Style Tribes: How to Look Effortlessly Chic Just Like Cool Moms

There's that archaic idea that says once you become a parent, you lose a few cool points. Such is not the case with Hollywood's modern mothers.
Even with the massive responsibility of nurturing a child, these ladies approach style with a certain maturity, grace and fashion-forward thinking we may not always get from budding It Girls or street style stars. Of course, these women all have their own distinct styles, but whether they're about to jet away on a red-eye or donning a high-fashion muumuu, they still somehow manage to look aspiration.
So, what is the creative connection? Let's observe.

The cool mom doesn't care how the young kids are wearing things. She interprets trends in their own way. (Not to mention she likes to introduce us to lesser known brands and designers.)
Solange Knowles doesn't do the typical side cut-outs; she contrasts the sexy design detail with architectural features in Toni Maticevski. Jumpsuits? Jessica Alba goes print crazy from head to toe in a one-piece from Show Me Your Mumu. And Miranda Kerr's Miu Miu round sunglasses and sandals are an unexpected touch to the Bec & Bridge iteration. Feeling fringe? Jaime King pares down the whimsical aesthetic with an N: Philanthropy graphic sweater. These women prove that it's about how you wear something—not what you wear.

While the corporate girl relies on pencil skirts, silk blouses and practical heels, Hollywood's maternal moguls infuse their style POV into streamlined silhouettes and two-piece suits with punches of color and luxe fabrics. Nicole Richie's hot-pink hair might not be HR-approved, but her Calvin Klein Collection monochromatic ensemble lends itself for both the boardroom and red carpet events.

Any parent knows that traveling with a child is a tiresome feat, which is why our cool moms know to keep it functional in practical pants, flats and comfortable layers—great for those cold cabins or a throw-up accident. Just don't forget the sunglasses, which help hide those make-up free visages.

The biggest reason why these moms earn fashion cred in our book is that can basically wear anything and it'll work for them—not because they're moms but because they wear clothes with confidence. Had we tried Rachel Bilson or Sienna Miller's dresses, we'd look more like a walking fruit plate or knitted table runner. Had we opted for Michelle Williams' floral frock, we'd look more dowdy than desirable. Just sayin'.