As each new school year kicks off, mums juggle schedules packed with early drop-offs, sports practices, school meetings and volunteer days (to name a few of the never-ending mum obligations). But who says you can’t ace your back-to-school style, while managing it all? No need to spend hours studying the runways or stressing in your closet. This season, step to the head of the class with chic and practical fashion that keeps you effortlessly fabulous. You’ll be ready to pass any style test with this cheat sheet of mum-tried-and-true looks.
Curbside Casual
The formula is easy: bold accessories + neutral jumpsuit = effortless (but not boring) morning style. It’s a fuss-free way to look pulled together and ready to conquer the day—all before the bus even arrives! For busy mornings at the school bus stop, showing up early and polished is easier than ever with a jumpsuit paired with statement flats or trainers. This go-to look is both stylish and practical, perfect for the mum who wants to be on time and on trend. A solid-colour jumpsuit with plenty of pockets creates a clean base for this signature morning look. Classic, trendy, or sporty—however you are feeling that morning, you can easily change the look of a jumpsuit time and again with different accessories. Slip-on shoes are a must though… especially if you have to help your own children tie their shoes. Grab a small cross-body bag, big enough for your wallet and keys, to take on your coffee run.
Finally, hide your tired eyes with a pair of special sunglasses—try a sleek designer pair, all-metallic frames for a little glamour, or exude cool-mum vibes with a unique style from a cult eyewear brand. Krewe is one of my favourites right now, not only for their designs but also for their “Second Chances Program.” If you (or your curious children) damage or break your frames, the first replacement pair is on them. A+ grading from this mum!
Winning Sideline Style
Back to school means back to early morning weekend sports practice. Your children might not be going to the Olympics anytime soon (or ever), but mums deserve a medal for all the practices and matches they attend during the school year. Just because you’re on the field doesn’t mean your style needs to be sidelined. Since you’ll probably spend most of your morning trying to find a rogue shin guard wedged under the couch, you’ll want a look that is effortless and quick to pull together. While it may be tempting to just throw on some athleisure or workout wear, you can elevate your style with looks that are athletically adjacent, featuring sporty elements and fabrics that are functional and comfortable for sitting through overtime.
Take a cue from the matching nature of the uniforms worn on the field and opt for a matching set in a performance or comfortable fabric. High Sport’s chic knit products are made from French Lycra and a soft Italian cotton blend that flatters and always looks polished, yet remains practical for cheering in the stands. Hong Kong mornings can be sunny and sweltering, so beat the heat in a matching and breathable linen or polished cotton short set, with the shirt worn open or loosely buttoned over a sporty sports bra or crop top with a pop of pattern. Comfy but chic trainers are a must. Top off your looks with a raffia visor or bucket hat, which not only shields your face from the sun but also hides unwashed Saturday morning hair. Bring a lightweight but roomy tote to hold all your snacks, water, and sunscreen. Extra credit if you match your look to the team colours.
Storybook Chic as the Mystery Reader
It’s no mystery that every mum needs a go-to pair of jeans as part of her cool-mum uniform. When you are heading into your child’s classroom as the mystery reader, focus your energy on picking out the perfect book, not the perfect outfit. Simpler than the Dewey Decimal System, opt for jeans and a LBT (little black T-shirt). Perfect for sitting cross-legged on the circle time rug and not too fussy if you want to do some impromptu finger painting. Keep the look from leaning too basic by going for unique-feature denim, like the R13 crossover style or sculptural horseshoe jean. My current day-to-day favourite is the Citizens of Humanity horseshoes style cinched with a studded black leather belt. Pair these easy separates with a refined, on-trend flat—a cage or mesh style adds the perfect demure amount of flesh to this more tomboy-style outfit. To punctuate the look with a touch of humour and kid-appeal, add a whimsical handbag or phone case—Anya Hindmarch’s tote with appliqué eyes is always a kid favourite.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
I always tell my boys that you only get one chance to make a first impression; the same applies to mums when we attend our first parent-teacher conference of the school year. You’ve probably spent the night before or, let’s be real, the morning of (last-minute crammers, I see you) preparing insightful questions about your child’s academic and social/emotional development (thank you, Dr. Becky). So don’t let your outfit become an extra homework assignment!
Pick something that’s already on your syllabus so you can focus on the lesson at hand—your child’s success. This is not the time to experiment with untested trends for the first time—you want a look that will help you pass any fashion pop quiz with flying colours. If your school leans formal, opt for a structured dress that says you’re serious about your child’s education—but not too stern by adding a pop of colour with fun kitten heels. If your school has a more casual vibe, a crisp white blouse paired with black tailored leggings is a good choice. You won’t get sent to detention for wearing black leggings, so long as they’re tailored and not workout gear. A little stirrup or seaming detail paired with a smart shoe and you’re in the clear. Loafers will give you a bit of office hours professorial charm. Follow these simple formulas and you’ll be the teacher’s pet with either of these A+ looks.
Now there is no need for you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of back-to-school life (at least with respect to your wardrobe). Skip the fashion homework and follow these outfit CliffNotes. Practical yet polished, these looks will help you navigate your busy schedule with ease and confidence. After all, you aren’t just a mom, but a style valedictorian.
Editor
Michelle Miller Erb
