Is mom the new style icon? These Style Panel members think so

Forget about flowers, the ultimate Mother’s Day gift might just be bringing back her glory days. From mod minis to bold colour block hues, our Style Panel members are kicking it old school by channeling their mothers’ best looks. Conveniently, the 1970s rocked the runways this season, giving us a two-pronged reason for busting out the bell bottoms. Flip through for our Style Panel’s varied takes on mom style, and maybe even let it inspire a little of your own.

Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog

My mom grew up with a father who was in fashion, so it was really in her blood. At a young age, she seemed to be effortless with a tomboy edge, but doesn’t really remember a strong interest until she was a teenager and began working as a fit-model in Montreal. When I look back at pictures of my mom, Cynthia, I see the chic and simple outfits, classic shapes, and luxe materials (a fan of silk, like me). My mom had the vintage caftan I’m wearing picked up in the 80s during a trip to Florida. She often wore it while lounging, whereas I’ve worn this dress basically everywhere, from work to parties, and even to the pool. It’s the perfect summer slip-on!

Happy Mother’s Day Mom! Thanks for letting me steal your clothes.

Barbara’s wearing: Dress, Vintage. Sandals, Hudson’s Bay. Glasses, Clearly Contacts.

Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets

My mom never fails to amaze me with her sartorial memory. Any punchline of nearly every story she tells is followed up with a detailed description of what she was wearing, where she bought it, and how much it cost (and roughly the retail price it would be today). It is a skill I know I will never have but certainly hope my blog might help jog my memory in the future. It certainly is a pleasure looking through old photo albums with her.

Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents

My mother probably doesn’t want you to know this, but she was born in the early 60s which for me represents a very experimental time where people were playing with prints and patterns and colors, and mod was a huge trend. Although my mom was a little tot when these trends were in full force I feel like she represents this carefree attitude, and the print of this dress (and it’s shorter length) pays perfect homage to this time.

Kayla’s wearing: Dress, Envy. Necklace, Beck and Boosh. Shoes and Bag, Nine West Shoe Studio. Coat, Forever 21.

Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

The culotte pant reminds me so much of my Mom’s style back in the 70’s. My Mom wore sweeping bell bottoms, flare jeans and wide leg pants. Whenever I wear this pair of culottes, it brings back the memories of the pictures of my Mom in her wild pants. I love how culottes can be completely played up with the 70’s trend by pairing these with a bohemian white lace top or a neck-tie blouse.

Becky’s wearing: Top and Bottoms, Topshop. Sandals, Le Chateau.

Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure

My mommy has always had classic style, it’s probably where I got it from. One piece of advice she gave me from a young age was, not to suffer with uncomfortable cheap footwear. She inspires me to look chic even when sporting a pair of sneakers. You look great when your feet aren’t in pain!

Kira’s wearing: Trench Coat, Pure Cashmere. Blouse, J.Crew. Jeans, DL1961. Sneakers, Party Skirts x Keds. Bag, Tory Burch.

More Style