11 Essentials Every Mom Needs in Her Spring Wardrobe in 2023

If you are a busy mom on-the-go, and are looking to freshen up your spring wardrobe, here are 11 essentials you need to create the perfect trendy spring outfit this year!  Continue reading to see mom fashion for 2023! These items work great for a capsule wardrobe as well!

Updated: February 2023

 

Spring Mom Outfits 2023

After finally coming out of hibernation this winter, my twin boys and I made a mid-week, mid-day trip to Target, and I was shocked at what I saw.

In the store, most of the women there were probably SAHMs (I might be judging, but that was my guess) – but that’s not what shocked me. 

When I looked around, I saw a sea of women zipping around the store in leggings, running shoes, and zip-up athletic jackets or hoodies. Baseball caps and sunglasses were optional but prevalent.

In most cases, black was the color of choice, but a few adventurous moms threw in some color and rocked the patterned Lululemon.

What shocked me what that we were all dressed exactly alike in the same spring outfit. Apparently, we had all gotten the same mom-memo as to what the official mom uniform was.   

The versions differed slightly, but other than a few minor tweaks, we were clones.

Ugh.

Not that what I wear to Target says or means too much about who I am (or who they are) as people or moms.  But it left me feeling like there should be a little originality, right? A little personality?!?

These days, I dress for comfort and for practicality, but that wasn’t always the case.

Back in the good ole days when I was a teacher, I dressed for fashion much more than I do now.

I don’t miss a lot about my career days, but shallowly enough, dressing up and being fashionable is something I really miss about being a teacher.

Spring Wardrobe Essentials for the Mom Style 2023

So, moms, there are some fun ways to add some spirit and originality to your spring outfits this year and revolt against the mom uniform. 

It doesn’t take much, but a few key items can be functional when you are out with the kids as well as versatile enough to translate to a date night (if you are lucky enough to have those once in a while), a PTA meeting or a Bible study.

Any occasion where you might be brave enough to stray from the mom uniform.

For those of you who are into capsule wardrobes, these pieces work really well together and are great for mixing and matching!

These essentials for trendy spring outfits come in many varieties and many price points, so there’s definitely something to fit every budget.  Even shopping at thrift stores or online shops like Thred Up are great alternatives if your budget is really tight.

Here are some of my favorite picks for spring 2023!

11 Mom Wardrobe Essentials for Trendy Spring Outfits, 2023

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1| Denim Jacket

Full disclosure, this one NEVER went out of style for me.

I’ve been wearing denim jackets of various cuts and styles since the 80s, and it is the perfect accessory to just about any outfit. Almost 100% of the time, you cannot go wrong wearing a denim jacket. 

There are a bunch of stylish versions – I have ones in white and tan also, which are perfect for a spring outfit, too.

 

{Fun fact: The first time my husband and I saw each other was at Border’s Bookstore (remember that?!?), I happened to be wearing a denim jacket.  We never spoke that day but actually and officially met a year later at church.  When we realized we had the run-in at Borders a year prior, it was the denim jacket he remembered me wearing.} 

Denim jackets never let you down!

 

 

2| Utility Jacket

Roomy, comfy, casual – this is another great piece that gives you a little layer of warmth in this unpredictable spring weather but keeps you looking really stylish and trendy at the same time. 

This also comes in different colors, but the olive green is my favorite.  It’s a little bit of a tomboy look, which I’m a fan of, but the shape and cut keep you looking feminine (which I’m also a fan of).

I actually scored 2 utility jackets at thrift stores!

 

3| Rain Boots

I’ve always struggled with what to wear on my feet on chilly, rainy days.  I don’t want to wear winter boots in the spring, but my sneakers get soaked. 

Rain boots are perfect for those errands you just can’t avoid on rainy days!

So many of them are so cute that you can definitely make a fashion statement while wearing something that is totally practical.

They come in all different heights, too – ankle, mid-calf, and knee. And if you’re really daring, join your littles while they are outside jumping in puddles.  You will definitely be the coolest mom on the block.

I got mine at Aldi!  You know, in the aisle with the kitchen utensil, underwear, power tools, and organic cereal.

4| Roomy, Long Tunic Shirt

These long shirts are great for lounging around, wearing over leggings and layering! This is my go-to and staple all season long.

If you get a short-sleeved one, it transitions beautifully! If they are that ‘in-between’ length, those are great for tucking in just a little bit in the front and leaving the back untucked.

 

5| Cargo Pants

Clothes with cargo pockets are trending this year in 2023! Grab yourself a pair of cargo pants or cargo capris!

You can also grab a cargo jacket or skirt, too. Pockets are moms’ best friends!

 

 

6| Spring Dresses

Wearing dresses is one of my favorite things about the weather warming up. To me, as a spring outfit, they are much more comfortable (and forgiving!) than pants and shorts. 

Dresses can be totally casual or (obviously) dressed up. Many are comfortable enough for daily wear and hanging out with the kids. 

A few of these thrown into your wardrobe will make you feel feminine again – like a girl, not only a mom. Old Navy also has a great selection of dresses this season!

Sometimes, I’ll even get some that look short and wear them as a shirt with jeans or leggings. This year, dresses worn over pants is something you’ll see on the runway, so it’s a great way to add just a teeny bit of glamour.

This year, you’ll see lots of those prairie type dresses and skirts out there – floral patterns reminiscent of the 80s and 90s!

 

7| Cardigans

Cardigans have always been a favorite of mine. Every season, cardigans are updated a little so they never go out of style. It’s the perfect ‘accessory’ to dress up jeans, and there are so many varieties and lengths.

It’s a great alternative to a jacket when the weather is still a little ‘in-between’ and another piece that’s really forgiving of body flaws. 

Kimonos are still a super fun and breezy version of this staple!

 

8| Stylish Sneakers

Every mom needs that in-between shoe – not a running shoe and not a dressy sandal that’s impractical when you are playing with the kids. 

Stylish sneakers are some of my favorite shoes to wear.  They look super cute with leggings or with jeans, and you can even wear them with casual skirts and dresses, too. 

It’s a super-fun fashionable look for moms.  Be sure to choose canvas or mesh – leather gets a little hot in the warm weather. A pair of Converse also never go out of style!

 

9| Closed-Toe Sandals

Sometimes we want our feet to feel a little more feminine than just sneakers, right?  Uncomplicated, comfortable shoes are the way to go for adding some style to a spring outfit – ones that slip on easily when you’re on the go. 

I always recommend ones with some kind of support, not just the cheap-o pairs.  We are on our feet so much. That extra foot and back support from a good pair of shoes is sooooo worth it.

 

10| Ankle Denim Jeans (with or without rips)

As the weather warms up, full-length jeans feel a little heavy, but cropped ankle jeans are perfect for a spring outfit.  I love to wear mine right through to the summer. 

As a spring outfit, these jeans look great with sneakers, sandals, flip-flops or wedge heels. 

There are so many great ways to wear these – for just running to the store during the day or dressing them up a little at night. And there are very few occasions these days where jeans aren’t acceptable (weddings, maybe – but not much else). 

Having jeans that are right at the ankle or a little above is a small, subtle fashion statement that says spring has officially arrived.

I have to mention – high waisted jeans are definitely back in style. In my opinion, it’s an updated mom-jean, lol.  Baggy jeans are also back, with some low-rise styles, too. Take your pick!

My personal rule-of-thumb is that if I wore them the 1st time around, I don’t wear them the 2nd time around – so, I’ll be sitting those styles out. However, some of you are young moms and if this is your 1st shot – go for it!

Lots of styles of jeans are out this year – straight leg, boyfriend, looser jeans, low waist … so if skinny jeans aren’t for you, those are perfect! And though the younger generation says skinny jeans are out – well, totally acceptable for moms.

11| Cropped White Jeans

This is something that is on trend for a cute spring outfit. Even though white after Memorial Day is the typical rule of thumb, white jeans are totally acceptable in spring! 

You really can get away with any style you want: cropped, ankle, full-length – because anything white is automatically a spring/summer item. 

My recommendation is to choose a style that flatters your body type; white is usually not the most forgiving color when it comes to hiding our problem areas.  Worn well, however, white jeans are outstanding!

 

***Note – I didn’t put leggings/jeggings/yoga paints on this list.  I don’t think we need anyone to tell us we need those, right? My guess is you have plenty of those!

 

Everything about spring just feels fun and optimistic, and while fashion isn’t necessarily the most weighty of things in life to consider, I’m a firm believer that when we look good, we feel good.  And that does make it worth it. 

Being a mom is such a give-all role; something small like doctoring up your spring outfits can go a long way in helping you feel good about how you look, which translates into a much more positive attitude.

If you happen to be a mom over 40 years old, be sure to check out this post with spring fashion for women over 40! If you’re a mom with a little princess, take a look at The 10 Best Mommy and Me Outfits for Spring.

If you’re looking ahead to summer, check out Casual Summer Outfits for Women over 40: Trendy & Stylish! as well as 5 Easy Steps to Build a Fabulous Summer Capsule Wardrobe. If you’re looking ahead even further to fall, take a look at stylish mom essentials for fall fashion!

What are your favorite spring staple items? I’d love to know what you shop for or break out of hiding when spring arrives!

If you know someone who might like this post, feel free to share!

 

More for Mom? Check out  What Moms REALLY Want for Mother’s Day This Year!