Sponsored By Saks Fifth Avenue & ShopStyle Collective.

I’m a HUGE fan of MOTHER denim — without a doubt my most-worn denim brand by far. The fit, the feel, the styles, the washes…it’s practically a 100% guarantee that new styles of MOTHER jeans (as long as they’re not skinnies…I’m definitely not a skinny-jean gal) will work for me.

I’m also a HUGE fan of the flare-jeans-with-pretty-tops-outfit formula for summer. It’s a combination I’ve worn, talked about here at TME and loved for years. So when I saw MOTHER had a new style of full-length flare jeans, I knew I needed to try the Tomcat jeans in person because they would fit perfectly into my go-to summer denim outfit formula.

Saks has the absolute BEST selection right now of both designer flared-/wide-leg jeans AND playful T-shirts. Make sure to check out more of my top Saks picks in each section below (many of them are on sale…YAY!).

Denim (28) | Striped Tee (S) | Sandals | Similar | Bag

Summer Outfit Win: Flare Jeans + Playful Tees

If you’re not familiar with this easy summer outfit formula, here’s a refresher: 

Step 1: Find full-length flares you love.
Step 2: Wear a pretty top (this time I’m focusing on cheerful tees).
Step 3: Add sandals that give you some height.
Step 4: Add an interesting (but not too precious) bag.
Results: Easy Summer Outfit Win.

Denim (28) | Floral Tee (XS) | Sandals | Similar |  Bag 

1. Find Flares You Love: MOTHER Jeans Are IT For Me

Once again, MOTHER jeans do not disappoint. These MOTHER Tomcat flared jeans are stretchy and ultra-comfortable with a fresh current cut that has a lovely-for-summer drape. The roomier leg (compared with my older but still worn-on-repeat MOTHER The Weekender flares) gives them a flowy, laid-back, summery feel, despite the darker wash. Like so many of my other MOTHER jeans, I love them! And they work perfectly for the tried-and-true summer denim outfit formula. 

Denim (28) | Striped Tee (S) | Sandals | Similar | Bag

MOTHER Denim: Worth The Splurge

We talk a lot about cost-per-wear here at The Mom Edit, making sure we are bringing outfit pieces into our closets that we truly love and plan on wearing on repeat. In looking at ALL the denim in my closet (buying and trying out denim is a big part of this job), MOTHER takes the prize, indisputably, for best cost-per-wear.

They’re the jeans that fit my body the best AND are the most comfortable to wear. I have MOTHER jeans from years and years ago that I STILL wear and look great in. Although they are definitely an investment, MOTHER jeans more than any other designer brand has definitely been well worth this splurge based on how often I grab them to wear on a daily basis.

As I’ve said before, I would absolutely take one pair of MOTHER jeans over four pairs of any other brand. That’s why I’m frequently digging through the dirty laundry to find them despite having other perfectly good jeans hanging in my closet — they’re that good.

Sizing Note On MOTHER Tomcat Flares: I’m a little all over the place in MOTHER jeans sizing right now. For reference, I’m 5’2″, pear-shaped, 137 lbs. I’m happiest in a size 29 in my MOTHER Insiders and a 29 in my MOTHER Weekenders, but in the MOTHER Tomcat flares the 28s have plenty of room. For a snugger fit, I think I could have even gone down to the 27s, but I wanted a more relaxed, comfy feel in the waist, thighs and hips.

The inseam on the MOTHER Tomcat flares is 31”, so I did need to DIY the length to make them shorter. I’m considering taking them in for professional hemming to re-create the nice simple, clean hem they came with, but the raw cut-with-scissors hem works just fine as well.  

Plenty of fun full-length flares and denim from other great designer brands as well.

Shop Flared & Wide-Leg Jeans

2. Wear A Pretty Top: A Cheerful Tee Works

Instead of fancy tops or dressy blouses (which I often do with this summer outfit formula), I decided to focus this time on good-quality cheerful patterned tees since they get worn SO much in my day-to-day. I paired my new, fun MOTHER flared jeans with rag & bone’s perfectly vibrant floral tee for one outfit as well as Veronica Beard’s effortlessly pretty striped tee for another.  

Flare Jeans + rag & bone Floral Tee

Denim (28) | Floral Tee (XS) | Sandals | Similar | Bag 

You guys, this beautiful rag & bone tee is so good. Not surprising, rag & bone does T-shirts so well: the softness, the color combos, the prints — there’s a reason rag & bone is known for quality. I fell in love with the vibrant print and colors of this one. Just enough color to feel like it has some life, but placed on a cream background makes it easier to wear than many other tees with bright colors.

I’m wearing an XS in this rag & bone floral tee, and I really like it tucked into the roomier, more-relaxed jeans. If wearing this tee with more fitted jeans or skirts, I’d go with a size S instead. 

Flare Jeans + Veronica Beard Striped Tee

Denim (28) | Striped Tee (S) | Sandals | Similar | Bag

Veronica Beard is another favorite for great T-shirts. Similar to rag & bone, Veronica Beard tees often have color combinations and detailing that makes them feel particularly special. This striped tee has an effortlessly stylish, cheerful vibe, and the sleeve trim detailing and pretty color combination make me want to wear it ALL the time. The true sign of a shockingly good tee, right?

I’m wearing a size S here, and I personally like the more relaxed fit of this style for summer, but I could have easily gone with an XS for a bit more contrast in shape with the relaxed-fit flares.    

Shop Colorful & Patterned Tees

3. Add Sandals With Height:
Vince Lug-Soles Are Fantastic

Vince Sandals | Similar Sandals

Any sandal with some height works perfectly with this formula….gorgeous flatforms, lug-sole sandals, stunning clogs, sporty or classic wedges. These all work SO well with wide-leg pants and jeans for summer — also cute with dresses and skirts. The Vince Sandals above are going FAST, but many other fabulous options below.

Shop Gorg Platforms, Wedges + Lug-Soles

4. Carry An Interesting Bag: Nothing Too Precious

Raffia Bag

I love a good summer bag that’s interesting, but can be easily carried for casual and dressier occasions. This adorable raffia bag from Carrie Forbes meets all these requirements. It’s big enough to hold the essentials plus a bit more, and versatile enough to wear with jeans and a tee or a fancy party dress. The kind of bag that completes ANY outfit. I’m particularly drawn to the coppery trim that picks up the warm coloring in the T-shirts — so pretty!  

Shop Outfit-Making Handbags

Thank you so much to Saks Fifth Avenue for sponsoring this post. Saks has such a fantastic selection of designer jeans, pretty tops, gorgeous shoes, and special bags that it is truly a TREAT to shop their site for these beautiful pieces. Thank you also to all our TME readers…your time and support are SO appreciated.

-Linzi

photo credits: Redfield Photography

Oh hey, Pinners! This one’s for you…