My Sister Is a Working Mom—Here Are the 10 Functional Basics She Relies On

practical-wardrobe-basics-291202-1611185730522-main

(Image credit: @sincerelysania)

Growing up, my older sister was my first style icon (I wouldn't think something was cool till I got her opinion on it), and to this day we still bond over clothing, despite having completely different styles. While she still dabbles in the occasional trend, she much prefers pieces that are more minimal and neutral in design. While she still loves fashion, after she became a mom of two, she quickly realized that certain items just aren't practical with kids, despite how forward and stylish they seem upon first look. And when working from home became apart of the picture this past year, she started to even further prioritize comfort and functionality on the items she was adding to her wardrobe. 

It's no secret that motherhood is hard, whether you're working or not. Along the way, my sister's picked up ways to keep a balance within her dressing, finding pieces that sacrifice neither style nor comfort. She was happy to share her favorites with me, so below you'll find a roundup of 10 basics she relies on as a mom balancing WFH and two kids all while looking polished and chic. (Even if you're not a mother, the staples below are excellent options to have in your wardrobe.)

Matching Sets

"I'm typically on the go most days, so matching sets are my easiest pick, as they allow me to get ready and be on my way quickly while still looking put together."

Black Leggings

"If I could wear these Loft leggings every day, I would. A good quality pair of leggings are important because they go with everything and can be dressed up or down." 

Oversize Sweaters

"I work as a therapist, so I'm pretty much sitting all day, so I like to keep comfortable. And with these cold days, cozy knits are a must."

Jogger Pants

"I've never been one to like typical work pants, so a pair of elevated joggers make working from home much more easier and comfortable."

Relaxed Blazers

"A relaxed blazer is a perfect piece for when I want to dress up a little and miss being in the office."

Midi Dresses

"While it may seem like a seasonal piece, midi dresses are perfect year-round. I like to pair them with flats in the summer and boots in the winter."

Oversize Totes

"Which mom doesn't have a giant tote to dump all their 'mom' things in? I really can fit anything I need in a tote."

White Sneakers

"As much as I love a chic pair of shoes, comfort is important to me and a pair of white sneakers are my go-to. Dress them up with a midi dress or casually with joggers."

Statement Coats

"A good coat is essential for those days I'm dressed down and simply want to throw a statement piece over. "

Basic White Tops

"Whether it's a button-down, T-shirt, or sweater, any white top works great with any outfit."

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.