Mom Fashion

11 Fashion Essentials All Toddler Moms Need in Their Closets

written by EMILEE JANITZ

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Source: @youmeandlucy_
Source: @youmeandlucy_

I’m proud to say I’m pretty open-minded when it comes to fashion; I’ll try just about any style or trend. And while my core personal style has essentially remained the same over the years (jeans and a neutral sweater will always be my go-to fashion essentials), various factors in my life have inevitably inspired my style to adapt. Of all those factors, I’ve found that nothing has influenced my wardrobe more than the age of my children. I’ve learned that pregnancy, the fourth trimester, and—as I’m now experiencing—toddlerhood all have the ability to influence which items in my closet I reach for most often. 

I remember that when my son (my oldest child) turned 1, I thought, “Finally! I’m free to wear whatever I want.” No longer did I have to worry about being spit up on or accidentally staining all my clothes with iron-fortified infant formula. And while I can technically wear whatever I want, I’m realizing that toddlerhood is dictating which outfits and accessories are the most practical and subsequently the most worn. As much as I would love to try every trend the fashion space serves up, I’ve learned that for the sake of convenience, it’s best not to fight the stages of my life.

My now 2-year-old son is busy and adventurous, and I’ve learned to embrace and support our active lifestyle with clothing pieces and accessories that are functional without sacrificing style. Here are some fashion essentials I believe to be perfect for toddler moms.

 

Flat, Sturdy Shoes

If you have a toddler, I don’t need to tell you how much of your day is spent running around. Whether you’re spending the day at the playground or running errands (How are we out of applesauce pouches again?), practical yet stylish shoes are an absolute essential. I find that flat shoes are both the most practical and the most comfortable for keeping up with my toddler. Some of my personal favorites include boots and loafers, but of course you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true pair of sneakers.

woven mules
Nisolo
Ama Woven Mule
4 colors available
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DSW | Vince Camuto
Alfella Boot
3 colors available
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Nordstrom | Sam Edelman
Ethyl Low-Top Sneaker
5 colors available
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Target | A New Day
Danica Platform Loafers
2 colors available
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Midi and Maxi Dresses and Skirts

This might sound silly, but I’m truly surprised by how much of my day is spent bending over or crouching. While pants are great, sometimes I just really want to wear a dress or skirt, and I’ve found that midi- and maxi-length skirts and dresses are practical enough for toddler motherhood to avoid any accidental flashing.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Smocked Bodice Linen-Blend Midi Dress
4 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL
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toddler mom fashion essentials
Old Navy
Twist-Front Midi Shirt Dress
2 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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toddler mom fashion essentials
Target | Universal Thread
V-Neck Knit Dress
6 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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J. Crew
Short Sleeve Slip Dress
3 colors available
sizes 00-24
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Jumpsuits

Taking care of a toddler is exhausting. I love jumpsuits because, similar to dresses, you don’t have to put much thought into planning your outfit. They’re an outfit all on their own! If you have a particularly active toddler, jumpsuits are also a tad bit more functional than dresses.

toddler mom fashion essentials
Madewell
Superbrushed Pull-On Jumpsuit
4 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL
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Old Navy
Collarless Tie-Belt Utility Jumpsuit
sizes XS-4X
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Everlane
Supersoft Jean Coverall
4 colors available
sizes 00-16
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Madewell
Deep V Ruffled Jumpsuit
sizes XXS-XXL
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Cardigans 

When you have a toddler at home, layering is key. Too many times I’ve gone to leave the house with my toddler wearing a sweater or heavy top and quickly wished I’d dressed in layers instead. Between those famous meltdowns and physically carrying my child, stress (and sweat) are always looking to make an appearance. Cardigans are one of my favorite layering pieces because they can help you look put together without sacrificing comfort.

Madewell
Corley Pointelle Cardigan
sizes XXS-XXL
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J. Crew
Cotton Cashmere Sweater
4 colors available
sizes XXXS-3X
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Old Navy
Cropped Cozy-Knit Cardigan
7 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Target | Universal Thread
Open-Front Cardigan
8 colors available
sizes XS-XXL
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Appropriate Outerwear

While parenting styles may differ, there’s one philosophy I’ve noticed almost all toddler parents subscribe to: The more time spent outside, the better. This means being ready for any and all weather conditions with a range of quality outerwear. I live in Central New York, which means we experience four very distinct seasons. Some items I’ve found to be essential include a rain jacket, a warm winter coat, and resilient boots. A lighter quilted liner jacket is also a versatile piece, perfect for mild winter days or layering during the fall and spring.

toddler mom fashion essentials
Everlane
The ReNew Long Liner Jacket
2 colors available
sizes XXS-XL
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DSW | Lucky Brand
Reindrop Rain Boot
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J. Crew
Perfect Lightweight Jacket
4 colors available
sizes XXXS-3X
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Sorel
Tivoli IV Boot
5 colors available
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Jeans

No one needs a quality pair of jeans more than a toddler parent. I’ve always loved jeans, but I find I love them even more now that my oldest is fully immersed in toddlerhood. They’re timeless, match with everything (Who has time to coordinate outfits?), are appropriate for a number of settings, and are durable enough to keep up with the toddler lifestyle. If you’re looking for the perfect pair, I can’t emphasize enough how much I love Abercrombie’s straight-leg and mom jeans.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love Mid-Rise Straight Jean
3 colors available
sizes 23-37
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High-Rise Mom Jean
4 colors available
sizes 23-37
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Madewell
Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
sizes 23-33
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Target | Universal Thread
High-Rise Flare Jeans
2 colors available
sizes 00-30
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Cargo Pants

In addition to jeans, I personally love cargo pants. I’ve always been partial to the trend, but I find these copiously-pocketed pants to be incredibly convenient now that I have a toddler. Whether he’s handing me yet another pinecone on our walk or I need a place to stash an extra snack, I love the spacious pockets these pants boast. On top of that, they’re extraordinarily comfortable, which again is perfect for the active lifestyle brought on by toddlerhood.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Relaxed Cargo Pant
3 colors available
sizes 24-33
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Sloane Tailored Cargo Pant
2 colors available
sizes 24-33
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Old Navy
High-Waisted Tie-Belt Cargo Pant
4 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Old Navy
High-Waisted StretchTech Cargo Pant
5 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Accessories That Hold Your Hair Back

As a toddler mom, I’m personally so glad that hair accessories of all varieties are in style. I have long hair and find I’m constantly either pulling it back, tying it up, or holding it together with a clip. Between all the playing, meal prepping, and everything else toddlerhood throws your way, it’s convenient to have a hair accessory or two on hand for the sake of practicality.

Rifle Paper Co.
Knotted Headband
10 patterns available
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Anthropologie
Giant Satin Scrunchie
6 colors available
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Anthropologie
Set of 3 Claw Clips
2 colors available
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Urban Outfitters
Chiffon Hair Bow Barrette
2 colors available
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Activewear 

I personally love exercising, and it’s a hobby I’m beginning to share with my 2-year-old. Whether you love fitness or not, most toddler parents tend to find themselves living an active lifestyle—so why not embrace the athleisure craze? Have fun shopping beyond basic leggings and sports bras and give athletic dresses or tennis skirts a try.

Spanx
Yes, Pleats! Skort
3 colors available
sizes XS-3X
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Spanx
Yes, Pleats! Tee
3 colors available
sizes XS-3X
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Old Navy
PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Dress
8 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Old Navy
Sleeveless PowerSoft Performance Run Romper
3 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Basic Tops You Can Mix and Match

Life with a toddler is busy. The easier you can make putting outfits together, the better. Basic tops are great because you can mix and match them with different pants, skirts, or shorts. They’re also great for layering with button-down blouses, cardigans, and jackets.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Crew Bodysuit
10 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL
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J. Crew
FormKnit Boatneck T-Shirt
4 colors available
sizes XXS-3X
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Old Navy
Linen-Blend Boyfriend Shirt
4 colors available
sizes XS-4X
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Long-Sleeve Mockneck Top
4 colors available
sizes XXS-XL
Shop now

 

Chic Tote Bags

Even if your toddler is potty trained and you’re ready to ditch the diaper bag, you may find that getting out and about with your young child still requires toting around a large assortment of items. Sippy cups, wet wipes, toys, snacks—you never know what you’ll need to either keep your little one occupied or fend off a classic toddler meltdown. A chic tote bag that you can throw toddler essentials into (along with a few of your own belongings) can make your life easier all while keeping you stylish.

Madewell
Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
4 colors available
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Cuyana
Easy Tote
7 colors available
sizes classic, tall, and small
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Banana Republic Factory
Leather Trim Canvas Tote
2 colors available
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Target | A New Day
Athleisure Soft Tote Handbag
8 colors available
Shop now
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