I need a SAHM wardrobe and have no idea where to start! What are your staple items and how can I do casual without being scruffy?

[IHeartKingThistle]

OK so I will be stopping work for a couple of years at the end of the summer term. At the moment I teach part-time - on my work days I wear a lot of smart-casual dresses and I really like belted dresses, full-ish skirts, slightly retro things. I really like colour but I have a lot of black for work. I like smart coats and bright scarves. I like the way I look at work (if I haven't overslept ).

On my day off I look like a total state. I have one pair of jeans that have paint on them and which constantly need hoiking up, a baggy hoodie which I wear far too much and a motley assortment of cardigans (I love cardigans) and ill-fitting tops that I've had forever. If I'm not going out you have to pry my dressing gown off me .

I do NOT want to look like version 2 of me permanently but I'm not going to be going round Sainsbury's or doing the school run in one of my work outfits. I need a happy medium and I have no idea! I want to look like me but I also need to be practical. I'd love some bright skinny jeans but not sure I can pull that look off!

The good news: I have a budget of £250 (which is never going to happen again once I give up work!). I hate paying full price for anything so may wait till the sales, but I'd really like some advice on how I can look good but still be comfy rolling around with DS and warm on the school run.

If it helps, I'm early 30s, beanpole-shaped and my favourite labels are Great Plains, GAP and Monsoon (sometimes) plus the odd vintage dress off ebay.

What are your SAHM (or day off, or weekend) wardrobe heroes?

I really need help! TIA

[giraffes]

cos cos cos! bit boring but vg quality and a teeny bit edgy
great jeans and shirts and boots and scarves and jewellery, most things are around fifty quid....also - h and m have some nice coloured jeans in at the moment that are v cheap

[TheSinglePringle]

I just seem to wear the same style which is skinny jeans and a bright vest top with boots. It's the same every day but its comfy

[jan2011]

im in a rut with this too. i never know what to wear and its usually skinny jeans and loose top or leggings and top and boots. currently trying to ditch the boots but cant find any comfy flat shoes and i walk a lot with the pram. when i can't be bothered i wear straight cut jeans and jumper. i do want to look nicer i have lovely clothes but i feel out of place wearing them as a sahm.

[mrssweetpotato]

Oh come on ladies, I need help with exactly this too. I need practical, washable, bfing friendly and gorgeous solutions. Surely someone knows...

[NoWave]

I have a few shirts and t-shirts from Uniqlo, skinny jeans, and some bits and pieces from Jigsaw (mainly skirts and jumpers), as my basic stay-at-home/do-stuff-with-my-one-year-old uniform.

I find Uniqlo to be great for picking up a variety of stuff at lowish prices, and it always feels uplifting and not too mumsy.

[notpodd]

I also struggled with this at first - but eventually settled on the type of clothes you get at White Stuff and Fat Face. I find it flattering, comfy and casual, but not actually so casual that I look like I've put no effort into my outfit.

[Sneezeblossom]

Jersey or knit dresses, cord mini skirts, jersey tops, cardigan, funky coloured tights and knee high boots or biker boots. Scarves.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Ooh some great ideas, thankyou! StyleGuile I'll have a look at your blog - it sounds great.

Avoiding mumsy is the key I think - Sneezeblossom that sort of thing sounds good and quite 'me'. Where do you shop?

Off to do more internet window shopping and avoid doing marking...

[MrsCampbellBlack]

If I were you I'd get a pair of jeans that fit you well and some brightly coloured skinnies.

Tops wise - I prefer shirts/blouses to t-shirts - zara, whistles and massimo dutti have some lovely ones and more will be coming into the shops soon.

A nice mac perhaps for spring? I like skinnies tucked into ankle boots - I bought some nice marant-alikes from new look in camel coloured suede. Will then wear sandals once the weather is nicer.

I'm also a fan of scarves - lily&lionel are lovely but zara, h&m are good too.

I do think accessories make a big difference too - a nice cuff, good sunglasses and bag - and there are loads of fab ones around at all budgets.

Also if you love dresses and retro style - wear them - just more casual versions. Easier to find casual dresses in the summer.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Brilliant advice MrsCampbell. I am RUBBISH with accessories but I know they can make all the difference.

[Sneezeblossom]

Great plains, la redoute, Laura ashley, fat face. One of my favourite dresses was £18 from sainsburys.

[NeldaAufwader]

styleguile you have some lovely clothes, and I do love your pink front door.

Marking my place for tips, am in a jeans and top rut of late.

[QueenCadbury]

I too am on maternity leave with dc3 and have decided to become a sahm rather than return to work. It does need a wardrobe re-think or so i tell dh in an attempt to justify buying clothes! It always amazes me just how dirty things get each day just with baby goo. Although I do wear fitted tshirts I find that after a few washes they lose their shape so I tend to buy blouse type tops which wash better. Would love to wear shirts but they never fit me...either the buttons gape around the boobs or stretch across the mummy tummy...not attractive. I tend to get my tops from white stuff and fat face and oasis but Dorothy Perkins seem to have a lot on their website althought haven't seen in real life. Like you I also have a rather large collection of cardigans so can make the blouses look different. I wear with jeans, slim or bootcuts depending on how fitted the top is and converse.

Gap are selling their khakis for £25 at the moment so they're a good alternative to jeans. I've just ordered some bright blue ones as me and skinnies don't get on!

I occasionally wear a skirt but feel too 'done' although I love skirts in the summer with sandals although not always the most forgiving thing if spending all your time on the floor...think I may have to buy some shorts for my modesty!
Happy shopping.

[tiddleypompom]

Am also watching with interest - currently in some old Jigsaw wide leg cords with long sleeve teeshirt (oasis staple) and 3/4 length cardy. 21 week DS looks smarter and way cooler than I in his Hadley romper :o

Was dismayed by recent thread re: toddler mums looking like they are 'going into battle' and have resolved to Sort It Out before I lose all remnant of style.

Checked out styleguile blog (great) and realised I walk past that front door every day - how weird is that?!

[tiddleypompom]

*hatley

[IHeartKingThistle]

OK I have spent some of my money! Ordered a few things from White Stuff which I haven't bought from before - I've seen them ridiculed on here before though!

Anyway got some nice things including this which is so lovely and comfy. Lots of patterns though so I think I need to offset now with some plain and simple things!

I've also ordered some things from Tesco, so it's balancing out!
Gutted that I don't want anything in the Great Plains sale that isn't workwear!

[ByTheWay1]

White Stuff are FAB - they let pets in the shop! So if I'm walking the dog I can also have a quick look instead of peering through the window! And they give him a doggy biccie...