The chambray shirt, left (AEO Western Boyfriend Shirt in Light Wash, $39.95, ae.com) works for campus; a more buttoned-up version (AllSaints Denim Gemma Shirt in Indigo Blue, $195, bloomingdales.com) for the office, paired with booties and black jeans.
These AEO Denim Jeggings in Sparkle White, left ($49.95, ae.com) flatter, ahem, younger figures. Right, AG ‘The Legging’ Ankle Skinny Jeans in White White ( $168, nordstrom.com) work best for the well-toned.
A Brandy Melville cropped sweater, left, in Speckled Grey, $38, brandymelvilleusa.com requires a flat tummy, while this Vince V-Neck Sweater, right, in Off White, $295, nordstrom.com covers up figure flaws.
Left, Old Navy Fleece Moto Jacket in Grey Marl ($44.94, oldnavy.com) and right, Theory’s luxe, uptown ‘Tralsmin Tidle’ Suede Notch Collar Jacket in Warm Grey ($1,295, nordstrom.com).
Left, BP. Plaid Square Scarf in Blue Multi, $29, nordstrom.com and right, Rag & Bone’s more sumptuous Windowpane Check Wool Scarf in Salute ($195, nordstrom.com).
EVER SINCE my first growth spurt I’ve labored under the delusion that I can wear my mom’s clothes. Time and time again I would pillage sheer blouses, draped sweaters and sleek dresses from her closet, in the hopes that this time they would fit perfectly, transforming my mid-teen awkwardness into polished sophistication. For reference, it was kind of like when you open the fridge the umpteenth time, somehow expecting a new snack to have magically appeared. Fast-forward to college, and I’ve finally reached the point where I can actually share clothes with my mom — and believe me, I’ve milked it (if she asks, no, I haven’t seen her tan cashmere sweater or drawstring bucket bag). And even better, I’ve begun to build my own wardrobe with pieces that fit my age and budget. But I still definitely take style cues from my mom (as seen by the amount of black currently in my wardrobe). So, using the end of summer as a convenient excuse for shopping, I found myself some back to school (or work) basics, with options for both Mom and me.
Chambray Button-up
One thing I’ve definitely gotten from my mom — the constant need for another layer. A button-up is the perfect cover-up for tanks and T-shirts that are perfect for end-of-summer heat but not so much for chilly classrooms or offices. I’ve gotten way into the tied-around-the-waist look over a dress or leggings, but grown-up girls can keep it polished by buttoning it up with black jeans and booties.
White Jeans
My mom’s go-to summer dinner outfit is white jeans with sandals and a dressier tank. So in her honor, I bit the bullet and tried on the requisite million pairs of white jeans before I found ones that weren’t see-through, creased or stiff. Thank you, American Eagle! And while the season for white may be coming to a close, pairing them with the aforementioned chambray is a perfect summer-to-fall look.
Ribbed Sweater
I almost couldn’t bring myself to try on a sweater in this heat, but this one from Brandy Melville was soft and cozy enough to make it worth my while. I’ve always thought of this kind of soft gray as a very “mom” color (and trust me, that’s not at all a bad thing). The ribbed texture and slight crop set it apart from my hoard of neutral sweaters (and did I mention how soft it was??). And it’s not too heavy, so I don’t have to wait until deep winter to break it out without also breaking out in a sweat.
Moto-Jacket
My love affair with Old Navy is nothing new, but they really raise the bar on affordable fashion when it comes to outerwear. For the past two summers I’ve been obsessed with a black linen jacket with an asymmetrical zipper, bought on sale for under $30, so I was thrilled when I spotted this colder-weather version in stores. The heather-gray color beats predictable black, and remaking the moto-jacket in something other than leather adds a whole new level to the piece. It’s warm enough to be an actual coat, but not too bulky to wear all day as a blazer alternative.
Plaid Scarf
I wear my mom’s scarves more than any other article of clothing, and not just because they’re one size fits all. Scarves help with the aforementioned always-cold problem, and for our mother/daughter neutral/black-heavy wardrobe, they’re a ridiculously easy way to add color. This blue plaid scarf/wrap hybrid brings the typical leggings and sweater look to the next level, and no matter how you drape it it somehow looks artful and grown-up. Plus it can double as a blanket in a pinch. Score!
— Emily Harburg Emily Harburg is MyLittleBird’s summer intern. Her last post was on some publishers’ new favorite word.
There is no doubt that once you have babies no matter how thin you might be, your body is just not the same. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress young anymore, just that it has to be appropriate. And then there’s the age thing, which also needs to be appropriate. But there is always something to be found at AEO, or even Forever 21! But the best place to shop is probably a daughter’s closet. Or a mom’s. Great column.
There is no doubt that once you have babies no matter how thin you might be, your body is just not the same. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress young anymore, just that it has to be appropriate. And then there’s the age thing, which also needs to be appropriate. But there is always something to be found at AEO, or even Forever 21! But the best place to shop is probably a daughter’s closet. Or a mom’s. Great column.
Thank you Emily for a great article . I now have more outfits for my white jeans and sweaters. Great job….. Nancy Bernstein