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Juggling a job, a house, and a family takes its toll on today's moms, often placing them in a veritable fashion rut, if not an actual crevass! So how does a chic mom climb out of that deep chasm and get back on board the fashion express?

First, decide which of the four basic styles best fits your personality and lifestyle. Are you preppy, athletic, sexy, or more of a beachy type? Next, follow these guidelines to get ready for summer and free the fashionista hiding under those old blue jeans and baggy t-shirt!

Preppy mama

This look incorporates tailored lines with classic style and fit. The traditional button-down oxford is back for this summer, with a twist! Check out Vineyard Vines' new Sconset tops: a solid-color oxford with turn-back cuffs in a bright accent pattern. Or how about an oxford with ruffles or a tuxedo collar? This year's popular colors are pastel solids and pinstripes. Top any of these blouses with a short tailored jacket or a traditional blazer for a dressier look.

Ralph Lauren's polo shirts and tailored slacks, Bermuda shorts, and capris are always a good choice, and colors like khaki or tan are easy to pair with any blouse. White slacks and shorts are another great choice, as they just scream "summer!"

Other staples for your preppy wardrobe include cricket sweaters, madras or khaki skirts, seersucker or linen tea dresses, tennis skirts, and simple halter dresses. For accessories, choose small simple handbags, leather or ribbon belts, silk scarves, and classic sunglasses. Preps wear tasteful jewelry with genuine stones and silver, gold, or platinum nothing too flashy. Preppy shoes include loafers, leather pumps, simple sandals, dock shoes, and top-shelf sneakers.

Preppy should say "ivy league" and "old money." Understated yet sophisticated. Preps wear natural fabrics like cotton, silk, cashmere, linen, and wool. They generally eschew polyester! Although preppy clothes are often more expensive than other styles, they are usually well made and will last for years. As an added bonus, this type of clothing rarely goes out of style. The best places to shop for preppy fashion, in addition to the ones already mentioned, are J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Lacoste, L. L. Bean, Land's End, and Vicomte Arthur. Most of these retailers have online catalogs and stores.

When purchasing preppy clothes online or from a catalog, be precise with your measurements in order to avoid returns. Since most of these items are tailored, there isn't much room for guesswork.

Athletic

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