Mom style: Day-to-evening looks

We’ve compiled some desk-to-dinner looks specifically with working moms in mind. Outfits you can easily put together between helping the kids with their homework/making the grocery list/getting ready for a PTA meeting....

Read on for seven pieces that are key to making your 9-5 wardrobe work double duty.

Over the last couple of years, chambray has made a huge comeback and chances are, you already own a variation of the lightweight denim shirt.

While denim used to be an office “don’t”, a chambray shirt becomes work-appropriate worn under a structured cardigan. Tuck it into a pair of cropped dress pants and button it up to the top to create the perfect backdrop for a statement necklace. Finish your look with a pair of trendy pumps.
Where to Buy? Chambray shirt, Old Navy, $28; Cardigan, Gap, $65; Pants, Winners, $20; Necklace, H&M, $15; Belt, Smart Set, $14; Pumps, Joe Fresh, $89

Get grocery-store ready by removing the cardie and trading your pants for comfortable, coloured jeans with some stretch. Undo the top button of your shirt, swap your necklace for a scarf, your pumps for a pair of metallic moccasins, and you’ve got a look that’s suitably casual but still chic.
Where to Buy? Jeans, Smart Set, $55; Scarf, Joe Fresh, $8; Moccasins, Globo Shoes, $30

A pencil skirt in a stretchy fabric is a closet chameleon. Dress it up for the office with a structured topper like this tie-front vest from H&M, worn over a simple long sleeve tee.

A pair of suede pumps with a slight platform completes the look.
Where to Buy? Jersey pencil skirt, Old Navy, $23; and T-shirt, $13; vest, H&M, $80; Suede pumps, Banana Republic, $128

Leave all the other PTA moms wondering how you manage to pull off an effortlessly cool, casual look straight from the office by simply swapping the vest for a faux leather jacket with contrast sleeves.

Trade your pumps for lace-up oxfords and you're ready to go!
Where to Buy? Jacket, H&M, $70; Oxfords, Gap, $70

Light enough to wear under a blazer, a thin knit is an essential piece for day-to-night dressing done mom-style.

For a fun office look, wear this aqua cable knit sweater under a navy blazer with a patterned pant in a contrasting hue. Finish the look with a pair of whimsical blue velvet, tasseled loafers.
Where to Buy? Cable knit sweater, Joe Fresh, $24; Blazer, Smart Set, $75; Polka dot pants, Old Navy, $40; Tassel loafers, Gap, $55

Get comfortable for a mid-week dinner out with the kids by wearing the sweater solo, with a pair of worn-in boyfriend jeans and flat ankle boots.
Where to Buy? Boyfriend jeans, Joe Fresh, $29; Ankle books, Aldo, $110

A working mom’s best friend, this ingenious convertible cardigan from Jacob can be worn four different ways to suit your needs — and your mood! For a feminine work look, wear it as a traditional cardigan buttoned over a printed blouse and atop a sleek pencil skirt.
Where to Buy? Convertible cardigan, Jacob, $69; Blouse, Joe Fresh, $29; Pencil skirt, H&M, $70; Pumps, Call It Spring, $45

For an evening at home where you're bouncing between the kitchen and laundry room before settling in for family movie night, wear the same cardigan long and loose over a cozy tank and a pair of simple leggings.
Where to Buy? Pure Body tank, Gap, $25; Leggings, Jacob, $30

A formal dress code means suits — and a lot of them. Try breaking up boring neutrals with small pops of colour.

Pair this suit with a striped silk shirt and an unexpected pink belt. If permissible, add some personality with a pair of python-print pumps.
Where to Buy? Jacket, Jacob, $169; and pants, $100; Silk blouse, Joe Fresh, $49; Belt, Smart Set, $14; Python pumps, H&M, $149

No doubt you’ve mastered the art of dressing a blazer down with jeans and a tee, but why not mix things up by pairing your blazer with an oversize graphic t-shirt, light-wash jeans and colourful flats for a fun and carefree look.

The bonus? The tee, jeans, and shoes are great transitional pieces heading into spring.
Where to Buy? Pineapple t-shirt, H&M, $30; Jeans, Old Navy, $45; and suede ballet flats, $23

Tailored, black trousers are a must in every woman’s wardrobe owing to their versatility.

Wear them with a flowy, colour-block blouse for a laid-back professional look at work.
Where to Buy? Trousers, Gap, $70; Blouse, Smart Set, $35; Belt, Jacob, $25; Shoes, Payless, $40

Change into a more comfortable look in a flash by subbing in this surplus-style blouse. Wear it untucked over the trousers with a pair of black flats for a cool, casual vibe when you’re chatting up the other parents at dance class.
Where to Buy? Blouse, H&M, $50; Flats, Aldo, $60

Ready this relaxed jersey dress for the office by pairing it with a crisp blazer in graphic stripes.

Continue the graphic theme through your footwear with a pair of modish two-tone heels.
Where to Buy? Dress, Gap, $65; Collarless blazer, Smart Set, $65; Shoes, Aldo, $100

Cast the blazer aside and get cozy! The slouchy dress is perfect for snuggling up and reading bedtime stories. It won’t matter that you’re not the one in your pajamas.

For late-evening errands, slip on a jean jacket and a leopard print boot, and you’re out the door!
Where to Buy? Jean jacket, Old Navy, $35; Cheetah-print boots, Winners, $60