At the return of the fall season, most of us take a moment to check in with our closets and see what we’re going to wear for the cooler weather ahead. Some of us are happy that we’ve stocked our wardrobe with seasonless solid denim pieces, cozy knits, and outerwear for layering. However, sometimes we feel like our wardrobe falls a little flat and doesn’t suit the vibes we’re seeing and feeling for the current season.
When this happens, many of us turn to the stores to be confused, overwhelmed, or disappointed by what we find. We can run into seasonal trends that might be difficult to incorporate into a wardrobe fit for motherhood.
For example, some of the trends this season, like the no pants, no problem aesthetic (think those elevated underwear-looking briefs you see the likes of Kendal Jenner wearing) or the free the nipple trend (I think that one speaks for itself), don’t lend themselves to Sunday soccer games.
If you find yourself in the position above and want to update your wardrobe this season, I will spare you the shopping trauma and share the five most wearable fall and winter trends for us mamas.
1. Modern Peplum
You’re probably rejoicing because the beloved peplum is back this season. It’s an extremely wearable trend for most body types as it helps to create waist definition. Additionally, that little tuft of fabric that skims our midsection is great at hiding a post-baby belly or love handles. The key is to make it a bit more modern.
Ulla Johnson Nina Top: Perfect for work with a trouser or an evening out with some bold jewelry and modern jeans. This peplum top comes in a gorgeous winter floral print that is on point for this season and many to come.
Favorite Daughter Bustier Top: This is not technically a full-blown peplum but gives a similar effect. These strapless vest tops are one of the easiest ways to modernize your wardrobe this season. Layer it with a cotton turtle neck or long-sleeve top for a more covered look, or wear it alone or with a sheer top underneath for date night.
2. Off the Shoulder
This trend is perfect if you want to show a little skin this season but aren’t into the inventive and sometimes revealing cutouts that are currently everywhere. Showing your shoulders is subtly sexy but still refined. The bonus is most women love this area of their body!
Reformation Stratford Dress: This one is a little dressy, but I can see it being worn to an event or fancier evening in the city. A great boot, bold gold jewelry, and a geometric metal clutch would be a show-stopping outfit.
Reformation Ballari Dress: Simple, elegant, and refined, this dress can be glammed up with statement jewelry and heels or dressed down in the coolest way with a pair of fashion sneakers.
Reformation Leonora Top: Reformation is knocking them dead with their off-the-shoulder looks. I love the allure of this top, and rouching can smooth a litany of sins.
3. Norm Core
This trend basically heralds your simple basics—a bit of a throwback to the ease of ’90s dressing. A button-down, simple trouser/jean, and elegant belt make the look. A blazer can be an excellent topper. The key to getting this right is ensuring the pieces are quality and the overall look is polished (i.e., eliminate the wrinkles).
Vince Convertible Button-Down: I love the options with this white button-down. You can wear it like a regular button-down with loose venting or switch it to the sleeker cross-over silhouette. It’s a little bit of weekend mom vs. workday mom in one shirt.
AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist Jean: My absolute go-to in a straight-leg jean. The clean lines and snatched waist help give the hourglass figure a heightened trend for this season. Just be aware this jean has minimal stretch.
Madewell Chunky Buckle Skinny Leather Belt: Simple and elegant, this belt will serve you well this season and for many more to come. The brushed metal buckle helps it not seem over the top in any way.
4. Ballet Flats
The ballet flat trend continues into this season, and women often either love or hate them. For the haters, I have to say I generally agree. If you think about a ballet flat in its most traditional sense, you get a round-toe, childish-looking shoe that stunts your leg line and makes you look shorter. However, sleeker versions are available this season that look more mature and have an elongated toe box. With these improvements, the ballerina flat looks good and maintains the comfort of a flat shoe.
Madewell Gretta Ballet Flat: I love how the deep chocolate brown and simple lines of this shoe make this feel nothing like the ballet shoes your five-year-old is currently sporting.
Free People Mystic Mary Jane: Totally edged up with studs, no one is mistaking this ballet flat for its more childish alter ego. All the colors are great, but the blue is a cool pop of color.
5. Bold Jewelry
If you will add any trend to your wardrobe this season, this final trend is the one. It will modernize anything you’ve got going on currently. Bold jewelry looks super fresh and will help you look like you’re in the fashion know this fall and winter.
Jenny Bird Lyra Climbers: Easily my favorite piece of jewelry this season, these ear climbers from Jenny Bird’s spherical collection are so cool. I can envision them with the coziest sweaters, formal blazers, and even any old T-shirt. The only difficulty is choosing gold or silver.
Gold Bead Necklace: Also a nod to the Tiffany’s jewelry rage in the late ’90s, this beaded necklace is a great wardrobe updater. I would even think about stacking more than one.
Petra Mini Drop: The larger version of these was seen at Balenciaga and took on mass popularity when recreated by other retailers. This mini version is a fresh and somewhat different take for this season.
