Forget your relationship with your actual mother — your relationship with just her style is a complicated and ever-changing one. Adoration occurs in childhood, when every muumuu or sensible heel may as well be a custom Prada look on the Oscar’s red carpet. This is a illusion based largely on your mom’s ability to work the speed dial — an enormous feat to a 7 year old. Around middle school, you may begin to emulate. When the raging hormones kick in during high school, you’ll dismiss your mother’s taste in clothing, in addition to her opinions on all other topics. Years later, you might stumble back into her closet and begin to see it with new eyes.
Suddenly, the sculptural earrings she wouldn’t take off in the '90s seem eerily similar to a pair you saw in a trend roundup last week. Then, you realize the worn Tod’s loafers and Hermès enamel cuff you once saw as dusty are now vintage treasures.
Whether your mom is partial to the power suit or polo shirt, her classic picks can be updated to suit your style. Ahead, you’ll find a user-friendly guide to reimagining mom's most iconic fashion moments into something that's currently #trending.
Not-So-Soccer Mom
Swap your mom's twinset for this colorblocked J.W. Anderson sweater and pair it with classic white pants for a look you can wear on and off the bleachers.
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl and Coral Branch Clip On Earrings, $97.68, available at Amazon; J.Crew Teddie Pant, $89.50, available at J.Crew; Solovière Bufalo Wallaby Loafer, $329, available at Solovière; Forever 21 Faux Leather Hobo Bag, $24.90, available at Forever 21; J.W. Anderson Layered-Cami Knit Sweater, $461, available at Matches Fashion.
Frieze Mom
Add another dimension to a classic LBD by layering a graphic turtleneck underneath. Throw on some colorful flats and you'll be on your way to discussing the Koons retrospective while making the winning bid at Sotheby's.
Trademark Small Curve Earrings, $198, available at Trademark; Zara Asymmetric Length Dress, $39.90, available at Zara; Loéil Ravine Flat, $79, available at Loéil; & Other Stories Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag, $135, available at & Other Stories; Rodebjer Top Sola Abstract, $225, available at Rodebjer.
Na-Mom-Ste
The wide pleats on this linen skirt offer an updated version of the one your mom wore in the '90s. Top with a chunky knit and oversized denim coat so you can burn sage and cleanse your aura in style.
Wilfred Caumont Knit Top, $110, available at Aritzia; H&M Braided Belt, $5.99, available at H&M; Lands' End Women's Linen A-line Skirt, similar styles available at Lands' End; Soludos Leather Sandal, $79, available at Soludos; Nila Anthony Wild West Suede Bag, $58, available at Nasty Gal; Cos V-Neck Denim Coat, $175, available at Cos.
Fortune 500 Mom
Repurpose this striped scarf as a top (layered over a long sleeved white tee) and you've got an upgraded oxford shirt. Ditch the tee and trade your heels for a strappy sandal and take this look from the boardroom to the Hamptons Jitney.
Future Glory Rockwell Venti, $475, available at Future Glory; MDS Stripes Striped All Purpose Scarf, $145, available at Moda Operandi; Chanel Cat Eye Signature, $350, available at Chanel; ASOS Playground Pointed High Heels, $89, available at ASOS; Topshop Unique Harleyford Trousers, $250, available at Topshop; H&M Long-Sleeved Jersey Top, $12.99, available at H&M.
Ladies Who "Brunch" Mom
For the gal that appreciates tea sandwiches at the Derby and long weekends in Charleston, try a printed dress, like this one from Alice McCall. Top your braided coif with a wide-brim hat and you're ready for the deb ball.
Dinosaur Designs Medium Resin Seaweed Wrap Bangle, $85, available at Dinosaur Designs; Mango Chain Clutch, $49.99, available at Mango; Nine West Bellerrmo Peep Toe Sandals, $109, available at Nine West; Alice McCall Wildfire Dress Firefly, $287.16, available at Alice McCall; Hat Attack Fine Braid Sunhat, $90, available at Hat Attack.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
And Now, Something For The Corporate Women