The “Soccer Mom” Aesthetic Is the Sporty-Chic Trend to Try This Fall

When you think of the 2000s soccer mom, what outfit comes to mind? Perhaps she’s wearing capris with ballet flat sneakers, spritzing herself with Ralph Lauren’s Romance before arriving at the fields with juice boxes and cookies for the team. While the Y2K soccer mom aesthetic deserves some appreciation, 2024’s “soccer mom” trend fuses our love for relaxed sporty silhouettes with classic closet essentials—consider it a sporty twist on the “rich mom” trend.

For context, sports have been on everyone’s mind this summer: The gym short replaced our denim cut-offs, the Paris Olympics was the summer’s buzziest event, and the US Open is just on the horizon. Of course, the soccer mom would know all of this (she’s had it written down on the calendar for a week!) and would arrive to all her upcoming events in a polished-yet-casual look worthy of Princess Diana. Ahead, we have all the details on the aesthetic, plus how to get the look.

The Trend

When ’90s fashion and biker shorts simultaneously made a comeback, it was divine timing for the iconic Princess Diana looks to become inspiration once more. Her now-beloved outfit formula includes biker shorts, an oversized sweatshirt, sneakers, and a tote bag of choice. It’s easy! It’s chic! It’s also been re-created numerous times by stylish celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber—the list could go on. While athleisure hit its peak in early 2020 and 2021, what’s taken its place is sporty silhouettes that are just as comfortable, and a little less on the nose than a matching workout set.

Gym shorts, jerseys, track pants, and sneakers may feel like they belong in your dad’s closet, but these normcore pieces have gotten the Gen Z-treatment. When styled with classic pieces like button downs and cashmere sweaters, they take on a casual yet pulled together vibe that would go perfectly with a minivan.

How To Get The Look

Early 2000s options—knee-length capris and tight Abercrombie tees—can feel like a costume, so while the trend’s moniker takes inspiration from the era’s soccer moms, there’s wiggle room to play around with updated styles. Think: Sporty & Rich x Adidas’ soccer shorts, Dad-core New Balance sneakers, and cutesy workout dresses. Ahead, we’ve pulled together five simple sporty outfits to re-create that emulate the soccer mom’s allure.

Biker Shorts and a Sweater

Consultant and stylist Sara Walker put a modern-day spin on Princess Diana’s go-to formula with a striped sweater and white Alo High-Waist Biker Shorts. This is the easiest outfit formula on the list, and you likely own these items in your closet already—which makes it perfect for running errands or a day when you’re running late.

Jersey and a Mini Skirt

Fully lean into the soccer mom of it all with an oversized soccer jersey that you can easily get second hand or at a sports shop. Pair it with a skirt and sneakers for a feminine spin on the athletic piece.

Sporty Shorts and a Button Down

There’s a reason why the fashion girls can’t get enough of soccer shorts—they’re comfy, versatile, and easy to make look polished. Follow in creator Alexandra Sheehan’s lead and pair yours with an oversized button-down and fisherman sandals for a trendy take on the sporty outfit.

Workout Dress and Fun Hat

If you haven’t yet invested in a workout dress, let this be your sign to do so (we’d wager the early 2000s soccer mom would eat this look up). You can layer it with an oversized sweater, or wear on it’s own for a cute yet practical sporty outfit.

Track Pants and a T-Shirt

The fall boss of the summer sporty short trend: Track pants. Think of them as you would a trouser, and style them as such with a basic T shirt, polo, or dainty top to add some girly flair.