October 7th, 2009
The flop proof Mom-on-the-go outfit formulas for Summer went down really well, so I’m kicking off a series of updates for Autumn 2009. Using elements from this season’s must have list, I’ve compiled 10 casual outfit combinations that I’m putting into practice with clients right now. So far, my clients are happy with the results. I’ll revisit each separate outfit combination in more detail and with visuals as the season progresses.
You can more or less interchange the shoe and boot suggestions, but for the sake of variety and simplicity, I’ve stuck to one footwear option per formula. You can also swap around the top, scarf and jacket options to create entirely new formulas. The possibilities are endless and this is just a starting point. Lastly, unless I specify the style of jeans, the wash, cut and hem width is up to you.
Flop proof outfit formulas:
- Jeans + embellished / graphic T + new look cardigan + ballet flats: By new look cardigans I mean boyfriend, cascading or fly away and curved hem styles. I won’t shoot you if you insist on sticking to a classic cropped cardigan, but do try to evolve your look this season ladies! It’s all about the cardigan at the moment and the new styles make for a refreshing change. If a fancy layering T is not your thing, a knit top or woven blouse will work just as well. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Skinny Jeans + long sleeved T + scarf + tall boots: Tucking jeans into knee–high or calf length boots is very practical for cold, wet weather. You have the option of leaving the top solid and adding a patterned scarf, or vice versa. Add a new look cardigan layer if it’s nippy outside. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Casual dress + tights or hose + tall boots: Dresses can be casual and I can’t stress that enough. Think jersey knit, sack styles and sweater dresses paired with mid-calf slouch boots or knee-high riding boots. Go bare-legged if it’s warm, or add a cheeky little cropped jacket for cooler weather. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Jeans + tunic sweater + leather / pleather jacket + ankle boots: Banded tunic knitwear gets my vote because the style is easy and forgiving around the midriff area. Add a cropped jacket for structure and throw in ankle-length cowboy boots for fun. Cowboy boots do not need to look overtly western. Fryes assortment has been stellar this season and the colours are delicious. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Jeans + graphic / embellished T + boyfriend blazer + Converse sneakers: Wooohoo! Super cool. Boyfriend blazers do not need to look smart and strict. Choose one in a nubby tweed or pinstripe and scrunch up the sleeves for a more relaxed look. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Denim skirt + knit top + leather or pleather jacket + slouch boots: Corduroy or tartan skirts will work just as well. Substitute a woven button down shirt for the knit top and layer over a sleeveless or short sleeved pullover for a fun preppy vibe. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Micro check pants + denim shirt / knit top + pleather / leather jacket + loafers: Denim and chambray shirts are resurfacing and are great to pair with a non-denim bottoms. Don’t dismiss the idea of loafers. They can totally be hip if your outfit is interesting. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Clamdiggers + long sleeved T + scarf+ tall boots: This look is daring and sweet. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Skinny stretch knit pants + button down tunic shirt + casual belt + tall boots: Ponte de Roma knit pants are your oh-so-comfy casual pants alternative to jeans. Think plaid/tartan tunic or painters shirt and add a casual distressed belt for more structure. A lacy camisole peeking through from underneath a boyish plaid shirt adds a nice feminine touch. [Update: detailed post on this formula]
- Leggings + tunic or dress + ballet flats: Now that the weather has cooled, you might want to try some of the leggings looks that our forum members’ rocked.
I’ve left out accessories like necklaces, bracelets and cuffs because they aren’t essential. But they’re still a great way to finish off an outfit that’s missing a little extra magic. Belts are also not a must, but they will add polish to the ensemble. Large shoulder totes, cross-body bags and rain hats are practical and hands free solutions for those with children in tow.
As temperatures plummet, you’ll substitute the T’s and knit tops for warm handle knitwear and add on layers like weatherproof trenches, wool coats, puffers, hats and gloves. Umbrellas and wellington boots are also fun items to add into these ensemble mixes. Most importantly, don’t forget that statement specs and a fabulous watch are sometimes the only accessories you’ll need to pull a casual outfit together.
For easy reference, here are the formulas I posted last season:
And Laura’s posts on road testing these formulas:
Let me know in the comments if you have anything to add. I’d love to hear your thoughts before we cover the individual formulas in more detail. And have fun with your casual mom-on-the-go outfits.
Our fabulous forum members putting some of these casual flop proof outfit formulas into stylish action this season (you’ll see additional inspiring outfits in the forum thread). Most of these lasses are real life Moms on the go with kids in tow, while the other gals are simply using the formula for casual everyday dressing. Our models cover ALL heights, body types, sizes, ages, fashion personas and budgets. A lot more compelling than catalogue models. I’m impressed.
67 Replies
Posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I’m impressed too! The post is instructive and the models are inspiring. Kudos all around.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:08 am
What a fabulously stylish bunch of beautiful women! I love collage posts 
Always so inspiring!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Thank you for this Angie!
I now have a few at a glance go to outfits for the fall. I’m especially liking the sound of the micro check plus denim shirt combo.
The forum members all look fab.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Great formulas, Angie! What’s great is that these will work for anyone! 
I have a question–we know that “regular” t-shirts can often be kind of unflattering without layers, so what do you mean by a long sleeved t-shirt in your formulas? Are there any prerequisites? For instance, is a plain, jersey knit v-neck t-shirt or turtleneck acceptable if it’s a heavier weight, or are you thinking more along the lines of a long sleeved knitted top? In your second formula, the only layering piece you suggest is a scarf–do you think that makes it more flattering? I often find adding a scarf makes a knit top more flattering if it’s too warm for a layering jacket or sweater, but I was just checking. Does my question make sense? I feel like I’m not explaining myself very clearly. You’ll probably go into more detail on this in future posts, too.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:13 am
What a big gob of information you have managed to pack into this thread! Thank you! I love that you have given so many details to make these formulas relevant to this season. And of course, the models are fabulous.
Another scarf question. I know pregnant women on the forum tout scarves as a great pregnant accessories. But I find them too bulky over my belly. Am I crazy or is there some way to make it work?
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:28 am
What a wonderful post, Angie! I’ve printed it out to reference. I’m no longer a MOTG with small children, but work with children and wear this formula most days.
I’ve found that this way of dressing is also the way to go if you have fussy feet.
Everyone looks great in the collage. I took pictures and hope to upload them to the thread if I can remember how to do it.
Recently I bought some great loafers for the first time in years but am at a loss as to how to wear them. The microcheck pant idea is one I’ll try but would like more guidelines, such as… can loafers ever work with straight leg or skinny pants or is it better to stick to boot cuts and flares?
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Super informative and inspiring, Angie! I, too, have printed it out as a handy dandy reference. I find that once I manage to put together something that works, I tend to repeat it over and over and over again. Last winter, it was skinnies and boots. I see potential for a lot more variety this winter. Thank you!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I’m not a mom, but I am on the go and love these formulas! They are so easy and cool! Thank you!!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Thanks for appreciating this post, ladies. It was time consuming but essential. Things will hopefully become clearer once I devote a post to each formula, but I’ll answer questions now as well:
Ana, great question and you are spot on. It’s true that I am “the anti-T-shirt” and VERY sticky about what passes the grade and how the item is worn. I will not let clients fall back on overly casual and unflattering T-shirt options for casual wear. They look juvenile and inappropriate after a certain age. What you are after for that formula is a great quality layering T, and layering is the operative word. A printed scarf needs a canvas and that’s your best bet if you don’t like button downs and want to keep the formula simple. Banana Republic and Ann Taylor have the best at the moment:
o http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=691122002
o http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....e=Regular#
Patience, I hear you! Stick to necklaces.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thank you SO much for this post Angie, I am so excited to try these formulas.I am certainly a MOTG most of the time with worklife sprinkled in.Fall is my favorite season and I am READY to don some cooler weather outfits. I have not yet found a new-look cardigan that fits me well, but i’ll stay on the hunt Thanks!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I recently found your site and have been pouring through all this wonderfulness, I have been bitten by the fashion bug after 20+ years of just wearing Ts and jeans.
I am loving your MOTG posts, I have printed all three summer ones (even though I don’t wear skirts or dresses) and seeing this, I am super excited as it’s printing! Since coming across your site and the MOTG posts, I have been slowly shopping for some pieces, I am taking baby steps since this is all new to me. Can’t wait to start looking my age and most of all looking and feeling better! So thank you Angie and to all of the wonderful ladies on here for the fashion lessons!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Thank you SO much for this post Angie! What a wealth of information! I will be sure to try out most of them this fall.
Love the real-life models too. Everyone looks fab
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I honestly think that these formulas can be used for anyone on the go, or anyone who wants to dress stylish yet casual. I am not a MOTG but I live a very casual lifestyle, so these formulas are still *very* helpful. Thank you, Angie!
This post is something I want to print out and carry with me as a cheat sheet!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:34 am
All of the models look great. Thankyou all for putting this together to give us visuals of what the outfits look like in real life.
Thankyou too for showing us what a nice layering T looks like.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Wow! What a super post, Angie. I am blown away by how comprehensive and incredibly helpful it is. This post is getting printed out and hung it in my closet for easy reference.
I am going to spread the word to all of my mom friends that today’s post is a must-read. Thank you Angie, you are an absolute treasure!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:43 am
OMG Angie
We are forever indebted to you for this post! Thank you!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:44 am
One question: for formula #9, with skinny ponte knit pants, can you suggest suitable plaid tunics, the way you showed the long-sleeved layering tees?
So far I’ve seen a lot of plaid tunics in the juniors department, and they all feel sort of, well, young for me.
Thanks!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:59 am
This is so funny, because I am a “mom on the go,” and am wearing Number 2! Love the rest of the suggestions, and the models look great!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Wow you all look great i love these blog posts with ‘real’ pictures. Angie you are wonderful doing such a long post x
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:01 am
LOVE THIS POST! Thank you so much, Angie. My daily dressing tends to fall into one or another of these categories. The problem is that some days things just seem ‘off’ and as I read this I was thinking that usually I’d have that problem because I was missing some component of the ensemble. I will br printing these out and hanging them in my closet for inspiration!
Also – this was very helpful for identifying holes in my wardrobe… I will be using this to help create my post-baby shopping list!
Patience – I use scarves a lot as a maternity accessory. I find the trick is all in the scarf and how you tie it. A current favorite of mine is a patterned square scarf that I tie in the oversized-bandana style. The long corner just touches my belly and since the scarf is very lightweight, it doesn’t feel bulky at all. Pashminas take a bit more experimenting, but I’ve been able to make them work.
If you sort out the scarf thing, it can be a valuable maternity ally. I am most often told that I look ‘great’ and ‘trim’ when I have scarves in my outfits… I think they minimize the bump!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Did I mention that you are a wonder, Angie? Again, SUCH a helpful post – I am feeling gleeful and full of ideas!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:13 am
A lot more compelling indeed! Everyone looks fabulous. I hope this post silences any excuses for sloppy dressing!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Great formulas. I especially love the pics!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:30 am
What a great post. I”ve already printed the formulas and hung it in my closet. I also have my shopping list for missing components now.
Thanks so much for putting this together for us.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are my hero, Angie. I can’t wait to read about the individual formulas in more detail. This post is invaluable to this MOTG!! : )
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 11:41 am
STELLAR post Angie…truely helpful information here…and don’t the ladies look absolutely gorgeous!!:)..
Very, very nice!!:)
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Angie, thank you for this terrific post – I am feeling a little dizzy from all the options. I am going to print this list out and post it right in my closet so I never have one of those “what the heck am I going to wear today” moments this fall! Cannot wait to see the detailed posts on the fall MOTG formulas (Angie, you should trademark these!).
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Wow, very comprehensive! It will take time to digest it all. I am bookmarking this for inspiration this fall. I really love the idea of #9 in particular…
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Angie, THANK YOU a million times over! It is so nice to have this…I too will be printing it out and using this all season! Thank you for taking the time….very very helpful!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Re-read the post three times now… still digesting… I also love idea #4 and #5.
Can’t wait to read the detailed posts on each of these.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I love posts like this, I read it slowly and carefully, envisioning each look as I went. We’re so lucky to have you, Angie!!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Thanks so much, Angie! I’m going to print this out and hang it up in my closet.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Wonderful post. It’s being added to my list of ones of yours to come back to as I try to sort out my wardrobe… Amazingly stylish outfits pictured, too.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Skinny jeans/leggings with a cute T and long cardigan just look sooooo slimming!!! I shall have to try it out!! Love your daily articles!
Janissa
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
These MOTG formula posts are always my favorites!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
This is enormously helpful. I can wear most of these styles for work and plan to do just that…one by one.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
What a fabulous post, Angie!!!
I love all the ideas you’ve put together for moms on the go, and I am positively impressed with all the gals modeling their styles. Well done! I am totally inspired to try some of the new cardigan looks.
Where can we find some of those micro check pants this season? I’d love to try a pair!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you for the great ideas, Angie! It’s incredibly helpful and I am definitely going to play with all of the formulas. I am looking forward to the detailed exploration of each look
Like Shana says, I hope you are trademarking this concept
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
This is great – I have sooo much more of your info to absorb!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Excellent! Thanks so much, Angie, I look forward to trying all of these. I think I’m going to print this out, too. I’ve noticed I tend to get stuck on one or two formulas per season, and sort of forget about all the other interesting things I can do with what I already have.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Brilliant post! I need some time to process this wealth of information – Thanks Angie!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Angie, I’m thinking of challenging myself to wear one of these flop-proof outfits a day for a week (giving myself the out for the looks that I don’t have pieces for. I can’t wait until you provide your more in-depth coverage on each of these looks.
I honestly haven’t found a “new look cardigan” that I like on my body yet. Maybe I should start searching more carefully.
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I have sent the link to this post to a couple of my MOTG friends who are often moaning at me about clothing! But everyone else it right these are great casual looks for everyone and looks that I try to wear when on weekend trips.
Big ups to all the models, you all look amazing!
Posted on October 7th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I love these, but please could you do some for smart casual ‘working mums on the go’, as I would only be able to wear this kind of thing on the weekend. I don’t have to dress up to the nines for work but it does have to be up a notch or two from these looks. Having lost a bit of weight recently I am having to throw out a lot of clothes that are now too big, so would love to have some looks and outfits to work towards as and when I have the funds to replace them.
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Angie, this is a keeper! All the models look “fab!” and like Moms I’d want to hang out with!
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 4:24 am
This is wonderful, and a huge amount of information! I’m looking forward to the individual posts to see some of the other ideas in action. I’m not a mom and I only get to wear casual clothes two days a week, but I am always looking for new ideas!
I’m so flattered to be part of the collage of photos; it’s funny because I haven’t really worn my long cardigans with my regular jeans yet but now I am inspired to try it!
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 5:06 am
What a fun post! And the models are fantastic!!! So many wonderful ideas on the pictures and on the list. I am going to print the entry and post it on my closet door, it’s a great tool for weekend-ware.
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Wonderful post such wearable outfits. Thanks so much Angie.
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 8:23 am
This is one of the best posts ever. I also have printed it to keep in my closet for inspiration. I have been toying with buying a leather jacket and now I feel confident with several great ways to wear it. I love the Mom on the Go posts!!!!
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Fantastic post Angie, you are a godsend. Thank you for sharing your skill and wisdom with us!
Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Great post, Angie! I I live in #1, #2 and #3 right now, with the addition of my baby as my “accessory” since she’s worn in a carrier (usually a woven wrap) most of the time
I really want to find some great loafers but have had NO LUCK. Maybe you could do a post on loafers for fall?
Posted on October 9th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit #1…
Recently, Angie over at youlookfab.com did a brilliant post outlining 10 casual outfit formulas for Mom on the go. Angie is a professional stylist with an exceedingly keen eye for style, so I highly suggest you check out her advice! Since I’m always l…
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 10:21 am
WOW, real women real styles!
Thank You for this information. I live in Miami and it’d been 92 all summer. I’m going to Boston and these layering looks will be great for me!
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Hello, hello! New member here… as a mom of 2 these outfit ideas are wonderful. Thanks so much! I’m really loving picture #8’s boots. Is there a way to find out the brand? Thanks!!
Posted on October 17th, 2009 at 8:06 am
[...] * Yikes! You overslept, your hair’s a mess and you only have a few minutes to get dressed before being pulled in a million different directions—what do you wear? Youlookfab.com clues you in on 10 casual outfit formulas for the mom on the go. [...]
Posted on October 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit 2…
Angie, author of the youlookfab.com fashion blog, recently wrote a stellar post outlining 10 casual outfit formulas for moms on the go—simple yet stylish fashion formulas that will work wonderfully for any gal on the move. Last week, I tackled fo…
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
[...] Print) Angie of YouLookFab recently blogged about “Mom on the Go” outfits. These are casual outfit formulas that she created with stay-at-home moms in mind, but they will [...]
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit #3…
We’ve been working our way through youlookfab.com’s 10 casual Autumn formulas, interpretting each of Angie’s simple style recipes using budget-friendly items from around the web. We’ve covered Formula #1 and Formula #2, now it’s on to Formula #3:
…
Posted on November 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for doing this! I wanted to second the request for work outfits. It would be so wonderful to have a formula for keeping stylish at work! In the meantime, I will try to incorporate these into my weekend wear! Thanks again! This is so helpful.
Posted on November 3rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
[...] running low on clean clothing, so I paired a graphic tee and boyfriend cardigan with them a la Angie’s “Mom on the Go” formula. They are proving to be a great, flop-proof casual outfit guide for me this fall. Incidentally, if [...]
Posted on November 13th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit #4…
At the start of the season, youlookfab.com posted 10 foolproof outfit formulas for girls on the go, and I’ve been recreating each style recipe using budget-friendly items to help you get these looks for yourself. With formulas #1, #2, and #3 behind us…
Posted on November 13th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
[...] we tackle the 7th of my 10 casual outfit formulas for moms and gals on the go (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6). This [...]
Posted on December 2nd, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] there! Today we tackle the 8th of my 10 casual outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 #6 and #7). [...]
Posted on December 9th, 2009 at 8:32 am
[...] inspiration for my “hanging out” outfits was Angie’s Mom on the go formula #3. I love that one, it’s so easy to follow! For office wear, I just made it little dressier by [...]
Posted on December 11th, 2009 at 8:11 am
[...] are near the end of tackling my 10 casual outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 , #7 and [...]
Posted on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 am
[...] covered nine of the 10 casual outfit formulas in great detail (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 #6 ,#7, #8 and #9). Formula [...]
Posted on December 29th, 2009 at 7:58 am
[...] embodied the Mom-on-the-Go style thanks to Angie at You look [...]
Posted on January 20th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
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