people that have childrent that are starting school/preschool this year, be honest, are you thinking about what to wear on the school run?

[carriedababi]

or even mums of older children.

i've been starting to get a few things sorted for my dd, ordering name tags, sorting her wardrobe trying to make sure she has everything she need for september.

but i've also found myself thinking, what should i get for myself!


just thinking of things like new dresses,tops, coats, kaybe some new boots.

i haven;'t worn a watch for 3 years since i had dd, but i need to get a batterie in my old watch, so i've dug out a rather expensive one from day of yore.

they are sort of things i'd like, almost need but not quite need iyswim!

but to be honest, i think i want people to think myelf and dd look nice.

we are lucky that we have alot of family around and quite alot of friends, but i realise i'm about to enter this whole new world, where i'm going to mix with the parents i will probably see regularly/everyday for the rest of dd's schooling and i suppose i want to seem nice, friendly and look nice

[purplepeony]

OMG- I cannot beleive this!

My DCs are now adults, but I never once thought "What must I wear for the school run?" We walked, anyway, and I wore whatever I had onthat morning- jeans and a top or a skirt if I was on my way to work.

Are you really so insecure that you a) need to "dress to impress" and b) you need advice on what to wear to take your kids to school?

[CMOTdibbler]

Err, no. I'll be wearing the same as ever - suit if I'm off to see customers, leggings/skirt/jeans if back to home office. Or jodphurs if I'm sneaking off for some exercise.

And I don't even have many friends at all - but anyone who judges me on my appearance isn't someone I want to be friends with

[mazzystartled]

you need
a warm coat
boots
an umbrella
possibly, based on last winter, gaiters and a sou'wester

[NoahAndTheWhale]

I think you might be overthinking this a little bit

Buy nice clothes but becuase you like them, not for the school run. I will wear what I normally wear (ds about to go into year 2, dd about to start reception). I don't notice what other people wear other than to think "that's a nice top".

[TheMoreItSnows]

Harsh, but fair....

Just wear what you want, be comfortable and you'll make lots of friends...

[TrinityRhino]

I'm aiming to be clean

will be more than I managed last year

[mamatomany]

Ah bless, tbh If I can get back from school with all 4 children, homework, all their equipment and no blood shed I consider that a successful school run, prefer to send DH where possible though.
If i've had my hair done I always go to school on those days so they can see I look human sometimes

[domesticsluttery]

Oh I'm with you...

My DC are all in school now so I have been doing the school run for quite some time. But I do like to have new outfits for September.

Trouble is I usually manage it for about the first two weeks and then it goes slowly downhill, by Christmas I'll be in jeans and a fleece

[youngblowfish]

I think you had to endure some unnecessary bashing here. There is nothing wrong in having an interest in fashion and there is nothing wrong in seeking advice about it. IMO, it does not make you 'insecure' or mean that you are 'overthingking this'. It is also natural to feel apprehensive about meeting a lot of new people for the first time, but I am sure it will all work out fine. I would like to hope there are very few people who chose their clothes while blindfolded before they leave the house, so I am not entirely sure why it is so strange to know that somebody else is planning in advance.

As for fashion specific advice - don't feel guilty about buying new things for yourself if you can afford them. Go back to shops where you used to buy your clothes from before becoming pregnant and just pick what you like. I think perhaps you should dress for whatever you are planning to do for the rest of the day as opposed to just for the school run. If you feel like treating yourself to a new wardrobe, go for your favourite colours and good tailoring.

There is an interesting article in the Torygraph, which a) proves that you are not the only one who thinks about what to wear, b) explains some of the reactions to your post.

Anyway, have fun shopping!

[compo]

Lol

I'm starting to enjoy your posts on here carrie

you're like me, an overthinker

[FGM]

yes and no...

yes- in as much as I like to look pretty anyway wether I'm yomping about in the leaves and mud or painting or having pretend tea parties with my DDs

no- not thought about school run specifically since my normal clothes are lovely anyway.

I dress for myself and would not expect anyone to judge me- neither would I judge someone else, although it is natural to notice if someone dresses in an outstanding way.

I like dresses- but always get washable
I get shapes that are easy to dance/ chase toddlers/ cycle the school run in but still look good.

Leggings, skinnies and tights are better than trousers when it's wet IMO as the hems don't get soggy and they invariably look more stylish.

And of course coats- I look after things well and have a collection of good looking coats & jackets for all weather possibilities. You don't have to look like you are about the attempt the three peak challenge- unless of course you'd like to.

[JaMmRocks]

I think I'll be doing well if not in tracksuit bottoms and uggs, tbh. For the mornings, anyway

[Hazeyjane]

blimey, i'm just hoping i can get dd1 (4.4) to primary school, dd2 (3.2) to preschool and ds (4 weeks) out of the house for the walk up to school, if any of us are dressed at all, i will consider it a success.

[Mercedes519]

This has crossed my mind but mainly because the school DS starts at in September is literally 4 doors down from our house. He doesn't even need to cross the road.

And from September I'll be on mat leave - so here I am wondering if I can wave him off from the door in my dressing gown or this is a bit much when he's 4?

[carriedababi]

lol.

i don't mean it ina dress to impress way at all. just so i look niceish.
sorry if it came out the wrong way

perhaps it's because i'm getting quite a few new clothes for dd, as last years winter/autum stuff will not fit, so i suppose im broswing shops and websites for dd, and then thinking of getting stuff for myself too.

i'm happy with the amount of friends i have, but want to be friendly and nice to the other mums and dads i meet.

perhaps i'm just feling funny about my little girl whos only just 3 being away from me for the first time since shes been born, i know some people take it in their stride when their children go to preschool/school.
but for me it feels like a big deal.
as we have never been apart, i guess.

suppose i'm just aware i'm about to meet alot of people, i will be seeing everyday for a LONG time.

[JaMmRocks]

I think maybe I would feel the same as you in your situation Carrie, but DS is starting primary school being nearly five, I can see the school from outside my house, and it's the same school I went to as a child. Plus he's going with hordes of others from his pre shool so I suppose I'm well within my comfort zone and am lucky not to share some of your anxieties. Doesn't mean I won't be crying bucketloads in to my uggs as I walk back up the road though

[domesticsluttery]

I knew what you meant, it is a new school and you want to make a good impression.

I have bought a few items ready for autumn/the new term. They include a couple of merino tunics from Boden in different colours, smart jeans from Monsoon and a knee length denim skirt from White Stuff.

I bought a new wool coat in the January sales so that will be fine for this winter. Same goes for boots, there is still plenty of wear left in them.

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

Well, I am having the same 'dilemma' as OP Having lived 4 years in DHs tshirts PJs lougewear I need a whole new wardrobe. I picked up a few bits from Next , gap & a nice small cross body bag from fat face to stuff the emergency school trip money. I can't wear dresses as Bfing, so am trying to track down trousers that aren't utility, jeans or work.

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

smallwhitecat - that's abit unfair. I have endless worries, big worries but we all like to bury our heads in the sand abit and 'worry' about trivial things too. I know how people can 'judge' - not always harshly, but it's nice to feel nice and make a good first impression

[carriedababi]

i know i have a very easy life compared to other people in the world.

half the time what i post is only the ramblings of my mind, it's not something preoccpying me, just somethinking about today. while ordering things for dd.

i suppose my style varies from day to day, one day i'll decide to wear something like an dress and i'll do my hair wear a bit of make up, and someone say i'm over dressed for a day at home or trip to the park.

other days, like today i've got jeans onand a light blue top, no make up and i haven't washed my hair for 2/3 days.

so perhaps i swing from being a bit slobish[with non washed hair today]
and being a bit over dressed.

but i guess thats just how i am.

[compo]

Didn't you go out for four years then?!?
Did you go to toddler groups the library etc for four years in dh's tshirts?
Bizarre
dont you go out with mates?
Do you wear pjs to tesco, lol

[compo]

That was to asecretleminadedrinker

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

I wore maternity clothes for 18 (well 19!) months of those 4 years, and was fatter, frumpy, out of touch and didn't go out much for various reasons. As of september I will be interacting with civilised people again

[traceybath]

God - people are so mean.

Smallwhitecat - this is the style and beauty section - what major worry style worry do you expect people to have exactly?

Carrie - I'm thinking about AW clothes too - agree a good coat and some nice boots is the way to go. Instantly smartens everything else up.

Have fun shopping