There's a phase that no one talks about, after having a baby, where your "old" style and your new lifestyle are completely out of alignment.
There are the clothes you wore before you got pregnant — the outfits you relied on for weekends full of spontaneous plans, the tidy work clothes, the frivolous going-out things.
There are your pregnancy clothes, with their "maternity fit", which are rendered almost completely useless.
But now you have a gap. What exactly are you supposed to wear for this particular stage of life, with a baby or toddler (or both) in tow, when your day revolves around playground dates and nap schedules and wiping sticky little hands?
Your priorities look different. You have zero time to get ready, and even less time to go shopping for new clothes. Unless you count trips to Kmart.
Watch: Who do our fashion experts follow for style inspiration? Post continues after video.
When it comes to dressing like a so-called "cool mum", where do you even start?
While I can no longer call myself a new mum (my toddler is almost three), I think I've finally cracked the code… and it only took me 33 months.
I've settled into a uniform of stylish, no-fuss pieces that I basically rotate on a daily basis.
Some are inspired by the fashionable mums I see at the park, and then hunt down for myself. Some came about through pure trial and error.
If you want to look cool without compromising on comfort, this is my list of seven failsafe pieces to have in your closet.
1. Oversized tees.
Wearing an oversized tee from Zara. Image: Supplied.
Almost every outfit I've coveted on another toddler mum has included an oversized t-shirt. This is my number one rec, because it requires very little thought to style or "get right".
My go-to pairings are bike shorts, flared black tights, or knitted pants. As long as you contrast the roomy proportions of the shirt with something more streamlined on the bottom, you're golden.
As for the tees, I like them cut really wide and long (to cover my bottom), and vary between printed and plain options.
2. Elevated sneakers.
Influencer @sincerelyjules is one of the coolest mums out there, and a big sneaker collector. Wearing New Balance sneakers. Image: Instagram/@sincerelyjules.
I know, I know. Sneakers aren't exactly groundbreaking. But consider this your sign to upgrade your old runners to a fresh pair.
Low-profile trainers from Onitsuka Tiger and Adidas will earn you instant style points, while a textured sneaker in brown suede or a shade like forest green will work with everything and lift your daily style game. It's a small switch with a big impact.
3. "Fashion trackies".
Here I am in velour trackpants from Araminta James, styled two ways. Images: Supplied.
The trend for side-striped trackpants is not a new one, but it's also not going anywhere. I've been living in them for months now, and I always feel like they hit the right notes of looking casual but still considered.
Cool trackies don't have to cost a lot — I picked up a black-and-white pair from Best & Less for $25, and I've received so many compliments on them.
Tip: try teaming trackies with leather thongs for a chic off-duty vibe.
4. A lightweight shacket.
Both of these shackets were Kmart bargains. I wear them all the time. Images: Supplied.
Nothing matches the versatility and ease of a shacket — that is, a shirt that also functions as a jacket. Like oversized tees, they look good without trying too hard and they're also incredibly comfortable.
My denim shackets are some of the most worn pieces in my closet. I always have one in my car for chilly mornings.
I've lost count of the amount of women who have DMd me to ask about my brown cord overshirt, which was a Kmart steal!
5. Roomy collared shirts.
Stylish mum Sam Preston wears a navy pinstripe shirt. Image: Instagram/@sam.preston__.
Button-up shirts will be the unsung hero of your mum wardrobe.
They look excellent layered over trackies or leggings, or teamed with matching shorts — and you can tie them around your waist to give your outfit something extra. I even wear mine to the beach on hot days over swimwear.
Pastels and bright stripes are a fun way to bring some colour to your fit, while neutral shades like brown and navy read more polished.
6. Stylish shades.
Make like Queensland stylist and mum Annabel Falco and go for classic black shades. Image: Instagram/@annabelfalco.
I'm a firm believer in the power of sunnies to transform any outfit. I choose my shades depending on what I'm wearing, but I never leave the house without a pair in my handbag.
Oversized "shield" shades are trending right now and make even the simplest tank and jeans look like a deliberate style choice.
Aviators and oval-shaped sunglasses are equally fashion-forward, but also feel timeless. If you're unsure what colour to choose, defer to black. You can't go wrong.
7. A chic crossbody bag.
Mamamia fashion contributor and mum of one Emelia Morris teams her crossbody bag with an elevated matching set. Image: Instagram/@emeliamorrisstylist.
I have two crossbody bags on rotation and they literally hang next to my door ready for deployment. Running errands with a toddler? Come at me!
One is black nylon, incognito and basically indestructible, and the other is brown leather with a gold buckle — it's a little more sleek.
They're designed to fit exactly what I need, and nothing more. Because every mum knows you're going to be carting around your kid's backpack, too.
While a crossbody should be practical, it doesn't mean it has to be boring. Look to brands like Maison de Sabre, Baggu and Vestirsi for versatile options that still add impact.
For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.
Feature image: Supplied/Tamara Holland, and Instagram/@sincerelyjules.
