How to Nail the Cool Mom Aesthetic: Outfit Ideas for 2025
Do you find yourself wishing you had that cool mom aesthetic? The secret isn’t in what you wear or designer labels. It’s actually about your confidence and how you wear your clothes. Here’s 9 easy-to-wear outfits to inspire your 2025 wardrobe, and remind you that coolest style starts with you.
*This post contains affiliate links from which I may receive a commission if a purchase is made.*
IN THIS POST:
Whenever I meet a new young 20 something, I find myself wanting them to know that I used to be VERY cool. In my day (circa 2005 or so), I stayed up to date with every style trend.
I knew all the latest music and hottest restaurants. And then… well… I became a mom.
Diapers and late nights became the norm. Any extra energy started to go into keeping our marriage alive, our kids alive, and our house from smelling like a dumpster.
But today, I’m so grateful there’s such a thing as a cool mom aesthetic and real, fun fashion for moms in their 30s.
What is cool mom style?
Cool mom style isn’t about one trend or look—it’s an attitude.
It’s about mixing what you already own with bits of style and culture to create a look that fits your life.
Dressing like a cool mom isn’t about copying Pinterest outfits or chasing every new trend. It’s about building a personal style that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and uniquely you.
The best part? You don’t need designer labels or runway updates to pull it off—it’s totally accessible to everyone.
So no, I’m not a hipster or a trendsetter. I’m two seasons behind on the Kardashians—but the more I lean into my own version of cool mom style, the more confident and creative I feel.
Skip to the 9 outfit ideas you can steal today.
How to find your cool mom style
Here are a few everyday fashion tips for busy moms that will help you learn how to dress like a cool mom and make the most of your wardrobe!
1. Clean out your closet
Take some time out to go through your clothes for each season. Get rid of everything that’s stained, ripped or no longer fits. And while you’re at it, toss anything that you just don’t like how you feel in.
If your life is crazy busy like mine, you may even want to consider creating a mom capsule wardobe! This is one of the easiest ways to make sure your closet is manageable and all your pieces go together.
2. Get inspiration!
I LOVE using Pinterest to find style ideas and new ways to put outfits today. Instagram and TikTok are great for this as well!
3. Invest in a few quality pieces
I’m learning that it’s okay to spend a little more on the basics that you will wear time and time again. The perfect pair of jeans, a great oversized sweater, a quality white tee – all these are worth spending a little more on than you typically would.
4. Try looks, and try again!
Have fun and play around with your clothes! Use the inspiration you find online and take note of outfits you see in real life that you’d love to copy.
Need help putting outfits together? My friends at Fashivly make these amazing personalized style guides that you’ve got to check out.
5. Keep track of your favorite looks to create a mom capsule wardrobe
Did you wear an outfit that you absolutely loved? Take a photo and keep it in an album on your phone. Or you can get tech-y with it and use an app like Whering to keep track of the outfits you’ll wear again and again.
6. Don’t forget about second hand!
Everything old will eventually be new again. If you want to try out a look that you aren’t sure about yet, explore cheaper ways to get the look at your local thrift store.
Lastly, be realistic about the clothes that will actually fit this season of your life. Sometimes all it takes is a fun pop of color or a fun print to make your favorite outfits feel new again.
Now with these tips, you’ll know how to dress like a cool mom in no time.
Cool mom style outfit ideas
Whether you’re in your 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, here’s some cool mom style ideas and inspiration just for you!
Outfit #1: Soccer Mom Style
I’ve always wanted to be one of those moms who wears those perfectly coordinated athletic sets. Thankfully, Old Navy made all my soccer mom style dreams come true with their yoga pants and sets.
Truly they have every style and color you could possibly want for that perfect athleisure look on a budget. I went for this muted brown set, but definitely looking at some fun, bold colors in the future!
Get the look: Old Navy High-waisted Powersoft Leggings, Light Support PowerSoft Longline Sports Bra, Old Navy Zip Hoodie, New Balance Fresh Foam Running Shoes, Crossbody Fanny Pack
Outfit #2: Mom Jean Style
Sometimes you just need a simple, basic outfit that you don’t have to think about. If you’re over skinny jeans like me, these loose fitting high rise jeans are the perfect fit and are great for hanging out and relaxing. Pair it with a great fitting tank and you’re good to go!
Get the look: Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise Boot Cut Jean, Asos Scoop Tank Top, Nike Dunk Low “Rose Whisper” Sneakers
Outfit #3: Stay at Home Mom Style
Realizing I really loved this whole jean and black combo, I decided to try a little bit edgier of a vibe by adding in a bodysuit.
Of course the oversized denim jacket provides just the right amount of modesty to not feel exposed. Nike Dunks seemed to cap this look off perfectly and say, “I’m trying, but not too hard!”
Get the look: PacSun Relaxed Denim Trucker Jacket, Amazon Black Unitard Bodysuit, Nike Dunk Low “Rose Whisper” Sneakers
Outfit #4: Everyday Style Maven
I grew up wearing a school uniform, so I’ve mostly stayed away from khaki-colored things since then. But I could not resist these wide leg jeans!
The color makes them feel pulled together, but the high waist wide leg style keeps them feeling playful. I’ll eventually pair them with something funkier like a graphic tee, but I loved them with just a basic cami for this day.
Get the look: Gap High Rise Jeans, Gap Black Cami, Nike Dunk Low “Rose Whisper” Sneakers
Outfit #5: The Queen of Stylish Mom Outfits
Okay, NOW we’re having some fun! I’ve always wanted to try graphic tees with prints, stripes with prints, the whole shebang. But trying to figure out what actually blends together well can be difficult.
After playing around a bit, I loved these two pieces together. I think this look feels like the queen of stylish mom outfits because it’s perfect for running errands and a date night out.
Get the look: Anine Bing Tee, Floral Wrap Mini Skirt, Vans Old Skool Skate Shoes
Outfit Idea #6: What to wear for a girls’ night out
Not sure what to wear for a girls’ night out? I tried out this look for one recently and fell in love! While the days of sequins and high heels are pretty much over for a lot of us, it’s still so much fun to put on a little skirt and hang with the girls once in awhile.
Adding sneakers to this look keeps it feeling casual and understated, but you could also do boots and a jacket or blazer to take it to the next level!
Get the look: Abercrombie Essential Easy Tee, Black Denim Mini Skort, Adidas Astir Sneakers, Crossbody Bag
Outfit #7: Mom-approved rock vintage style
As a busy mom, there’s nothing easier to throw on than a worn-in vintage t-shirt for instant cool vibes. This particular cut-off tee has been in my closet for years and I love how it looks with a pair of ripped jeans.
As the weather gets colder, you can easily throw a leather jacket over this look and swap sandals for booties for the ultimate rock vintage style vibes.
Get the look: Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High Rise Jeans, Distressed Graphic Muscle Tee
Outfit #8: A cool girl look for casual outings
For school pickups, rainy days and hang time with your girlfriends too, sporty inspired looks are always the move to get that elusive cool girl style.
I particularly LOVE that oversized clothes are so in right now, because it means that even through all the body changes and ups and downs of motherhood, you can still feel totally cool and confident in your clothes.
This jersey style shirt I actually got from Five Below (!) but there are some great similar options online that I’ve linked right here.
Get the look: Football Jersey Tee, Wide leg cargo pant jeans, Reebok Club C Platform Sneakers
Outfit #9: Make a statement in all black
Don’t get me wrong – I love putting together cute outfits with bright colors, florals and patterns. But every once in awhile, a girl just needs to put on all black. I love outfits like this one because you don’t have to worry about what matches.
You just find a couple pieces you love and pair them together to look totally Bad-A**!! Want to take this entire look up a notch? Add black leather pants to have people saying, “Oh my gosh, who is SHE?”
Get the look: Oversized Black Graphic Tee, Gap High Rise Straight Jeans, Black Combat Boots
Your Cool Mom Style Starts Here
So what did I learn throughout this whole outfit experiment? The best way to learn how to dress like a cool mom is to experiment and just be YOU! So take notice of the colors, fabrics and looks that you really like.
Don’t be afraid to try things out, even. if you don’t see other people doing them. With a little trial. and error, you’ll find your own unique cool mom style in no time.