The Perfect Wardrobe for a Busy Mum

It’s a simple yet familiar conundrum.

Breakfast is done, lunch boxes are packed, kids are raring to go: and mum is in a flap looking for something to wear.

Whether you’re racing to work after the day care drop-off, going to playgroup, helping out in the classroom or grabbing a coffee with friends before a long list of errands – a mother’s day is challenging and looking great can take a back seat.

Putting your hands on a versatile, smart and comfortable outfit for the day tries anyone’s patience.

Add an infant, toddler, school-age kids, even teens into the mix, and suddenly the time you used to spend getting ready, shrunk to a 90-second bolt for your cleanest outfit.

Planning and simplicity are the keys to looking good when kids need your attention. A common sense approach goes something like this: the younger the child, the more simple your outfit. It doesn’t necessarily mean dressing drably when you have a demanding infant, there’s just more planning involved.

Generally, the first two years of a baby’s life are the most challenging for you emotionally and physically as you make dramatic life adjustments in order to care for your tiny new family member.

Most of your clothes shopping is likely done on the run so the secret is: buy multiples. Have you found the perfect t-shirt in the right shape that withstands hard laundering? Then buy ten - black and navy are excellent staple colours.

You’ll always have a clean shirt on hand, long and short-sleeve styles can be layered and you won’t need to worry too much about colour-matching.

The bottom half can be tricky as you adjust to your post-baby body, so buy pants and skirts that are comfortable around the waist and hips, in dark, machine-washable fabrics.

For an extra layer and some instant style, you can never go wrong with a jacket, preferably a semi-fitted style with lapels or collar, which you can also launder at home.

Stay away from suede and velvet in your child’s early years, the fabrics attract dirt and are expensive to clean, although leather can be sponged down. Denim and corduroy are very hard-wearing and machine-washable; a jacket in one of these fabrics is a more stylish choice than a cardigan or hoodie as your final layer.

Jackets don’t always have to be black or brown – a splash of colour in a neutral-dominant scheme is a welcome pick-me-up so try muted-bright tones like wine or forest green.

Funky slip-on flats and sneakers, plus pull-on or zippered boots are the most practical choices in the early years, as they can be slipped on and off when your hands are full.

As your children get older and there are less spills and messy surprises, try introducing more colour into the mix. It still pays to have a dominant colour scheme so that dressing is a breeze each day, but continue introducing more variety into your wardrobe.

Personal touches are key to your look. As babies grow out of their "eat everything" phase, it’s safer to wear jewellery, and earrings instantly brighten your face.

Accessories are your friends: a rolled up headscarf is perfect for disguising unkempt hair, while textured or coloured tights and socks are an instant pick- me-up.

A softly-structured, cross-body satchel in tan, light grey or black leather will take you everywhere. Blue Muse Boutique offers a stunning, new-season range that’s hard-wearing and versatile.

The Casey is a two-tone black and camel leather handbag with an adjustable strap and contrasting panels, while the Ribby in either black or camel- coloured leather, has plenty of compartments and pockets and features a fun leopard-print cotton lining.

Remember: simplicity is the key.

Online Visions provides SEO Services for clients across Australia specialising in eCommerce.