What Is a Beige Mom? Decoding Ann Arbor’s Latest Trendy Label

If you’ve overheard teens at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School (or anywhere, really) talking about “beige moms,” you’re not alone. The phrase has been popping up in conversations, social media posts, and maybe even in group chats you’re not supposed to see. But

Who (or What) Is a Beige Mom?

A beige mom isn’t just a mom who wears beige—though that’s definitely part of it. It’s more of a vibe, a carefully curated aesthetic, and a lifestyle that leans into muted tones, minimalism, and an almost effortless perfection.

Think neutrals-only wardrobes, an Instagram-worthy home filled with light wood and white walls, and a deep commitment to organic snacks and Stanley tumblers. A beige mom is the kind of parent who:

✔️ Dresses in cream-colored sweaters, linen pants, and New Balance sneakers.

✔️ Packs Bento box lunches with perfectly cut fruit (bonus points if it’s from the Kerrytown Farmers Market).

✔️ Drinks oat milk lattes in an Ember mug while driving a white Tesla or Volvo SUV.

✔️ Buys only Montessori-approved, aesthetically pleasing wooden toys for the kids.

✔️ Has a home that looks straight out of a Studio McGee catalog—lots of beige, white, and subtle hints of sage green.

✔️ Knows all about quiet luxury but would never call it that.

The Beige Mom Personality

Beyond the aesthetic, beige moms exude a sense of calm, controlled energy. They are organized but not rigid, health-conscious but not extreme, and stylish but in a way that looks like they didn’t try too hard (even though they totally did). They shop at Lululemon and Eileen Fisher, love farmer’s markets and pilates, and have a deep appreciation for matcha and clean skincare brands.

"Sad Beige Mom" started trending in 2023. The Moms protest, "because we enjoy a quiet, simple, relaxed life does not mean we are sad. The kids don't understand." As one Beige Mom said, "The choice to have colorless toys, muted colors in our nurseries and wear quiet neutral clothes has nothing to do with the way we interact with our children. Colors will appear organically in nature and the love we show for our children is not materialistic."

They are the Pinterest moms of the 2020s—less about over-the-top DIY crafts and more about a minimalist, well-balanced life.

Why Are Teens Talking About Beige Moms?

Teens at Pioneer High (and everywhere) tend to both roll their eyes at and secretly appreciate beige moms. On one hand, the ultra-curated lifestyle can feel a little too perfect, too predictable. On the other, who wouldn’t want a life where everything is aesthetically pleasing and stress-free?

The term is used with both affection and gentle teasing. It’s a way of recognizing that yes, their moms are stylish and put together, but also—why is everything in the house beige? Where’s the color? The chaos? The fun?

Are You a Beige Mom?

If your wardrobe consists of neutrals, your home is free of clutter, and you love a good cold-pressed juice, you might be a beige mom. And honestly? There are worse things to be.

At the end of the day, beige moms are just trying their best, creating a life that feels calm, curated, and maybe just a little too matcha-infused. And whether teens roll their eyes or not, chances are, they’ll be sipping their own oat milk lattes someday too.

What do you think? Are beige moms the new cool moms, or are the kids onto something? Let me know in the comments!