summer uniform - pt 4

Today I am back with another SUPER easy summer uniform...

What is a summer uniform you ask!?! You know those outfit combos that you pull out time and time again? The ones that always just "work"? Those are like little wardrobe "uniforms" - they are easy to pull together, follow a simple formula and are perfect to have in your back pocket for those mornings you are rushing around with no time to think about your outfit or if you are just feeling a little un-inspired. Instead of pulling out the outfit you wore yesterday (hey, we are all guilty of that from time to time) or just throwing on yoga pants - you can throw on one of these super easy "summer uniforms" instead. So easy, right!?!?

You can see all the previous "summer uniforms" I have put together here!  It's no surprise that striped dresses are a mainstay in my wardrobe.  They are constantly popping up here on the blog and on my Instagram too.  But for good reason, striped dresses are a total 'one-and-done' look - they are an instant outfit that is the perfect backdrop for whatever your vibe for the day is. You can go dressy with a wedge and a nice purse, you can go casual with a sandal, or like I put together here you can go for the sporty vibe with a striped dress and a pair of sneakers! This is a super easy, everyday look for summer.

get the look: striped dress, sneakers, sunglasses (or less expensive option), tote (or less expensive option), necklace

my everyday style: spring in-VEST-ments!

The best thing about slowly investing in quality basics for your wardrobe is that one day (I would argue EVERYDAY, but for this instance)... you can pull an outfit from your closet made from pieces you gathered here and there - nothing really "new", mind you - and have what feels like a brand new outfit.  You know, like a "brand new" outfit.  Those outfits you buy, rush home from the store, pop all the tags, put on and feel like a million bucks in!?!? Yes THOSE kinds of outfits are great, too.

But when you can feel THAT good without popping any tags, without spending a dime from your clothing budget and when you can do it in about 2 seconds flat.  That feels soooooo much better than spending a bunch of money on a new outfit.    You know what that feeling is for me.  It's the feeling of hard work and smart spending PAYING OFF.

THAT feeling my friends is what this blog is all about for me.  Yes, yes, yes... I LOVE to pop me some tags.  But I also love the quiet confidence of waking up in the morning and knowing that I can completely avoid the "I have nothing to wear" dread... because I do.  I DO have something to wear. I've been working for years to have something to wear and it pays off.  It really does.  There is no more a damsel in distress in my closet.  Besides... she's got stuff to do.  She's a busy lady!

So while I am like a broken record around here about "investing in basics," "finding season-less staples," and "make sure your wardrobe can mix and match!"  It's because it all comes down to this.  Pulling out a classic pair of black jeans, a simple utility vest, a pair of loafers and a striped top and calling it - not good, but - GREAT.  And more importantly, calling it "done". Because you've got stuff to do too. You're busy. You're important.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Outfit Details:

Vest, Old Navy (similar, similar or similar)

Striped Top, Everlane (similar without the boxy fit)

Black Jeans, Gap (old but similar invest, similar save)

Loafers. J.Crew (old but similar, similar)

Necklace, Kendra Scott via Rocksbox - get your first month FREE with code: jillggxoxo

or shop the look below...

6 easy outfit combos to try right now!

The holidays are here and with it comes the thrill and excitement of finding the perfect gifts for all your loved ones.  Sometimes it's not so easy though… right!?!? Fear no more! I've got your holiday shopping IN THE BAG with my holiday gift guides and Early Bird/Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping guides.  So that you have time to savor the season AND you look like the holiday hero.  Sounds like a win/win in my book!  Just make sure you stay connected with the best of good life's content +  sales alerts all season long!

newsletter | facebook | instagram | twitter | pinterest | good life mobile app

~~~

Are you following me on Instagram yet!?!? I post easy outfit combos there on the regular… it's a fun way to post what I am wearing from day to day without a full-blown photo shoot.  

Most, if not all, of the outfits I post there are super easy mom-on-the-go outfits.  Here are a few of my recent favorites that I think you will like.  Plus, these little outfits show the versatility of my wardrobe pieces.  I am often repeating shoes, jeans and tops in different looks on different days and mixing and matching the pieces I own into new looks.  Usually when I find a piece I really like, I wear them a lot.  These looks are easy outfit formulas that are perfect for you to steal for those days when you could use a little inspiration.  Because isn't that what Instagram and Pinterest are for?

above: army pants, striped top, blanket scarf, flats

above: wax coated denim, sweater, flats

above: distressed jeans, bucket bag, driving mocassins (in black or gold - 40% OFF!), sequined oxford

above: sweater, boots, scarf, jeans, leather jacket

above: distressed jeans, flats, lace front sweatshirt, trench coat

above: distressed jeans, lace front sweatshirt, faux fur scarf, boots

Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more daily looks!

my everyday style: everyday!

I aim to keep it real here on the blog… there always seems to be a delicate balance of what outfits I show here and which ones I don't.  Everyday style is what I really want this blog to be about… but sometimes (most times for me) my everyday style is pretty low-key.  Hey, I'm a mom. My summer days consist of chores, work, refereeing, sports pick up and drop offs and if I'm lucky a little time at the pool with a book or a quick nap (my number one guilty pleasure, hands down).  But these daily events are more non-events than anything.

So I walk the delicate balance of not getting dressed (i.e. yoga pants or last nights sweats) or being overdressed (heels and anything outside of jeans and shorts aren't really required) on a daily basis.  And while keeping all those balls in the air I also try to keep the look a little inspiring for myself (getting dressed should be fun!) and for you gals as well.  Because we are all in this together, right?

HIgh waisted jeans (or mid-rise) and a flowy top have really been my go-to lately. I haven't been to the gym as much as I have liked these days and these two pieces of clothing are VERY forgiving in that department.  I would wear some version of this everyday if I could!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Top, J.Crew (similar, similar or similar or I love this flowy top too!)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind ℅ Fitcode (or these are awesome too for less!)

Sandals, J.Crew - on sale (or similar or similar - love these!)

Bag, J.Crew (similar or love this or less expensive version!)

Bracelet, Loren Hope via Rocksbox - use code jillggxoxo to get your first month free!

10 everyday easy "mom" outfits! (summer edition)

This past spring I wrote a VERY popular post featuring 10 easy "mom" outfits that you gals absolutely LOVED.  And since the original post was mostly for fall/winter looks - I decided to do another post updated for the summer.

Because let's be honest… while our minds are starting to shift to fall fashion, back to school supplies and getting our kids out of the house and at school again (oh, only on that last one?!?! wink, wink) the fact is that there is still PLENTY of warm weather left to dress for.  And you can't go naked. (although I am with you, some days that just sounds easiest! haha!)

So here are 10 summer appropriate looks that are SUPER easy to pull together and likely feature items you already own.  These are my summer go-to formulas for easy outfits and I think you will like them too.

And just to brush up… here are my tips for pulling together practical and beautiful mom outfits:

7 tips for easy "mom" outfits:
- Make the foundation of your wardrobe machine washable basics. Jeans, shorts and properly fitting t-shirts are a great place to start.
- Always keep a few "add-ons" on hand to mix up the jeans/shorts and a tee (or sweaters or tanks) look like blazers or scarves. These keep outfits looking pulled together and keeps your basics feeling fresh.
- Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets can always add creative element to any look. If your babies are very young you may have to forgo these for a few months if they are pulling or chewing on them - but keep perspective on how quickly this phase goes. You'll be back in jewelry in no time!
- Easy to wear but stylish shoes are key.  It's easy to run for flip flops and gym shoes time and time again but if you have a few nice pairs of flats or sandals you will be surprised how easily they can dress up a look.
- Ditch the yoga pants.  Find a few pairs of jeans or really high quality ponte leggings (or for summer, dresses and skirts if you don't love shorts) that fit you really great and that you feel amazing in.  Pair them with classic tees and tanks and you will instantly feel feminine and beautiful.
- Stock up on stain treatments.  I love the Shout Wipes for my purse and the Oxy Stain Spray for at home. The stains I have gotten out of clothes with these two is amazing.  Stains and spills are a part of motherhood so make sure you are prepared!
- Have fun getting dressed each day! Treat your outfit as a sacred part of your daily routine.  Get up, get dressed and have some fun with it - be that confident and beautiful woman that your kids and husband already know you are!

1. Tank with jeans… I love this simple look that is perfect for running errands or a date night. 

(similar jeans, similar tank, similar clutch, similar sandals)

2. Graphic tee with a skirt… a fun look that is easy to pull together!

(similar skirt, similar top, sandals, bag)

3. Denim on denim… no just for cooler weather denim on denim works for all seasons!

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sandals, bag)

4. Stripes with sneakers… this is a classic combo that is so easy for moms on the go - pair sneakers with  stripes and shorts and you are set to go!

(similar top, similar shorts, similar bag, sneakers)

5. A dress with a denim jacket… grab a dress and a denim jacket (or vest) and you are out the door in minutes!

(similar jacket, dress, sandals, similar bag)

6. Denim shorts with an oxford… craving fall clothes but the weather isn't cooperating? Pair shorts with your favorite oxford with the sleeves rolled up for the back to school cool, while keeping cool.

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sandals, similar bag)

7. Graphic tee with black shorts… black shorts are an unexpected summer staple. With a graphic tee this look is refined but easy.

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sunglasses)

8. A dress with a vest… grab a dress, grab a vest. So so easy!

(similar dress, similar vest, sandals)

9. A tunic and denim shorts… a tunic is the perfect breezy summer top or bathing suit cover up, paired with shorts it's the quintessential summer look.

(shorts, similar sandals, similar top)

10. Graphic tee and jeans… Jeans aren't just for fall/winter, pair them with a summery tee and sneakers and this comfortable and practical look is great for summer.

(similar tee, similar necklace, jeans, similar clutch, sneakers)

10 everyday easy "mom" outfits!

One question I get a lot from readers is how to achieve the balance of style with motherhood.  I've been a mom for over 10 years now (hard to believe!) and while it does get easier as the kids grow up, I think style and motherhood can easily go hand in hand.  Even right from the beginning.  No it's not always easy, yes you might get muddy hands on your new jeans or puked on or spill something. But don't let those little insignificant trials stand in the way of looking and feeling your best.

Easy mom outfits depend on a strong foundation of machine washable pieces… but even within those boundaries there is a lot of room for creativity and to break the rules a bit.

7 tips for easy "mom" outfits:
- Make the foundation of your wardrobe machine washable basics. Jeans and properly fitting t-shirts are a great place to start.
- Always keep a few "add-ons" on hand to mix up the jeans and a tee (or sweaters or tanks) look like blazers or scarves. These keep outfits looking pulled together and keeps your basics feeling fresh.
- Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets can always add creative element to any look. If your babies are very young you may have to forgo these for a few months if they are pulling or chewing on them - but keep perspective on how quickly this phase goes. You'll be back in jewelry in no time!
- Easy to wear but stylish shoes are key.  It's easy to run for flip flops and gym shoes time and time again but if you have a few nice pairs of flats or ankle boots you will be surprised how easily they can dress up a look.
- Ditch the yoga pants.  Find a few pairs of jeans or really high quality ponte leggings that fit you really great and that you feel amazing in.  Pair them with classic tees and sweaters and you will instantly feel feminine and beautiful.
- Stock up on stain treatments.  I love the Shout Wipes for my purse and the Oxy Stain Spray for at home. The stains I have gotten out of clothes with these two is amazing.  Stains and spills are a part of motherhood so make sure you are prepared!
- Have fun getting dressed each day! Treat your outfit as a sacred part of your daily routine.  Get up, get dressed and have some fun with it - be that confident and beautiful woman that your kids and husband already know you are!

above: 

Why I love this look: Distressed jeans and simple striped top, paired with leopard flats is a timeless look that is easy to wear for whatever your day throws at you. Bonus, the whole outfit goes in the wash at the end of the day!

Get the look: distressed jeans, striped top, leopard flats, clutch.

above: 

Why I love this look: All black is stain proof and mommy-brain proof. Just grab two black pieces from your closet and you are set for the day. 

Get the look: black jeans, black sweater, leopard flats.

above: 

Why I love this look: Investing in a nice winter coat can really dress up a simple outfit all winter long. Ditch the puffer jacket and try a lady like coat for cold days.

Get the look: coat, sweater, jeans, leopard flats, bag.

above:

Why I love this look: A blazer and a graphic tee is a REALLY easy outfit combo that can be worn again and again and for many seasons.  This look takes no time flat to pull together in the morning.

Get the look: blazer, graphic tee, distressed jeans, black flats, bag.

above:

Why I love this look: An army inspired jacket like this one is warm and comfortable and instantly pulls a look together.  

Get the look: jacket, plaid top, jeans, leopard flats, bag.

above:

Why I love this look: This is the same outfit as the first photo, just with different accessories! How easy is that? Here I just added ankle boots, a scarf and a denim jacket.

Get the look: distressed jeans, striped top, plaid scarf, ankle boots, bag.

above:

Why I love this look: Oversized casual layers are super easy and comfortable to wear and even can hide the midsection of your body where a lot of women have problems after having kids.  Trendy sneakers can instantly make a look more modern.

Get the look: sweater, gingham top, jeans, sneakers.

above:

Why I love this look: Jeans and a sweater are great combo - but if the look needs a fresh take - just add a vest!

Get the look: sweater, jeans, vest, ankle boots, bag.

above:

Why I love this look: Be weather ready with the right footwear!  Hunter boots are great for splashing around with your kids, walks to the bus stop or just general errand running in foul weather.

Get the look: coat, sweater, distressed jeans, Hunter boots, bag.

above: 

Why I love this look: A leather jacket with the classic striped tee and jeans combo (again!) up a notch!  Trendy sneakers keep the look modern and comfortable.

Get the look: jeans, striped top, leather jacket, sneakers, cross body bag.