Mom Style: Go Anywhere Classy Casual

By Guest Blogger Teresa Louise Johnson

With two children under four, I don’t have a lot of time to get dressed, or even to shower, every day. As a fan of Elle Canada, I get Facebook notifications of what’s going on on the Elle Canada website. One of the notifications that comes in very handy is the Look of the Day, and today’s look in particular (check it out) is a definite thumbs up. However, as a self-respecting woman with the average mom’s belly pooch, I cannot bring myself to wear the featured trendy pleated shorts. I’ve got to modify for my go anywhere look and, of course, you can too.

Image: Walmart

To replace the pleated Elle version, I like the Gap’s Curvy Bermuda Shorts in True Black. They’re classy and smart at the same time and they’re the type of style that will suit most body types. I’d match them with something simple like the Women’s Organic Cotton Scoop Tank (by Seed Supply Co.) from Wal-Mart, priced at a very affordable $4.

Lastly, find a fitted jacket with short or ¾ sleeves, rather than the long sleeves featured in the Elle Canada Look of the Day. It was a little tougher to find just the right thing, but I find I can always rely on Old Navy. A great ON option is the Cotton Twill Trapeze Blazer in Khaki. With short sleeves suitable for summer and a neutral hue for matching to skirts, jeans, and other bottoms (especially those perfect fit black trousers every woman owns) you already possess, it’s a good staple piece.

To finish off the look, grab pretty scarf to drape around your neck and some pretty sandals or wedge heels (as shown in the Elle version.)

Still confused about how to translate what you see on a magazine page into something you can wear? I look at a few factors when deciding what to wear. Is it current? If it’s not trendy, is it classic or the kind of look that doesn’t become dated or easily placed in a fashion era? Is it comfortable; can I move in it, bend over, or stretch? Will it suit my body shape? Is it interesting or pretty? I don’t like to fade into the background and you shouldn’t have to either.