6 Wardrobe Essentials For The Stylish Mother

Photography: Julie Adams Hair and makeup: Sarina Zoe Words and styling: Georgie Abay

When youre a mother, having fun with fashion isnt as easy as it used to be. Gone are the days when you could stare at your wardrobe pondering which outfit to wear. These days, getting dressed needs be quick and theres certainly no time for indecision. The good news is, its still possible to look pulled together and polished, it just requires an organised wardrobe filled with timeless pieces. We asked Sigourney Cantelo, mother to Max, 3, and founder of beauty website Beauticate, to edit down her favourite wardrobe essentials. Her picks? A classic preppy blazer, an elegant white blouse, a cable knit jumper and more. Given Mother’s Day is just a couple of weeks away, you might want to put these chic looks on your wish list. One things for sure: theyll last long past Mother’s Day…

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic, tailored and a little bit preppy.

What are your top five wardrobe essentials?
For winter, black ankle boots, white shirts by Tommy Hilfiger and Theory, statement necklaces by Venna, cashmere jumpers and my black tie-waist vintage YSL coat I bought at a flea market in Paris that goes with everything.

Who do you follow on Instagram for style inspiration?
Chic diminutive brunettes like Stylebops Fashion Director Leila Yavari (@filleilamignon), Julia Restoin Roitfeld (@juliarestoinroitfeld) and Margerita Missoni (@mmmargherita). I always love seeing what Margaret Zhang (@margaret__zhang) is up to, too.

Where do you shop for clothes?
Its hard to find the time to shop when Im at home, but when Im overseas Ill stock up. I love the designer outlets in Florence and New York where you can find beautiful classics. In Paris I go to Sandro, Maje and Zadig & Voltaire and in the states I like Tommy Hilfiger.

Heels or flats?
After I had my son Max my tolerance for high heels went out the window, so unless I have an event, I get around in flats! I like Ferragamo Varina ballets and am coveting a pair of Valentino Rockstud flats.

Do you plan your outfit the night before?
Rarely only if I have to get up and run out the door. I need to gauge my mood and the weather. If Im exercising however, I find that putting my gym clothes next to my bed so I can just pull them on is very helpful. Ive even been known to sleep in gym leggings when its really cold!

How do you juggle running your own business with motherhood?
With a fair amount of chaos and humour. You have to be able to laugh when things go wrong and I think motherhood is often a lesson in letting go. You cant do both jobs perfectly. Im getting better at turning a blind eye to mess and being okay with sending Max to daycare in a peculiar hotch potch of clothing because I havent had time to do the washing. On the business side of things, my team have had to get used to me running meetings on loudspeaker when Im driving to drop Max off and Ive been known to do coffee meetings with other mums in the industry in parks!

How do you switch off?
I did a Vedic meditation course with Gary Gorrow and when I make the time to do it, it helps enormously – I focus more at work, feel happier and sleep better. I try and meditate for 20 minutes either before Max wakes up or after I’ve dropped him at daycare before I start work. I also love jogging the harbour walks around Mosman – you feel completely immersed in the bush and the stress of the city feels a million miles away. Failing that, Netflix or a glass of wine in the bath!

What fashion items are you coveting this winter?
Celine boxy Bag (so roomy perfect for carting Maxs toys and snacks or my laptop for work), Tommy Hilfigers statement H jumper, MiH jeans and anything by Stella McCartney or Cecilie Copenhagen for my off-duty days.

SHOP THE LOOK: Tommy Hilfiger jumper, $249, from David Jones; Citizens of Humanity jeans, $299, and Victoria Beckham bag, $2945, from Belinda.