'I've figured out the perfect mum wardrobe with these 7 items.'

Speaking from almost two years of experience, there are certain things you just absolutely cannot wear while doing the job of mum.

Like tight, high-rise jeans.

Ain't nobody getting down on the floor and playing with a train set in rigid denim.

Watch: Jessica Vander Leahy tries the Style Maths method. Post continues below.

This is one of the reasons I've compiled a reliable collection of elastic waist-knit pants in various colours and cuts. They're technically loungewear, but they fall in that rare category of being comfy enough for milling around at home and chic enough to leave the house in — while also qualifying for impromptu coffee dates.

Because that is the middle ground all mums are trying to strike with their wardrobes.

When you have exactly zero minutes to devote to "getting ready", you need a small army of staple items you can throw on and feel somewhat pulled together in… even if it feels like your insides are quite literally falling apart, and your mental capacity is at a new low thanks to sleep-deprivation related brain fog.

I'm usually in some sort of cream lounge pant. Images: Supplied.

We speak the truth here, and the raw truth is that your outfits are no longer the top priority — but that doesn't mean you can't look good. It's just about thinking ahead.

So allow me to take some of the mental load of shopping off your hands. These are the seven absolute essential pieces I've come to rely on as a fashion editor turned mum. Oh, and because most of our money is now spent on berries and babycinos, I've made sure they're affordable (or well worthy of the investment).

Essential item 1: A graphic oversized tee.

Find me one thing that says "cool mum" more than an oversized tee right now.

Still waiting.

A bunch of local brands are catering to our collective appetite for retro big tees with obnoxiously fun prints on them. And thank goodness, because they're just the easiest thing to throw on when you essentially CBF making an effort, but still want your outfit to earn some playground points.

White Fox In The Hot Seat Oversized Tee Posy, $49.95.

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Maku Lago Iseo Oversized Tee, $69.

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Essential item 2: A long-sleeved collared shirt.

Collared shirts do a similar job to big tees, but there are certain days when you just need a bit more coverage. You can wear them with all the same things — bike shorts, stretchy pants, even jeans (like, if you really want to) and treat them like a layer, too. I have so many button-up shirts in my wardrobe in different prints and cuts; I just rotate them on a daily basis. A heavier cotton oxford with a menswear feel is very on-trend, but timeless enough to last for seasons to come. You could also opt for a denim shirt as we transition into autumn.

H&M Oxford Shirt, $34.99.

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Ceres Life Jacqui Felgate Long Sleeve Denim Shirt, $129.99.

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Essential item 3: Some sort of roomy pant.

Again, I like my pants knitted, but you might prefer the look and feel of linen or terry. It's crucial you have a trouser in your closet that is not denim, but also not pyjamas. Find that holy grail between the two — maybe they're neat trackpants! I literally spend half my life on a playmat and another quarter of it bending down to pick up my toddler, so it's paid off investing in pants that meet the needs of my squat-heavy lifestyle.

Glassons Straight Leg Knit Pant, $49.99.

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Ceres Life Wide Leg Terry Trackpant, $79.99.

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Essential item 4: A chic throw-everything-in bag.

Let's be real, the bag you'll perpetually be carrying when you're on mum duty is a children's backpack, but you need back-up for your stuff, too. This bag might live in the car or just by the front door. Make sure it feels a bit luxe and polished; you want it to be the antithesis of anything you'd find at Smiggle. This season we're seeing lots of oversized slouchy bags in suedette and leather, as well as woven fabrics. It's okay if it looks like a very nice sack - fashion has approved this message.

Sussan Summer Suede Tote Bag, $49.95.

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Peta and Jain Jami Slouch Bag, $89.95.

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Essential item 5: Incognito sunglasses.

I feel like this is self-explanatory — with the amount of time you spend in the car, at sun-drenched parks, walking prams from A to B and running on limited sleep, sunnies are a necessity. You don't have to splash out on a fancy pair either; high-street brands like Cotton On and Decjuba have really cool options for the price of lunch. But if you're looking to treat yourself (go on), check out Luv Lou or Lu Goldie for frames with more staying power. 70s-inspired shapes and silhouettes are trending this year.

Decjuba Terri Aviator Sunglasses, $39.95.

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Luv Lou The Helena, $160.

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Essential item 6: Statement sneakers.

Adidas Sambas were a huge breakout trend last year, causing a wave of coloured sneakers to hit the market. If you've been living in white trainers for what feels like forever, take the plunge with a pair in a more adventurous shade and see what the switch-up does for your daily style. Statement kicks are a fast way to elevate the rest of your look and make things feel more exciting south of your ankles. Collegiate tones like forest green and burgundy are everywhere, while brown is having a moment too.

Stylerunner Adidas Handball Spezial, $170.

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Target Women's Sneaker - Django - Red, $35.

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Essential item 7: A roomy fanny pack (yes, really).

Don't knock it til you try it. My fanny back is the most used item in my entire mum-drobe. I'd be lost without it. It's black, compact and somehow super roomy, and goes with everything. Baggu and Poppy Lissiman have fun options that won't break the bank (or your back). If a bum bag is so not on your radar, a mini nylon shoulder bag will do the trick, too.

Poppy Lissiman Malibu Waistbag Cherry, $135.

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Baggu Crescent Bag Small Dove, $80.

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Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_.