This story was contributed by The Local Moms Network contributor Kristin Koch, executive editor at Seventeen magazine, blogger behind closetfulofclothes.com and mom of two. For more mom-friendly fashion inspo follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/kristinmkennedy/.
Black Leggings, Long Tunic Sweater; Shearling Lined Boots; Warm Parka; Hat
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love a uniform. With two young kids, my mornings are crazy enough without having to figure out what to wear. Even weekends are insanity these days, as we’re racing to make breakfast and everyone dressed before we have to run to soccer practice or skating or ski lessons, or attempting to embark on a fun family adventure. These days, I’m finding if we’re going to make it anywhere on time (or just make it out of the house, really) — without a million meltdowns (including my own) — I need to be able to get dressed and ready in under five minutes. I don’t have time to try on a million different things or peruse Pinterest and Instagram for outfit inspiration nor do I have time to debate if a shirt is flattering or goes with those pants. That’s why I love to rely on a uniform that I can toss on and know I will look put-together without stressing or trying on a million things. As the weather gets colder, I also find sticking to my favorite winter outfit for moms helps motivate me to get dressed when it’s the last thing I feel like doing. Hence, I pretty much stick to one winter mom uniform all season long. It’s easy, warm, always looks chic, and best of all, I don’t have to think about it.
When it’s cold outside, I like to hibernate, so when I’m forced to leave the house, I need to be wearing something simple and comfy — and kid-friendly (i.e., I won’t get upset if I get sticky kid fingers all over my clothes). Since hibernating isn’t exactly an option with kids who I need to take to school every morning and who get stir crazy after 15 minutes stuck inside, not getting dressed isn’t an option. We live in a small town where you bump into someone you know every time you walk outside, so I really can’t be hiding in my oversized college sweats all day. But I need anything I throw on to be equally as comfy. So when it comes to my winter mom uniform, I keep it pretty simple: leggings, a long tunic-style (read: butt-covering) sweater, boots, and a warm coat. I am always cold, so I like to accessorize with a hat. As I’m running out the door, I’ll usually toss on sunglasses (to cover the tired mom eyes) and a crossbody bag to keeps my hands free to carry my kids’ backpacks, snacks, school projects, and somehow still hold their hands while crossing the street. Whether you’re heading to school drop off or taking your kids to a museum or for a snowy adventure, this winter outfit for moms will work for pretty much everything you’re doing with your kids this season.
