MOMIFORM MONDAY: STARTING A WARDROBE FROM SCRATCH -- PANTS

One of my most requested blog posts is about starting a wardrobe from scratch. Besides sharing my personal style and some fun DIY projects, one of my main goals for this blog is to help you create an amazing closet with versatile pieces that create tons of beautiful outfits that reflect your style and flatter your body.

I share tips about how to style things, and different pieces you need in your closet, but today I'm excited to start at the very beginning and show you how to create a great wardrobe from the ground up.

Building a wardrobe from scratch can be a super overwhelming and daunting task, so I'll break it down by clothing category and share which pieces I think are essential, roughly how many you should have, and then give you a ton of shopping options so you can find the perfect pieces that fit your budget and your personal style.

Are you ready??

First up, let's talk about PANTS. This is a good place to start because they're the foundation of most people's wardrobes. If you have pants that fit you well and flatter your body, the rest of your outfit will come together a lot more easily. And because a good pair of pants is so essential to every woman's wardrobe, this is a piece on which I'm willing to spend a little more money. This isn't to say that there aren't amazing pants at low price points, I'm just saying that a piece this important is worth the extra money to buy a pair you will wear every single day and will make you feel amazing.

I split it up into three pants categories -- jeans, non-jeans, and others. When you're starting your wardrobe, I recommend buying 2 JEANS (whichever two pairs fit your life and style), and 1 NON-JEANS. The OTHERS are just extras that are nice to have if your lifestyle calls for them.

[NOTE]:  each of the categories below has a widget underneath it with clickable thumbnails. Click the thumbnail images to shop each item, or scroll through with the right and left arrows to view all the items! 

• JEANS. I could spend a million years talking about jeans, but I'll try to keep it concise. They're the foundation of my wardrobe, I wear them every single day, and I encourage you to go through the process of finding the perfect pair. Even if that requires that you order a few pairs at a time to try on at home, and then sending them back if they don't work and then do it all over again and again until you find that perfect pair (hint: Zappos, Nordstrom, and ASOS' free shipping and returns make it super easy to do that!). Here are three options of jeans -- as I said above, I recommend picking TWO to start your wardrobe. And choose the style that best fits your body -- skinny, flared, boyfriend, cropped, straight leg, wide leg, etc.

• Medium rinse jeans. These are a casual staple, and easy to dress up or down. I personally like ones with a little bit of distressing for some visual interest, but not too much since that can easily look juvenile if you're not careful.  This pair is my very, very favorite. They're pricier, but they are absolutely worth it because they fit me perfectly, are super flattering, are just the right length, and I wear the heck out of them. I've linked up a ton more options in the widget below, all at different price points and with different styles. I also love, love, love my boyfriend style medium rinse jeans. 

• Black or dark wash jeans. It's important to have a pair of dark jeans like this for dressier occasions when a medium rinse and distressing isn't as appropriate. But these can still be dressed down with sneakers or sandals for a casual day. I have this pair of black jeans and they're a little pricier too, but they are the best jeans ever. So soft and comfortable, and hug my body in just the right way. I've tried a lot of black jeans over the years and these ones are about ten thousand times better than any others I've tried. But find a bunch more below!

• White jeans. If you've been reading the blog the last few weeks, or following me on instagram, you know how much wear I've gotten out of my white jeans. They're a spring and summer staple for my wardrobe, and a great piece that's super versatile. I'd recommend a pair with minimal distressing since they're easier to dress up or down. I just recently bought this pair and I'm obsessed with them. Check out a bunch of good ones below.

• NON-JEANS.

• Linen pants. Great warm weather casual pants. They're also great for dressing up or down, with heels and a blouse, or with sandals and a tee on vacation. So many good options in the widget below.





• Joggers. These are a great casual option for those of you with a sporty style. And similarly to the linen pants, they're great for dressing up with heels, or down with sneakers or sandals. Love these ones! But lots of great ones below. 

• Ankle pants. These are more dressy pants option, and great for office wear. And they can come in cute colors and patterns like this pair! But you don't just have to wear a sweater or blouse with them -- dress them down with a casual t-shirt and sandals, or sneakers and a chambray button down. Love the ones I found below.

• Leather leggings. I love these during the cooler months, and I wore mine to death this last winter season. As long as they're a thick material, they're okay to wear as pants (even though my general rule is that leggings are not pants). They are great for wearing with sweaters, tunics, button downs, and t-shirts...basically everything! This is the pair I bought and wore all winter long!

• Trousers. These come in a lot of different cuts, but the most common are a cropped trouser pant, and a long flared leg trouser pant. The cropped pair are easiest to dress down. The flared trousers give you legs for days, and are super flattering, but also are harder to dress down. I'm especially in love with this pair, but I found some good options below. 

OTHER:

• Shorts. With summer approaching, it's good to have one pair, even if you're not much of a shorts wearer. I wear bermuda length shorts for everyday, and this season they actually have a lot of good options, although I've yet to purchase a pair...check out some good ones below. 







• Legging. Ok, just because this is on here doesn't mean I'm giving you permission to wear yoga pants every day. But a good pair of black leggings is good to have to wear with mini dresses and boots, or a longer top and flats. Just make sure they're not sheer. And remember, leggings are not pants -- keep that bum covered up! ;) This pair gets great reviews saying they're not sheer at all, but I found a few more that I linked below. 

Watch for the next installment of Starting a Wardrobe from Scratch in a few weeks! 

MOMIFORM MONDAY: ADDING THE THIRD PIECE

The thing about momiforms is that they're typically pretty basic. With all the things you have on your plate as a mom, getting ready can often get put on the back burner, and I hear all the time that all you have time for is jeans and a t-shirt before you run out the door.

The good news is that jeans and a t-shirt are a good foundation for a great outfit. There's a little trick I learned a few years ago that takes this super simple kind of outfit and instantly makes it better. It's called "The Third Piece."

Your shirt and pants are pieces #1 and #2, so adding a third piece is basically an outfit completer. This piece doesn't have to be crazy or fussy -- just something to make the outfit feel finished and more than just jeans and a t-shirt.

Here's a few good examples of easy third pieces you can add to your outfit:


1. Jacket. This field jacket is one of my favorites, and a great casual option for every day wear. I also wear my leather jacket all the time to add a little edge and structure to a basic outfit, and my denim jacket when I'm not wearing blue jeans (try it instead with leather leggings, black denim, or a dress).

TEE  |  SIMILAR JACKET  |  JEANS c/o PEA IN A POD  |  BAG  |  NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS  |  SUNGLASSES

2. Vest. For the warmer days, a vest is a good option since it adds a layer without too much heat. I love this fur lined one for fall and winter, but a denim vest, crocheted vest (I have this one and this one, or utility vest are also great options I wear all the time.

VEST  |  TEE (non maternity)  |  JEANS (non maternity)  |  SIMILAR BOOTS  |  SUNGLASSES

3. Hats. These double as a cover up for dirty hair, which is definitely a mom-win. I love a good baseball cap or fedora for a casual day, but you can also do a beanie, a floppy hat, or a straw hat.

SIMILAR HAT  |  SIMILAR TEE  |  SIMILAR PANTS  |  LILY JADE BAG  |  SUNGLASSES

4. Scarf. They're classic, simple, and there are a million ways to wear them. I did a post with 4 ways to tie them right here so use that if you're stumped!

OUTFIT DETAILS:  JOE'S JEANS via ZAPPOS  ||  SIMILAR CHAMBRAY  ||  WEDGE BOOTIES  ||  BLANKET SCARF via ZAPPOS 

5. Button up tied around your waist. This is one of my favorite casual looks. I typically do it with a plaid or chambray button up, but you can experiment with other button ups in your closet (or jackets). Although make sure you choose something very lightweight so you don't add a bunch of bulk to your backside!

SIMILAR BUTTON UP HERE and HERE  |  SIMILAR WHITE TEE  |  JEANS  |  ANKLE BOOTS


6. Cardigan. Find one with some visual interest, like a pattern or a flowy drape.

SIMILAR ORANGE TEE  || SIMILAR COZY CARDIGAN  ||  JEANS  ||  ANKLE BOOTS  |  BAG


7. Statement Necklace. There are so many great ones out there right now, and I love the element of glam that they add to a simple outfit.

TEE  |  STATEMENT NECKLACE   |  JEANS  |  HEELS 

8. Great shoes, an unexpected bag, and distressed denim. Sometimes it's too hot or too much to add another layer. Try a great pair of distressed jeans that will add visual interest and dimension to your look. Then add a fun bag and pair of shoes, and suddenly jeans and a t-shirt make an amazing simple statement.

OUTFIT DETAILS: JEANS, restocked in all sizes! (also available here and here) | |  T-SHIRT  | |  SIMILAR HEELS  | |  SUNGLASSES (Get your first month of endless eyewear free with code MERRICKSART)  | |  HANDBAG

Now go step up those basic momiforms! 

MOMIFORM MONDAY: STYLING YOUR FLATS WITHOUT LOOKING STUMPY

OUTFIT DETAILS:  TEE  |  SIMILAR JACKET  |  LEGGINGS (non maternity)  |  SIMILAR FLATS  |  BAG  |  NECKLACE c/o RUE GEMBON  |  DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH 

Here's the deal. Everyone knows that everyone looks better in high heels...it's just reality. They make you stand taller, make your legs look longer and leaner, and are just all around sexier. But for a lot of women, especially moms, heels on a daily basis are not practical. So let's talk today about how to wear flats without looking stumpy, and which flats to choose that will make your legs look amazing.

There are about ten million options of flats out there right now, so how do you choose? You have to remember that not all flats are created equal, and even though one is just as flat as the other, they do not all flatter your body in the same way.

WHICH FLATS? The most flattering pairs will be the ones that show the most foot because it will elongate your leg. If you have short legs or wide ankles, do not wear t-strap or ankle strap flats (like these or these). The line up your foot or across your ankle instantly makes you look shorter.  Also if you have short legs, avoid round toe flats. Instead, choose flats with an almond toe or a pointed toe.

There are some that are cut way down to reveal "toe cleavage," and some that are cut higher up on your foot. The lower the cut, the longer your leg will look.

SHOW SOME LEG, OR AT LEAST SOME ANKLE. There are a lot of trendy flats right now that are beyond the basic flat -- like lace-ups, loafers, and d'orsay's. These are some of my favorites, especially since they amp up any basic momiform, but since none of these styles reveal the top of your foot (which elongates your leg), you have to show it off other ways. Wear a cropped pant, wear them with shorts or a skirt, or just cuff your jeans so you can see a few inches of ankle. These little tricks instantly lengthen your legs and keep you from looking stumpy.

CHOOSE SKINNY PANTS: You don't have to wear skinny jeans (although those are usually my top choice) -- a cropped cigarette pant or a pair of faux leather leggings (like I'm wearing here) are both good options that will elongate your legs and keep you looking tall and thin even without a heel. Wide leg pants or flared jeans with flats are just asking for stumpiness, so stick with shoes with a heel or wedge when wearing those styles.

WHAT ABOUT SNEAKERS? You guys probably know by now how obsessed I am by the sneaker trend. Obviously these are a little different because they cover up your entire foot. The same skinny pant and showing off your legs/ankles rules apply, but there are a few other tricks to help elongate your legs when wearing these sneakers.

One, choose slim sneakers. Athletic sneakers are super trendy, but many of them, like these or these, are pretty wide across. If you're already short, leave those styles to the super tall girls. Instead, choose more casual sneakers, like slip ons or these slim lace ups.  Two, be strategic about lacing them. Make sure they're pulled tightest up near the toe, then looser as you get toward the tongue. I also think that not tying the laces in a bow gives it a sleeker, slimmer look. I knot them at the top, and then tuck the laces in between the shoe and the tongue (so they don't slip underneath my feet and bother me when I walk).

So rock those flats -- just rock them the right way so you avoid stumpy looking legs. You can do it!

MOMIFORM MONDAY: ADDING SOME EDGE TO YOUR BASICS

SWEATER  ||  STRIPED TEE  ||  FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS (non-maternity, wearing a size 4)  ||  SUNGLASSES  ||  DIAPER BAG  ||  SNEAKERS  

Today I'm excited to launch a new series on Merrick's Art: Momiform Mondays! Many of you have asked over the last few years for help with getting dressed as a mom. Life is busy, kids schedules and needs are demanding, and it's easy for your style to get thrown on the back burner.

So in this series I'll share styling tips, closet essentials, and other tricks to get you out of the hot mess mama zone. And it won't just apply to moms -- it's anyone looking to pump up their casual style. Also, this won't be a feature for every Monday, but you'll see it over here at least once a month. I hope you're as excited as I am!

Today let's talk about how to step up your basics...this time with a little edginess from some faux leather leggings. These have been a staple in my closet for a few years and I always pull them out when I need to add a little edge to my outfit. This outfit would be cute with a pair of jeans, but adding the faux leather adds some texture, visual interest, and gives your outfit a sleek and modern vibe.

The trick to wearing these without looking either overdressed or juvenile is to pair them with purposeful casual pieces. My go-to is a pair of athletic sneakers like the pair I'm wearing here, but they're also great with slip on sneakers. Then on top, try an oversized t-shirt, a chunky sweater, a bright wool coat, or a chambray or plaid button up, all of which are very simple basics that will pair perfectly with them.

I've owned a few pairs of leather leggings over the years, but these ones are far and away my favorite. They are fitted all the way down the leg which creates a really sleek and slim leg line, they're a little bit matte so they don't scream leather, they're thin and stretchy but not see-through, and they're insanely comfortable. Do you need any more reasons to buy a pair? The regular length is low in stock, but they come in petite and tall (which happen to be on sale) as well. And they have a similar pair that's maternity!

Be bold! Pick up a pair and rock them in place of your regular denim. Think you can do it?

photos by rad and happy