Share your best style tips please :-)

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

I have seen some really glamorous, put together mums in the last week, out and about. I can't seem to dress myself for when I am with the dds anymore

If you look amazing at soft play and such like please tell me what you wear and where you shop. Tia

[MelanieCheeks]

Have a full length mirror somewhere you can see yourself before leaving the house. Check for little details like visible bra straps, or those hanging loops. If you never use them, cut them out.

[Lioninthesun]

Has anyone else tried the mumsnet haircut? I've been DIYing it for about 5 months and have had compliments when I blow dry it for first time in ages!

[Lioninthesun]

In case anyone doesn't know what it is www.mumsnet.com/style-and-beauty/home-beauty-treatments Just thought that for those of you on a budget and unable to go to a hairdresser like me! it is a quick fix :)

[jonbonjovismissus]

YY to rollers, I bought some a few onths ago (at the age of 36!) and they have changed my life! Previously have had mental fine but wavy hair, but these have really sorted it out and don't take too long in the mornings - although there are still many mornings when it goes up in a clip!
Dorothy Perkins and New Look have fab accessories especially at sale time like now; and also go for White Stuff and Mint Velvet (normally in the sales though!).

[Missbopeep]

A couple of decent coats can make an outfit imo.
Buy a good wool coat for winter and /or a raincoat that's fashionable , but not uber trendy. A good coat will make even jeans and a jumper look classy. I've got a Jigsaw coat that was almost £300 but wear it over £14.99 skinnies from Uniqlo.

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

I was so excited this morning to read new replies
I'm going to make a list....I have a really good Matthew Williamson coat that needs a good dry clean so I will take that and a couple of others to get spruced up

Intrigued by the heated rollers do you have a link?

[goodjambadjar]

I'm also intrigued by heated rollers. my hair looks better with a bit of curl. it is quite fine. Do you use the fabric covered ones that are bendy, or the Velcro type ones?

[Missbopeep]

It's all about grooming. You don't need spend a fortune. Clean hair, well cut, nails in good condition, shoes that aren't worn out, a bag that is reasonably fashionable and good quality though not granny style, subtle make up, and some accessories.

When I see people who look 'a mess' they always fall down on one of the above- they might have great hair and make up then top it off with a pair of ancient worn out ballet pumps, or even laddered opaque tights. or too much bosom on show when not really appropriate, etc.

[mindingalongtime]

I was complimented in the school playground by a mum who told me that I always looked effortlessly immaculate, and that my families should be very proud to have me as their childminder! I was so thrilled, especially as I have 3 under 2 with me!

My musts for me are, - always manicured nails and pedicured toes, I'm pretty good at achieving a salon finish blow dry after investing £90 in a Parlux salon hairdryer, believe me it makes a huge difference. A good large barrel bristle brush and L'Oreal oil, and Morroccan Oil glimmer finish spray. I also keep my highlights up to date!

I wear dresses mostly that are slimming even though a size 16, Phase Eight is my lifeline, but I buy a lot of them on ebay for £40 instead of £135, low heels, a nice fitted cardigan and a good raincoat. My Burberry mac is 25 years old and looks brand new, carefully cleaned and buckles replaced keeps it pristine, but can be thrown in the boot of the cr with the pushchair and still looks great!

I keep lipsticks everywhere, a pale pink Estee Lauder that goes with everything, is my friend!

[Rachtoteach]

Loving this thread!

Mindingalong, it was great to read your post as I'm a size 16 and much prefer to wear dresses as I have an awful tummy/overhang from 3 c-sections! Off to look at phase eight and ebay.....

[MangoJuiceAddict]

A bun ring is a good idea! Very easy to use too. Just place hair in a ponytail (using a hairband) then place bun ring at the top, flip head upside down and spread hair around bun ring so its all covered then grip into place.

[Lottapianos]

Nails - don't worry if you're not interested/can't afford a fabulous mani-pedi, just make sure that finger and toe nails are short and extremely clean. Chipped nail polish is a total no-no.

Eyebrows - all the usual advice, get professional shaping if you can and then fill in wth a powder that matches your eyebrow hair colour

Wear fitted clothes - don't choose enormous floaty styles that swamp you, even if you're not very confident about your body.

Get to know your body shape and (very important) what you like about it and which parts you want to draw attention to.

Get properly fitted for bras (never at M&S) - be prepared to spend a bit of money, they are a real investment in both your look and your health. I'm at 34HH and cant' say enough about Bravissimo - fitting, range of styles and service are all excellent.

Wear clothes that you like, not just what you 'think' you should wear or what's in fashion. Excellent advice upthread about wearing jackets and coats with waists (can be impossible to find sometimes!) - much more likely to be flattering than a boxy shape.

Try to have fun with your clothes and overall look - it's supposed to be something that makes you feel good, not something you feel horribly anxious about. Don't be afraid of developing your own style.

[MinesaBottle]

These are all brilliant! I definitely recommend being realistic about your body shape and dressing to suit it. And that doesn't necessarily mean baggy stuff if you're big, if your bra fits well and your top/dress is the right size you'll look great.

One bit of advice I always remember (from Jackie magazine in about 1985) is to check your back view in the mirror before you go out. Just to make sure tops are straight, seamed or patterned tights are lined up etc.

The main thing is to be confident and happy in what you're wearing! Just because something's in fashion you don't need to wear it if you don't like it or it doesn't suit you (bodycon dresses, I'm looking at you).

[LindaMcCartneySausage]

It's taken me years to work out that its the person who wears the clothes, not the clothes, that are stylish. Basically, if you are slim-ish, but more imortantly toned, and well groomed, you look far better in any clothes. it makes you look and feel confident too, your posture improves and you can wear more or less anything. I used to buy lots of clothes, some expensive (some of which could be "investment pieces", but most not). Lots didn't look great and i got bored "dressing for my shape" by wearing the same basic styles. i decided to stop buying clothes and spend the money on a gym membership - it made all the difference!

Otherwise, a good haircut and - honestly - neatly pressed clothes and polished shoes make the world of difference

[Absy]

one of the best bits of advice I got from MN is to GET RID of anything that makes you feel crap when you wear it. If you feel rubbish, you'll look rubbish.

[patagonia09]

Maybe not the solution you're looking for, but when I see one of the glamorous mums you mention, I get my DS to go up to them and smear yoghurt / banana / mud etc into their hair and clothes. Bit of poo if really serious. It doesn't make me look any better but at least it brings them down to my level.
Seriously, I left the house last week wearing a shirt which had holes down the front (looked like I'd been smoking jazz cigarrettes) and suncream (possibly yoghurt?) smeared up both sleeves. On my way out I wondered if I should go back and change but realised I had nothing cleaner available and even if I did, it would be instantly ruined.
Then again, even before I had a child a tramp once bought me a cup of tea because he felt sorry for me so maybe it's just my look. Rock what you've got, I say.

[manfalou]

make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing. I have a top which I LOVE on the hanger but it makes me feel hideous when wearing it and my mood shows that when I wear it. 3 months post baby and I have love handles galore, I've found that anything with pattern seems to take the focus away from my hips =)

I wish I could pull off a maxi dress but they make me feel frumpy!

[fl0b0t]

I'd not like to claim to be stylish (I have a certain style or two.....) but I do live by the knowledge that certain things just work.

Big sunglasses always work. Especially when paired with all black well fitted clothes head to toe. And if I feel really mad- a splash of lipstick. The new modern kind like Rimmel 1000 kisses which goes on like a felt tip pen, dries and then is never coming off (but doesn't go crusty and dry).

I struggle because I have bad skin and mad hair, neither of which help when trying to look put-together and stylish!

[CoTananat]

Shoulders are problematic to alter, yes, SteamedCabbage. A million years ago in draping class at college, we were taught to always structure from the shoulders-- on day one you literally start by pinning a massive piece of tracing paper to one shoulder of your dummy.

But it's not impossible! Your alterations lady can tell you if it's possible with your piece, but it may cost you more than the jacket (whereas I can only spend about £12 per jacket to get mine fitted).

Yes to the fabrics. Get rid of your polyester. It doesn't love you.

[Nonky]

fab thread :-) I'm interested in the heated rollers as well but have no idea where to start? Can anyone recommend some good affordable ones please?

[Dilidali]

Block colours are easy to wear. Think of them as a blank canvases. Then break the colour or transform the outfit according to what you are doing.

F

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

Co - I have a lovely Zara blazer I bought in a charity shop that's too big for me across the shoulders - it was a fiver I think but it's sort of navy with a dark red chalk stripe it would look amazing with lots of clothes I have if it fitted me properly - do you think it would be v spendy to alter?

[Dilidali]

Posted too soon.
For example, a navy top with a navy skirt can be dressed up or down. I tend to put a brighter blue necklace for day/running around with brighter blue flats, or an orange scarf and orange-ish sandals(think mute, not bright) if I have a meeting, or just a summery flowery necklace thingy with very fine strapped sandals. You get the idea.

[QueenMaeve]

Definitely know what colours work for you and stick to them. I've never had my colours done but I know what works for me. I'm dark hair, fairly olive skin. I wear black, khakis and neutrals or really bright vivid colours. I never wear pastels or wispy washy patterns, I don't think they look right unless you have perfect peaches and cream completion.
Many people shy away from bright colours like orange, fuchsia etc but they really do give your face life.
For my hair I use a pair of ancient curling tongs, they work better than any roller. I hold at an able and tong large sections. Then take through with fingers and hair spray.
Accessories are essential. When I can afford it I buy them along with clothing. It's handy to have it already matched up.
Take an evening every now and again and put outfits together from your wardrobe, see what works well and it's amazing the new combinations you can come up with.
I wouldn't try to be a huge slave to fashion trends, keeping in with hemlines, or styles of jeans is about all I worry about. Far better to spend money on stuff that will last and add little bits and pieces to change it from year to year.
I buy things in all sorts of places, and no matter where I visit will always try to find a boutique or vintage shop. I don't feel the need to always buy something new for an event' unless its something I love.
If are buying sensibly, ie stuff that lasts and that you love, there is no reason to be throwing stuff away as often. I shudder at the idea of buy, buy, buy and throw away. I very rarely part with things and over the years have built up a wardrobe that I love. Today I am wearing a River Island shirt bought recently with a Max Mara skirt that I bought 12 years ago. I went to a ball 2 weeks ago wearing the skirt of a 2 piece bridesmaid dress (10 years old) and a vintage corset top. The brides maid skirt is the most beautiful raw silk and I might have it taken up into a pencil skirt next.
Try and find a good and reasonably priced dressmaker. I have bought skirts in a bigger size and had them altered to fit. Or had sleeves put into tops or straps put on a dress. Some of this I do myself. It's a good way to update things and get more wear.
No one is accidentally stylish, it does take thought but clothes are such a passion for me and I think it is worth the time it takes to look good.

[Playdoughcaterpillar]

If you are struggling with deciding what suits your shape/want to rptry new ideas I would recommend the personal shopper service at john Lewis. I ended up with plenty of things I feel great in and would never have picked up to try on myself. Obv is dependant on how good the individual is but my local one is fab. Also great when short on time/child care as you can get a while wardrobe for the season in just one morning.