My Wardrobe Essentials
Between chasing Lauren, nursing Georgia, and everything else in between, there’s just about no time at all to spend putting together an outfit. As much as I would love to look like fashion bloggers in their #OOTD (read: outfit of the day), I stick to basics I can just throw on and go without thinking twice.
Here are the no-fail basics that I usually end up wearing again and again:
1. Button down white shirt – Classic white shirts lend an air of casual sophistication when paired with denim bottom. Or… you could throw it on with pencil skirt, well hello office!
2. Spaghetti straps tops – Perfect for the weather here in Singapore. I have it in so many colours and styles. However, I avoid those that are tight / snugged around the waist because they can be unforgiving to my jelly belly. It can be worn under a cardigan or jacket to balance out your proportions.
3. Cardigans – Great for layering and to keep the chill out while you sit waiting at the pediatrician’s clinic. Stick to basic black, white or grey for easy matching.
4. Black blazer – This is for those occasions when you want to look more polished and a cardigan just won’t cut it. A shorter jacket that ends around your hip bones gives the illusion of longer legs. I like those with little details like a zipper or leather lapels for an edgier look but if you prefer a classic cut, go for it.
5. Fitted jeans and pants – No wardrobe is complete without flattering fitted jeans and pants. It can be dressed up or down with the white shirt / spaghetti strap top mentioned earlier. Go for dark colours as they make your pins look slimmer.
6. Denim cut off shorts or skirts – Again, because of the hot weather in Singapore, denim shorts and skirts are my go-to casual bottom on a daily basis. They are very long lasting as well. Seriously, I’m still wearing a denim skirt that I bought 8 years ago. I wear them to the market, playgroups and just about anywhere casual. Oh, how short is too short? Err.. let’s just say showing butt cheeks is rather unbecoming.
7. Little Black Dress – This is a cliché, almost every single article on wardrobe basics would include LBD on the list. But it is also true. I have black dresses in many styles but the one pictured above (I was 6 months pregnant with Lauren) is the one I wear to death. Once you’ve found one that works for you, life would never be the same.
8. Accessories – Besides my wedding band, I hardly wear any accessory. When an occasion calls for a little more effort, I usually wear simple studs or loop earrings. I also love my Cartier Tank for its versatility.
9. Shoes – I could show you my actual pairs of nude pumps, white loafers, stripy sandals and brown havaianas, but they are a ghost of what they used to be, it is embarrassing. I know these shoes are fairly uninspiring but trust me, they go well with brightly colored outfits as well as your blacks, whites and blues.
There you have it. My wardrobe essentials since I became a mother. Do you need to stock up on any of these items?
PS: How to wear flats.
HELLO! I’M MICHELLE.
I love my family, building successful ventures and helping others achieve their dream motherhood. This blog combines those three loves.
Find out more about me here.
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As mums, we’re so time-strapped that we’re often the last to get changed when we’re heading out. Wardrobe staples are definite must-haves to save time! I’ve a collection of button front tops too, since becoming a mum.. Well, thanks to breastfeeding! 😂😝
I fully agree with all your choices, they’re also my staples! I always keep a look out for simple pieces with some kind of detail, so they make my choices less boring, because I tend to like the same colors!
that part about showing butt cheek, LOL!!!! I think some shorts have really gotten too short.
I have the essentials and yet everyday I tell myself I have nothing to wear! *sob sob*
Haha.. you are right about that too. We can never have enough to wear! 🙂
Great advice and u look great! 🙂
I have essentials and I don’t usually spend much time to think about what to wear. Great advice!
Looking awesome as always, Michelle. A little black dress is a must!
I do notice you wear Spaghetti very often. Btw, you are still nursing the little one?
Hi Jenn, no I stopped nursing Georgia when she turned 13 months old. This article was written back in 2014 🙂