As a teenager, I never would have said that I get style inspiration from my mom. At 15, I was more likely to cite The O.C.’s resident damsel in distress Marissa Cooper or the models outside of the Abercrombie store as my sources of inspiration. But as an adult, I find that when I fly home across the country, I’m constantly borrowing from my mom’s closet to fill in for whatever I’ve forgotten to pack. My mom’s look leans Ralph Lauren—she likes rich textures, earth tones, and structured silhouettes. But as a Bay Area resident, she’s also outdoorsy, faithfully taking her daily walk through the Berkeley hills like clockwork.
I see her sensibilities reflected in my own style, so it’s unsurprising that when it comes to pulling together an everyday outfit, we’re drawn to similar staples, even though we’re 37 years apart. While her go-to jeans are bootcut in a dark wash and mine are relaxed vintage Levi’s 501s, we’ll dress them up in exactly the same way, likely with a chunky sweater, a pair of loafers, and a tailored jacket. Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Below, shop five trends that the two of us both reach for when we’re planning to put on our favorite jeans.
Leather Loafers
Madewell
Vernon Loafer
Classic and comfortable.
G.H. Bass
Whitney Weejnuns Loafer
These are my go-to loafers.
Sarto by Franco Sarto
Gabriella Loafer
For an added lift.
H&M
Loafers
A loafer that works for dressy occasions.
Sam Edelman
Beatrice Penny Loafer
A light-toned loafer for warmer months.
J.Crew
Winona Loafer
A classic silhouette for pairing with casual jeans.
Chunky Sweaters
Other Stories
Oversized Turtleneck Merino Sweater
For work, I'd wear this sweater with dark denim.
Pistola Denim
Carlen Sweater
A subtle pop of color.
Mango
Zip Neck Jumper
This quarter-zip sweater is great for layering.
Topshop
Crewneck Sweater
My mom gravitates toward neutrals like this oatmeal sweater.
Anine Bing
Sydney Crew Sweater
The drop shoulders give this sweater a relaxed feel.
Alex Mill
Betty Turtleneck in Wool
Alex Mill makes some of my favorite cozy sweaters.
Sporty Touches
Asics
GEL-Kayano 14 Faux-Leather and Rubber Trainers
These sneakers make it easy to go from work to stroll.
Lululemon
Wonderpuff Cropped Vest
My mom loves this vest for cool days.
Nike
Sportswear Tech Fleece Windrunner Zip Hoodie
I'll throw on this jacket when I'm running errands.
Year of Ours
Margot Cropped Tank
This top is great for workouts but cute enough to wear on a date.
On
Cloud 5 Sneakers
My mom's go-to sneakers.
Clare v.
Baseball Hat
On sunny days, I always wear a hat when I leave the house.
Silver Jewelry
Mango
Round Earrings
These minimalist earrings look so elegant.
Soko
Bahari Cuff
I'd layer this cuff over a long-sleeve dress.
Gorjana
Griffin Dog Tag Necklace
My mom is partial to pendant necklaces like this one.
David Yurman
Sculpted Cable Band Ring in Sterling Silver
Stacked rings are part of my daily uniform.
Jenny Bird
Chubby Huggie Hoop Earrings
Jenny Bird's huggies are my go-to everyday earrings.
Laura Lombardi
Heaven Sip Sterling-Silver Pendant Necklace
This necklace can be worn alone or layered.
Tailored Coats
Mango
Striped Wool Coat
This coat looks so elegant with relaxed jeans.
Zara
Double-Breasted Coat
My mom's go-to style is an A-line silhouette.
Other Stories
Voluminous Belted Wool Coat
Comfortable yet statement-making.
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Houndstooth Check Wool Blend Coat
Ralph Lauren's designs are among my mom's favorites.