What are SAHMs to young children wearing?

[dojonoodle]

I'm mainly a SAHM (do a bit of work from home) so don't need any smart office type clothes at the moment.

A lot of my time is spent with a toddler at home/ out and about at the usual activities, doing the school run in the British weather.

I have a warm Winter coat so I don't need that but I am bit bored of wearing jeans and jersey tops.

I would love some inspiration from other SAHMs or those who work at home or in casual environments. I would like something a bit more individual and prettier than jeans/ boots/ functional jumpers.

Can anyone inspire me with more interesting outfits or link to casual and comfortable trousers, skirts or dresses? I would also be interested in blouses than can be worn with a layer underneath (necessary in Winter as my house is old and v cold).

Many thanks.

[FinallySaidMama]

That should say cold! Must have my autocorrect on American!

[FinallySaidMama]

This thread is a good idea! I'm a SAHM to a 1 year old and 3 year old. The outfits I usually wear are -

Black slim fit maxi skirt with a split, with a black v neck vest and a waist belt. I usually wear bright earrings to try and avoid the Morticia Adams look!

High waisted slim leg jeans with various colour vests from Primark.

Skater dresses with boots if it's color, ballet flats if it's warm.

Short denim shorts with tights underneath, and a fitted T-shirt. I usually wear patterned tights, I have these tattoo tights which may not be to everyone's taste but I love them!

My problem is the tops. I've gone from a big 16 to a 12 so none of last autumn's clothes fit me and I haven't a clue what to wear on top!

[stuckonsmallrock]

I can also recommend the Uniqlo heat tech range. Absolutely brilliant. I have a black long sleeved top that is coming up to it's 3rd winter & after an enormous amount of wear it is only just starting to go into holes...

[LonelyGoatherd]

I'm mainly a SAHM (part time WAHM) and I live in "relaxed skinnies" (aka slim jeans), Tshirts in my colours and flip flops. I accessorise with puke, snot and crumbs. Doing the HoC style day soon, so will become a beacon of style and glamour, am sure .

Want to get good coat, bag and boots to cover everything else up this winter. Also plan to wear hair down or in donut bun, and make up too.

[SayHelloToMyLittleFriend]

That phase eight dress looks so cosy, I love it.

I've just ordered some cut out style ankle boots so now I'm looking for things to wear with them.

[HappyAsEyeAm]

I would also find something like this really useful when I'm at home with the children, with a layer or two underneath knitted gilet which is nicer than you think

[HappyAsEyeAm]

phase eight cable knit dress

I will definitely be buying this for the winter! I bought a similar dress from Pase Eight a couple of years ago, and wore it with leggings and boots all winter. It was brilliant - warm in the depths of winter, smart enough and very comfortable. I will wait for a 20% off day though.

[parrotsandcarsnips]

I can second the uniqlo heat tech range for those of us who dread the cold approaching. There are vests, long sleeved and short sleeved tops and leggings so either wear unseen as a vest or layer in a long sleeved top

[FaddyPeony]

I'm like you, OP, I work a bit from home. Several things I've noticed about myself since becoming a mother:

• I wear v. little costume jewellery, necklaces in particular, for the reasons mentioned upthread. I used to love bangles and long pendants but these just don't work for me anymore. I just have a few low-key gold pieces that I wear all the time.
  

-I almost never wear dresses or skirts unless I'm going out. I miss them! I almost exclusively wear skinny jeans. Pockets have become very important to me since becoming a mother!

-Shoes: Heels are for going out only, and I've no truck with pretty ballet flats - so impractical! I wear Converse or sandals in summer, riding boots, Converse or flat ankle boots in winter. Might go mad and dig out my old black cowboy boots this A/W...

I sound so boring! But on the plus side I've finally parted ways with Primark and feel all the better for it. I like Whistles and Cos, and sometimes get the odd thing on the Outnet or from Topshop. I shop almost exclusively online and will only buy something if it definitely goes with other stuff in my wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down.

[YippeeKiYayMakkaPakka]

I like tunic-y tops from White Stuff with skinny jeans or leggings and boots. Also got some nice knitted sweater dresses from Warehouse a couple of years ago, they're good with skinnies or leggings too.

My uniform is mostly jeans and smock-type tops (usually from H&M) though. Blue, grey, navy. Maroon if I'm feeling reckless

[dojonoodle]

Thank you for those dress links. I will definitely check out Oasis.

I agree that long necklaces don't work well with babies/ toddlers but I do manage scarves without too much trouble.

I don't know too much about having colours done but there seem to be lots of threads on here about that so will have a read.

[HappyAsEyeAm]

On the subject of knitted dresses from Oasis, I have just bought this dress //www.oasis-stores.com/fit-and-flare-knit-dress/dresses/oasis/fcp-product/3660038501 in a dark green/teal colour (which it doesn't show as being available in, on the website). Its not what you're looking for, I know - I am only mentioning it because its made from the same fabric as the dresses linked to above,, and I think it will wash well, hold its shape and look smart enough but not try hard.

[MissDD1971]

what my friends who are mums of young kids wear is combo of skinny jeans and long tops and wrap dresses and t-shirt things. Desigual tends to be a fave of some friends (I find them too bright).

[MissDD1971]

Not a mum but here are 2 gorgeous knitted dresses (I got a few from Oasis not like this last year), the navy one is great I think (next must have) and the striped ones are all over the place, you can get cheaper.

www.oasis-stores.com///oasis/fcp-product/3660038619#GBP

www.oasis-stores.com///oasis/fcp-product/3660038916#GBP

I personally prefer the navy if only because more versatile (imo) and you could save for when kids grow up. ha, am I being realistic here?!

[CatAmongThePigeons]

I'm a SAHM, I do wear skinnies and tees but I have some maxi and midi skirts that I team with blouses/shirts. I have found a few lovely gems reasonably priced at J Crew. I normally wear pumps or ankle boots with thick coloured tights.

Accessories are crucial for pulling an outfit together, but it can be impossible with a toddler like mine- if its on me, it has to be yanked

I have a very messy toddler and when Im at home I am usually found is scruffy vests and yoga pants. I need to preserve what decent clothes I have.

[PigOnStilts]

I've been motivated/ashamed into action by this thread, just dug out a load of clothes, some to charity, uncovered a surprising amount I can get into....I've tripled what I can wear in ten mins

[QueenCadbury]

In terms of warmth, loads of people seemed to swear by the uniqlo thermals last year. I haven't tried them myself as have no uniqlo near me.

[QueenCadbury]

I wear jeans/converse/tee or blouse/cardigan. I had my colours done recently and wear the colours that suit so usually a neutral top with a coloured cardigan. I always try and add some jewellery and a coloured belt as it does make the outfit look more out together. Now that the younget is 2 and I don't have to carry around such an array of crap with me I'm getting back into handbags and have bought a couple of coloured ones.

This winter I'd like to branch out into dresses too but so far haven't seen any.

[schmalex]

I usually wear skinnies/vest/cardie/boots but I have had my colours done (which helps me choose interesting colour combinations that suit me and that all go together) and also I'm making the effort to accessorise. I feel like it makes all the difference. I'm pregnant again so spending money on scarves and necklaces feels like a sensible purchase as they'll fit however huge I get!

I've found my toddler has got used to me wearing necklaces and isn't quite so fascinated any more.

Also, buying good quality clothes rather than lots of cheap stuff helps. And doing a bit of make up as part of my getting up routine rather than just before I leave the house.

[PigOnStilts]

Congrats, I remember how good that feels! I made the cocky mistake of going on a shopping spree days after I had my baby....lots if lovely unworn stuff in a drawer :(

[VestaCurry]

Oh and some brill bargains in TK Maxx

[VestaCurry]

I did have to lose weight to start getting into the capsule ! I was living in the same 4 items of clothing for ages and then decided to take myself in hand.

[PigOnStilts]

Ha, your "capsule wardrobe" is bigger than the selection of clothes I can fit into right now! Clearly I'm straying into let/herself-go territory. Ooops

[VestaCurry]

I got together a 'capsule' wardrobe (loads of examples in women's magazines). A pair of jeans, a pair of leggings, 2 shirts, 2 vest t shirts, 2 sleeved t shirts, fitted cardigan, 2 jumpers, long skirt, just over knee skirt, a knitted dress, a casual jacket and a few scarves. Colours are all neutrals - whites, greys, cream, camel, then eg aubergine, olive green and cerise in the scarves as these colours suit me. Plus a wide leather belt.

It's taken a while to get it all together, I've waited for sales and bought from shops like Hobbs, Fenn Wright Manson and boutiques. I ring the changes with jewellery and other accessories.

[Twiddlebum]

I know most people MN will stone me for saying this but ........ Boden!!
Brightly coloured/patterned classic pieces which are soo easy to wear and always match with each other (you can literally put any colours/patterns/style together and it works) machine washable and fantastic for layering. I couldn't live without their a line skirts (especially with my hips!!) if boden is too expensive then you can pick up pieces on eBay or just browse their website for inspiration. I find high street stuff do dull and boring! But each to their own