15 Unique Fashion Gifts For Cool Moms

I’m not sure “fashion” is the word that comes to mind when people think of me, but I did wear a lot of heels to the office in the year 2012. Nowadays, my wardrobe is dominated by oversized sweatshirts, lightweight sneakers, and giant bags capable of hauling massive amounts of snacks and baby wipes.

But is that not, in itself, a certain sense of style? Call it lazy suburban chic.

I tend to load up on neutral basics, punctuating my black-and-white uniform with a pop of color every so often. Testing products over the years has allowed me to expand my comfort zone to — gasp! — jewel-toned earrings and graphic totes. Out of everything I’ve tested, these are the fashion gifts that I would actually buy for a friend, sister, or mom. (Not my mom, though. Her wardrobe exclusively consists of Bottega bags, white t-shirts from James Perse, and, inexplicably, Sketchers.)

Every product below have been personally tested by yours truly. It’s heavy on the bags and earrings, but a girl has proclivities. As with all my guides, these are mainly independent brands owned by diverse founders — though some items are available on Amazon.

Mainstay Cotton Shirt, Buck Mason ($138)

A white button-up might seem like a boring gift, but is it boring to give someone the most versatile piece of clothing they’ll ever own? No, it’s not. This is THE BEST cotton button-up I’ve owned. You can even toss it in the washer! Dry-cleaner, eat your heart out.

Flower Market Reflections Jewelry Armoire, MacKenzie-Childs ($250)

I tested this mirrored piece for a roundup on jewelry boxes and it has brought me so much joy — and organization. It’s so beautiful on top of my dresser and beats the socks off a plain wooden jewelry box any day.

Bubble Hem Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket, Abercrombie & Fitch ($140)

Look, we all watched the documentary, right? But they’re better now! And they make amazing vegan leather jackets.

Dillon Bag, Bandolier ($198)

The tan/gold version of this bag goes with just about everything, but it also comes in five other colors.

Custom Embroidered Sweatshirt, BFFS&BABES ($80)

I assume most people get these for bachelorette weekends but I snagged one for my stepmom and embroidered all her dogs’ names on it. Best gift ever.

Road Trip Tote, Panache Apparel ($68)

This versatile tote is ideal for a road trip, natch, but it’s also just a great bag to keep in the car at all times. It’s long but narrow, meaning it fits perfectly in the space behind your front seat, so you can reach around and grab tissues or a snack at a stoplight.

Love Drop Earrings, Capucine De Wulf ($85)

Part of a larger “Love” collection, Capucine De Wulf’s Love Drop Earrings have become a staple in my wardrobe. Studs get overlooked and who can wear large dangly earrings daily? (Certainly not women with small children.) These are just the right size and frankly, quite romantic.

Model 000 Shoes, Atoms ($145)

These lightweight shoes have become my go-to pair for any trip that requires leaving the house. So, like, any trip. They’re super lightweight and most importantly, I can slip them on without having to undo laces. (I’m not old-old, I’m just regular old.)

Original Bogg Bag ($90)

All it takes is one Bogg bag to get hooked. We now have one in each car, plus an extra for pool or beach days. Go for Rose Petal, which may as well be called Millennial Pink.

Amanda Multicolor Flower Beaded Dangle Earrings, INK+ALLOY ($33)

A festive pair of earrings from Amazon-favorite brand INK+ALLOY, anyone? These are so affordable and honestly make me smile very time I put them on.

Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie, Quince ($119)

This is one of the first pieces I got from stupid-popular DTC brand Quince, and it’s still the one I use the most. (Okay, maybe I wear the down puffer most, but that’s just because it’s winter.) It comes in 10 colors and two fabric choices; you can’t go wrong.

Inca Pullover and Trackie Pacts Set, pítusa ($220)

My husband is so sick of this tracksuit. I will never stop wearing it. You hear me, Blake? Never. Also, it comes in eight colors.

Olivia 2-Piece Set, Petal & Pup ($119)

I tried three outfits from Brisbane-based company Petal & Pup and this, by far, was the best one. It was lightweight, flattering, and changed my mind about the value of two-piece sets. Pair it with a leather jacket or a blazer and you’re set.

Soap Bubble Beach Tote, Case-Mate ($80)

Did you know Case-Mate was started by a Georgia-based couple? You learn something new every day. Anyway, this Soap Bubble tote gets so many compliments every time I take it to the pool. Plus, it comes with a phone pouch so your damp towel can’t do any damage.

Colette Nap Earrings, Maison Miru ($120)

I know, petite gold jewelry is everywhere — even on Love Is Blind. But a few years back it was rose gold, and where is she now? That’s what I thought. Instead, go silver with this set of nap earrings from Maison Miru.