Moms need to enjoy summer vacation as much as the kids do, which means that we need to feel comfortable.

Our mom bodies have changed and grown and it can be hard to find the right style that fits us. It’s easy enough to hide that extra baby weight under heavy sweaters all winter long but hot weather means that it’s time to show off a little skin. We love all the new summer fashion trends, but are they comfortable enough to chase the kids around?

Thankfully, our resident fashionista, Jess, is here with a little advice for moms. Here are a few of her favorite summer fashion trends that any mom can try out this summer and still feel beautiful, comfortable and beat the heat!

5 Summer Fashion Trends for Moms Who Want to Be Comfortable

It seems like in an instant the weather changes from warm to HOT and then all of a sudden, if you are like me, you panic! Wait… what summer clothes do I have from last year that I still want to wear? And what trends do I want to try this year?

I put together this post to inspire you to try something new. I am constantly inspired my so many people and so many Pinterest boards, but these 5 have been my favorites for the season so far. Definitely give one or all of these summer fashion trends a try!

1. Slides

These are HAVING a moment at the moment. You might have noticed celebrities are a huge fan of the sock and slipper trend, but since filtering the slide into my everyday rotation, I can honestly say I am a HUGE fan. Slides (or slippers) are a great way to implement comfort for the summer months. And if you suffer from heel pain, make sure to check out the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.

There are so many different styles out there right now, but I am partial to the athletic slide. This one from J/Slides on Zulily is affordable Nike, Adidas and other athletic brands also have their own versions.

2. The Midi Dress

This style has been on my radar for awhile now but since I am a short 5’2″ I was always afraid to jump into this summer fashion trend. However, with the right style tricks, you can rock this look like a pro no matter what your height is.

Reasons I love this trend:

- It makes #momlife more comfortable. I hate when I am wearing a short dress and playing with my kids but I can’t stop worrying about my butt hanging out.
- You can wear them with cute sneakers or instantly dress it up with a wedge.

I actually used to tie a knot on the bottom of my maxi dresses because I preferred the length and the fact that you could see my shoes better. Little did I know that I was just missing the midi from my life!

Polka-Dot Fit & Flare Midi for Women — Old Navy

If you are unsure about the midi, here are 3 easy style tips:

The length is important. Ideally, you want the dress to hit just past your knee, but above where the “juicy” part of your calf is. Or you want it just past the biggest part of your calf, a few inches above your ankle. Basically, you want to avoid the dress hem cutting into your calf for the most flattering fit.

Avoid wearing shoes that have a strap around the ankle. This will just make your legs appear longer without cutting it off visually.

Wear heels or a wedge. There is something about feeling taller that makes us stand straighter and feel more confident. Now, if you are like me, heels are saved for a special occasion. I rarely wear them anymore these days, because… kids. But a block heel sandal or lower wedge is more comfortable and looks great with a midi!

3. Athleisure

I’ve talked about this one before because it’s not just a summer fashion trend, it’s a year-round one. We might all own a few “work out” clothes that we may or may not use to actually work out. And there’s a good reason we have them, because they are SO comfortable. How do we get away with wearing yoga pants everyday, and not looking frumpy?

Take some inspiration from Grit & Zest, who specialize in athleisure style clothing for women. Read more about exactly what “athleisure” means and how these pieces can do double duty in your wardrobe. This season, put those pieces to work and break down the barriers of casual only or work out only wear.

4. Bike Shorts

I’m aging myself here but I remember wearing these in the 90’s, in the spandex variety, with a bright neon stripe on the side and an oversized Looney Tunes tee shirt.

So when Kim Kardashian started sporting her signature bike shorts look recently, part of me was like “ew, no!” and another part of me was like, “okaaaay… maybe.”

Let me tell you something… THERE IS NO GOING BACK.

Bike shorts are the summer version of leggings! They are versatile, comfortable, perfect for playing with the kids, lightweight, basically The Best. Thing. Ever.

How do you wear them and not look ridiculous?

- Dig in your husbands closet and “borrow” an oversized t-shirt (roll the sleeves for a more fashionable take)
- Wear them with any tank top. Longer, shorter, cropped, fitted or flowy, you can’t go wrong.
- Wear them with any of the shoe options mentioned above for a perfect every day look.
- Wear it dressy. Yes, bike shorts, with a blouse and longer blazer, pair with heels and voila! Perfection!
- Layer. One of my favorite fashion tools. Layer on your tanktop, a denim shirt, or a flannel shirt, an oversized cardigan or a kimono.

If you are hesitant about this summer fashion trend, basically put on any outfit you normally would wear with black leggings and sub it out with a bermuda length bike short (bonus is that they are so inexpensive!)

Check out this post from Refinery29 for more inspiration!

5. Kimono

If there is ONE piece I couldn’t live without in summer, it is a great printed kimono! They are the easiest way to make an outfit. It’s lighter than a sweater so you can stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. Pack light for your summer vacation this year because this versatile piece can be worn so many different ways.

Four different ways to wear it:

- Over a tank top and jeans/jean shorts
- As a bathing suit cover up
- Over a little black dress
- Belted and worn as a top

The Final Touch

Complete any of these looks with the perfect piece of jewelry. Avoid heavy, layered chains this summer and opt for something light and minimal like this circle initial necklace from Sincerely Silver. Wear it over a plain tank top and you instantly elevate your look while still feeling comfortable. Use the code SINCERELY15 to get 15% off your perfect summer necklace!

Circle Initial Necklace By Sincerely Silver — Get 15% off with code SINCERELY15 at SincerelySilver.co

Summer is hard on a lot of women, moms or not, we tend to feel self conscious. But when it’s hot outside, there is absolutely NO reason that we should have to hide or cover up. Wear the shorts. Put on your bathing suit. Find pieces that make you feel AMAZING! These are just my own personal spin on some fun summer fashion trends, and they should be just that, FUN!

Jess Sankar is a happily married stay-at-home mother of two young daughters. She currently manages the Running in Triangles Instagram page @running_in_triangles, where she shares self care tips for moms and creates beautiful content for both the blog and social media. To learn more about Jess, click here.

Fashion can be a great form of self care for moms.

The “uniform of motherhood” has been associated with frumpy mom fashion for far too long. Putting time and effort into functional, comfortable fashion is not a sign of vanity but actually a way that moms can practice self care. Not only does it allow a mother to focus on herself for a change, but it can encourage good self-esteem and boost a mom’s confidence, which is great for her mental health.

Check out some of these tips for avoiding frumpy mom fashion this spring.

How To Avoid Frumpy Mom Fashion This Spring — This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust.

Comfortable can still mean fashionable, there is no need to sport frumpy mom fashion this season. If you are looking for an easy way to spruce up your mom wardrobe here are a few things to try!

“Ath-Leisure” Style

This look is my favorite new trend we are seeing everywhere and it’s already what most moms are wearing anyway.

Think workout clothes minus the actual working out.

It consists of super-soft, comfy, cozy, throw on and go pieces such as leggings and sweatshirts, hoodies and runners. (Awesome right?!)

But “athleisure” is not just for errands. These grown up play clothes can easily transition to casual dinners out, coffee with the girls, and perfect for travelling comfortably and still in style. It’s an easy way to replace the frumpy mom fashion, without losing any amount of comfort.

These super soft shirts from Shine the Light On are perfect for the athleisure style. And by wearing them, you’re helping to spread awareness about mental health! Get 15% off using the code RUNINTRIANGLES15.

To implement this look or update your current pieces, look for:

Striped, color blocked or patterned tights.
A flattering shaped hoodie. (I personally love a slightly cropped boxy hoodie in a super soft fleece.)
A classic notched v sweatshirt. (Either plain or something with a saying is also pretty on trend.)
A windbreaker. (Yes, you read that right but this little extra layer is everywhere right now, and its such an easy piece to replace when you would wear a jean jacket.)
The fashion sneaker is still a great basic. (Choose either a fabric mix or a slip on.)

Switch From a Purse to a Backpack Bag

It’s been just over 6 months since I converted from a cross-body bag to my leather backpack and let me tell you, there is no going back! Since my youngest is still in diapers, my purse doubles as a diaper bag and endless snack sack. I love that I can throw everything I need in it and wear it comfortably while I chase my kids around. Backpacks are still very popular and I love the convenience.

MATT & NAT â BRAVE DWELL — Matt & Nat Backpack by Boes

Avoid frumpy mom fashion by choosing the right bag so that you can look trendy and still be functional. My recommendation would be to find one with good zippers and padded straps. Having an outside pocket is also handy to have easy access to keys and cellphone.

5 Spring Fashion Must-Haves for Busy Moms — .

Updated Footwear

Jump in Puddles

The slushy season is about to start (fingers crossed our huge snow hills will actually melt) with that comes PUDDLES! There is almost nothing I hate quite as much as the feeling of wet socks! Our kids love tromping around in their bright colored rain boots, and what’s better than being able to join them? I find the taller, standard boots to be too bulky and can come off as frumpy mom fashion. So instead, I love the look of this sleek shorter rain boot as a transition shoe for the spring.

product photo — Ankle Rain Boot – Old Navy

Sneakers Are fashionable

Tying back in the “athleisure” style, sneakers are perfect with any look. Pair them with, of course jeans or leggings, but don’t be scared to wear them with a dress for a total cool girl vibe (read: I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom). You can never go wrong with a classic pair of Vans.

Loafers Are The New Ballet Flat

Move over ballet flat, the loafer is going to be your new BFF. In place of ballet flats for a slightly dressier look, these comfortable shoes go great with a pair of skinny jeans!

Switch Up Your Jewelry

Hoops

For a super long time I was strictly a stud girl when it came to earrings but lately I am addicted to hoops! I feel like they are the ultimate “lazy girl who wants to look put together” life hack.

Wearing leggings and a t-shirt but don’t want to look like you are going to the gym? Hoops.

Wearing a printed dress that feels a little too cutesy and you want to give it a little oomph? Hoops!

Small hoops, medium hoops or big ones, I think they look good on everyone. This is also a super easy way to look dressed up when your hair is tied back in that mom bun or ponytail. Throw on some hoops and lipstick and you are good to go!

Bar Necklaces

I personally have never been a fan of traditional “mom” jewelry. You know which ones I mean, the hearts with MOM in the center or the rings with everyone’s birthstone. I feel like they fall into the frumpy mom fashion category.

But this “be kind” bar necklace takes the trend of dainty and delicate jewelry and personalizes it. The simple message can make a mental health fashion statement so that you look good on the outside and feel good on the inside. It’s a great piece to wear with just a T-shirt or layer it with other chains for a fancier look.

Plus, get 15% off with coupon code FRIENDS15 at sincerelysilver.co

I hope that any of these tips or ideas inspire you to try something new this spring season.

Many of us spend time and money making sure our kids have the appropriate clothing and shoes for the new season, but it’s time to put ourselves on that list too. Find out how to create a self care routine so that you prioritize yourself too.

Tag: athleisure style