For as long as I can remember, I have always loved style. I love to express myself in this way. I love being creative in how I style various the same piece multiple ways, and I’ve been known to rig a few outfits to get the achieved look — Notable items that have been involved include things like a sleep mask. I’m not joking — I’ll get scrappy.

And that’s not mentioning my impulsive Sunday morning gallop down the stairs to retrieve my kitchen scissors because the pants I want to wear are too long, or the top I like has too much fabric.

I’m probably a Type-A’s worst nightmare when it comes to this stuff, but I am who I am.

While my personality stays the same, my preferences often change, and that’s been especially true since I’ve entered my thirties. For example, I once would consider myself a shoe girl. And while I still love a good pair of shoes, it looks nothing like the pile awaiting a new home.

I have 20+ pairs of heels that I genuinely do not want to wear.

So as I’ve embraced my style, I think I’d fall in the “elevated effortless casual,” but even using the word elevated makes me feel like I’m trying too hard. Because I assure you — I’m not trying very hard. I like to still be pulled together, and curate a thoughtful look, but what I care the most about in this stage of my life is actually comfort.

But that doesn’t mean I’ve let it all go completely and went full-on Costco-mom yet (though, Costco sure does come out with some bangers, don’t they?).

So if you’re a mama who values style, but also wants to be comfortable and fuss free, you’re going to love these staples!

• Hightop Sneakers: My oldest daughter actually turned me on to these because she looked so dang cute in them. So I bit the bullet and went for it despite feeling “too old” for them, and now I wear them all the time. Even bought some glittery ones. Who even am I? I don’t know, but I like her, and her bunions are nestled safely.
  

• High-Waisted Fitted Wide Leg Jeans: While I just cannot get myself to embrace the dad jean vibe, I can get behind some wide leg jeans — so long as they are fitted in the waist. Now, I will say this silhouette is better suited for hourglass or shapes, but you can get different variation of this style and still pull off a similar look. Do I own 4 different colors of this one pair? Yes, I do. Zero shame. (I personally prefer a cropped look, so all of these options will meet my kitchen scissors.)

• Cropped tops. Now, I use the term “cropped” and not “crop” even though I’m not sure it actually makes a difference, but there is a distinction in my brain. Let me explain.. I’m actually not a fan of showing skin. It’s just not my thing. So in my brain, a crop top is a top mean to show your belly button. A Cropped top is simply a top that is shorter in length, and since I love high-waisted bottoms, it takes away the need to tuck, while still pulling the outfit together. So I’m a big fan of cropped tops — and transforming regular ones with those handy kitchen scissors. 😉

• Soft Pants. While winter isn’t necessarily the season for these, I am committed to keeping soft pants a staple in 2024. Soft pants trend is the answer to every mid-30’s mom prayers. They are lightweight, have an elastic waist band and require practically ZERO effort. The one thing about to watch for with these, is you want to make sure you have a cropped top or a tucked slim fitting top to make sure you don’t just look like you’re wearing pajamas… but honestly, what’s the harm in that? Great with sweaters, t-shirts, bodysuits and tanks.

• Short bags. Don’t get me wrong — I love my giant mom bag aka the Madewell Transport Tote. It has lasted years, fits everything from extra clothes, monster trucks, snacks, shoes, and and and (you’re a mom, you get it). But when I want to feel pulled together, I love a simple bag. And while I’m all about the cute belt bag trend (this one is my favorite under $20), I love a simple bag like this, with a shorter strap. If they’re too long, I just tie them at the top and tuck the knot behind my shoulder 🙂

In 2024, I want simple. I want practical. I want long-lasting. So I’m willing to invest in the pieces I love. And while I’m playing with style, I love Nuuly. It helps me get out of my comfort zone without commitment, and not take up a bunch of extra space in my closet long-term, because Lord knows I don’t have it. 😉 If you check out Nuuly, make sure to use this link for $20 off your first month’s rental.