Wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus, AKA Wardrobe Whisperer, joins with us weekly to answer your style questions. Have a query? Send to jessica@wardrobewhisperer.com

Q: What does a working mom wear on the weekend? I struggle when I need to transition into mommy-mode. It’s much easier to get ready for work when all I need to do is put on a black dress.

A: As with many obstacles related to ‘mommyhood’, it boils down to developing a system. To wit, my system for dealing with the demands of a long day which revolves around two little kids is:

Don’t sweat the small stuff + Hire/ask for help + Keep a fifth of gin on hand at all times

You mention that a black dress is your styling system for work. These formulas can become your system for weekend wear:

1)  Maxi Dress + Flat Sandals

Try an easy but polished piece like this one from Rebecca Taylor. Pair with modern but comfy flats and appear effortlessly pulled together.

2)  Day Dress + Slides

A cotton day dress is worth its weight in gold considering you can wear it hard and launder it at home. J Crew has a cute striped version that looks marvelous with slides.

3)  Denim Skirt + T Shirt/Tank + Slides/Sneakers

If your shape demands more structure than the above options provide, opt for a denim skirt which is endlessly versatile. Madewell has a well priced, raw edged number that is just the right length. Try Vince for amazing tanks and T by Alexander Wang or Rag and Bone for the perfect T shirt. Slides with some visual interest are a great addition, like these from Elie Tahari, or grab your favorite sneakers if you need to be extra comfy.

As you build your summer wardrobe, make sure to mix patterns and colors in with your neutrals to keep things looking fresh and seasonally appropriate. After that, all you need to do is remember one more formula for being a working mommy:

Take it easy on yourself + Find some time for yourself + Pour yourself that drink (now!)

Jessica Cadmus, the Wardrobe Whisperer, is a former Goldman Sachs employee who is now a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper.  She is recognized as an industry expert on dressing Wall Street professionals.  She has appeared on Bloomberg’s Rewind with Matt Miller and has been interviewed by Wall Street Journal’s FINS.com.  She is ready for your style questions.  You can send them here and check this recurring column for a response:  jessica@wardrobewhisperer.com

Featured image by xixinxing/Dollar Photo Club