It took me a ridiculously long time to get dressed for last week’s date night, which is really silly because I wore what I always wear: A sheath dress and some fun flats. Date night needs to be that perfect combination of more dressed up than normal but as comfortable as always. Because I like to get dressed up, but I do not like to be uncomfortable.

I have issues.

What are the options for date night? Or for dinner out with the family or a a special service at church or any other event that calls for something a little spiffier than what you would normally wear? If you’re a busy mom, you probably don’t have the cash — or inclination — to invest in pieces that you can’t wear around the kids (because, if nothing else, the kids will want to kiss you on your way out the door, and possibly touch you with their grimy little hands). Look for pieces that you can fold into your everyday wardrobe and bust out for special occasions.

A dress is an easy way to get spiffed up, and if you choose the right dress, you can wear it for errand running too. These four, all from Old Navy, are affordable, machine washable, and super cute. And! Not one of them costs more than $30. Perfect.

Not a dress girl? Pair a pretty top with jeans or shorts (but not those shorts you were wearing to work in the garden — it’s date night, after all). Or dress up your basic tee-and-skirt combo with a really beautiful necklace — or three! J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons recommends layering long necklaces and pinning them together with a brooch, for a simple and affordable replica of this season’s chunky pieces. So easy!

The bottom line is this: Even if your entire closet is mom wear of some sort, you’ve probably got something in there that never seems appropriate for your mom life. Those are your date night go-to pieces.