Today we’re hosting Nadia from the blog HappyMalista to share seven tips on easy ways to put mom friendly outfits together.

One major struggle we fight as mamas is the EASE of putting our clothing pieces together to create outfits. We have cute pieces we’ve picked up here and there, but putting them together, and feeling confident about our choices (with no second guesses!) is where we often get stuck. Thankfully, Corina’s outfit guides are a huge boost for all of us frumpy fighters out there! Nevertheless, a different perspective with well-earned expertise is helpful! So without further ado…

Please welcome Nadia as she shares the tips and tricks she has learned on her mom journey thus far!

Nadia Karpov is a founder of Happymalista blog where she documents her journey towards minimalist life style. As a slow fashion enthusiast, she constantly explores the subject and shares everything she learns on her blog. You will find simple style, beauty, sustainable shopping, and travel tips on her blog.

To learn more please visit Happymalista, Instagram, and Facebook

My Fail-Proof Method of Putting Outfits Together

Last year I became a new mom. Needless to say I arrived at that oh so special transition period in life where yoga pants and mom jeans became the norm. The days of spending countless hours contemplating what to wear, and more importantly where to buy my fashion items quickly became a life of the past. I was in desperate need of a style makeover. One that allowed me to remain true to my roots of being both a mother and a fashionista. And so my journey of finding a more efficient way to organize my wardrobe began.

If you feel like you were not born with that fine eye for style and design, the great news is that with practice your fashion eye can be trained allowing you to put together any look you want.

Here are some great fashion tricks that even professional designers use to create looks that are both time effective and stylish. These tips definitely worked for me and I am sure they will do the same for others.

1.    Assess What You Already Have and What You Love.

Go through your closet and choose clothes you truly love and feel comfortable in. No matter how gorgeous that new blouse is, if you don’t feel confident in it your personality won’t shine through.

Think of your wardrobe as an extension of yourself. If you still haven’t found your personal style, I recommend starting with this fun exercise – purging your closet. See my tips on how to do it effectively. In this case it doesn’t have to be a certain number of pieces that you keep, like in a capsule wardrobe. You can have as many as you want as long as you enjoy the clothes you are wearing. You might be surprised to find that after completing this exercise your sense of personal style has no choice but to shine through.

2.    Consider the 70/30 Rule.

“If 70% of your wardrobe is meat and potatoes aka basics, the other 30% is the dessert—full-on sparkle and shine, and indulgent glamour.” – Michael Kors.

When your closet comprises of 70% of core garments of neutral colors (denim, black, white, brown, cream, khaki, navy, blush, etc.), and 30 % of accent colors, patterns and accessories, putting a gorgeous outfit together will be a no brainer. If you are not a style or fashion expert, you will look like one if you follow this simple rule. After completing these two steps alone you have done about 90% of the work up front and are well on your way to wardrobe heaven.

3.    Start putting an outfit together based on your daily activities.

Before deciding on the outfit I start by thinking what activities are planned for the day. Am I going to run errands all day with the kiddo, followed by a fun family dinner? Or will I spend a day out on the town with a friend? This helps to choose appropriate shoes. If I’m planning an out time after my daily routine, I also like to choose an outfit that can be easily spruced up with a statement accessory and/or a pair of pumps.

Chucks are one of my favorite type of shoes, I can wear them with anything.

4.    Choose a Statement Piece that brings out your personality.

Choose one focal piece: pattern, an accent color, or both to start with. I chose this floral multi-colored button-down shirt that goes great with most of my looks. Not only is this piece casual, but it is also comfy allowing me so much versatility and style throughout the day.

5.    Pair your Statement Piece With Core Items.

Don’t worry this part is easy, because you can’t go wrong when pairing your statement piece with a core item. I chose this denim and gray cardigan, but navy, black, brown, ivory pieces would also work just fine.

6.    Accessorize with the right Handbag.

During the day my handbag is a diaper bag. 🙂

But what if you want to spruce your outfit up for the night? By switching that super cute diaper bag with a handbag or clutch I instantly transform my outfit. At nighttime I can pair this look with nude pumps and I am ready to go. Classics like brown, black, tan leather items are considered to be core.

What about using color? I always use one simple trick – I look at the colors of the core piece and repeat one or two throughout my looks. For example, my shirt is of navy color and has multicolored floral print – pink, orange, blue, etc. I know I am safe to use my favorite handbag here as it has navy detail and an orange tassel – two colors that appear in the print.

When using bright eye-catching focal pieces, try to be careful with accessories. If not sure it is always safer to go with classic pieces – gold or silver chain or small pendant to complete the look.

7.    Using Accent Colors and Patterns to bring life and variation.

Using accent colors and a print in outfits is a great trick to spice things up a bit. As I mentioned before, I use this simple trick to repeat colors of the print in order to enhance the overall look. This trick can be done in so many different ways and color schemes. So feel free to get creative.

This mustard colored skirt is no-fail when paired with this shirt as it repeats the color of the print.

I pair it with mules for the day or nude pumps and a fold-over clutch. Since I chose a printed top and accent colored bottoms, I am able to keep my accessories neutral, so I don’t overwhelm the finished look.

These are simple tricks that work for me every time, and as you can see you don’t need to be a color theory expert to put colorful outfits together. By mimicking the fun color schemes most designers create you can use the colors they use, choose a focal piece and repeat its colors throughout your outfit.

If not sure of the look, less is always more. Don’t be afraid to experiment. But above all be confident. As your creativity evolves you will be able to effortlessly put together more and more sophisticated looks and color schemes using these simple methods. Thus creating a happier wardrobe for all.

Which of these tips do you want to try this week? Let us know in the comments!

Click here to leave your response.

Check out Nadia’s blog at www.happymalista.com!