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The 10 Wardrobe Basics Celebrity Moms Can't Live Without

Yes, you can look pulled together at drop off with these wardrobe essentials that celebrity moms like Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani wear. Here are every mom's top 10 basics from the new book 'How to Look Hot in a Minivan' (11 Photos)

Janice Min on Sep 21, 2012 at 7:01PM

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The 10 Wardrobe Basics Celebrity Moms Can't Live Without

John Shearer/WireImage; Citizens of Humanity

Every Mom's Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials

The secret to effortless style is to forget the trends and build a wardrobe with basics. Don't believe me? Take a peek at the best-dressed Hollywood moms: Sure, you might see a few designer handbags and some uberexpensive shoes thrown in the mix (because when you make $10 million a picture, what's a few thousand bucks?), but by and large, these chic stars keep it simple with easy-to-wear separates, a style that's easy to mimic and doesn't require breaking the bank. Here are the 10 essential items every mom should have in her closet.

Dark Denim
It all starts with a great pair of jeans. "Whether it's a denim trouser or a classic pair of five-pockets, a flattering pair of jeans is the style staple that you just have to have," says Lisa Axelson, the creative director responsible for Ann Taylor's recent makeover. Stick with denim in a dark all-one-color wash (like these Citizens of Humanity straight-leg jeans) -- you don't want details or embellishments like whiskering, holes, or rhinestones on the back pockets. For a dressier look, add a heel and a tailored blazer. On the weekend, pair denim with a fitted tee, an oversize sweater, and ballet flats for a look that’s polished but still cozy. You also may want to invest in a pair of stretchy denim with Lycra, which can provide a little bit of a slimming Spanx effect (like a flatter middle and perkier tush), while also giving you some wiggle room as your weight fluctuates post-childbirth. Lycra content in denim can range anywhere from 1 to 4 percent, but choosing a 2 percent blend is best so you can avoid looking you're wearing leggings (or worse . . . jeggings!).

From How to Look Hot in a Minivan by Janice Min. Copyright 2012 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Press, LLC.