I recently discovered that the phase I’m in is called “the bleacher years,” and that moms often miss it after it’s gone — not necessarily for the actual bleacher-sitting but for the bonding in the car with children, and for the feeling of showing up in such a literal way for our kids. I can already feel this. My daughter and I feel closer together given all the time we spend carting to/from practice and games. There’s something about sitting alongside one another, while I am largely engaged in driving, that seems to relax her and invite her to share more about her inner world. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know the other parents on my daughter’s team — a very special collection of people.
Anyhow, down to brass tacks. A few things I love for the sidelines —
SNACK BAG // TOTE // SNEAKERS // SOCKS // TATCHA // BUG REPELLENT // CHAPPYWRAP // UMBRELLA // RAIN COAT // PORTABLE FAN // SNACK BAG
01. The perfect rain jacket. The past three weekends have been rainy ones! This is a nice mid-weight — a bit heavier than a shell, but not super hot if it’s a little warmer out. Love the length, hood, style!
02. These Salomon sneakers are worth the hype. These are “the cool mom” shoe I saw all over London, but the coolest part is that they’re actually highly functional/technical footwear for actual hiking, which is handy when you’re trekking through mud and grass and slope en route to the field.
03. This tote holds SO much, zips closed, and is water-resistant — key for rainy/drizzly days. You can even set right into the grass when dewy/wet. Having worn this the past few weekends, I also have to say I love all the interior pockets! Makes finding your phone, glasses, etc so much easier.
04. I wear this to run but also love to throw a few things in it for a game so I can keep on my person if I’m moving about.
05. Compact umbrella — fits perfectly in a tote and incredibly well-made. We’ve had the same one for over a decade! Never inside-outs itself and surprisingly sturdy relative to size.
06. Weezie toiletry bag — you can have this embroidered with SNACKS on the side. Or use for all the first aid stuff you need — bandaids, hair ties, benadryl, pocket scissors, etc!
07. I write about these every year, but these are the best sideline chairs. Also great for parades, music events, picnics, campoing, etc. Ultra-lightweight and fold up into tiny parcels. You can carry four in the Vee bag!
08. This Tatcha sunscreen is my absolute favorite. I always keep this on hand because I’ll inevitably be sitting out there and worrying my SPF has worn off.
09. A hat is essential for keeping sun off face, and also helping with gnats? I find this reduces likelihood that they get in my eyes. What is it with the gnats this year?!
10. Lip softening balm — I’m never ever without one of these.
11. Sunglasses are a must, bien sur. BTW, did you know Warby Parker makes sunglasses?! And really chic ones. I love these and these (Celine-coded!)
12. Ultra-comfortable leggings are a must — my top recs are these and these.
13. This natural bug balm is always on my person.
14. I love a perfect sweatshirt for the sidelines — this striped half-zip has been a recent favorite, and I also adore this oversized mockneck.
15. I always keep a chappywrap in my car for chilly games. My kids absolutely love this and frequently fight over it in the back seat. Maybe I should put two back there. But it’s also handy for when my son inevitably complains he’s cold (after having been told many times to bring an extra sweatshirt, etc).
16. This portable fan is a game-changer for hot summer games.
17. I have and adore this Frank & Eileen set for an elevated sweat suit moment.
18. Love these for pairing with athleisure. Funny story: we got all the way out to the field one day (30m drive) only to discover my daughter had forgotten her cleats at home. She ended up wearing my Sambas to play that day! So these shoes really did double duty. Chic and functional. I can’t believe she fits into my shoes! She’s nine!
19. Classic cuff pant and the matching half-zip. Another athleisure favorite!
20. Have fun with your socks! Love these bandana ones.
21. Another fun sneaker option (seen in top photo) — the colors make it super fun.
22. Another cute embroidered hat option.
Styling Soccer Mom Essentials.
RAIN JACKET // JEANS // LONG SLEEVE TOP // SAMBAS // UMBRELLA
FRANK AND EILEEN SET // TOTE // SALOMON SNEAKERS // CHAPPYWRAP
PANTS // SWEATSHIRT // HAT // APL SNEAKERS // BUG BALM
P.S. Espresso for fall.
P.P.S. Under $200 fall trend edit.
P.P.P.S. October energy.
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