To ask how do I go from drab to decent for the school run?

[Peppapiglovesbacon]

My DD starts school in September. She went to the school nursery for 2 years and to be honest I always felt out of place. My hair is always a bloody mess and my clothes either don't fit me or are primark specials which have been washed 5000 times and look old.

I'm only late 20's but feel like a frump. So I want to change that for September, im going to have my hair cut into something easily styled for the mornings, buy myself some makeup.

What are your tips and must haves for school run clothes? I'm on a budget so most of this will have to be ebay second hand but I have no clue of good quality name brands.

Please someone help me because I'm Fucking clueless 😩😩😩😩😩😩

Chelsea boots skinnys and a biker will save you this autumn

Just buy a biker jacket. Mine is a fake leather TopShop one but I call it my armour. I could be wearing my pyjamas underneath but I look fairly pulled together with that on. People only glance at you as they have their own stuff on their mind, the outer layers are all they really see.

Skinnies as in leggings or jeans?

I read an article in a style mag which said if you wear a nice coat and some lipstick on the school run , people will think you've made the effort and not notice much else

I find it incredibly sad that people feel the need to fit in like this. It reminds me of "Bad Moms" film. If you're doing it for you then good on you but don't do it just to be like those types of mums. If you're doing it for you I'd go for some decent footwear and decent outer layers ready for winter. The rest of your outfit won't really be seen so doesn't need to be expensive etc. if you have the budget get some good quality "staples" as well like good jeans and tops.

Right I've just bid on a biker jacket on eBay

I'm not sure why you have to be on either worn out primark stuff or good quality name brands. If you have any clothes budget at all you could at least buy fresh, new stuff from one of the supermarkets. It sounds like you've been last on the shopping list for a while!

I know MrTrebus, I'm partly doing it for
Myself because looking so drab gets me down when I see everyone looking so nice

Get a good foundation, I like the no7 colour match one in full coverage. Makes a difference to me

I'd also get a nicely fitted coat, some perfume (next pink is lovely)

I can't remember the last time I bought something new dum

Bretton tips are the middle class mum uniform for a reason. The joules ones last a very long time but any will do.

*tops

Don't turn your back on Primark. It's amazing for scarves which you will drape around your new biker!

I am astonished anyway would aim to gets dressed up for the school run. I am either in my work clothes - smart suit - or jeans and a casual top. One comes with makeup and heels; the other trainers. My jeans are just M&S. I really don't think anyone thinks I'm drab if I'm not wearing make-up (nor do i care if they do!). I ask hairdressers for a low maintenance professional bob. It works fine.

I stride on in there looking like a sack of shit with my head held high and I know they're the ones envious of my don't give a fuckness.

no help

Ok this isn't about clothes, but I get my eyebrows waxed and tinted and eyelashes tinted (I'm fair) and I get my nails done every three week (gelish ) I think it makes me look like I have a bit of makeup on and that I have spent time on my appearance (when I havent)

I'm with MrTrebus.
I've never seen anyone 'dress up' to take their dc to school .
You see people looking smart at Breakfast club sometimes as they are on their way to work, but you can wear whatever you want to take your child to school.
How odd.

Hats off to everyone who is happy and confident making no effort on the school run, these comments aren't helpful though.

OP says she's tired of feeling drab, and wants some tips on looking more 'put together' it's a reasonable request and I'm sure she'll he done great ideas.

Perhaps all those 'I always look like crap on the school run and I don't give a shit' type posters should just not comment.

*get some

or maybe a mix of style advice and knowing that looking "drab" isn't all that much of a big deal shows op a bit of balance and perspective?

I can't comment on clothes as I'm currently too fat to partake in anything even slightly fashionable, but a nice jacket/coat and skinnies with converse style shoes or a pair of boots would look nice.
Make up wise depends on what you're into really- some bb creams are really nice- there's a garnier one which is pretty decent coverage, little bit of lippy and mascara and you're done.
I literally always fall down with my hair regardless of how good the rest of me looks- I don't have enough for a messy bun so it's always just pulled back as I can't bare it in my face.

Self confessed sack of shite here but hope that helps a bit x

I had a baby and started having eyelash extensions. Love them so much and it always looks like I have makeup on when I haven't - at all.

Pop into Superdrug or primark if you can op- primark have really upped their makeup game and some of their foundation is comparable to Estée Lauder double wear, their lip crayons are lovely and only £2 x

Also have a look at Tesco and ASDA clothes as they're cheap as chips but anything new and white looks like you've made an effort imo.

I think it can be a big deal to some people. a lot of the mams at my local school are majorly polished, or at least they look very polished to me. I always feel I'm being stared at for my 10 year old parka that I can't justify replacing because it's fine and my no makeup/horrible hair.

They probably don't but I do feel like they are lol