess to clean that's for sure!
11. Puffer or Quilted Vest
A chic puffer vest is the ultimate cute layer for transitioning between seasons. One with pockets is always a plus too! But it gives you an extra does of fashion sense along with the utility and warmth factor.
If you're looking for ways to style a puffer vest, then for sure check out my post on 10 different trendy puffer vest outfits to easily recreate!
12. Trendy Crew Socks & A Good Pair of Leggings
Now that us millennials have been shamed for our ankle socks being out of style, I can't help but notice every trendy mom has switched over to the sporty crew sock look! Keep your leggings outfits up to date easily by throwing on a cute pair of crew socks with them! I love Alo Yoga and Bombas for quality and trendy sock options!
13. Simple But Cute Earrings
Last but not least, never underestimate the power of a good pair of earrings. It instantly elevates your whole look and makes it look like you tried at least a little bit (even if you really didn't). I love the chunky and old money style earrings that are trending right now! Some cute fun options that are super inexpensive linked below for you!
When putting together your cool mom wardrobe, these pieces will make life easier while still being fashionable! Us moms have to embrace a functional yet stylish wardrobe that works for our busy lifestyle. But we can easily take our normal clothes, and just make them feel elevated easily by taking these trendy staples and finding ways to combine them!
What did you think of these stylish mom staples? Let me know what your favorite cool mom wardrobe essential is in the comments!
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