If you’re a mom, you know the rumors are true: the days are long, but the weeks, months and years are so, so short. It’s a special kind of chaos, full of precious moments, meltdowns (the child’s and yours) and a jam-packed schedule. So, when you start assessing your spring and summer wardrobe, you might want to consider these under-$50 fashion gems to keep you feeling cool, comfortable and supported in the coming months.
As a first-time toddler mom, the winter had me winded. From December to now, my daughter has learned to run, jump and is gearing up to climb. I’m bracing myself for the warm-weather months because I know more playdates, family events, outdoor play, etc., means I’ll be just as active as she is. This means making sure the tees, tanks and coordinating sets in my closet can help me keep up and stay cool, calm and collected in the northeastern heat. To help you do the same, I’m sharing my top 15 busy mom wardrobe must-haves that check all the necessary boxes as we head into spring.
15 Under-$50 Spring Fashion Gems for Busy Moms
1. Favorite Tanks: I own this double-lined tank in multiple colors — that’s how you know it’s a winner. I’m picky about sleeveless tops and am constantly searching for V-neck styles that meet my standards, but this just-under-$20 option does.
2. Flowy Tops: Flowy blouses with plenty of airflow are optimal in the warm weather months, especially when you’re chasing around a toddler. This is another must-have I own in various colors, and I constantly reach for it when temperatures start to spike. It is a longer style, though, so don’t judge if you catch me doing the millennial tuck.
3. Shorts Sets: Matching sets are a saving grace for busy moms because they require minimal styling and, more importantly, very little brain power to put together. A shorts set is ideal for days spent outdoors, and this casual option comes in so many colors that you’ll want to stock up for summer.
4. Pants Co-Ords: On days when it’s almost too hot to exist, let alone fry at the playground, swap out your shorts co-ord for this matching short-sleeve top and pant combo for lounging in the air conditioning.
5. Overall Obsessed: I’m a few years (decades?) late to the overalls obsession, but a friend of mine gave me a hand-me-down pair, and I can’t (re: won’t) stop wearing them. This option on Amazon looks similar to my favorite, with wide legs for breathability, adjustable straps to customize your fit and a loose silhouette for maximum comfort.
6. Workout Tops: Built-in bra-tops are another busy mom essential. I prefer athletic styles like this one from MathCat because they’re literally designed to keep up with your active lifestyle, in and out of the gym.
7. Rompers: This is the busy mom version of the going-out outfit. Dresses are darling, but rompers are cute and practical. I love this sleeveless bodycon number because it’s stylish (note the tie-cinched waist and side-ruching) and functional. The fabric is stretchy but thick, so you’ll look put-together for brunch, yet can bend down to pick up whatever your toddler’s throwing at any given time without needing to adjust.
8. Athletic Dress: Athletic dresses also rank high on my list of mom-approved one-and-done outfits. I save these specifically for errands or days at the park, garden, etc., because they tend to lean casual. Add a pair of sneakers, and you’re ready to go in less than five minutes.
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9. Crocheted Cardigans: I have been a cardigan girl for as long as I can remember (it dates back to my elementary days), regardless of season. I reach for crocheted cardigans in spring and summer because they’re loose and, due to the holes, offer some airflow on chilly evenings on the patio.
10. Something Long-Sleeved: I plan to spend many summer days somewhere indoors where my toddler can roam, and I can follow while basking in the blaring A.C. However, because I run cold, I always have a long-sleeved shirt handy, like Merokeety’s lightweight cardigan, to regulate my temperature.
11. Strapless Bras: I used to loathe strapless bras. Now, they’re my go-to. This is especially true in the warm-weather months, as I wear many spaghetti-strap tanks. However, because last year’s newborn is now a tottling toddler, my standards for support are higher than ever. They also can’t be slipping down my back and chest every time I move, and this pick gets the job done.
12. Seamless Underwear: I don’t see nearly enough people waxing poetic over seamless underwear, but as a busy mom, invisible undies are essential. I don’t want to think about whether my underwear is showing when I slip on a pair of yoga leggings, a skirt or a dress. I need to be able to grab what I want to wear, put it on and get out the door, and that level of ease starts with base layers. These hipsters understand the assignment.
13. Skorts: I never really wore skorts until I became a mom. Not because I didn’t like them, but because I never had a reason to choose the style over a traditional skirt. While they’re a sensational swap for moms with active children, they’re also just a refreshing change from shorts, giving the illusion that we’re dressier than we really are.
14. Waterproof Jackets: After such a miserable winter, my daughter and I will be outdoors as much as possible once the warm weather arrives. But alas, spring is best known for its rain showers. Luckily, rain jackets make damp conditions a non-issue.
15. Baseball Cap: Baseball caps accomplish a few things: They offer facial sun protection, saving your skin from harmful UV exposure and making sunglasses unnecessary (one less thing you have to carry, mama), and because they veil your eyes from the bright light, you don’t have to squint (yes, I’m thinking about wrinkles, okay?). This pick was also designed to fit your ponytail, so there’s no need to worry about what your hair is doing.
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