Simple and Sustainable Clothing Items for the Minimalist Mom

Do you find yourself continuously reaching for the same items in your closet? If so, you’re not alone! The book You Are What You Wear by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner states that most people wear 20% of their closet 80% of the time. As you enter a new stage of life while becoming a new mom, you will likely find this statement more and more accurate. It is easier to put on comfortable and convenient items to pair together. This is why more women are embracing the minimalist mom way and investing in good basic clothing items. They can save you time as a new mom getting dressed while still allowing you to feel and look your best.

Choosing the ‘Uniform’ Method

Many minimalist moms choose the ‘uniform‘ method for dressing. Especially when pregnant, it’s helpful to find pieces you enjoy and can easily rotate rather than buying a whole new wardrobe. This method is more or less like developing a uniform; for example, black maternity leggings, solid T-shirts in neutral colors, white sneakers, or slide sandals. It can also be helpful to adopt this method beyond pregnancy to help simplify your daily dressing with go-to basics. Choosing good quality basics still allows you to be creative with accessorizing, so you’ll never be bored with your looks. This is why it’s good to invest in versatile staple pieces, good quality, and neutral colors for easy mixing and matching.

Keeping these tips in mind, we are sharing some sustainably made pieces that can be mixed and matched to help you with paring down your wardrobe as a new mom.

Simple and Sustainable Tops for Moms

Everlane Organic Cotton Slouchy V-Neck

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About the brand: Everlane’s environmental initiatives include building an ethical supply chain that creates long-lasting, low-impact, high-quality products. It makes this happen by carefully choosing its materials to reduce waste, plastics, and chemicals.

Why you need it: A slouchy V-neck T-shirt can be the building block for countless outfits. It’s a must-have clothing item in every minimalist mom’s wardrobe. It can also be worn for lounging as a comfortable top. This tee comes in five colors. At only $30, it is super affordable for a sustainable fashion piece.

Everlane Pima Micro-Rib Funnel-Neck Tank

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Why you need it: Everyone needs a blazer or cardigan in their closet for cooler wear. Add this tank underneath with dress slacks, jeans, or shorts, and it can also be worn for a warmer-weather outfit. This top is such a great layering piece that is anything but basic.

Everlane Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit

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Why you need it: Made of domestically sourced Supima cotton, a longer-fibered fabric that gives extra durability and stretch, it comes in three colors and your choice of a thong or bikini-style bottom. Pair with a blazer to dress it up, or wear it alone with high-waisted denim and sneakers. Dress it down for a casual look for everyday wear, or pair it with the right accessories for a night out.

Everlane Organic Cotton Crew Sweater

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Why you need it: This sweater is a layering clothing item essential for minimalist moms. It is made of a comfy, cozy organic cotton blend. The sweater would look great beneath a vest or structured blazer. You could also pair it with a turtleneck underneath.

Everlane Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt

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Why you need it: A silk button-up shirt is timeless. It can be worn in your wardrobe for many years to come in many ways. Pair with jeans or shorts for a more casual outfit. Or dress this top up by adding a skirt or wearing it over a dress. You could pair it with heels for a more formal look.

Sustainable and Fashionable Bottoms Perfect for Moms

Everlane Way-High Jean Short

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Why you need it: For moms on the go, these shorts are perfect for women with children to chase and who want to be covered while staying cool. These denim shorts come in white and three shades of blue. The high-waisted fit is flattering while still comfortable. They accentuate your true waist and are a flattering longer length on your legs.

Summersalt Easy High-Waisted Flare Pant

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About the brand: Summersalt is honest with its customers on everything from pricing to fit to practices. They are all about earth-friendly practices regarding materials like using recycled or eco-friendly TENCEL, TENCEL Modal, and Cupro.

Why you need it: These high-waisted flare pants are retro and cute. They come in three colors. They’re finished with a touch of stretch for all-day comfort. Pair them with any top for an effortless look.

Summersalt Sea to Shore Swim Shorts

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Why you need it: These shorts are crafted from the same fabric as their swimsuits, making them quick to dry. They are the perfect shorts for all day to wear in warmer weather. Wear over a one- or two-piece swimsuit for water activities. You can also wear these with a tank or tee to relax in.

The Girlfriend Collective Black FLOAT Ultralight Legging

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About the brand: The Girlfriend Collective factory is SA8000 (a standard and certification system by Social Accountability International) certified, meaning their operation adheres to super strict regulations that keep factory employees well-paid, safe, and living healthy lives.

Why you need it: Wearing these ultralight leggings feels like you’re wearing nothing. They feel soft but work hard for you. Every woman, including minimalist moms, needs this clothing item in their closet. A trusty pair of black leggings is perfect for dressing up or down.

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans

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About the brand: Levi’s is committed to sustainability in fashion. They launched a “Buy Better, Wear Longer” campaign in 2021 (see it here). They continually look for ways to use resources and make products more energy-efficient.

Why you need it: These cult-favorite straight jeans come in 15 colors. They sit above the waist for a flattering fit. These jeans will accentuate your natural waistline and hips for the perfect fit.

Fashionable Outerwear for Your Wardrobe

The North Face Eco Hooded Parka

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About the brand: 100% of The North Face’s top materials (polyester, cotton, and nylon) are expected to be recycled, responsibly sourced, renewable, or regeneratively grown. The brand focuses directly on mother nature, communities, and the future.

Why you need it: A warm jacket is paramount in cold weather, and this one comes equipped with a parka for extra protection from the wind. It stops below the waist for a flattering fit.

Summersalt Warmest Wool Cocoon Coat

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Why you need it: A statement coat can be worn for functionality and fashion. A tremendously structured coat in a neutral color like camel will go with anything in your closet. Pair this coat with a bodysuit, jeans, and Chelsea boots for a chic look. It can also be worn with a sweater dress and tights to keep you warm on cold days. Another option for this coat is to pair it with a sweatshirt, leggings, jeans, and sneakers for a dressed-down look.

Dresses and Jumpsuits for Minimalist Moms

The Girlfriend Collective Black Lola V-Neck Dress

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Why you need it: Whether going for a walk or running errands, you deserve to look and feel cute while doing it. Exercise dresses are perfect for doing just that. This one comes with a built-in bra and inner shorts underneath. Pair with sneakers and your favorite baseball cap for an easy outfit. Take this little dress out to brunch by adding a sweatshirt over it or a jean jacket for warmth and to dress it up a bit.

Everlane Organic Weekend Maxi Dress

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Why you need it: This dress will work for any situation. T-shirt maxi dresses are so flowy and forgiving. They can also be paired with different shoes and accessories for dressier and more casual looks. You could go with a jean jacket and wedges for a look that’ll take you from day to night. Or, pair this maxi dress with sneakers for an effortlessly cool look.

Everlane City Stripe Draped Shirt Dress

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Why you need it: Pair this classic shirt dress with heels or wedges for an office-friendly or event-ready look. Drape a sweater over the shoulders for a coastal grandma vibe, or finish with small to medium-sized hoop earrings for a look that will never go out of style. You can wear this shirt dress year-round for situations you want to look polished in. The sleeves can be worn long or rolled up to your desired length. There’s also a tie for cinching at the waist.

Everlane Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress

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Why you need it: This midi dress will keep you looking elegant for church, a baby shower, or other events. It comes in three colors, and the tie at the waist allows you to adjust it to fit your waist—pair it with ballet flats or heels, plus a great necklace for the perfect event look.

Summersalt Cinched Waist Caftan Dress

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Why you need it: This caftan dress can be worn for any warm weather event or a day on the water. You can wear it as a swimsuit coverup or as a dress. It comes in three stunning floral prints, a cinched waist, and a V-neckline that will make for a flattering fit. It can also be worn as an outfit and paired with sandals or wedges. Pair with your favorite sunglasses, and you’re ready to go.

Remember to focus on function, quality, and versatility when paring down your wardrobe. The idea is to purchase clothing items for your closet that will make sense for your minimalist mom lifestyle and help create outfits you can wear over and over that you’ll feel good in and feel good about. Consider the quality of the fabric each garment is made with, which will allow you to see whether it can be worn for many years. Lastly, gravitate toward sustainable fashion pieces that can be worn in many ways, including casual, work, and formal occasions. There are also other options when creating your minimalist wardrobe besides buying new clothing, such as visiting resale shops online to shop gently used or turning to clothing rental businesses for special occasions.

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