A 12 Piece Stay at Home Mom Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I was overwhelmed, stressed, angry, sad, and I felt so inauthentic. Which I think might have been the worst part of it.

Who wants to feel inauthentic?

It was 2004 when I first became a mom, and in 2004 there just wasn’t online resources or the communities that women can find now.

We had tv shows, magazines, and sometimes the styling sections of online retailers.

But even online shopping was abysmal, especially in Canada so to me, it felt hopeless.

I just wanted to wear my low rise pants, studded belts like I did less than a year previously.

In this day and age I would have sat myself down and gave her a good talking too, but because it felt very isolating at that time, it was a weird new world that I had to navigate alone.

And the navigation was rough because I was trying to project an image that wasn’t me.

It was like I believed (thanks to some ignorant “friends”) that I was supposed to look appropriate for my new role in life.

I don’t know why I never questioned it because many times since then I have sat back and wondered what appropriate really meant.

When thinking back to it, I feel like it meant more like them, which is so hilarious now that I realize that because they were not the epitome of fashion like they may have believed.

It was more like the mean girls’ clique in school.

In hindsight, it makes me sad that I lost that part of me at 25 because no one was telling me different, and I felt very unqualified for this new position as a mom so listened where I normally wouldn’t have listened.

So please hear me when I say that I understand this feeling of being fashionably lost as a mother, I absolutely understand.

I know what it feels like to be deep in it, and I understand the journey it takes to get out of it.

It took me a very long time to change my mindset and find myself again.

I like to say re-find myself because she was always in there fighting to come out, but I pushed her down while trying to maintain an image that wasn’t authentic to me or my style.

It was an emotionally volatile time, and I am happy to say that I made it out on the other side all the better for it.

So if you are starting out on your style journey you can check out this post that goes into it more deeply.

Capsule wardrobes don’t have to be boring.

They don’t have to be a small collection of neutrals like you often see, unless of course that is your personal style.

But for me and my many years of building wardrobes and styling people I know that the neutral wardrobe is the automatic go-to choice.

But I want to show you that even when you are working with a very small wardrobe, it is not only possible but also important to keep it fun and full of personality.

I am a huge proponent of secondhand and thrift shopping.

I literally got through my favourite online consignment shops, and the Poshmark and Etsy Marketplace every single morning when I drink my coffee while waking up.

Sometimes I am looking for something particular, but mostly it is to see what I can find that excites my stylist soul.

What is a Stay at Home Mom Wardrobe?

A stay-at-home mom’s wardrobe should be practical, comfortable, and versatile to handle the demands of caring for children and managing household tasks while still allowing for personal style.

It needs to be easy and is about looking put together with minimal effort.

You want to be able to focus on other things without worrying about how you are dressed.

If you want to see what my personal stay at home mom capsule wardrobe looks like, I posted about it last week.

A sahm wardrobe should have a range of comfortable tops.

A few pairs of well-fitting jeans and comfortable casual pants are essential for everyday wear. You don’t need to resort to leggings and a tunic, oftentimes an oversized sweater and wide leg trousers is even more comfortable.

But if you must wear leggings then keep the look intentional. You want it to look like an outfit versus pyjamas, loungewear, or like you are returning from the gym.

I don’t really do leggings unless I am working out, but I do my athletic wear in the form of Adidas track pants and joggers.

I find the key with these is to use the wrong shoe theory to bring the intentionality to the look. By not wearing a sneaker you take away the exercise feel.

Try a ballet flat, loafers, and I even really like a slim jogger tucked into my moto boot or even a rain welly.

You can see me wearing a loafer with wide leg track pants here, actually I think it is more of a smoking slipper but the same general idea.

But this one is my favourite. I was inspired by a woman I saw when I was out shopping. She was about 70 years old and chic as can be.

Look for inspiration everywhere.

Sweaters and cardigans are great for layering during cooler months. They can be thrown on over a simple top for added warmth and style.

Style Tip: yes you can layer an oversized turtleneck sweater over a button up. You don’t need the collar to poke out, you can just let the tails hang out.

Believe me, it works.

It adds visual interest, colour, pattern, and texture depth, and you have a ready-made chic top underneath in case you get hot.

Hot flashes happen to us all.

Invest in comfortable and supportive shoes, like sneakers or slip-on flats, to keep up with your daily activities.

I think it is also important to have a sexy yet practical heel in there too. A kitten heel is wildly popular right now, and so easy to walk in.

And what I feel goes along with a good shoe selection is a good sock selection.

I like colourful socks to add some punch to a look, but I also like a nice cashmere sock for an easy way to add a bit of luxury feel to your hectic life.

A nice sock can be a game changer.

I like to use accessories to bring in variety and personality to your wardrobe. My favourite way is through secondhand or vintage bags in a quality brand and style.

They are a simple way to elevate even the most basic outfit.

If you are a skirt or dress person than versatile options are key. Choose easy-to-wear, casual dresses or skirts that are both comfortable and stylish.

You want something that can easily be dressed up or down as needed.

Depending on the climate where you live, have a good-quality jacket or coat for colder weather, and a lightweight option for milder days.

Since this is a fall wardrobe I included a trench, but a trench in a tweed style fabric which is actually quite unusual for a trench and adds an extra level of style and personality.

For accessories, I suggest keeping it less is more for everyday wear. Especially if you are just figuring things out.

A few simple, low-maintenance accessories like stud earrings or a necklace can add a touch of style to your look without much effort.

And let’s not forget undergarments. You need to get a bra fitting. Wearing the right size bra is an absolute game changer in how you look and feel.

I wore the wrong size forever. I think it was a 34B, but after a fitting about 12 years ago I went to a 28DD, and I am currently a 30D.

Your bra size will change and you should not be wearing the same size you wore 10 years ago without it being verified by a fitting.

And if you don’t want to go to a store than I highly recommend A Bra That Fits calculator. The corresponding Reddit page is very helpful as well.

Try some hair accessories like hair ties, clips, and headbands on hand for easy and quick hair management.

I also suggest scarves, and hats to enhance a look and your hair.

Remember that comfort and practicality are key when building a stay-at-home mom’s wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style.

Choose items that make you feel good and confident while allowing you to move and work efficiently throughout the day.

Prioritize quality over quantity, investing in durable pieces that will withstand daily wear and wash cycles.

If you feel like you don’t know where to start even after reading the post I linked above, then begin with some online style inspiration.

Follow fashion blogs or Instagram accounts that showcase styles that resonate with you. This can help you find inspiration and discover new trends that fit your lifestyle.

Take Small Steps. You don’t need a complete makeover overnight. It is okay, and I actually recommend that you gradually introduce new pieces or styles into your wardrobe.

Small changes can make a big impact over time.

Embrace your personal style. Even if you are just discovering it. Don’t feel pressured to conform to any particular style, that is where you get stuck.

Embrace what makes you comfortable and confident. Your personal style should reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Remember that style is a personal expression of who you are. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear.

Prioritize what makes you feel good, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your style to your changing life as a stay-at-home mom.

Stay At Home Mom Outfit Ideas

You might also like:
My 12 Piece Ultimate Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Carolyn Bessette Inspired Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Romantic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Ralph Lauren Inspired Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece New Preppy Style Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece 90s Fashion Fall Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Quiet Luxury Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I am now offering digital styling guides, and personal styling services. If you are looking for some styling help that is inexpensive and easy, check out my digital styling guides. If you want some one-on-one help shopping, building and editing your wardrobe, or packing for a trip, I can also assist. Check out all the styling services that I offer here.

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