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Chances are that if you’ve spent the last few years of your life pregnant, nursing, or just entirely focused on raising kids, your wardrobe is looking a little worse for wear. If you're ready for a fashion refresh, but not sure which current trends can work with your #momlife, I’ve got good news: I recruited a fashion stylist to share her 11 must-have fall pieces to take your wardrobe from gross to glorious.
Credit: Heidi Liebman
Heidi Liebman is the stylish mom behind Sweetzer Style.
I couldn’t think of a better person to consult about mom-friendly fashion than Hollywood stylist, Heidi Liebman. A mom of two girls herself—with a third on the way—Heidi has built her styling business, Sweetzer Style, by helping real women achieve sartorial success at an affordable price point. Many of the pieces she chose can work even if you’re pregnant—simply size up—and they’re all basics to take you through this season and beyond.
1. A western-inspired boot Credit: Shopbop
Western-inspired boots are a must for fall.
You can never go wrong with a black bootie, especially if it’s inspired by this season’s oh-so-hot Western look.
Get the Jerome Dreyfuss Sabine Boot on Shopbop for $530
Get the Sam Edelman Iris Western Boot at Nordstrom for $179.95
Get the Dolce Vita Serra Western Bootie on Amazon for $152.75
2. A moody floral top Credit: Madewell
A blouse that takes you from drop-off to date night.
Every mom needs a blouse that’s easy to throw on and that looks effortlessly put together. Heidi says that Madewell’s Dark Floral Smocked Mockneck Top is “perfect for day to night...wear it to school drop off, to the office, then straight to dinner.”
Get the Dark Floral Smocked Mockneck Top at Madewell for $98
3. An everyday blazer Credit: Shopbop
A blazer is a layering staple.
A classic blazer with an edgy twist is the perfect layering piece for the cool mornings and warm afternoons of early fall. Heidi says it makes every outfit look instantly pulled together.
Get a Rag and Bone Slade Blazer at Shopbop for $550
Get the Lioness Palermo at Shopbop for $88
4. An easy black pant Credit: Madewell
A more sophisticated version of your favorite leggings.
If you’re devoted to your leggings but you don’t want to look like you’re wearing, well, leggings, you need a pair of Madewell’s Roadtripper Jeggings. I’ve owned a pair of these for years (on Heidi’s recommendation), and they are one of the most versatile and flattering items in my closet. As Heidi points out, “who doesn't secretly love an elastic waist, without looking like you're wearing something with an elastic waist.”
Get the Roadtripper Jegging at Madewell for $75
5. A chunky knit sweater Credit: Zara
A chunky knit sweater pairs easily with jeans or skirts.
Ditch the moth-eaten, pilly sweaters that you’ve been wearing for years, and opt for a fresh sweater in this season’s on-trend look. Heidi says that Zara’s textured knit sweater looks great when half-tucked into a pair of jeans or a midi skirt.
Get the Textured Knit Sweater at Zara for $49.95
5. A midi skirt Credit: Top Shop
A floral midi skirt is fashionable and fun.
A flirty floral midi skirt is just right for fall’s changeable weather. Wear it with a tucked-in tee and blazer, or a half-tucked chunky sweater knit.
Get the Misa Nenna Skirt at ShopBop for $249
Get the Black Floral Metallic Thread wrap skirt at Top Shop for $85
6. An elevated tee Credit: Club Monaco
Puffed sleeves elevate a basic tee.
A great basic t-shirt is a wardrobe staple, but if you want something a little less casual—and a lot more fashion forward—opt for one with a puffed sleeve. It’s an updated classic that you won’t regret adding to your rotation.
Get the Puff Sleeve top at Club Monaco for $129.95
7. A fabulous coat Credit: Club Monaco / Mango
A lightweight coat is ideal for unpredictable weather.
Plaid is the print for fall, but if you’re not ready to go full kilt, invest in a timeless subtle plaid coat. This out-of-the-ordinary color combo pairs well with denim. Prefer something without a pattern? Mango’s belted wool coat looks sophisticated and comes in black, brown, or ecru.
Get the Plaid Heleni Coat at Club Monaco for $379
Get the Belted Wool Coat at Mango for $229
8. A not-so-skinny jean Credit: Net-a-Porter
A straight-leg jean is comfortable and on trend.
If you’re ready to invest in a new pair of jeans, and you want something that’s super versatile, Heidi suggests the high-rise, straight-leg jeans from RE/DONE. She says these look great either dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers.
Get the RE/DONE Originals Stove Pipe Comfort Stretch high-rise straight-leg jeans
at ShopBop for $240
9. An easy, go-to dress Credit: & Other Stories
A puff-sleeve mini dress is especially versatile.
Every woman needs to have a flattering, wear-with-everything dress. Heidi recommends the Jacquard Puff Sleeve Mini Dress because it can be paired with black tights and boots, or bare legs and flats. She also points out that it’s a great piece for hiding a post-baby tummy as well.
Get the Jacquard Puff Sleeve Mini Dress at & Other Stories for $99
10. A hands-free belt bag Credit: Shopbop / Nordstrom
A belt bag keeps your hands free.
Upgrade your fanny pack game with a chic leather belt bag. They keep your hands free—a must when you have busy kids—and can be worn as cross-body bags, too.
Get the Hobo Saunter Saunter Leather Belt Bag at Nordstrom for $168
Get the Isabel Marant Skano Belt Bag at Shopbop for $770
11. A sophisticated hair tie Credit: Madewell
Velvet hair ties instantly elevate a messy bun.
Let’s be real: mom life usually means a lot of dry shampoo and messy ponytails. A velvet hair tie instantly makes your thrown-together messy ‘do look chic.
Get a two-pack of velvet hair ties at Madewell for $16
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
