2022 SPRING & SUMMER MOM-ING ESSENTIALS

I got the idea for this blog post when I was chatting with a girl on IG. We were talking about the Zella joggers that I frequently post. She jokingly said I should just buy 2 pieces of everything and share 1 piece with her. She said she’s been in such a clothing rut, not knowing what to wear with motherhood, quarantine, the pandemic, reopening, and everything else that’s going on. Then it hit me, she’s probably not alone!

I will be honest here. I also feel like I’ve been in a styling rut. We’ve been staying home so much over the last two years, there is little to no motivation to dress myself. Even if we went out, it’s the un-exciting things, errands, grocery stores, playgrounds, and kids things. It’s easy to fall into an old routine and just throw on whatever I have ready, and they usually end up being the same-ish outfits. I’ve been trying harder to motivate myself to get ready, even if it meant waking up earlier than usual.

I put a lot thoughts into putting together this list of Spring and Summer essentials, hoping to make your life easier. Here are the factors I considered for the activities of “mom-ing”:

• Staple items that can be paired into an outfit without thinking
• Washability. Almost all of these items can be thrown in the washer because toddlers’s feet are hella muddy after playing in the park and we picked them up.
• Hands free. Free up your hands!
• Sun protection.
• You can actually bent down and/or squat in these outfits.
• Light layers for long days outside.

Our outfits for when hanging out with kids usually involve a lot of joggers, leggings and jeans, so I’ve included a few items here that can instantly make a tired jogger outfits look 2022.

For the items on this essential list, I either own the exact same ones or own very similar style from the same brand. I am speaking from experiences here. I’ll go into details for each item, why I picked it as an essential and why it’ll make your life easier.

1. LULULEMON EVERYWHERE BELT BAG: Love love this small but mighty belt bag! I have it in two colors, black and white. I especially love how I can go completely hands free with this bag. I put it on while getting ready to leave the door, so I could have my hands available to carry Livvy’s stuff and carry her. I also wear it while I am driving – probably not the safest so don’t copy me! The buckle is so convenient when putting it on over a bulky winter coat – I could unbuckle it while putting the jacket on and taking the jacket off. If you are not sure about using a belt bag for going out with a toddler, this price point makes it really easy to just try. For a roomier belt bag, Lulu has the Clean Lines Belt Bag.
2. EVERLANE THE LINEN RELAXED SHIRT: I am all about physical sun protection in warmer months because I hate putting on sun block all over my body. So I got this linen shirt to shield me from the sun. Linen is the perfect fabric for summer. It’s breathable, washable, sturdy and lightweight. Linen gets softer as you wash it and I love the broken-in feel.
3. VUORI PERFORMANCE JOGGER: Joggers are my bff and this one is what I constantly reach for in spring and summer days. It’s made with recycled polyester! It’s not so thick that you are sweating but has enough weight for a good jogger. Fabric feels silky on the skin. PETITE FRIENDLY!! Inseam is only 26″.
4. EVERLANE THE AIR OVERSIZED CREW TEE: Best Everlane tee I’ve tried on to date!! I have it in the Clay and white colorway. Clay is such a beautiful neutral color. This tee is incredibly soft and comfortable with an oversize fit. I love pairing it with the Agolde denim shorts for an effortless summer fit. The fabric is flowy, which makes it such an amazing tee for hot summer days. The white tee is sheer but a neutral bra works great.
5. NATORI BLISS PERFECTION UNDERWIRE CONTOUR BRA: Comfiest wired bra I’ve tried on. Literally feel like you are wearing a wireless bra but with all the support and shaping a wired bra provides. The material is smooth and soft to the skin. The straps don’t dig into my skin and I don’t have to constantly pull them up. These bras go well with the oversized crew tee above!
6. ANINE BING LILI TEE EAGLE: I live in AB tees all year round. In winter I just throw a hoodie or jacket on top of them. These graphic tees are the best when it comes to putting together an outfit in 30 seconds. The tees are a statement item and can complete/elevate any outfit. They are worth the price point! I’ve washed and tumble dried them a million times and they still look brand new. Can’t recommend them enough.
7. AGOLDE PARKER LONG VINTAGE SHORTS: I dont have these exact Agolde shorts but I have the other Agolde Parker shorts in two washes. They truly do live up to the hype and are the best denim shorts around. They are so flattering on, don’t ride up and are actually comfortable! All you need is these shorts with the AB Lili tee and you are set for summer.
8. LA ROCHE POSAY SPF 50+ FACIAL SUNSCREEN: I’ve tried a lot of sunscreen, looking for that holy grail non-greasy, doesn’t feel like you’ve got anything on kind of sunscreen. No this is not it haha. I’ve come to the realization that no such sunscreen is 100% non-greasy but this one from La Roche Posay comes pretty darn close. I’ve used two bottles now and will continue to re-purchase!
9. EVERLANE THE GATHERED DRAPE TRENCH: If you don’t have any other camel trench, get this one in camel! I have this coat in black because I already have two other camel trench coats. A camel trench coat is such a classic in spring and fall wardrobe. I included this coat in the essentials list for outings like brunches, coffee with girlfriends, or when you want to step it up a notch at the playground!
10. ELLANDEMM VALLEY HALF ZIP: As mentioned above, I’ve included some pieces in the list to make a joggers/leggings outfit current. This half zip is it! Green is having a major moment this year, so is a half zip sweatshirt. This shirt has both of these elements that will make your easy leggings outfit look 2022! The Balanced Life shirt and the New York Hoodie are also great at elevating your athleisure outfits!
11. NEW BALANCE 327 SNEAKERS: These are another item that will instantly make your leggings/joggers outfit look 2022. New Balance sneakers are in the spotlight for the last couple of seasons, still going strong this year. I don’t have the 327 but they are high on my wishlist. They always sell out quickly so if you see them in the color you like and have your size, #rundontwalk!
12. BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA ESSENTIALS: These are ganna be your pool and beach slides! They are waterproof, comfortable and stylish. I also love how I can sanitize them when necessary. Always a bonus during covid. These always sell out quickly so if you see them in your size, ADD TO CART! Freedom Moses carries similar slides with lots of colors. Although I haven’t tried them myself but the reviews look very promising. They are a great alternative when you can’t find the Birks in your size.
13. GANNI BASEBALL CAP: What I really want from a baseball cap is to get the sun out of my face. I constantly grab this when I am running out of the door. I love how I can wear baseball caps when I am driving, whereas with straw hats I have to take it off.
14. EVERLANE COTTON CUTAWAY TANK: Such a great basic to have in warm months. Perfect fabric and perfect cut. I do want to mention that my bra straps show in this tank but I don’t mind it much. There are other ways to hide the bra straps with a strapless bra, a strap holder or a racerback bra.
15. MADEWELL PERFECT VINTAGE JEANS: I don’t personally have these jeans (yet). I order a pair and they are on their way. I’ve heard many good things about Madewell’s Vintage jeans being the perfect mom jeans with beautiful washes. This wash is just what a summer outfit needs, slight rip, light denim color. It’ll look so good with a white tee and some jewelry. The pair I linked here is a mid rise. Madewell has other ones with high rise if you preferred higher rises.

If you are still reading, THANK YOU! That’s a wrap on the spring and summer mom-ing essentials. I truly hope this list can make your life easier. I am always up for chatting over on my IG. Hope over and say hi!!