My go-to outfit formula for moms to go from the office to the playground

Like so many mothers, I'm multi-faceted: a girl mom, a writer, a traveler, a fashion lover, a gym bunny who is just getting back into her routine… and with so much on my plate, I simply don't have the headspace to deal with clothes that aren't comfortable and don't make me feel my absolute best.

Because at this point in my life, my daughter having a confident mom is so incredibly important.

Whether you frequent an office throughout the work week on top of caring for your little one, or you need to look presentable for back-to-back Zoom meetings from home, this closet formula will take you from important calls and coffee runs to full-on mom mode with ease.

The 6-piece mix-and-match outfit formula for working moms

If you find that your current line-up of work pants and tops doesn't quite fit in at the playground, these are the mix-and-match staples that can elevate your wardrobe with comfort that still means business.

1. The Classic Oxford Shirt

In my opinion, no work wardrobe is complete without a crisp Oxford shirt, and this one from lululemon truly checks all the boxes. It's ultra-lightweight for year-round wear, and sweat-wicking for extra-hot days. And unlike the other oxfords in my closet, this one has a curved hem that splits at your sides, which makes tucking just the front into your jeans look extra polished and sleek.

I sized up to a large for that oversized vibe, and am so glad I did, though it is designed with a longer silhouette that covers your bum with your regular size. Here, I paired it with my go-to wide-leg jeans and some trendy kitten heels — the result: an effortless Friday-in-the-office vibe that I'll be rocking time and time again.

Woven Relaxed-Fit Button-Up Shirt, White

2. The Oversized High-Waist Trousers

Yet another staple piece in any work wardrobe is a pair of black trousers, and when I tell you these have become my new faves, I seriously mean it. Not only are they almost as comfortable as my favorite pajamas, but as soon as I slipped into them, I felt instantly put-together.

The summertime heat means a short-sleeved black tee and some heeled sandals were the move, but I'd wear these year-round with a black turtleneck and pumps, too. They also pair well with button-downs, like the Oxford above, tucked in for the office or thrown over a tank top for the playground.

The trousers themselves come in different lengths, including short, regular, and tall, and the shortest length fits me perfectly, which is a win for the girlies who are in the 5-foot-flat club like me. As someone who is typically a size medium, the mediums fit like a dream, and I even used the hidden drawstring inside to cinch my waist just a touch more.

Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser, Black

3. The Anything-But-Basic Maxi Dress/Skirt Hybrid

Sometimes, the easiest mom outfit is a simple dress — especially in summer — and this one can be worn as a strapless dress or maxi skirt for work and beyond. The silky-smooth material actually feels like butter on skin, so much so that I didn't want to take it off. Immediate add-to-cart in every single color.

I decided to fold it down as a skirt, throwing on a black lululemon cardigan (which keeps your shoulders warm in that chilly office air), my trusty black sandals, and a pretty ivory bow in my hair to match. I felt so cute walking around town with my little family in this look, yet still, it feels like an effortless choice for a busy workday in the office. I can already tell I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this, whether wearing it as a skirt or throwing a cardigan on it as a dress.

2-in-1 Maxi Dress, Light Ivory

Hold Tight Micro-Rib Cardigan, Black

4. The Cool Girl Cardigan

Just like the rest of lululemon's collection, this minimalist cardigan is beautifully made and feels like a timeless piece that I'll forever keep in my closet. Although the brand is most associated with athletic wear, this cardigan isn't made from that kind of material. Instead, it feels appropriate for the office, whether you pair it with a skirt, pants, or some laid-back jeans.

I also love that it feels somewhat thin and breathable without seeming too delicate, and crops perfectly at the waist for a really pretty silhouette. Hello, old money chic.

Hold Tight Micro-Rib Cardigan, Black

5. The Relaxed Pants

Not every day is a low-key jeans day, and it's smart to have a few pairs of trousers on hand — though there's no reason why your pants shouldn't feel easy and relaxed, too. These straight-leg ivory pants were a perfect fit, especially in their shorter length, and I love how I'm able to run around outside with my toddler without adjusting my clothes or feeling out of place.

For this simple everyday look, I threw on lululemon's baby tee for a pop of color and slipped off my nude flats to play in the grass with my daughter. They would pair equally well with the brand's cardigan and a black baby tee for the office, dressed up with pumps or down with loafers.

Daydrift High-Rise Tapered Trouser, Light Ivory

Organic Cotton Baby Tee, Lilac Play

6. The Layer-Friendly Baby Tee

A baby tee is just a cute way of describing a T-shirt that's a bit more form-fitting, often with shrunken sleeves and a bit of a crop at the waist. They're great for pairing with trousers and wearing under cardigans, blazers, or structured jackets because the fitted silhouette looks more polished than a traditional T-shirt.

This baby tee is one of the most comfortable I've worn, with a good amount of stretch and a material that can take you from office days to your afternoon workout and back home to your family. I love the playful pop of lavender as I'm most often in neutrals, and luckily, this tee comes in other fun colors like hot pink and baby blue.

Playing outside, I kept the look simple, but in the office I'd likely layer with an open cardigan. Though one thing I will note is that the logo is slightly more prominent, with a small embroidered patch logo of the same lavender hue on the left mid-back.

Organic Cotton Baby Tee, Lilac Play

The bottom line

I've always rocked lululemon in the gym, but their workwear pieces have completely blown me away, permanently taking up residence in my weekly rotation of trusted outfits. As for the standout pieces I'll be collecting in multiple colors, the High-Rise Trousers, Maxi Dress, and Baby Tee are everything.

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