Must-have staples for you this fall: Mom Chic

Yesterday, I asked my facebook friends for suggestions of topics to tackle for Fashion Friday. I was floored. So many of my friends had topic ideas. I’m trying so hard to tackle them, one at a time. I’m going to be busy for several weeks. But ask away. I love it!

Nancy, who I met when we both wrote at Mommies with Style and is about to debut her new blog soon, asked

How about dressing for the pick up and drop off when the kids go back to school — I have no clue what to wear anymore, since [her son] took the bus last year I didn’t have to worry about looking presentable.

This is one of my favorite topics. The whole goal of preschool pick-up (and drop off) is adding a little touch to make you look complete. Usually, I recommend a pop of color.

I also recommend stocking your closet with a few good staples:

• Good jeans. I am not one to invest in a lot of pairs of designer jeans. As much as I like shopping, I don’t like spending money. So, I’ve found a pair or two of jeans that fit really, really well that I can use for upping my look, and I spend money on those. For my everyday jeans, ever since GAP reworked their fits and switched to Euro sizing, I’ve relied on them. Buy a few pairs of less expensive jeans that still look good and you can wear them nearly every day.

• Well-fitting tops. Look for a top with a lower neckline (don’t dip too low, but stay away from the old fashioned crew necks because they cut you off too soon) and try for one that’s comfortably fitted. Then buy a few in that style because you know you look good. I usually look to Ann Taylor, LOFT and Banana for token tops, but I’ve recently found less expensive tops at H&M and Charlotte Russe. Just don’t expect those tops to last as long. (Ann Taylor has great options right now, and they’re up to 40% off.) (Same with LOFT.)

• Pumps. They may be the lowest item on you, but heels will almost always make you look presentable, as long as you aren’t wearing them with workout clothes. Find a pair of pumps that work well with jeans and nice pants for versatility. Just make sure you’ll be able to run after your little kids. I love the Mia Women’s Nolen Platform Pump – casual and versatile in camel/caramel.

• Boots. Yes. You’ll also want a pair of boots. Riding boots are still the boot style for this fall, and you can get away with last year’s boots, no problem. Riding boots are perfect for over skinnies, jeggings, leggings, and your legs when you wear skirts. By-the-way, the boots featured here are by Born, and I can promise you that Born boots are comfortable. I bought a pair for last fall and can’t wait to wear them again this year.

• A great cardigan. If you have a cardigan or two that you can pull over your cute tops, you’ll be set. I collect them in neutrals, so that I can always just grab one on my way out the door. Find one that has large enough sleeves to fit over your top, but not so large that you swim in it. Cardigans come in all shapes and sizes, so look for ones that compliment your best features.
• Skirt. Here’s something so great to share: All skirts are a go. That’s right. Love pencil skirts? No problem. Want a long flowy skirt? You got it. Think an a-line is best for you? Okay. Check out the first page of Belk’s skirt selection to see what I mean. There are few skirt rules this year.  Just get one in hot fall colors, pair it up with your boots and one of your token tops and you’re set.
• Accessories. Accessories are my thing. Really, even if you wear a pair of jeans, tennis shoes and a t-shirt, add a hip necklace or scarf, and you’ve upped your look. Always. Always. Always have sunglasses on hand. In your jewelry area, invest in a few pieces of costume jewelry, like those I’ve found at Stella and Dot. It’s useful to have bulky and thin necklaces. And shop TJMaxx and Marshalls for versatile, chic bags.

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© 2011, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.

About Julie Meyers Pron

Julie Meyers Pron has written 1188 post in this blog.

mom of 3 and wife, Julie is a former elementary school teacher and a Public Relations manager. She is the owner/editor of Julieverse and VlogMom, columnist for Rusty & Rosy, Home Made Simple and P&G Everyday, the Social Media and Child Development Specialist at PlayWow, and a team member of Splash Creative Media. Julie is a PTOer, volunteer, elementary educator and that's just the beginning of the list. A marketing strategist and freelance writer by trade, Julie attempts to carve out time to enjoy playing with her kids, cooking and exercise.

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