Need some help to create a smart-casual, non-work wardrobe please.

[everydayaschoolday]

I am about to finish work to be a stay at home mum to 2 DDs, one with CP. I currently wear a uniform to work and have no idea how to put a non-work 'wardrobe' together. I'll be doing school runs, therapy and hospital appointments as well as all the normal household stuff. So I think I need/want smart-casual but functional. I recently bought some tunic tops and leggings from debenhams and these boots:

www.clarks.co.uk/p/20355409

I'm approaching forty, 5'4'' and size 16. I carry my weight round my middle (apple shape?). I don't want to dress like my mother, and need to know where to shop for my (current) size and what styles I should be looking for. Any help appreciated, even if just links to the right stores (I can't seem to get out of M&S and Debenhams). Thanks.

Have you tried Next? They sometimes have quite nice tops. Also Fatface and Phase Eight. Someone on here recommended before; you give your vital statistics and it comes up with some outfit recommendations. Might be worth a try.

Well I am an apple shaped size 16 and 5'5 so I feel like I know where you are coming from!

How old are you? I have to be honest, I never find much I like in debenhams and my mil keeps buying me gifts from there so it has put me off even more . I work on a freelance basis so I am mostly at home with DD2(2), doing the school run and activities with DS(11) and DD1(9), I found the transition from work wardrobe to current wardrobe awkward to begin with but feel more comfortable now.

I bought a good pair of knee high leather boots and a large but 'me' bag.
A good coat is a must - with a hood!
I often wear jersey dresses (they are a god send!) with tights and boots (layered up with a cardi if cold); jeans, long sleeve top and cardigan with either converse style trainers or boots; slim leg jeans, vest top and wrap top over with boots.

For example today I wore dark denim straight leg jeans (MANGO) with a white vest top, THIS cardigan in grey, grey suede ankle boots and long beads. I was doing a bit of shopping, looked smart enough but so comfortable.

I make sure I wear make up and always do my hair, I moisturise, pain my nails and acessorise even if it is just wearing earings! These things make me feel smarter.

I shop in Zara, Mango, Next, H&M, M&S (indigo and limited collection), Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, Oasis, Monsoon etc. John Lewis is ideal as so many under one roof.
For more special occasions I like Coast and Almost Famous (@ house of fraser)

thank you for the suggestions; I'll look into all of those. I'm hoping to trend-up this year so I'm excited about looking into some new shops (for me). thanks guys.