Mom Style — Style — mae barber

I have really struggled with finding time to get myself together in the mornings, especially after having Margot. It always feels rushed, getting ready while they’re both already awake, trying to navigate something to wear while also thinking of all the different things we have that day, and what I can wear that will work for all of it. So, I have been working to try and create a simple winter wardrobe/uniform that I don’t need to think about, is comfortable, yet feels put together so I can start and end my day right. I wear combinations of these pieces, all day, every day, and I feel great whether it’s at preschool drop off, running errands, or playing outside in the snow for hours.

I have realized it’s all about the bases. Every single morning I put on a pair of black/olive green/navy blue leggings, a slim long sleeve shirt, cozy socks, and vest. As much as I love my cozy sweaters, I have found them to be more and more annoying while we are inside. They feel bulky, and I don’t feel like I can be as productive in them. Also, a lot of them are hard to wash/dry clean only and if you have two toddlers, you know you are washing your clothes… daily. Not many things can be worn more than one day that aren’t covered in food or dirt or… blood… Everything I wear I need to be able to wash over, and over, and over again and still look crisp.

So anyways, I thought I would put this together in case you’re also struggling with a similar situation.

Ultra Slim Down Vest - I have two, one in cream and one in black - both from Uniqlo - and go with everything. They wash amazing, are super lightweight, but warm. I wear under my coats and jackets for a warmer layer in place of a bulky sweater.
Long Sleeve Ribbed Shirt - I have in three colors from Everlane and constantly switch out. They keep their stretch even after all the washes, and I have yet to find a better version.
Camel Overcoat - For when I want to “dress up” this weekday uniform. It instantly makes it feel more polished. Mine is super old from Zara - here’s a similar version.
Cashmere Beanie - Mine is again, old, and no longer available from And Other Stories - but very similar version here from Naadam.
Lululemon Align Leggings - the classics and my favorites. For colder days I wear my wool version!
Bombas wool socks for cold/days we’re outside, and my favorite Target version in between.
I bought these Doc Maartens when I was pregnant with Harrison, and bopping all around Boston from job site to job site. I wanted to still look professional, but also, comfort was key, and I needed them to have some traction for the snow at 8-9 months pregnant. They are going on their 4th winter, and still amazing. It doesn’t look like they make the crocodile texture anymore, but here’s the smooth leather version.
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m obsessed with this Cordova silver metallic ski jacket that I was lucky enough to snag as an early birthday present. It takes these everyday looks up a notch ;)
Another “pregnant with Harrison” purchase, I bought these Sorel snow boots after falling on ice while pregnant... Super warm, comfortable, and most importantly lightweight. I don’t feel like I’m in clunky snowboots.
The warmest parka I’ve ever owned. Long enough to keep you super warm, but still easy to move around in and not bulky to drive in. I’ve had mine for going on 5 winters now, and still holding up great.
Hestra leather gloves - keep me warm outside in the snow with the kids, but also have the polish for when I’m out and about.
Studio Noos Chunky Teddy Mom Bag - the winter carry-all. I throw EVERYTHING in it. Machine washable. Enough said.

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It’s been a very, very long quarantine, and while there is a light at the end of the tunnel with this vaccine — I fear we are still many months away from leaving the house in any sort of normal capacity.

I feel like I spent the majority of the last year pregnant and in flowy dresses. I felt really great pregnant with Margot, and feel it was a lot easier to be pregnant winter into summer than summer into winter as I was with Harry. But, postpartum has been a completely different story. Since we don’t leave the house/our street at all I have gotten very comfortable in joggers and leggings — and while I do try and jazz them up as best I can, I am SO. OVER. IT.

A few nights ago I had a closet meltdown — what I do have in there for winter I’m not comfortable wearing without losing more baby weight (tight, high-waisted jeans and shorter tops/sweaters..) — and what is flattering is not comfortable home all day playing with the kids (and covered in spit up 98% of the time..)

So, I needed a refresh, and thought I’d share some lounge/home dresses I already have, some I have on the way, and others I love — to inspire or freshen up your quarantine closet. I plan on layering long sleeves underneath, and sweaters over on cold days — and of course I will still be found in jogger/sweaters/snowpants when we’re playing outside, BUT I think these couple pieces will really put the pep I truly need back in my step.

My requirements: must be machine washable (which I consider everything except dry clean only — I just use the delicate/hand wash setting on our washer), comfy, but also flattering and makes me feel good! Most time paired with thick wool socks or slippers, because balance… The majority of these are also nursing friendly! I also love that all of these options, while worn inside for the most part now, are great transition dresses into spring and summer so they’ll get a ton of wear.