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!
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:
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- 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!
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?
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- 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:
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- 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!
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.
