Just because I’m a mother doesn’t mean my sense of style has to go out the window. No “mom jeans” for me! But it is true that as a mother, your style evolves. You start wearing clothing based on the baby – don’t wear a dress you don’t want spit-up on; don’t wear heels too high for you to run from one end of the room to the other in a hurry; don’t wear anything too revealing. But – again, that doesn’t mean you have to totally abandon your favorite pieces just because you’re with child.

All it takes is a little adjusting to make outfits work for your lifestyle. And if you do it right, what you wear will actually enrich your lifestyle rather than simply existing within it. What do I mean? Check out these five examples of things to wear as a mom with a busy schedule but an appetite for style.

1. Basic Layers

Layering your soft basics is perfect for those days you don’t have enough time to get ready. With sleeves and fits that aren’t constricting, you’re able to do practically anything necessary in order to complete everything on your to-do list. It’s also helpful that layering is stylishly minimalistic.

2. Comfortable Flats

If you haven’t learned by now, wearing uncomfortable shoes can be comparable to walking on a bed of nails. “Look to chic ballet flats,” like this page suggests, and you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand rather than your throbbing feet.

3. A Carry-All Bag

The things you carry should not be carrying you – meaning, you should have a do-it-all bag to keep your essentials safe in one place. Real Simple did a great job of rounding up inspiration, listing large bags and diaper bags for the stylish mom.

4. Stylish Sunnies

This list of fashionable looks for moms recommends sunglasses as a standalone fashion statement. Even more, a pair of sunglasses is great for hiding tired eyes after long nights.

5. Stretchy Pants

For the countless moments you spend picking things up off the ground and moving in ways you didn’t think would be necessary, a pair of pants that moves with you is a must-have. Luckily, joggers and athleisure garments are the perfect mix of trendy and stretchy.

Being a mother is not only a most rewarding experience, but it also gives me a chance to see my personal style in a new light. Finding new tricks to making my fashion functional has not been simple, but it helps seeing other sources of inspiration out there.