Spring has certainly sprung across North America, but in my wardrobe—not so much. B.K. (Before Kids), I prided myself on keeping up with seasonal trends, but these days it takes an intervention before I realize that I’m still sporting maternity leggings and ratty nursing tanks. Rather than wait to be accosted by the proverbial Stacey and Clinton, I decided to get proactive and consult with some of my most fashionable friends, followed by an insane amount of “research” in the Pinterest hole. The good news? I’ve decided to share everything that I learned and thus have compiled this season’s ‘Must-Haves for Moms.’ That’s right—here are the crib notes on summer mom style.

A Convertible Dress

This one is a game changer. A dress that can go from casual at the park to date night in a blink. And it’s perfect for travelling because it doesn’t wrinkle. Get one in a bold colour and you won’t be disappointed.

A Sexy Swimsuit that Sucks it All In

I am in love with my Jena in black by Miraclesuit. I’ve worn it through three summers and several tropical vacations and always get a ton of compliments on it. Unlike some other shapewear swimsuits, it doesn’t look like something MY mom would wear. And it really does make you look two ten pounds lighter in ten seconds.

A Diaper Bag That Doesn’t Look Like One

If you are still in the diaper bag stage, you don’t actually have to get stuck carrying around a plastic Winnie-the-Pooh tote from the baby store. Choose a bag that you’d use even if your potty training days were far behind you. Skip Hop’s Duo in French Stripe is one of my favourites.

A Bag that Screams “Cool” Even When Filled With Cheerios

If you are lucky enough to have survived and gotten past the diapering stage, pick a bag that screams cool, yet has enough room for all the things your kids will invariably make you carry.

And now, for the shoes…

A  High Heeled Dress Sandal That Won’t Kill

This sexy gladiator from Sofft is actually… soft. It comes in black or gold. The gold is a great neutral for summer weddings and date nights and pairs perfectly with the convertible dress above and a gold statement necklace.

A Just-off-the-Runway Simple, Elegant Wedge

This mod-blocked wedge appears higher than it is (yes, comfort.) Its wide base means you can actually wear it to the soccer match or an outdoor event and make waves at both (and not sink into the ground.)

A Casual Comfy Pop of Colour Sandal

This low espadrille in an eye-popping burnt orange (they call it “grenadine”) replaces my grungy old flip-flops—yes, it’s that comfy and versatile. It’s cute enough to wear with a dress or shorts and casual enough to wear to the playground.

The difference between ‘hot-mess mom’ and ‘still-with-it-chic’ are a few versatile pieces that you can pair with your existing wardrobe. Here’s wishing you a summer of family fun, date nights, and lots of “Where did you get that?” moments.