We’re so lucky we don’t have to run ourselves ragged spotting trends on the runways or on the street. We’ve seen the best must-haves in the closets of our real and chic moms who make achieving fab personal style their way of life. Whether they are artists, stylists, designers or shop owners, these moms know a good thing when they see it. Here are the essentials we’ve seen on repeat from one closet to the next. Best of all, they’re all modern basics that will last more than one season because as these women know, true style lasts forever.
1. THE BUCKLED BOOTIE
Every magazine will list their seasonal top trends but what’s more important for us and the real moms we feature are season-less essentials that we can invest in and know that we can wear for a long time coming because it will always make an impression. Whether high, mid- or low-heeled, an ankle boot with a stylish buckle (note, we’re talking about just one or two buckles), will become your go-to boot. We promise.
Gina Edwards is a celebrity nail pro and when she’s busy travelling as the brand ambassador for Kiss Nail products, she’s packs these YSL boots for press events and photo ops.
2. STATEMENT BAUBLES
We know you agreed to go to your friend’s new restaurant-slash-gallery-slash-wine-bar-opening and all of a sudden you have to be there in less than an hour…and you’re still not ready to go because the baby won’t eat or your meeting went too late. Don’t sweat it. Mix your favourite jeans or pencil skirt with a go-to tee-shirt, your buckled booties (see, we told you they would come in handy) and some statement jewelry. You don’t need to own a lot. Just a few pieces that always make you feel happy and ready for anything.
This mom holds onto her sculptural accessories for years and only owns a few in timeless shades so they’ll wear well with anything. Earrings, Marni, and bracelet, Aesa
3. A CHIC CATCH-ALL
A bucket bag with a cross-body strap is a game-changer for busy moms who want to be hands-free but need a sack that will pack up her work must-haves and snacks for their wee ones. This kind of all-purpose bag that’s made to last is always better than spending on a collection of meh bags that will never be equal in luxury or style.
Catriona Smart is a PR pro and lifestyle blogger who can’t live without her rom Mansur Gavriel bag that’s pared down and sophisticated so it can match any mood or outfit from her walk-in closet.
4. EVERYDAY KICKS
So many of our moms are always at work, on their feet or moving around boxes of their own brand of clothing, perfume, skincare, accessories or even artwork. While sock-like trainers are great for commuting, something sturdier with a thicker and firmer sole will hold up to stepping into puddles with littles or styling a decor shoot with the chance something might drop on your toes.
Miriam Zittell matches her favourite Vans with a cropped men’s shirt from J. Crew that she snipped herself, because you know, that’s what a former fashion designer turned Moroccan rug pro is want to do.
5. THE MOTO JACKET
When I got my very first job at a fashion magazine, my editor said if you see something three times, then it’s a trend. Well, we’ve spotted this fashion staple at stylist’s house, a fashion buyer’s closet and a cool shop owner’s foyer. Let’s just say, it’s a thing.
A leather moto jacket from Rudsak is a mainstay for Alicia McNamara, the on-set wardrobe stylist for ET Canada. So versatile, you can wear it to the gas station, the grocery store or even a gala.
