Kristin Koch, the executive director of Seventeen magazine and blogger behind Closetful of Clothes is, like all of us, a busy mom who still wants to feel put together. “I often get asked for my mom wardrobe essentials—the tried and true items that I can wear to chase around our son and dog and still feel presentable for a play date, playground run-in, or lunch meeting,” says Kristin. The thing that might surprise you? She doesn’t have a huge wardrobe. “Even though I love shopping, I work in fashion and live for pretty dresses, I actually don’t have that many clothes in my closet. I try to invest in quality basics that I can wear over and over again, especially now that I’m a mom,” she shares. This “mom uniform” mentality allows her to look great, fast. “Frankly, I just don’t have time to think about what I’m going to wear and I need pieces that are versatile, comfy and yet look put-together,” says Kristin. These are the wardrobe staples she wears almost daily—and you’ll want to, too.
High-waisted Jeans
I love a high waist to cover my wobbly bits (aka mom pooch) and a little bit of stretch makes them easy for chasing around my toddler. I like a medium wash – makes them easy to dress up or down.
Also love: Levi’s High Rise Skinny Jeans
Neutral Sweater
A great neutral sweater is easy to throw on with everything from jeans to a skirt. I also love wearing sweaters over dresses to winterize them. I was wary of buying nice sweaters when James was a newborn and constantly spitting up, but I’ve found that I feel so much more put together and presentable when I’m wearing a nice soft sweater than an old sweatshirt or cheap itchy sweater that pills after two wears. Plus, there’s so much affordable cashmere now that I don’t stress if it gets a little dirty. I prefer to go for longer cuts or an oversized fit — they covered my bump when I was pregnant, hid my post-baby bump, and I don’t have to worry about them riding up when chasing after James. Plus, they offer a little more coverage on cold days at the playground.
Also love: J.Crew Super Soft Oversized Crewneck
Stylish Flats
Tbh I wear sneakers a lot on weekends, but I recently invested in some really cute loafers and I feel so much more put together when I wear them and I can run around in them all day without my feet hurting. They’re also great for days I can’t bring myself to throw on heels for work or date night.
Veronica Beard Leopard Print Flats
Also love: Sam Edelman Loafers
Boyfriend Blazer
This is really a staple for any wardrobe but as a mom, I find I rely on my blazer more than ever. I am often running from drop off or music class to a meeting or lunch. I toss on a blazer over a tee or button up to dress up jeans for work or for date night. I also love layering blazers over dresses and skirts for the office.
Also love: Veronica Beard Grey Boyfriend Blazer
Striped Shirt
I know it’s basic but there’s nothing I love more than a striped shirt. I love pairing it with a jacket and black skinnies for work or jeans and sneakers for the weekend.
Also love: La Ligne Striped Tee
Kristin Koch is the founder of Closetful of Clothes, a lifestyle blog she started to help make getting dressed easier and has since expanded to cover everything from motherhood to travel to entertaining. Koch is also the Executive Director of Seventeen Magazine. In her free time, she can be found chasing her two year old son and goldendoodle puppy. Follow Kristin on Instagram @krismkoch
