Athleisure: When You Need to Feel Comfortable But Look Fashionable

If you think about it, the “athleisure” fashion trend is not a new idea.

Athleisure is the fashion trend that supports wearing athletic clothing for purposes other than athletics. And while the term might be new, it’s been around for a lot longer than you think. In the 90’s for example, sporting a classic striped Adidas track suit was the hottest trend, whether or not you were a professional athlete.

But wearing baggy track suits wasn’t the most fashionable option. Athletic wear evolved over time and soon it was the famous Lululemon yoga pants that everyone was spotted in. And it was moms, in particular, who got a bad rap for wearing yoga pants 24/7.

There’s a reason why athleisure is so popular, especially among moms. We collaborated with Grit & Zest, a leader in athleisure style clothing for women, to find out more about this comfortable and fashionable style trend.

Athleisure featuring Grit & Zest — *This is a sponsored post for which I received compensation. This post may contain affiliate and/or paid links. As always, the opinions in this post are my own.

Motherhood is an Extreme Sport

When we talk about athletic wear for moms, it actually makes perfect sense because taking care of kids is not that different from a full body workout. We get pulled and pushed in different directions, and there’s a lot of lifting and bending and squatting. We need clothing that’s going to move with us and allow us to feel comfortable while we’re chasing after kids at the playground (or the grocery store).

The good news is that we don’t need to look like a frumpy hot mess in order to be comfortable. Athleisure style clothing lines, like the one from Grit & Zest, give us the option to look fashionable and put together, while still being comfortable and able to move freely.

The Little Black Legging

Black leggings or yoga pants are something that are a staple in every mom’s wardrobe. They’re versatile, comfortable and can be styled so many different ways. The black leggings from Grit & Zest are not like your average, every-day leggings. They’re made with high-tech materials, so they’re durable and heavy duty. Since they’re designed for athletics, they wick away sweat and dry fast, which comes in handy when your kid spills their drink on your lap.

Most importantly, they have a high waist which all moms know is important for added support after growing babies. The seams don’t rub or irritate in annoying sensitive spots so they’d be great to wear postpartum or after abdominal surgery. Make sure to pack a pair in your hospital bag!

A Fashionable Sports Bra

Sports bras aren’t just designed for function anymore, they’re fashionable too. You can feel confident wearing just a sports bra as a top on those hot summer days. Paired with the high-waisted black legging, you’ll look trendy and fashionable while still feeling cool and comfy. If you’re not comfortable wearing the sports bra alone, wear a button up shirt over top but leave the bra visible because there’s no sense in hiding that cute style.

A Versatile Tank Top

A mom’s wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a comfortable tank top. Black is the most versatile but different colors can make you stand out without too much effort. The Grit & Zest Circle Tanks come in a variety of colors and are also made with quality materials. The mesh panel is completely on trend right now and gives you a chance to show off a little bit of that fancy sports bra, while still offering full coverage.

This tank top is longer in length but it has slits on both sides so that you can move around easily and not feel restricted. It’s also a loose fitting tank which is rare to find in athletic wear. But it still has all the stretch and moisture-wicking properties of any other athletic tank top.

Mix it Up

My favorite thing about athleisure style is the versatility of it. You don’t have to wear a full athletic outfit, instead try to mix and match certain pieces. Leggings with a blouse, a sports bra under a low cut dress or an athletic tank top with jeans can take your outfit to the next level.

No matter what combination you can come up with, I can guarantee that you’ll feel more comfortable. And being comfortable will make you feel more confident. And confidence is beautiful and so important for your mental health. Head over to Grit & Zest and check out their full line of athleisure wear and the incredible reasons they do what they do.

How to Avoid Frumpy Mom Fashion This Spring

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.

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.

7 Ways Moms Can Look and Feel Good This Spring

Putting effort into our outward appearance is not a sign of vanity. It has a significant impact on how we feel inside.

Being happy means aiming to both look and feel good, but it’s not always easy to do. For mothers, how we look is not always representative of how we feel (and other times it is all too accurate).

We may feel young and sexy and full of life but we look tired, worn out and as though we’ve given up on ourselves. Or alternatively, we may feel like we’re dying on the inside, so we overcompensate by layering on makeup to give the appearance that “everything is fine.”

This spring, as the weather begins to warm up, we should challenge ourselves to match how we look with how we feel.

7 Ways Moms Can Look and Feel Good This Spring — *This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate 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. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

Start From The Inside

How we look on the outside all begins with how we feel on the inside. Self esteem comes from within and if we are happy with who we are, it shows in a physical way. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or substance overuse, then the first place to start is therapy.

Working with a therapist, either in person or online, can help you manage everything that is creating self-doubt or a poor self image. Online therapy in particular, is extremely convenient, especially for moms.

Schedule your online or video therapy sessions over the winter, ensuring that you get the most out of spring and summer.

Shine The Light On Clothing | My Dog is My Therapist — Shine The Light On – The Leah

Focus on Health

Weight issues are some of the most common hurdles to looking and feeling good. As mothers, we’ve stretched and shrunk, been cut open, torn apart and pieced back together. Our bodies have changed in so many ways and it can be difficult to accept it as it is now.

One way to look and feel good is to forget about the extra skin on our stomachs or how much we weigh and just focus on being healthy. Exercising to stay healthy is different than exercising to lose weight or tone muscle. Don’t worry about counting calories or inches, just try to eat healthier food and incorporate vitamins and nutritional supplements to avoid deficiencies.

If our main focus is on being “healthy” rather than being “fit” there is less pressure on us to meet certain goals and we can learn to love our bodies again.

7 Vitamins and Minerals All Women Need To Be Healthy — .

Find Strength

In addition to being healthy, we also need to feel strong. Strength comes in many different forms. We can train ourselves to be physically strong by joining a gym, lifting weights, swimming, or playing a sport. It’s important to find emotional and mental strength, as well. Try meditation, journaling, art or aromatherapy.

Being strong, both physically and mentally will inspire confidence and a sense of pride in ourselves.

Meditation Tips for People Who Hate to Meditate — .

Make a Statement

Your outward appearance tells the world about you, so what is it you want to say? Make a statement with your appearance by choosing clothing and accessories that speak to you. This “Be Kind” Necklace is a simple and elegant way to remind yourself and others of the power of kindness (get 15% off with code FRIENDS15).

Clothing lines like Shine The Light On create pieces that help raise awareness about mental health. Modern, minimalist messages imprinted on soft, luxurious fabrics make it simple to spread messages of hope and acceptance wherever you go.

In addition to looking good while making a statement, a portion of the proceeds from the Shine The Light On collection goes towards mental health initiatives – so you can also feel good knowing that you are helping to end the stigma of mental illness.

Click here to see the stunning clothing line from Shine The Light On and get 15% off with coupon code RUNINTRIANGLES15

Shine The Light On - Be You.Bravely — Shine The Light On

Take Care of Your Skin

You don’t need to do your hair and makeup to look and feel good this spring, but you should always take care of your skin. Glowing, healthy skin looks good from the outside and can make a person feel good on the inside.

As mothers, when we feel over-cuddled and overstimulated after a long day, it’s our skin and sense of touch that suffers. This is why caring for our skin plays such an important role in how we look and feel. Plus, the act of massaging lotion onto our skin can stimulate our lymphatic system and help keep our bodies healthy from the inside.

So splurge on a good, all natural skin care line to make sure that you’re not coating your skin in chemicals. Soak in a bath filled with Epsom salts to help soften and relax your muscles. Use sunscreen all year round, especially when you plan to spend longer amounts of time outdoors.

And make sure that you schedule yourself enough time each day to perform your daily skin care routine.

How to Reset When You're Feeling Over touched — .

Change is Good

Try a new look this spring. Cut or color your hair, try out a new clothing style or color that you would never normally wear. Get a piercing or tattoo, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup or micro-bladed eyebrows. You don’t need to go so far as getting plastic surgery, but if there are specific problem areas that have always bothered you, then consider booking an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist to discuss your options.

Don’t be afraid of change, though it might take some time to get used to. Only make changes that are truly something you want to do, and never in an effort to please anyone else or be someone other than yourself. Changing something about your outward appearance can make you feel mysterious, spontaneous and empowered.

Deciding to change something about your appearance should remind you that you are in control of your body and what happens to it.

Comfortable Is Beautiful

“The mom look” is normally one associated with comfort and function. But comfortable can also be beautiful so don’t feel like you need to trade one for the other. It is entirely possible to look good and feel comfortable at the same time, as long as you choose the right pieces.

If you feel uncomfortable in your clothing, whether it’s shoes that pinch or a waistband that’s too tight, you will act uncomfortably. So just bite the bullet and get rid of anything that you hate wearing, no matter how expensive or “designer” it might be.

Being comfortable in your own skin is the best way to show the world your confidence and beauty.

Shine The Light On - The Struggle is Real — Shine The Light On

5 Spring Fashion Must-Haves for The Busy Mom

Yes, it is possible for moms to be fashionable, comfortable and functional.

With the promise of warmer weather, moms who have hid under tall boots and long jackets all winter will finally need to come out of hiding. But it can be difficult to find an age appropriate style that fits all the demands of motherhood. Spring is a great time to clean out the closet, dust off your favorite pieces, get rid of anything worn out or that no longer fits, and put together a style that’s right for you.

Here are some spring fashion tips that are easy to incorporate into any mom’s busy lifestyle.

First, I want to say that these are really just bare bones basics. My own personal style tends to include simple pieces in pretty neutral colors (ie. black, black, black…. but also beige, grey, navy, denim and army green).

I love a good patterned dress or trendy shirt in a bold color, however I think you need to have a few staple pieces to lay a good foundation; then filter in the fun pieces that match your personality!

A Lightweight Jacket

Something like an anorak style or trench inspired jacket makes the perfect topper in any spring weather. Go for a new neutral tone. I personally love army green but navy, camel or blush tones are also great! Look for a fingertip length, and good sized deep pockets. Wear this with everything… jeans, leggings, spring dresses, or layer it over cardigans when it’s cooler out.

Modern Slip On Sneakers

I love a simple black leather pair with a white sole. Slip on and go. Or go for something a little more fun in a pattern, an embroidered flower detail or fancier fabric like satin or velvet. These are great for the playground, the grocery store or a coffee date with a friend. The possibilities are endless.

A Great Fitting Pair of Jeans

I know this gets talked about so much but when you find a great pair of jeans, you will feel like a new woman. I personally love a nice high rise with a little stretch and a bit distressed in a skinny leg.

Shopping for jeans can be as intimidating as bathing suit shopping. Here are some jean-shopping fashion tips for moms:

go without your kids

ask the associate for help

try on lots of different rises and washes

don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to find “the one” – you won’t regret it.

An Oversize Cardigan

LARA Fashion Black Oversize Ribbed Knit Cardigan on Zulily

This piece will work overtime in your wardrobe. Go for a neutral like a grey, beige or warm hue, especially if you are not overly adventurous when it comes to color. Look for a longer, cover-the-bum-length and preferably with pockets. (I swear to you, having pockets is so important in sweaters and jackets… we are moms so we have to carry ALL THE THINGS.)

Updated Leggings

We all know moms can’t live without their leggings, they are the momiform. But step it up with some leather-look, shiny, or moto style leggings. A big trend right now is having a sheer leg panel. I tend to avoid patterned or bold colors, only because I want my clothes to be able to pair with anything. But it’s spring after all and one of the best specifically spring fashion tips is to go for the printed or colored ones!

These 5 staples are so easy to wear with everything and make picking outfits to wear simple! Perfect for any busy mom on the go.

Additional Spring Fashion Tips

The Tuck and Roll

The “Front Tuck”

This is the holy grail of fashion tips! When you are wearing pants with a waistband (ie. NOT with leggings), simply tuck only the front part of your shirt into the waist. This will instantly define your waist and elongate your legs. It’s magic. (a throwback alternative is to do a t-shirt knot in the front middle!)

The “Ankle Roll”

It’s all about the ankle! With jeans, roll that bottom cuff up to show a sliver of skin – perfect with the slip on runner or an ankle boot. Do NOT let your socks show! Even in leggings, make sure they are not too long. Not talking capris here, think more of a 7/8th or even a tad longer in length. This trick can also be applied to your jacket or sweater… roll or push up the sleeve whenever you can.

Black T-Shirt

Find the perfect black t-shirt. One that is cotton so it will breathe but not too thin that it hugs every roll. And when you find a t-shirt you love, buy it in the other colors too. And another black one, because… kids.

Baseball Hat

Find a black (or other basic neutral) baseball style hat that fits you really well. Different fabrics or textures will step up the fashion, but for those “run-out-the-door-haven’t-washed-my-hair-in-3-days” kind of days, a hat on trend can make you look put together. (Add those aviator or over sized sunglasses and basically be celebrity mom status)

There you have it, a few style tips that can hopefully help you ditch the frumpy mommy fashion and be on your way to looking like the fashionista you are inside!

One thing I can say as a mom who values fashion and being on trend is this:

You are putting on those leggings and T-shirt or jeans and hoodie anyways, so take the extra 15 seconds to style it in a way that will give you an extra boost of confidence and if you are anything like me, when you look good, you feel good. Try using some of these spring fashion tips, and hopefully you’ll experience a confidence boost as well!