The "Mum" Capsule Edit (#012)
10 chic style essentials that are kid-friendly
For my twelfth capsule edit, I wanted to put together a capsule for my fellow mama’s - that said, you don’t need to have kids to appreciate or draw inspiration from this capsule. More so, I wanted to pull together an edit of items that had movement and flexibility (both a must in clothing you wear around kids), but also an essence of style too. The most important criteria? Each piece must be easy to care for.
One of the things that I found quite challenge after giving birth to my son, was the seismic shift in the way that I viewed myself; my sense of identity. We lose part of ourselves to gain something new, and that disconnect between who you were, and who you now are, can feel sudden. Like its crept up on you out of nowhere. Probably because in the lead up to becoming mothers, our mind is both burdened with planning and preparation, and the anticipation of expanding your family and holding your baby for the first time.
Not only does our lifestyle change - regardless of whether you head back into the workforce or stay home to look after your kids - but our bodies do too. As does our gauge for comfort. And when you think about the fact that what we wear is part of our external expression of self, it makes sense that we feel disconnected from who we were pre-children, especially in those early years where pragmatism feels key.
What I found was that putting together an actual outfit - where activewear isn’t the main character - was the thing that made me connect with my old self. Plus, it’s fun to do that little thing that’s just for you.
The items I’ve included in this capsule represent the types of pieces I currently have in my year round closet; some I’ll lean on more heavily in spring/summer, and others in autumn/winter. Three additional closet staples worth having are a robust sandal (RIP my dainty strap sandals… x2), a comfortable flat boot, and a cosy coat. Oh, and an easy going dress - we love a one and done outfit!
Finally, one small caveat with this capsule (if you have younger kids like me!) is that probably, you may want to avoid white clothing (for obvious reasons). Though, nothing a little Napisan can’t fix.
Here’s what I included:
4x tops (a button down shirt, a sleeveless top, a short sleeved top, and a long sleeved top)
1x relaxed knitted sweater (cardigans in particular give you so many styling options!)
3x bottoms (a pair of shorts, a full length skirt, and trousers)
2x flat shoes (a casual sneaker, and a smart but comfortable closed toe shoe)
As usual, below you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of what I included (and what to look out for), along with alternative styles and options to the pieces I picked for myself. And of course, a library of outfit ideas (zoom in for a closer look) - I think I counted 33 though easily could have put together more. Accessories can take this even further, though in the chaos that is getting ready in the morning with children, the simpler the better I’ve found!
the ten items
#1 | Long sleeved shirt: Preferably something that feels relaxed, unfussy, and not clingy. Think of this as an additional layering piece as well as a top unto itself. For longevity and comfort I recommend opting for cotton, linen, or tercel blends. Pictured: Depound (10% off with MADEMOISELLE10)
Alternatives: DISSH | BLANCA | Free People | Commonry | Everlane
#2 | Short sleeved top: This could be a graphic tee (like I’ve opted for here), or a pretty broderie blouse that buttons down the front with smocking. Blouses can be a great way to bring in some feminine style flourishes, while tees add in that ease and comfort - thinking about prints, or how the “tee” hangs on the body can be ways to steer it away from a full on athleisure moment. Pictured: Sezane
Alternatives: UNIQLO | Everlane | & Other Stories | H&M | The Frankie Shop
#3 | Long sleeved top: If there’s ever a time to wear micro-prints in abundance, it’s when you have toddlers. Because it’s a gamble as to whether you can make it to daycare drop off without a peanut butter smear here or there. On days when you know you’ll be getting messy, busy prints help to disguise any marks. Can also feel a little more effortful than a block colour - though either is chic! Pictured: Tibi
Alternatives: Arket | Baserange | Sezane | DISSH | Reformation | Country Road
#4 | Sleeveless top: If you don’t like showing off your arms, feel free to omit this one, but a tank in particular is a great base layer. Talking about how prints can feel effortful, so can a little burst of colour too. It’s playful, feels intentional, and also purposeful when grounded with solid wardrobe basics. Pictured: Assembly Label
Alternatives: ONTE | Madewell | UNIQLO | H&M | COS
#5 | Knitted sweater: While this obviously has practical value, you can also look at it as another tool in your styling box of tricks. Draped/knotted around the shoulders, tied at the waist etc - this is a simple way to add in that styled element with zero effort. Without sounding like a broken record, cardigans will net you the most value for styling options, especially if you opt for a design with a crew/high neckline. It can e a fun layering moment with any tops you wear underneath! Pictured: Sezane
Alternatives: Oroton | Quince | Assembly Label | AERE | Sanctuary
#6 | Easy-going shorts: My only real prerequisite when selecting shorts is that they aren’t too short. A semi-elasticated waistband can be a great way to wear a more tailored style but still retain that sense of comfort. With denim, a wider leg opening is a plus (no digging in to the thigh when sitting down), as is a good amount of stretch! Pictured: UNISON
Alternatives: UNIQLO | Everlane | Rohé | Maje | Madewell
#7 | Full length skirt: Or, anything that hits below the knee. I’ve found it so much harder to want to wear mini skirts when I’m heading out and about with my kids for the most obvious reason - I don’t want to flash my pants to the world. So, longer skirts it is. Which is great as the longer length tends to imply a sense of formality, even when there is none. Again, effortless but seemingly effortful. You may like to go with a print here, or a deeper colour (white is like a magnet to grubby little fingers, I swear!) - full skirts are fun though. Movement abounds! Pictured: Blanca
Alternatives: Reformation | Aritzia | Arket | Aligne | DISSH | Goelia
#8 | Relaxed pants: Doesn’t have to be trousers - jeans are great too, though going back to the shorts, think about comfort and how you’ll be moving. A more relaxed style of jean will work best. And we love an elasticated waistband! Pictured: The Frankie Shop
Alternatives: Henne | Aritzia | UNIQLO | GAP | Dazie | Viktoria & Woods
#9 | Casual sneakers: Something that allows you to be quick on your feet - chunky, or refined in silhouette. Either works! Also, if you tend to favour neutrals day-to-day, this can be a great way to get playful with your outfits by opting for an unexpected colour. Pictured: Onitsuka Tiger
Alternatives: Adidas | New Balance | Veja | Allbirds | Converse
#10 | Comfortable closed toe flats: Walkable, robust, and something that feels like a piece of you, but is practical enough for a day with the kids. Nothing too delicate or precious here. I tend to favour a ballet flat/Mary Jane style, but a loafer or brogues are other options you could choose. Pictured: Loeffler Randall
Alternatives: Madewell | & Other Stories | Hush Puppies | Sezane | Margaux
the outfits
the bag
I wanted to end this 10 item capsule by touching on the bag I chose. Which perhaps to some might seem like an unconventional choice as a “baby bag”, but, hear me out. As useful as a well-designed baby bag might be, any large sized bag will do the trick. Having pouches or useful organisers to slot inside are the key - something I utilised heavily especially during that first year of becoming a mum (for both kids). Seeking to change the purpose, and unlock new utility in items you already own… or rather, find a bag that speaks to you outside of your world as a mum, which can also function as a baby bag, is a little trick to adding in that personal style element to your outfit, even when you’re leaning all in on the activewear that day.
The one I’m wearing throughout this capsule is the Madewell Bucket Tote - which yes, you can also wear crossbody. If you want a thorough review, I shared my thoughts and a look at the wear and tear on my website HERE.
What I like about this is that it’s a large bag. Truly capacious, also fits a laptop for work, is an excellent travel bag etc. The leather is super soft, so it’s reasonably light. It’s kinda glossy, adding in an element of shine/texture. And the buckle makes it so easy to switch between wearing it crossbody or on the shoulder.
A similar style to this would be the Studio Bag from Everlane; I used this when my son was under 12 months and it’s a great, like for like option. The leather is really thick so it feels durable and I recall it didn’t scratch/mark up too much.
If you’re planning on wearing a little crossbody with your essentials, and want a larger tote for on-the-go, this one from Cuyana is great as it has a top zipper.
Or, if you’d like to go handsfree, then I love this backpack from Saben (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN15). I’ve had a chance to play around with it and as can be expected, luxe details, with unreal organisation attention to detail inside.