Once you have kids, you need a wardrobe full of items that are both practical and comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

We’ve pulled together our list of essentials which can form the basis for you to build a stylish and practical wardrobe for when you are with your kids.

 

 

1. White shirt

Keep it crisp and clean, and avoid embellishments for maximum versatility.

White shirt: Found at Vinnies for $4.

STYLE TIP: 7 ways to wear your white work shirt now you’re CEO of a household.

 

 

 

2. Ballet flats

Mothers voted these their 3rd favourite shoe in the Fox in Flats fashion survey,

and it’s easy to see why.

Ballet flats: ECCO Goya $189.95 (available in marine, dove and woodrose)

 

STYLE TIP: Beware of flashing too much toe cleavage in the playground.

 

 

 

3. Black leggings

For the ultimate in practicality and versatility, you can’t go past a pair of black leggings.

Leggings: Witchery leather panel ponte pant $169.95 in store and online now.

 

STYLE TIP: A ponte fabric (type of stretch jersey) is ideal as it holds in your jiggly bits while creating a streamlined sillhoutte.

 

 

4.Oversized sunglasses

Essential to hide those tired eyes.

Sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960 Nicole. $150. Buy these online. 

 

TIP: Build a wardrobe of cheap and cheerful sunnies. The best on the net under $40 here.

 

 

 

5. Flat boots

Knee-high boots are a playground favourite, but ankle boots are equally versatile,

and add modernity to your look.

Flat boots: ECCO $169. Shop here.

 

STYLE TIPS: 6 ways to wear ankle boots here.

 

 

6. A trench coat

Whack this baby over the top of absolutely anything and you’ve got instant classic style.

Trench: Woman by Peter Morrissey $89 from Big W. Check out how I wore it last weekend here on Fox in Flats Facebook. 

 

STYLE TIPS:

• Knot the belt around your waist, and team with an edgy ankle boot for an instant style update.
• Tie loosely around the back, flapping open and push up your sleeves for a casual look.
• Try it cinched with a black leather belt. Tres chic!

 

 

 

7. Converse

48% of mums say these are their favourite shoes to wear when they are with their kids. As you can tell from the condition of this pair, they’re one of my favourites too!

My Converse: $45. Shop here. 

 

TIP: For inspiration on how to wear your Converse, click here.

 

 

8. A blazer

Jacket: Woman by Peter Morrissey $49 from Big W.

 

STYLE TIPS: We’ve found 8 ways to take your blazer from the boardroom to the playroom.

 

 

9. Blue jeans

A favourite of mothers everywhere, and part of the standard ‘mummy uniform’ according to our survey of 150 women.

Jeans: Bettina Liano, bought years ago, about $200.

 

TIP: Use the style tip Peter Morrissey gave us and cuff them 3 inches above your ankle when wearing with flats.

 

 

10. A statement carry-all

As mums, we’re always lugging heaps of stuff around. But just because we need our bags to be practical doesn’t mean they can’t look awesome at the same time.

Bag: ECCO Latakia $179.95 (available in melon, grey and orange) Extra roomy, handy outside pockets and several compartments inside.  In store now.

 

TIP: For tips on how to shop savvy for baby bags, click here.

 

 

11. A soft leather jacket

Warm, comfy and super easy to wipe away baby dribble.

Leather jacket: bought in Florence, Italy 8 years ago. 

 

TIP: Go for a sleek, streamlined cut that won’t date.

 

 

12. The loafer

Ageless, sophisticated and classic, we’ve found 7 ways to wear them when you’re with your kids,  here.

Loafers: ECCO Kenna $199.95 (available in melon, black, white, burnt ochre).

 

 

 

13. A selection of scarves

Perfect for a quick splash of colour and a layer of pattern. And handy for discretion while breastfeeding.

Scarves: L-R – Found in an Op Shop, Vintage Trent Nathan, Supre $10 , Vintage Trent Nathan.

 

If you’re heading back to (paid) work, you might like to check out 5 back to work essentials for every working mum.

And if you’d like to be in the running to WIN a $500 shoe wardrobe from ECCO, click here.

 

What’s in your wardrobe that you just CAN’T live without?

 

 

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Disclaimer: ECCO and Peter Morrissey for BigW gave us product to photograph and try.

The ECCO stuff is just divine and of the highest quality,

and the trench has become an instant favourite.

Everything else in the article belongs to me,

and I wear them to death.

I’m sure you can tell!

xAndrea

Photos: Copyright FoxinFlats, taken in my office / wardrobe. 

 

03 August 2011