So, at the risk of showing my age, “What is up with the cost of pencils these days??” I experienced post-school supply shopping shock while driving home in rage from Walmart on Narcoossee last week. Nine dollars and ninety-nine cents for… a box of pencils?! (I’m looking at you Ticonderoga.) Don’t get me wrong, I know back-to-school can be hard for the kiddos. But the August-induced stress is a lot for moms (and teachers!) too. So while I can do nothing about the cost of Fiskars scissors or the emotional fortitude it takes to will your 5^th grader out the door for a new school year, I can help make getting yourself look (and therefore feel) a little bit more ready for all this season will usher in. Here are some easy outfit formulas to make this back-to-school season a little more manageable. 

First up, the carpool line. It’s early. And you know if you wear pajamas, you will inevitably wind up in a fender bender on Narcoossee and have to talk to the cops in your comfy bra. So go with your instinct and wear real clothes. Pair soft joggers or wide-leg cropped pants with a striped tee. It’s still relaxed, but the classic print reads intentional. Forgo your flip flops and slip into a cute little colored flat. Nice shoes help decrease the PJ vibes. And for a 10-second glow-up, you can add a patterned headband and oversized sunglasses so you won’t even need concealer. Extra points for earrings and, if you can muster it, a smile. (after coffee, of course.) Voila. 

Once the kids are safely deposited, it’s time to think about you—and that usually means work. If there’s one piece that feels like it was invented for busy women, it’s the wrap dress. It’s flattering, comfortable, and somehow magically looks polished without any extra effort. Plus, no extra brain power needed to match it with another piece. Just throw it on with neutral heels or loafers. And you can pair it with a blazer or a jean jacket for chilly offices, depending on your work culture. Wrap styles are universally figure-flattering and make a great addition to your workwear uniform. A true office hero.

Errands are a full-contact sport, and your outfit should keep up. Enter high-waisted wide-leg cropped jeans—they’re trendy and comfortable. If you aren’t into the boxy bottoms, I get it. (Orange you glad I didn’t say barrel jeans?) If you’re a classic girl, try a flat-front, tailored short instead. I love the 5-inch inseam fit because that length feels like a good mix of polished and youthful. Pair them with a ribbed, fitted tank and you are good to go. I love this look with a fresh sneaker and a coordinated baseball or trucker hat to prolong your wash day. And when it comes to accessories, is there anything better than a pair of hoops? And try a crossbody belt bag instead of a tote—keeps hands free for coffee and cart-pushing. 

And after all that running around, maybe—just maybe—you’ll get a night off. Whether you’re hitting Nona Blue, The Nectar Room, or Sam’s Club (romance is relative, ya’ll,) an easy go-to summer staple is a flowy maxi dress or jumpsuit. Extra points for bold florals or prints that celebrate summer. Plus, depending on your workweek, the right maxi or jumpsuit can double as workwear with the right accessories and blazer. On date night, pair with some neutral wedges. And since you don’t have to carry other people’s stuff tonight, switch out that purse tote for a sleek clutch in cork or rattan for the perfect summer accessory. 

Back-to-school doesn’t just mean pencils and planners—it means moms need their own uniforms too. So, now, just like your kids have all the supplies they need and you equip them to jump back into routine, you can arm yourself for busy schedules with easy outfit formulas that save you precious mental energy but still make the grade.