Issue #110: How to dress like a cambridge mom

Aliza breaks it down.

Aliza Sir

and

Platonic Love

Jul 03, 2025

Hi, friends! Aliza here. Today’s issue is a cross-post from the fabulous

mom friend

Cheesing with my son on Martha’s Vineyard.

Jennifer Cook

explained in her viral essay how to dress like a brooklyn mom, the best place to see the latest mom fashion is… the playground.

After I (Aliza) moved to Cambridge, MA in 2013, the playgrounds were one of the first things I fell in love with. I was 23 and had no kids, but I rode my bike everywhere, and it was (still is) hard to go a block without passing a park or playground. Each one has its own unique charm. I remember sitting on a bench in a tucked-away neighborhood park eating ice cream with a circle of friends at golden hour and being smitten with the whole town.

In our late twenties, my husband (then-boyfriend) and I moved away for a few years. It wasn’t until we left that I realized how much Cambridge had imprinted on me — and how much I wanted to move back. I started daydreaming about walking through its tree-lined streets again, along the historic brick sidewalks and past lush gardens, imagining bringing my own future kids to those spiral slides and tire swings tucked between a public library and a public garden.

The people here are surprisingly unpretentious about academics — or fashion. There are trends, but few trendsetters; hip people, but not hipsters.

While Jen sees a parade of stylish women on her Brooklyn block every morning, Cambridge moms dress a bit lower-key — ready to hop on their bike or the T to swing by the post office, pick up a croissant at a local bakery, or meet a friend at the bookstore.

Here’s the easy uniform you’ll find the moms wearing around Cambridge’s many playgrounds this summer…

1. The softest possible t-shirt

In between packing the diaper bag, grabbing goldfish and fruit pouches, and bathing everyone in sunscreen, you don’t have a ton of time to get dressed — so you gravitate to super soft t-shirts that you can throw on with little thought. When you finally get to the playground to meet up with your mom friend, these shirts are cute enough she’ll still ask, “Where’s that from?”

**imogene & willie heart tee, Hanes perfect crewneck, Alex Mill striped tee, Buck Mason slub easy crew, Marine Layer crop tee**

2. Shorts with pockets

Along similar lines, comfort is key. Long, baggy shorts are super trendy among Cambridge moms right now.

**Levis shortalls, Patagonia Baggie dupes, Gap linen shorts, agolde long shorts**

or…

I’m obsessed with **this leopard print bag** — and have Jen (of mom friend) to thank for it!

3. A sleeveless midi sundress

The stylish Cambridge mom has at least one of these summer staples in her closet — one in a neutral color and another in a bright shade or pattern. It’s a perfect outfit for both day and night… and eliminates most of the decisions that come with getting dressed. Just choose sandals, flats, or sneakers.

**Reformation Monette dress, Ciao Lucia polka dot dress, Gap Factory drop waist dress, Uniqlo cotton gathered dress, & Other Stories halter midi dress, Old Navy fit and flare dress**

4. A light top layer

At night or on cloudy days, it can still get chilly. You’ll want a light sweatshirt, button-down, or windbreaker on hand that you can squirrel away in the diaper bag or under the stroller when you’re not wearing it — especially if you’ll be out of the house for a few hours, dashing from one birthday party or toddler activity to the next. Plus, it’s another way to give your outfit more style and personality.

Madewell boxy button up shirt, Quince chore jacket, Athleta everywhere jacket, **Amazon Essentials sweatshirt**

5. A cross-body bag

The hands-free aspect is critical, since you’re probably pushing a swing, stroller, balance bike… or stopping your kid from running into the road). And if you choose a leather or woven option, it won’t look out of place if you go directly from the playground to a kids-free dinner at your favorite restaurant.

**Clare V grande fanny, Lululemon curved crossbody, Baggu fanny pack, Lo & Sons bond bag, Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag, Cotopaxi kapai hip pack**

6. A shoe/sandal you can walk and bike in

Cambridge is extremely walk- and bike-able — which means you’ll want to wear shoes that can handle the trek from the park to coffee shop to street festival, and so on.

**Teva slims, Converse Chuck Taylor high tops, Freda Salvador sneakers, Birkenstock Evas, on running slip ons**

7. And other critical accessories

There are several other things a Cambridge mom cannot leave the house without — especially if she’s packing the diaper bag and staying out until (or straight through!) nap-time.