So, according to my sisters (3 of them) and friends, no matter what I wear I always look kind of fancy. Maybe, just maybe they are right (I do have this tendency to make even sweatpants look fancier).

Years ago doing that was easy. I lived in heels which make almost anything look dressed up. I was a young, newly married woman walking the streets of NYC! But now?

I would probably break my ankles if I tried to carry a baby while chasing a toddler in heels (I do it SOMETIMES).

However, I’m not giving up! Oh no, I’m not. I may not be able to wear heels, but I will keep looking for ways to look a little fancy…even if it takes the little brain power motherhood has left me with.

So.  Noticing that a great deal of moms love their chinos and cargo shorts because dah, comfort, I decided to take this old pair of khaki cargo shorts I had in the back of my closet and try to make them look less frumpy and more fancy…and I found a way.

I immediately got why they are loved so much when I tried them on. Even though they can be a little frumpy and unflattering sometimes; they are loose, have spacious pockets and indeed are really comfortable. With that in mind I decided to cover them up. A long vest does both cover the frump and make them a little fancier without taking away the comfort. Extra points if it has side slits for easy access to the pockets.

Since I went for a neutral palette, I added some fun by mixing up a striped top with leopard print flats. I truly love that combo. Gold layered necklaces and watch and this millennial young mom is pretty much convinced about getting a pair that actually fits her new post-2 babies-waist. (I had to super suck my pooch in for the pics.)

I know my shorts are more on the short side, but it’s a comfortable length for me. I actually think the length depends on body types and personal style.

Outfit Details

Shorts – Armani Exchange – but these Julie Drawstring Shorts are a really, really cute pair of cargo khaki shorts, the inseam is over 5″ when uncuffed. These Anthropologie are also very similar to mine but with longer inseam. Obsessed with both!

Top – Stateside stripe tank (very similar) Or this beautiful ruffled stripe tank to wear by itself. So pretty! Mine is Banana Republic.

Vest – Longline Open Front Vest This was the only vest I could find with the side slits at the time I was looking for one. But I recently found this Bar III that looks amazing too. I hemmed mine due to my petite size. Check more vests at the end.

Shoes – Pointed toe leopard flat (similar) I’ve had mine for quite some time and wear them on repeat. They were a great buy! Also love these Boden Leopard slingback flats!

Bag – J crew Edit Bag (similar)

Sunglasses – Kate Spade Gladiators. I seriously don’t take them off!

Necklace – Orelia Gold ring necklace

Shop more vests

PS. Find me on Instagram or Facebook  (@theunbosom) for more on this stylishly tired mama