JULIAN PAIK ON HOW MOMS DO IT ALL—AND SO SHOULD THEIR DENIM

“Mom jeans” has been used as a punchline for far too long, but we’re flipping the script. What if mom jeans meant something else entirely—something like confidence, adaptability, ease and style?

What My Mother Taught Me About Style

Growing up, my mother was a beacon of style. She had a way of dressing that felt both intentional and effortless—classic tailoring mixed with quiet beauty. But more than the clothes, it was the pride she took in putting herself together. That was the lesson: style isn’t about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. Now that I’m a mom myself, I carry that same mindset; I find joy in getting dressed, even on the most chaotic mornings. And in the center of my wardrobe? A stack of denim—soft, lived-in, dependable and deeply mine.

Jeans That Actually Fit Your Life

When I got the chance to style pieces from Madewell’s latest denim collection, I said “yes” immediately. I wanted to create looks that felt like me, that I could actually live in—drop-offs, playdates, meetings, errands, library runs, park hangs, kitchen hangs, all of it. Here’s what I wore, and where life took me.

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Outfit One: Park Days and Button-Downs

First off, these white Barrel-Leg Jeans are so fun to wear and easily a favorite to add into the rotation. They are soft and comfy, but the side seams make you feel sleek and put together. I’m into belts these days, and Madewell has a great assortment of them; today I’m wearing the Triple Metal Keeper in Black. I kept it simple (and matchy) on top with the Leset Tee in White and “borrowed from the boys” with this Men’s Work Shirt. My husband had his own menswear line years back and I still borrow/steal his button downs and jackets frequently. The fit of a men’s shirt makes for a great jacket.

Classic Weejuns loafers because they’re so comfortable and will look better as they age, and these sunnies and earrings have been a mainstay all week. All in all, a perfect outfit for a day with my daughter as we ventured from one park to another (and another).

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Outfit Two: Monochrome, Meetings + More

I put on the Low-Slung Baggy Crop jeans today and I am very pleased with the wide-leg silhouette. I skipped a belt this time and threw on the Leset Tee (again) with this Shrunken Cardigan in the prettiest blue. I love that the blues are slightly off from each other, so I decided to go more rogue with these dark denim sandals. It’s fun to do monochrome, but it’s also just as fun to mix different shades and wear them all together. This outfit got me through a day of meetings, an alfresco lunch with a friend, then followed by a date with my daughter at the library.

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Outfit Three: Shibori + Soon-to-Be Sunrises

Our family just booked a trip to the Florida Keys and I cannot wait to pack for the beach! I tested out this Shibori scarf as a top and it stayed on as we had friends over for an early lunch. The scarf will go a long way during this trip—I’ll use it as a head wrap, tie the ends up and use it as a bag for beach essentials…and maybe my daughter can borrow it as a dress!

I paired it with the Low-Slung Baggy Jean in Airy Denim, which feels as light as linen and will absolutely be coming with me for sunset walks and sand-covered dinners.

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Outfit Four: When in Doubt, Wear the Dress at Pick-Up

Sometimes you gotta give your jeans a break! This black dress has been patiently waiting in my closet to get its moment, and today’s the day. It did all of the heavy lifting—all I had to do was add my mesh Greta Flats, throw on this men’s military jacket and I was out the door. Today started with a meeting with a new client, followed by—you guessed it—more meetings and then a kiddo pick up. My daughter ran up to me and immediately said, “I love your dress!” Outfit win.

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Outfit Five: The Bag That Parents Well

This crochet polo is a nice T-shirt alternative, and I love this striped crochet cardigan over it. I will be wearing this cardigan with dresses, tanks and basically anytime I need a sweater this summer. These Dean Easy Straight jeans are a perfect wash and cut. And a belt, duh—this time it’s the Western Belt in Black.

The cardigan set the tone for the color palette—I wore my Gretas in brown suede and swapped out my work bag mid-afternoon for this cute crossbody bag. It fits all of the essentials: phone, keys, wallet, headphones and snacks for my daughter and I to share at the park. These days we’re really into crudités, so I have little tins of cucumbers, carrots and olives.

And when I told you these sunglasses and earrings have stayed on…I didn’t lie.

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Style as a Love Language

When I think about what my mom passed down to me, it’s more than fashion; it’s the idea that showing up—feeling like yourself—can shift your entire day. It’s not about impressing anyone, it’s about anchoring yourself in the small things that bring you joy. That’s what I hope to pass on to my daughter: that style is personal. It’s self-respect. It’s play. It’s part of the story you get to write every day.

The Thing No One Tells You About Jeans

Here’s what no one says out loud: jeans are emotional. They hold your shape, your memories, your grocery lists in the pocket. They come along for the ride—every drop-off, every glass of wine in the kitchen, every “I’m just running out real quick.” So this Mother’s Day, give her a pair that fits her life. And maybe write a card, too.