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

Sounds like a lovely thing to do. If you are driving I'd avoid the long coat as it tends to get in the way and if you are walking I'd avoid the high heels (unless you are super good in them of course).

But other than that I'd get something sumptuous, eg knit / cashmere. A nice peacoat perhaps and good boots.

oh yes i'd love a nice pea coat and some new boots.

Lol secreleminadedrinker
I'm just jealous cos I had toget dressed for work

Well, I don't know about you but last year for me was an eye opener wrt the school run at Dds (private) school.

Mostly I was considered bohemian I think??, and generally unclassifiable - I even wear crocks occasionally, Ok they have sparkly jewels on them but still Sometimes I wear a work jacket..

The majority of mummies in my Dds city centre school have their power suits on, crack-berries glued to their ears, Burberry trench on and are all finished drop off at 8:15am. They're pretty hassled really, and don't have much time to chat: though they all seem pretty nice.

The SAHMs all made a killing on the property market and drive enormous SUVs with all the designer gear, and have hot and cold running nannies who come along to pick up the kids as well. They mostly have 4 or 5 kids all very close in age, and are whippet thin, and uber groomed. They're all nice enough though: it's not their fault they're millionaires, and now have stylists you know!

The nannies and foreign au pair girls are the ones I see mostly though, as we all take the kiddies to the park after school, and hang around watch them, practising our language skills for an hour of two whilst the kids play!!

I work from home mostly (pjs), but occasionally see clients (smart casual) and I like to go for a run / swim after drop off a few times a week, so I have rarely washed before then !! I work when DD's gone to bed as well if there's anything outstanding / accounts etc.

I suppose I'm thinking I'll need a good warm coat, scarf, situpon, snackbag, boots, waterproofs...

BUT I don't think I'll think about it yet...

I'm sure your Dd will be fine Carried: do try and keep an open mind about making friends for yourself though, even if you do feel you've got plenty, I've always found the more's the merrier, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

I think about things like this too. To be honest, all my life September has signified 'new clothes' time for me even post-school/pre-motherhood. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look nice and consider the impression you are giving.

My DS is the same age as your DD and starts nursery school in Sept. I've bought a nice wool coat and boots and a big purple leather 'mummy' bag. When I've had DC No2 (any day now!)and my weight has settled I want to get a really good pair of jeans for the school run too.
I don't know why people have to make digs about it -it's perfectly reasonable to care about your appearance alongside other issues! I suffer from anxiety and depression and sorting my wardrobe and taking charge of my appearance is one thing that soothes me greatly.

Definitely a good coat and boots, peacoat sounds fab.
It is so cold at our Lancashire school that we are rarely out of a coat.

I worried about this before DS1 started school and had my outfit planned weeks in advance (with a back up if weather wasn't right), so you are not on your own

I went from SAHM with DS2's snot and dribble on me to working from home, so am casual (sometimes smart if have had a meeting) but I do feel lots better in myself when I have made an effort.

not thinking about the school run, but am quite excited about A/W clothes generally!

I am thinking of a good coat and boots this year...

and maybe some more expensive jeans.

for starters.

I don't think of the other mothers, but I suppose you will judge them on the basis of the clothes they are wearing when you first meet them, and they will probably judge you too.

I think about these things too! Am convinced schools exist in special weather system, where an icy wind blows at all times, and rain is inevuatble at three o'clock: my suggestion would be something stylish but watreproof. A struggle to find, but will be worth it! Agree dresses and leggings/tights much better in rain than trousers (and warmer in the howling wind); boots a must. Mmm, must just glance at autumn clothes online..

in answer to your question, no i will just try to make sure i am fully dressed before it is time to leave the house. in fact if all three of us are fully dressed, DS in his uniform, i will be very pleased.

op-ignore the harsh replies.yourve posted on style and beauty!!!not life changing worries!

treat yourself to a nice coat,new shoes/boots ,a bit of mascara and some lip gloss.

it is bit nervey when your baby starts school-as you said-youre spending the next however many years with these people so its nice to make a good first impression.but you also want them to know you are human so it doesnt matter if some days you dont look your best.(get a hat for bad hair days,when you just dont have time to tame it!!).

my youngest is starting primary in sept,luckily ds1 already goes there and they know im capable of looking okish but more likely to start the day looking half asleep!

Carrie, my DD started pre-school last September, and I had similar concerns. I had a 4 months old baby, and a 20 min walk up hill to school, but didn't want to turn up sweaty and ill-kempt. First impressions count for so much, why would you not want to look your best?

As I recall, in the Autumn I wore a lot of boots with leggings/skinnies and a chunky cardi-coat, then a warmer coat/knit hat/chic scarf when it got cold. Usually with sunglasses, and always, but always, with a quick whizz-over of make-up. Otherwise, I feel a mess, and am guaranteed to be engaged in convo by our Glamour-Mum.

Thankfully, we have now moved, so my walk is both shorter and flatter, but the same rules still apply!

oh i don't mind any harsh comments, i've had a few flamings in my time[i don't count this as one btw]

i find the reactions of some quite interesting actually, i mean you could say to any of these s and b threads, is that all you have to worry about? are you that insecure etc.
but i think it's quite telling about who's feeling what iyswim!.
i mean why react to this so much if your totally comfortable.

as i think the way i feel is quite calm, obviously i worry about leaving my "baby" and yes i want to look nice.
but i am pretty calm about it.

Obviously world peace and a cure for cancer are far more importnat than what I am going to wear on the school run, but I have more influence over the latter

Also when your baby is starting school it is all unknown territory, most of which is beyond your control. So for a control freak parent like me planning what you are going to wear is one little area that you have control over! Plus if you are nervous yourself you will usually be more confident if you think you look good.

Nothing wrong in wanting to plan ahead....i'd say get a warm/waterproof coat as there will be lots of waiting around. You could also invest in a more on trend coat/jacket if thats your thing, then you wont need to worry about whats underneath.

Leggings and boots if its raining, jeans just soak the puddles up. I finally bought some wellies this year after 2yrs of getting wet feet.

Keep and umbrella in the car/pushchair/bag.....as it often rains at 3.15 and your child will be the last one out that day.

Simple makeup routine, if you cant go without, tinted moisturiser and concealer are my friends. I quickly tie my hair back every morning.

My other piece of advice is keep you ears open and your mouth closed- regarding gossip. Mums are quite mean at times. And dont get sucked into one group, be friendly with everyone.

For anyone that has several school children meaning several book bags and lunch boxes, i've seen mums carrying huge bags with them all in, rather than trying to juggle them all, because lets face it the kiddies never carry their own bags.

I haven't read the whole thread but quite frankly, I think who the hell do you think you are, wanting to be reasonably well put together at that hour of the morning?? I refuse to even brush my teeth on a school run morning and then make a point of breathing on people - if they don't want to be friends with me on the basis of the fact that I don't 'look after myself' then that's their loss. Obviously if you are spending time on your appearance in the morning then you are grievously neglecting your child - what, you think they can be fobbed off with some cbeebies and a crust of bread for breakfast while you agonise over your outfit choices?? I mean, doesn't it make more sense to spend money and take time over an outfit for an event like a wedding where you will likely never see any of the guests ever again than to take time over your appearance to see people who will likely form a big part of your and your child's life for the next few years?? Get a grip woman.

Hee

No different to getting nicely dressed to go to work surely?

lol let them eat cake

well it's not really worrying about it.
all the things i post i'm not actually worry about.
otherwise i'd explode with worry!

smallwhitecat, why are you trying to make the OP feel bad? Why look at the S&B board at all if you find such pursuits superfluous and feel the need to take a 'charitable' view on them?

LetThemEatCake, I think I love you .

Mine will be at secondary, but I may stand by random primary school gates at home time, silently judging all those who offend my eyes

As the mother of five , I have always made an effort with my appearance be it at the school gate or where ever my day takes me its who I am and I love it love it.... As I think the majority of posters on the style and beauty thread will agree appearances do matter.... Good Luck OP in finding and organising your A/W wardrobe ...
ps never owned a fleece in my life never will

i admire you having five, ones a handle for me

I remember reading an article by someone about their mother who said that 50% of the time she made a huge effort and 50% of the time she couldn't have cared less what she looked like.

I thought that was quite normal.

I have bought a long, warm, waterproof coat and boots and have no intention of unzipping either from September until June.

However, next week, I may go shopping........

ooh glad it's not just me who's been worrying about considering my school run wardrobe. dd is 2 and starting nursery in sept, call me shallow but I really don't want to meet the people who I will know for the next 11 years at least in the remnants of my maternity wardrobe!
Besides which I'm finally getting my figure back so I have bought

a pair of nice jeans

I already own a nice peacoat from reiss

a couple of v neck cashmere sweaters in neutral colours that I can accessorise

good leggings

I always think nice accessories, earrings, handbag, scarf and leather gloves in winter, sunglasses make an outfit look finished and well put together.

I also love hats I'm not always brave enough to wear them but I have bought this one
and I'm coveting this one