Issue #15: What We're Wearing This Spring 🌷
Styles for all seasons of motherhood… from us and eight chic moms we admire
Street style has always inspired us. What are people wearing? How are they styling their pieces? Where are they headed? What does their outfit say about their day or even their life? It feels like a window into how someone thinks, what they value, and how they bring beauty into their everyday. And we’re here for all of it!
This spring, we wanted to highlight that spirit by showcasing the personal style of eight moms in our own community whose taste we admire. We hope you enjoy seeing how they pull together their looks and get a glimpse into their current season of motherhood.
Meet Liz. A mom of three little boys, ages 8, 6 and almost 4 years old, raising them on Boston’s North Shore with her husband. Half of the week she’s working on reinvigorating her freelance writing and editing career, managing editorial for a local magazine, and working on this newsletter; the other half of the week, she’s with her preschooler in full mom mode.
What season of motherhood are you in? This school year has been a big one, with my middle kiddo starting elementary school and my youngest starting preschool... aka as a primary at-home parent, it's allowed me to start diving back into work and imagining what the future might hold, personally and professionally. It's been a fun year witnessing my boys learn and grow (and get in trouble ha) at school and beyond, as we leave the baby and toddler years behind.
How would you describe your style/approach to getting dressed? I don't consider myself uber stylish at all, but I do thoroughly enjoy and prioritize actually getting dressed each day; sweatpants and leggings all day just aren’t my thing. By putting a little effort into an actual “put together” outfit, I feel better prepared to tackle each day. That being said, a typical outfit for me isn't fancy or complicated: think relaxed jeans (now that I'm on the non-skinny jean bandwagon, I'm never going back!), a crew sweatshirt or cute tee, sneakers and some fun pieces of jewelry. (Amelia: I feel the exact same way! It’s hard to show up as *me* when I’ve been in loungewear all day!)
How did your style change when you became a mom? Becoming a mom gave me the time and space to really hone in on what I like, what feels good, and what I want to spend my money on (aka bye bye to a lot of the fast fashion that dominated my twenties). I’ve realized how much getting dressed everyday affects my mood, and how simplifying my closet with only what I really, truly love makes getting dressed easier - and much more fun!
What are you loving this spring, and as we go into summer? I'm fully on board with wide-leg/barrel/relaxed jeans now (Madewell and Everlane are my go-to's) as I mentioned, and am looking forward to casual dresses come summer. I live for a wide-leg linen pants and tank ensemble, and no matter what season, I’ll never pass up a classic striped Breton-style look.
I used to be sneaker averse, preferring flats and sandals, but after coming upon these New Balance ones via J. Crew, well, consider me a convert. And after years of wearing minimal jewelry (because dangles and chains just don’t mesh with grabby baby hands), I’m really enjoying playing around with accessories again. I have my colorful beaded bracelets, special necklaces and always earrings, usually hoops; they bring me a lot of joy and liven up even the most basic of outfits in my opinion.
Meet Amelia. A mom of two elementary school aged kids. She’s raising her kids with her husband in Boston. She spends some mornings teaching at Minni Art Studio, the rest of the school day writing this newsletter from Café Fixe, and every afternoon fully in mom mode.
What season of motherhood are you in? September kicked off a fun new season for our family. My son started kindergarten and joined my daughter at the same school (YAY!). Now we’re just weeks away from celebrating our big kindergarten graduate, and I’m feeling all the feels. I’m excited for what’s to come but sad about leaving the five and under crew behind. In other big news: I got a bike this weekend! We’ve officially entered the season of biking around the city as a family, and I’m really enjoying reconnecting with my childhood love of bike riding.
How would you describe your style / approach to getting dressed? If I had to describe my style using Allison Bornstein’s three word theory, I’d go with comfortable, colorful, and classic. I kept those words top of mind during a recent big closet purge, using them as a guide for what to keep and what to donate. These days, I’m constantly on the go, so sneakers are a must. While a fun Adidas Samba or colorful New Balance 327 sneaker are my staples, I’ve also been loving this Nike pair. Pink and red is one of my all-time favorite color combos!
What pieces are you reaching for this spring? I know this is music to my husband’s ears…I’ve been loving GAP lately. Most days, you’ll find me in these jeans (the red are also fun!) or my latest obsession: butter yellow horseshoe jeans. This GAP dress is also a great (and more affordable) take on the Kule version, which makes it feel a little less precious to wear. I’ve got my eye on the horseshoe overalls next, paired with a fitted striped tee. Stay tuned to see if they make it into my closet!
I’ve also gotten into the sparkly ponytail holder look (I first spotted it on Big Salad). I have long hair, so keeping it off my neck during the warmer days with a loose ponytail (or braid!) is a must. Speaking of taming my hair, I usually let it air dry this time of year. I love the Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Mousse. I’m also still reaching for my quirky hair claws. They’re fun and always bring a smile to my face. (how cute is this little snail?!) (Liz: I live for your quirky hair clips! They always bring a smile to MY face!)
Meet Lindsay. A mom to two, raising her son and daughter with her husband in Cumberland, Rhode Island. She’s recently started a new job, working remote as the Director of PR and Marketing for a museum.
What season of motherhood are you in? Since my youngest (and final, praise be) kid just turned one, I am so excited to be officially out of the "baby" phase of child rearing and onto the next thing! While it feels like you're never truly an expert, getting the first one through the toddler years (he'll be in kindergarten this fall) makes me feel like we’re at least a little more established in the parenting realm. I'm turning 40 this year, so in some ways I feel both old and like a "young" mom all at once.
How would you describe your style/approach to getting dressed? I know our appearance is not the most important part of who we are as a person, but this is something I've definitely struggled with. For most of my career (pre-kids), I was that girl in the office getting dolled up every day in head-to-toe colorful business wear. Having my first kid in the height of the pandemic really shifted things, and then working in a casual office for a few years kicked everything I thought I knew about workwear out the window. Now that I’m fully remote and often scrambling straight from breakfast to my makeshift home office, I sometimes feel like a literal mullet—Zoom-appropriate sweater on top, sweats on the bottom.
How did your style change when you became a mom? Like with everything else once you become a mom, things are just more simplified; not necessarily because I want to, but because I have to - my time is not my own anymore. I can't devote countless hours a week to styling a picture-perfect ensemble, but I still try to maintain elements of "me" like incorporating fun patterns and colors; everything else is just a little more basic.
What do you enjoy about getting dressed, what makes you excited? I think another part of growing up is that I've started growing tired of the "typical" pieces that I used to gravitate towards at all the same stores. Don't get me wrong, your girl loves a J. Crew clearance section still, but I also really enjoy finding more special pieces when I travel somewhere or supporting a local business where I know my dollars really make a difference. I was in Provincetown last weekend and hit up one of my favorite boutiques there and found this super cute chunky knit cardigan with clouds and rainbows on it that just made me smile. I already can't wait to wear it in the winter, I know it will be the perfect thing to throw on over a white tee and jeans on a chilly day, it feels special because it's not something that everyone else has. I didn't think I would want to sport a rainbow sweater at age 40, but I've always felt that life is too short and you should just wear what makes you happy! (Liz: I can’t wait to see this cardigan! It sounds fantastic!)
Meet Chrissy. A mom of three—two in elementary school and one in preschool. She’s raising her kids with her husband in Boston. With her youngest in preschool part-time, Chrissy spends a few mornings a week enjoying one-on-one time with her daughter, often strolling through the Public Garden or scooting to a favorite neighborhood playground before picking up the big kids from school.
What season of motherhood are you in? This summer, my kids will be 9, 6, and 4, which feels impossible, but here we are. My oldest is teaching me how to balance my urge to guide and protect him with the need to let him find his own independence, especially in the city. Most days, looking at my middle child feels like looking in a mirror and seeing all my big feelings, worries, and dreams reflected right back at me. And my youngest (the wildest of the bunch) is showing me how to loosen the reins a bit and soak in these last years of preschool and afternoons at home together. “The days are long, but the years are short.” No truer words have been spoken. (Amelia: It always puts a smile on my face to see your sweet crew strolling down my street!)
How has your style evolved in your current season of motherhood? Lately, I find myself shifting away from athletic gear and reaching for casual but “put together” outfits (Varley is a favorite!). I’m drawn to things that are easy for school drop off, pick up, or playing with my kids, but that still feel good and a bit styled when I’m out and about solo. A great pair of sneakers or super comfy flats is a must since we walk everywhere in the city!
What pieces are you reaching for this spring? I love a good pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a tailored sweatshirt, pretty much year round! Right now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect button down and a t-shirt dress that can transition from day to night with just a change of shoes and accessories.
Meet Tara. A mom of two boys, ages 8 and 4, raising them with her husband in Stony Brook, NY, and working full-time as a senior copywriter at Sol de Janeiro, where she names products and writes ads and taglines.
What season of motherhood are you in? What a great question, and very timely, because I feel like I’ve just entered a new season! Now that my youngest is potty trained, it feels like I've finally closed the chapter on the babies/toddlers of my motherhood, which is incredibly bittersweet. I looove babies and really treasured that season of motherhood; I can't believe how lucky I am that I got to do it twice! But WOW does it feel freeing and exciting to have two "big kids"! I've also started to go into my corporate office in NYC more often, explore travel without my kids, think about hobbies and future career moves. It's very exciting to have the time, energy and space to consider other aspects of myself and my life outside of just surviving work and motherhood, which is really where I've been for the past 8 years.
How would you describe your style/approach to getting dressed? This is a tough one to answer because....it's vibes haha. But actually, I think at this current stage in my life, I'm really satisfied with my wardrobe and enjoying getting dressed more than I ever have. I really feel like I've become the grown-up version of myself that I always wanted to become (my therapist calls this "Adult Tara"). We all think that fashion and beauty are somewhat frivolous, and maybe they are, but I think it's a really cool and exciting thing to take pride in your appearance and show up in the world aesthetically in the world in a way that reflects your inner identity. (Liz: I’m obsessed with this whole paragraph <3)
From a practical standpoint, what's working for me right now is having my wardrobe in 3 buckets: WFH/momming/weekend items, work/city items, and date night/event items. Of course, these pieces can be mixed and matched across categories. I'm sure some people would say that you'd ideally have one wardrobe that works for all the things, but I really like embodying these very different sides of me.
What do you enjoy about getting dressed, what makes you excited? Something I really love is incorporating trends/newer styles and silhouettes and making them wearable and appropriate for a 37-year-old mom! I definitely never want to seem like I'm trying to keep up with the 15 year olds, but sometimes I feel like us millennial moms feel like we can't partake in trends or try new things; we absolutely can! Funnily enough, I think the switch from skinny jeans to wide leg jeans has really blown millennials' minds; so many of us followed the "style rules" of the '90s and '00s that were all about wearing things that were "flattering" (aka the things that made you look as small as possible!). Fashion really isn't about that any more, thank God! I'm loving looser jeans, everything oversized, chunky/comfortable shoes. I don't mind if an outfit makes me look bigger than I am, or shows off my mom belly. That's just my body, who cares?! If I feel like I look cool/stylish and I'm comfortable, I couldn't really care less what anyone thinks of my body. (Liz: Amen, amen, amen! Bring on my wide leg jeans and chunky sweaters!)
Meet Courtney. A mom of two boys, ages 7 and 5, residing in Westchester, NY and working full-time as a Human Resources Director, juggling all of the kid activities (think multiple sports!) during the other hours.
What season of motherhood are you in? The busy season! It’s stressful and chaotic and overwhelming, but also fun, exciting and rewarding!
How would you describe your style/approach to getting dressed? I would describe my style as comfortable, put together and chic. Sometimes that means really classic pieces, like elevated basics, or sometimes trendier pieces - depends on the day’s activities and my mood!
How did your style change when you became a mom? I definitely tend towards things that are “quicker” to put together - I *love* putting together outfits but I just don’t always have the mental space to do that on a daily basis - so I tend towards things that are comfortable and functional that can serve me for the whole day whether that be working in my office or from home, running errands or to various sports practices. I also think I lean on accessories more, especially on more casual outfit days. I save the more intense outfit planning and styling for nights out with my husband or my girlfriends.
What do you enjoy about getting dressed, what makes you excited? I love clothes - truly love them, and always have. I love collecting different pieces and putting together a perfect outfit. While I don’t do this every single day in this current season of life, even the days where I work from home putting on a cute outfit that makes me feel put together sets the tone for my day - even if it’s just leggings and a cute sweatshirt with a good bracelet/necklace stack, it can make all the difference for me! (Liz: I agree wholeheartedly! Right there with you! And please share more of your looks - I love a classic “Courtney jewelry stack” or fun outfit!)
Meet Mary. A mom of two little girls—one finishing Pre-K and one not yet in preschool. She’s raising her family with her husband in Boston, where days with her youngest are filled with fun adventures, from weekly art class to visits to local bookshops.
What season of motherhood are you in? I’m truly in the spring season of motherhood. My oldest daughter is wrapping up her time at nursery school and heading off to kindergarten. This chapter has been such a gift. I’ll be so sad to see it end, and yet she’s so ready to grow and take kindergarten by storm!
And just as she moves on, my youngest will begin her own journey at nursery school. I’m both excited and emotional to watch her blossom. I can hardly believe she won’t be my little shadow all day long.
This season brings so many emotions, but above all, so much pride as they grow and bloom into their next chapters.
How has your style evolved in your current season of motherhood? Right now, my style feels more like survival, but just like the season, I can see summer coming. I’m in that “messy middle” of leaving the baby years behind, where the second I get dressed, I’m met with little hands covered in hummus or paint. I’m always searching for the sweatshirt that feels cute enough to look put together but durable enough to throw in the wash. As I slowly move out of this phase, I can feel the return of my wardrobe coming, and while that makes me a little sad, I know it will also feel really good. (Amelia: Yesssss. For me, it was when my youngest started preschool that I finally had some breathing room and could start wearing clothes that didn’t have to be quite so durable.)
Your pattern mixing is always next level. Any tips? Patterns you’re loving this summer? Pattern mixing has become my way of mixing up my neutrals! I’m usually dressing small people first, so I like being able to grab anything and have it work together. Adding patterns in my favorite color ways makes me feel like I’m having a bit more fun!
Meet Lauren. A mom of four—with a middle schooler, two in elementary schoolers, and a toddler still at home. She’s raising her kids with her husband in Boston. With her littlest one not yet in school, their days are full of adventures, from ballet and art class to long strolls through the city.
What season of motherhood are you in? As a mom of four, I’m in all the seasons! I’m a girl mom, a boy mom, I have a toddler, and a teenager.
How has your style evolved in your current season of motherhood? I’ve found myself really inspired by my teenage daughter. I watch her have fun expressing herself through clothing, and I think—I want to do that too! She buys things she loves and then actually WEARS them. She doesn’t save pieces for the perfect, special occasion; she wears them simply because they make her happy. (Amelia: I looooove this answer! There’s something so refreshing about wearing your favorite pieces just because you love them. P.S.: I can’t believe she’s already a teenager…time is flying!)
After spending much of the last decade picking clothes based on how well they hide food stains, it’s been fun to start buying pieces I love and wearing them just because I want to. I’ve really enjoyed allocating more time to getting dressed, instead of relying on the same joggers and white tee. And of course, I can’t resist a matching moment with any of my kids.
Which pieces are you looking forward to wearing this summer? I’m most excited to break out all the beach clothing! I can’t wait to dust off my straw bag, sun hats, and sundresses. I’ll still be wearing my trusty jean shorts and white tees, but hopefully with a fun, unexpected accessory to mix things up!
Meet Katelyn. A mom raising her sweet first-grader in Savannah, Georgia. During the school hours, she helps female-owned small businesses bring their ideas to life, whether through creative strategy, social media, or e-commerce. Come afternoon, when she’s in mom mode, you’ll find her basking in the sunshine at the beach or baking chocolate chip cookies with her son (yum!).
What season of motherhood are you in? I loved how Elizabeth Cook recently described it as “the messy middle.” That feels exactly right. With a six-year-old boy, I’m in the thick of the go-go-go phase, where he wants to do everything on his own, but still reaches for my hand. It’s wild, it’s exhausting, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. (Amelia: I feel this in my bones. I loved that description too. It really resonated.)
What do you enjoy about getting dressed? Even though I’m not a morning person, getting dressed is one of the best parts of my day. I don’t plan outfits (each day feels a little different) so I spend five minutes dressing for the mood I want to bring into it. I’ve always invested in quality pieces I truly love, and I fully believe in rewearing what makes you feel amazing… even if that means pulling out the same dress three times in one week.
Which pieces are you reaching for this spring? The heat has officially kicked in here in Savannah, so breathable fabrics are non-negotiable. I’m living in light cotton and linen dresses from Mirth! My favorite hat brand, Sissy Light, just launched a line of dresses I'd love to add to the summer rotation. I’ve also been eyeing this dress from Becas - easy, chic, and ideal for sticky Southern mornings.
I recently tried on the cutest linen shirt and pants set from Gap (surprisingly perfect!), and I’m currently dreaming of this J. Lowery tote—it’s the ideal work/weekend/travel companion. As for shoes: I’m usually wearing these classic Vans or my well-loved Loeffler Randall sandals I’ve had for four years. And speaking of the sun, I keep a mini Unseen Sunscreen in my purse at all times. :) No need to overthink it when it’s hot out—just reach for the pieces that feel light, happy, and like you.
Meet Tori. A mom of a nine month old baby boy, living on Boston’s North Shore with her husband, working as a Physicians Assistant, and enjoying all the ups and downs of new motherhood.
What season of motherhood are you in? I’m in early motherhood - baby number one, nine months old and still figuring things out! Every day I find myself deep in drool, spit up, pee - all the bodily fluids ha!
How would you describe your style/approach to getting dressed? My life currently requires multiple outfit changes a day, which is why I usually stick to casual and comfy, easy-to-remove-in-a-pinch clothing most of the time. I’m also currently avoiding jewelry and can’t leave my hair down because Benny is still in the gripping/pulling phase! (Liz: As someone lucky enough to call Tori my sister-in-law, I can attest that she makes the comfy, bodily fluid drenched days of early motherhood look beyond fabulous!)
How did your style change when you became a mom? My style has changed drastically from pre-motherhood. With less time, more financial responsibility, and change in priorities, I find myself shopping for myself less, but when I do, I’m focusing on high quality staples that I can feel good in and wear frequently.
What do you enjoy about getting dressed, what makes you excited? I love finding the perfect accessory that totally elevates an outfit, whether it’s a sweater over the shoulders or a cool pair of shades.
I also love when someone asks me where I bought an item or friends ask to borrow my clothes; I think it’s the best form of flattery and I’m always more than willing to lend them out!
Get to know us beyond our style - sharing a few fun past newsletter issues:
Rose:
Amelia - I’m still holding onto the warm feeling from our family focused weekend. The final stretch of school really is nonstop. Fun, yes, but also socially draining.
Personally, my favorite weekends are the unscheduled ones, when the four of us can just follow our own rhythm. This past weekend was exactly that: slow mornings at home, adventures in the afternoon. On Saturday, we went to the ICA for Family Art Making, explored the Stanley Whitney exhibit, and ended the day with pizza and time at Martin’s Park. On Sunday, we adventured to Cambridge to pick up a bike for me (!), and then we all rode along the Esplanade, stopping at a playground before heading home to grill. These are the weekends that restore me. The ones that make the go, go, go of the week feel somewhat doable. (Liz: This is the epitome of a perfect family spring weekend if I do say so myself!)
Liz - After the rough couple of days that we had earlier this week (see my ‘Thorn’ below), seeing my oldest boy perk up a bit and start smiling and laughing again was the best ‘Rose’ possible.
A little extra mini “Rose”: this Vogue profile on Hailey Bieber. I love a good celeb piece but what really stood out in this one was Hailey’s openness about her birth experience. She discusses the rarely mentioned Foley balloon and hemorrhaging after birth, two situations that I too unfortunately experienced. I found myself relating all too well: “Yes, so painful (the balloon)!” “Yes, so scary (hemorrhaging)!” It was so relatable and comforting to read another birth story with these REAL details; childbirth doesn’t care who you are, it’s an amazing, vulnerable, mind boggling moment for us all. (Amelia: I’ve heard great things about this piece. I need to check it out!)
Thorn:
Amelia - I’ve been feeling anxious this week. Sometimes just naming the feeling helps me move through it, but this week I’ve definitely had to reach into my toolbox: a supplement from my acupuncturist, lots of walks, and processing through writing. I’m curious, if you also tend to run anxious, what’s in your toolbox? I’m always looking for new ideas! (Liz: <raising hand> right there with ya…. cliche yet so true, but my toolbox consists of self-care all the way. Also, stupidly simple but drink water, eat yummy, good food and sleep. It’s amazing what a big glass of water and an early night in bed with a good show or book can do.)
Liz - Long story short (but the full long story will come next week)… my oldest son ended up in the ER and then into emergency appendix surgery earlier this week. He’s OK and recovering at home now but it was an exhausting, stressful couple of days and we’re all still catching up on sleep and sanity. (Amelia: You two are such troopers. I’m soo glad he’s doing better!)
Bud:
Amelia - We’re so excited Memorial Day weekend is finally here (even if the Maine weather looks a little rainy)! We’re hosting my in laws and my husband’s younger sister and her family tonight for a fun lobster dinner at our place, followed by a weekend full of family time. It’s always such a joy to see the older cousins love on my kids. Truly the best! (Liz: Give Maine a hug for me!!)
Liz - Really looking forward to a long weekend with more recovering and resting, very much needed. I don’t love the nonstop rain, but if that’s what is predicted, then bring on the movies, books and blankets.
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Well Done, amelia and Liz! I love this topic and I am inspired to shop in my closet! The young women you featured all have incredible style and are putting together outfits full of ease, function and fashion forward!
Thank you for having me on the newsletter…it’s an honor to be a part of this creative endeavor! Always love reading along.
MAVI jeans in Istanbul! I remember your street style on that trip and I kind of stole your style on many days. You knew MAVI jeans from Turkish friends you met on a summer college program.
Always in Style no matter where the street is located!!!