Okay, fine. I’ll just say it. What the heck is going on in the world of fashion right now?! I barely made it through the mom jeans + crop top fad the first time around. And now we’re going back for more? 90’s fashion ain’t for the faint of heart...or for #mombods. If you happen to be former cast member of Dawson’s Creek or a unicorn person that can pull these trends off, then rock on, sister! But if you are struggling to compile a go-to wardrobe, it can be a challenge when there is so much in the store that’s not quite right. So if you find yourself in a no man’s land of fashion, caught somewhere between the juniors section and seasonal printed mock turtlenecks, fear not. I got you! I describe our current life stage as: “When someone calls you ‘ma’am’ and you know you should feel respected, but it also kind of hurts your feelings.” (accurate, right?!) It’s a weird stage of life to be in and dress for. I propose we stop living in the days of reinventing our style with each passing trend and start with a wardrobe foundation that will faithfully flatter.

You see, trendy does not = stylish. Stylish is actually a state of mind. If you feel it, you are it! It’s as simple as that. And wearing pieces that fit you well is crucial. Stop hiding in the oversized and shapeless. And quit letting those pre-baby jeans in your closet make you feel bad. Regardless of whether you’re at your ideal size, dressing in clothes that fit your body right now, is a must. Stop postponing life, happiness, progress until you wear a different size. That’s just silly. You deserve to feel beautiful now. So dress like it.

Once you know your current size, stock up on a few key pieces that will always perform for you. And if your size changes, pass them on to a friend or resell them. In the meantime, they will certainly serve you well. Here’s the short list of must haves:

1- There’s a reason you can always find a nice, mid-rise jean in a dark wash. It’s because they are the most universally flattering! Get some.

2- A simple, versatile dress you can dress up or down is necessary. An empire waist works well on almost any shape. Don’t go crazy with patterns here since this will need to work for different scenarios.

3- Next, get a handful of fun tops. You’ll want a mix of tees, tanks, and blouses to play with. A V-neckline is complimentary for most, so start there if you are unsure what looks best. Pay attention to color; think about what works best for your skin tone and hair color. There’s no hard and fast rules here, team. Have fun with this!

4- Now, comes my favorite part— accessorizing. (shocking, I know.) This is where you can get a little more loose. Accessories are a great place to start trying out different styles or experimenting with trends. If you find out animal print really isn’t “you”, you’ll only have a pair of shoes or earrings to give away, and not a whole closet of tops you don’t wear. You can try glam, boho, or sophisticated pearls. Test out bold colors, big earrings, or dainty and streamlined. Play with it all and see what style makes you feel the most like you. Accessories are an inexpensive way to make a wardrobe versatile and interesting. Also accessories always fit. (thank God.) So you can put them to use for years on end.

So even if you are in between sizes, or struggling to determine exactly what your style is in this life season, you can buy a few staple pieces that will hold you over and help you present yourself well through the process. There’s no reason to dress like the cool kids anymore. The coolest thing to do is find what fits and makes you feel like confident, you.