Last year, I put together a little roundup of my go-to mom outfits, and it felt like the right time to bring the series back for a new season. While I call these “mom outfits,” they’re really just outfits that combine comfort, practicality, and style—the kind of looks I reach for most often when I’m with my kids and juggling a full day of errands, playground visits, and the occasional coffee stop.
At the heart of every look? Comfortable footwear. That’s always my starting point. If my shoes work for chasing toddlers, running through an airport, or standing around at the park for an hour, then the rest of the outfit falls into place pretty naturally. And honestly, these outfits double beautifully as travel looks, even if many of us aren’t hopping on planes quite as often these days.
Here are five of my favorite comfy-yet-chic outfit formulas for mom life right now:
1. The Elevated Legging Look
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m not shy about my love for a good pair of leggings. In fact, I wear one particular pair so often that I eventually bought a second. A quality legging goes beyond “gym clothes”—it’s the foundation for an outfit that can be dressed up or down.
Pair them with sleek sneakers for a casual morning, or tuck them into ankle boots for something a little sharper. Throw on an oversized sweater or a crisp button-down, and you’ve got a look that feels intentional but still lets you bend down 100 times in a row without a second thought.
2. Sneakers + Crossbody = Instant Mom Uniform
When I’m with the kids, I need both hands free, which means bags with long straps or backpacks are my best friends. A crossbody bag is usually my go-to—it holds the essentials, keeps everything close, and doesn’t slip off my shoulder while I’m carrying a squirmy toddler.
Add in a favorite pair of sneakers (supportive, stylish, and built to last), and the rest of the outfit almost doesn’t matter. Leggings, joggers, or jeans all work here. This combo has become my everyday uniform for errands, playground trips, or even grabbing lunch with a friend.
3. Stretch Denim Done Right
I’ve said it before: I actually love wearing jeans around my kids. The key is finding the right stretch and fit—jeans that move with you instead of fighting back. A great pair of denim can handle playground climbing sessions just as easily as they can a casual dinner out.
I rotate between a few different pairs, but one of my all-time favorites is the Levi’s 501 Stretch Skinny. They have just enough give without losing that classic denim look. Toss on a simple tee and cardigan, or pair them with boots and a leather jacket, and you’re good to go.
4. Athleisure with a Twist
There are days when leaning into athleisure just makes sense—especially when your calendar includes playdates, grocery runs, and zero time for outfit changes. The trick is to keep it polished. Instead of the worn-in hoodie you reserve for home, reach for a sleek zip-up or a half-zip pullover. Swap old gym leggings for a high-waisted pair that feels intentional.
Add stylish sneakers, throw your hair into a neat bun, and suddenly you’ve got an outfit that feels as pulled together as it does practical. It’s comfort-first fashion without veering into sloppy.
5. The Sweater + Boots Combo
When in doubt, a cozy sweater and boots will never steer you wrong. It’s the kind of outfit that works year-round, depending on the weight of the knit and the style of the boot. In colder months, I gravitate toward chunky knits and Chelsea boots; in transitional weather, I’ll opt for a lighter cardigan and ankle boots.
It’s a formula that requires almost no thought but looks polished every time. Bonus: you can easily layer a tee underneath so you’re ready for the constant hot-and-cold shifts that come with being out all day with kids.
Why These Outfits Work
At the end of the day, mom life doesn’t exactly leave room for fussy clothing. You need pieces that let you move, bend, carry, and (let’s be honest) occasionally spill on without a meltdown. These outfit formulas work because they’re reliable. They’re made up of simple, well-fitting basics that can be mixed, matched, and re-worn without much thought.
And while they’re built with parenting in mind, I’d happily wear any of these looks for travel. They strike that sweet spot between comfortable enough for long stretches and polished enough to feel good when you catch your reflection in an airport window.
Final Thoughts
Calling these “mom outfits” might feel a little limiting, but for me, it’s really shorthand for clothes that work hard and still look good. They’re the pieces I reach for when I’m juggling parenting and everything else life throws my way—outfits that don’t sacrifice style for comfort, or comfort for style.
Whether you’re running after kids, running through an airport, or just running late, these five outfit formulas have you covered.
