Back to School for Mom

Let’s not forget the back to school shopping for those hardworking mamas! The craziness of a school year can really take a toll on any mom. That’s why we need to prepare our closets just as much as we do for our kids for back to school.

Moms wear a lot of different hats throughout the school year, so our wardrobe needs to be ready to take us into whatever role we’re playing that day. I’ve partnered with The Empire Mall to share the five outfits I use the most to stay comfortable and practical during the school year.

From the school drop-off line –> to work –> back to pick-up –> and then onto the side-line; let’s make sure every version of ‘mom’ we are throughout the day also comes with confidence in the outfit we’re sporting. Whether you’re a stay-at-home or a working mama… these outfits are must-haves for your closet. Not a mom? Read on for some great outfit inspiration!

1. Casual Go-To Outfit

This is a look anyone can pull off. This is what you will find me in on the weekend while I’m running around with my babies. It’s so easy to throw in a bag to change into after work before I go pick up the kids. If we have a play date at the end of the day I don’t want to be stuck in my work clothes. A comfy pair of jeans paired with a casual tee is pretty basic but when you add the utility jacket and the lace up flats this look becomes a lot more interesting. Comfortable and chic. Check. Check!

Outfit details from The Empire Mall: Gap Jacket – $89.95 // Gap Tank – $26.95 // Express Jeans – $79.90 // Old Navy Lace Up Flats – $26.94

2.) Workin’ Mama Outfit

When back to school shopping for yourself {this is totally a thing 😉 } and you’re a workin’ mama, there are certain basics that need to be refreshed each year. A great work pant is one of them. Even if you’re good about a dry cleaning schedule for your favorite work pant {disclaimer: I am not one of these people}, this closet staple will wear out if you wear them as much as I do! I love a basic black straight leg ankle pant. You can pair them with anything and shoes are never a problem. There are dress pants that are hard to wear with heels or flats but a straight leg ankle pant works well with both. A soft v-neck sweater is another item that I like to refresh every year. I rarely get through an entire work week without wearing a v-neck sweater at least once. I like to be able to layer it either over a button down shirt or under a jacket. As a mom, both of these versatile pieces are easy and comfortable to wear while running around with kids.

Outfit details from The Empire: Banana Republic Sweater – $68.00 // LOFT Marisa Skinny Pant – $69.50 // Banana Republic Bag – $178.00

3.) Side-line Outfit

I labeled this the ‘side-line outfit’ because, unfortunately, this mama is NOT good about being in a consistent work out routine. For those of you who are… help me. 😉 However, I still love good work out wear because I often have to put on my ‘cheerleader’ hat as a mom for our first-born who loves all after-school activities. Just because you’re a spectator rather than a participator doesn’t mean you don’t want to look put-together!

Outfit details from Macy’s in The Empire Mall: Nike Legging – $45.00 // Nike Tank – $35.00 // Nike Jacket – $60.00

4.) Performance Day Outfit

I call this the ‘performance day outfit’ because whether your kiddos are performing in a school program or you’re ‘performing’ your own killer presentation at the office… you’re going to be looking the part in this outfit. I mentioned how much I love a basic black dress pant but recently, I love a pop of color in my pant just as much. We sometimes forget that we can use a pant as the statement piece in our outfit! This pair is the star of the show without being obnoxious {I added an extra photo of the pant so you could see just how fabulous the color is}. Running late getting your family out the door and need a quick outfit saver? Look no further than this pant! Pair it with a fun, neutral top and a jacket for a complete look. Comfort and practicality are not forgotten in the process so you can continue to keep up with your family.

Outfit details: LOFT Julie Skinny Pant – $69.50 // LOFT Lace Up Top – $54.50 // LOFT Tweed Jacket – $118.00

5.) The Dress Day Outfit

As a mom, a day when we’re asked to wear a dress {for whatever reason} can be a little daunting. Some mamas / women are more comfortable than others when it comes to sporting a dress. I happen to be one that doesn’t mind… but I know that’s not the case for all of us. That being said, we should all have a good go-to dress that we can put on when necessary. It’s another back to school item that might need to be refreshed each year. I like to pick a more basic dress that can be worn a multitude of different ways. I LOVE to layer dresses to keep things interesting and a pretty blouse under an otherwise simple dress can really bring life to your look. Because it’s a sheath dress, I added a belt to give it a little more shape. This dress would be just as cute layered with a jacket or a cardigan. So when back to school shopping for a dress, consider how versatile it can be for you throughout the year for events like church, school concerts, work and beyond.

Outfit details from Banana Republic in The Empire Mall: Dress – $128.00 // Stripe Button Down Shirt – $88.00 // Belt – $58.00 // Bag – $178.00

This post is sponsored by The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. As always, all opinions are my own.

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