Mum uniform

[Redwagon]

I've just become a sahm to two toddlers, my days involve getting covered in food, playgroups and soft play.

I used to love dresses and nice tights/boots for the Autumn but it's just not practical at the moment. I've got some money to spend on new clothes but I need everything basically so budget is a big consideration.

I want clothes that are comfortable, practical and easy to put together but still look quite nice. I fear this may be the holy grail.

I've looked on Pinterest but I'm finding size 8 ladies with no mum tum.

Can anyone give me some ideas? Maybe a kind of capsule wardrobe that I don't have to think about too much everyday. Tips on where to get the basics for ok quality on a budget would also be appreciated.

Please help me not look like a scruff for the rest of the year

[MsUnderstanding]

H&M is good for my SAHMing needs. I see it as temporary so don't really want to spend loads on clothes that will end up stained, covered in toddler snot etc.

Step away from Pinterest, you're better off approaching the well dressed mums at toddler group and asking about thier tops, jeans etc.

[puglife15]

I agree with h&m. All my nice cashmere and silk hasn't been worn for ages.

Boring, but the uniform is jeans and a sweatshirt or slouchy jumper for me, every time. Over a vest but I never take it off. Shoes are ankle boots with a comfy chunky sole or high top trainers.

H&M £7.99 skinny jeans until my tummy fully deflates. They're not skin tight on me which I like.

Jumpers from H&M, Zara, Topshop, and a few cooler brands for sweatshirts.

I like not having to think about it.

If that's not your vibe, then I'd still go for slim cut jeans and ankle boots, but with a fine knit sweater. H&M does a nice boxy drop sleeve drapey one in several colours which is quite flattering:

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0390155017.html

[puglife15]

Actually I love boyfriend jeans too and see other people wearing great pairs but never see any myself.

[KindDogsTail]

So many new mothers, including me when I was one, end up in jeans and a slouchy top, often striped. The colours are grungy. It is understandable, but it ends up a like a neutered look now I see it objectively as if the mother does not care about herself anymore.

Very nice boots, seem to look nice and a pretty haircut or hair do. Perhaps a pretty blouse with a nice coloured sweater if you are wearing jeans or trousers. If you get a puffy coat, one with a waist/belt seems to look more feminine.

[Redwagon]

kinddogs I definitely feel like I've lost my sense of me when it comes to clothes. It's hard to make an effort when you know you're going to end up grubby. Can't do puffy coats I'm too short

pug that's really helpful, thanks. I don't mind boring when it still looks put together, that's why I'm trying to think in terms of a uniform so it takes away the throwing anything on kinda vibe I have going on now.

Will check out h and m.

[ImYourWomanJonSnow]

I work part time and spend the rest of the week with my toddler so for the first time ever have a work wardrobe and home wardrobe.

I'm actually going to advise against h&m, I started off with it but found myself just constantly having to replace things that started to look scruffy after a few washes - and wash a lot i do. Good quality doesn't mean expensive necessarily but it does involve more effort in the initial outlay. Good quality jeans are a must for me, I have a couple of pairs I found at TK Maxx. I have also found some great Toast jersey tops from Ebay and decent jumpers from Uniqlo. I'm not giving up on dresses either, just now I get them in jersey (some of the less garish offerings from - whispers- Boden) that I can wash in the machine along with everything else, and wear them with cotton mix or merino tights for winter and trainers or flat ankle boots. I did invest in a nice raincoat as the sight of my old scruffarama was making me feel miserable.

[sophiefinn]

Ha! You described me @kinddogstail - my brothers take the * out of me for always being in stripes but I can't help it. At least I'm not alone!

fashion.hellomagazine.com/fashion-news/201612155942/kate-middleton-best-mummy-duty-outfits/

[boatdancer]

For me, every day is leggings, loose dress, cardy. Comfy, practical, cheap. I buy a bunch of swing dresses from boohoo after each baby and they see me through!

[taybert]

To be honest I find dress, tights and boots at least as easy, if not easier than jeans.

[MrsPear]

taybert yes but then you have to worry about knicker flashing! Or perhaps I am the only one who has a small child that likes to go under my dress or have children who like me to get on floor at times and be silly?

I live in tunics or long slouchy jumpers and slim jeans or jeggings.
To look together I would choose a restricted palate.

[OnTheUp13]

A good coat to throw over that's glam. I've got a faux leather coat with a HUGE faux fur trim. Makes me feel like a rock star mum rather than a scummy one

[Glamorousglitter]

I agree with pp who advised against h and m, you need clothes that will wash well. I find it better to choose carefully.
Mango or river island have nice jeans that hold their shape better than h and m. Don't get me wrong jersey basics from ha and m are fine.

[taybert]

If the dress isn't too short and you're wearing tights it's not a problem. I find jeans the worst for needing to be pulled up to avoid bum crack when you're crawling around soft play!

[boatdancer]

Yes! My bum crack was forever peaking out before I switched to dresses and leggings, no chance of flashing anything

[FunkinEll]

Yes to the poster who suggested a good coat. It makes me feel instantly smarter. I go for trainers (I've always been a fun so they're my style), jeans but never skinny- straight leg or even wider leg with a high waist and a top. I like sweatshirts, jumpers with a bit of cashmere (can't afford 100%). Colour wise I like navy as a change from the usual black. A good hair cut helps with feeling a bit more put together too.

[FunkinEll]

And yes to Uniqlo, they have a lot of good basics. I like their denim and coats particularly. & other stories is great too if that's your style, H&M but a bit nicer.

[Dancergirl]

Watching with interest.

Where does everyone buy nice jersey dresses? I often find them too long, I am 5'3" and like shorter dresses, knee length looks frumpy on me.

[TheRhythmlessCarolMan]

Ooh I just came across this thread by accident and want to know more so...

Bump!

[Lndnmummy]

I’m another one for dresses and thick tights. Tights pull the mum tum in and no flashing. I get pretty much all mine from uniqlo or cos. There were some fab fleece ones in uniqlo earlier this season, they were £14.90! Such a bargain and I bought one in every colour. It takes me 2 min to get dressed in the morning, undies, tights, dress - done! No thinking required no matching needed.

I can’t believe these dresses, such amazing value and I get compliments wherever I go.

[TheRhythmlessCarolMan]

I thought you meant the tights were that price!
I might have a look on the websites to see if I can find anything.

Yes dresses mean there's hardly any coordination decisions to make.

[MumUnderTheMoon]

I have a couple of Carolyn Donnelly dresses from dunnes. They fall below the knee, they are made of lovely fabric and I wear them with flat ankle boots. I wouldn't have thought about shopping a dunnes but these dresses are awesome.