Is it possible to look even vaguely stylish watching football on a Sunday morning?

[beanandspud]

It was absolutely freezing cold this morning standing for two hours on the touch line.

I looked decidedly unstylish with my jeans tucked into my furry boots, ski socks, an old black padded jacket, woolly gloves and a scarf. And I wasn't even that warm!

Any ideas for warm clothes that are also waterproof and don't make me look as if I stumbled out of Woman's Weekly? I'm 5'3 and apple shaped so whilst I love the idea of a long (padded) coat I am slightly concerned that it might not be the most flattering option.

And what about boots? Lots of mums seemed to have knee length, flat riding style boots in some sort of 'waxy' leather - do I need these? And where do I get some please?

I also think I need a hat but I suspect it could tip my thrown-together ensemble over the edge

not sure where the riding style boots are from but I would suggest Hunter willies or similar style, the knee height of them looks really stylish with some skinny jeans and is practical too. Warm knit and a padded jacket, hip length if full length is not an option, but get one with a belt so you have a shape and aren't just a walking duvet. top off with fine knit scarf and a beanie hat - job done! good luck. My son no longer plays football but I spent many freezing years on the sidelines, you have my sympathy

ooops I meant willies not willies obviously - one track mind me

eh? I am typing WELLIES, what is going on??

Do you mean Dubarry boots? I have those. To be honest more often than not I'd rather be warm than stylish. People who dressed for fashion rather than the weather don't look good.

Loving the idea of Hunter willies - would certainly add a bit of fun to a cold Sunday morning

Yes, 'walking duvet' is exactly what I want to avoid. I'll have a look for a coat with a belt, I have always shied away from belts for some reason. Thank you.

I'll also have a look at Dubarry boots. I do agree, I don't particularly want to look as if I've chosen fashion over practicality (and trust me, I'm about a million miles away from that) but others seems to manage to do 'practical and stylish' rather than 'practical and bag lady'.

I know exactly how you feel. I do have red hunter wellies and a padded coat with a belt from Zara. Whatever I do I still look awful ... especially as the young Beckham plays at our ground - so we have Posh and Becks on our touch line. So when I'm there shiivering in pouring rain I take some comfort in they are getting soaked as well.

What does VB wear on the touchline out of interest?

I think you need to do layers. So start with some decent thermals, then a long sleeved top, cashmere jumper and jeans. 2 pairs of socks and a down coat.

I'd go carefully with a belt if you're an apple shape to be honest - but there are some lovely down coats out there - zara have good ones, I have a Barbour which is fab.

I'd go for a hat - try on lots, I'm loving bobble hats this winter. And a ncie warm scarf, again preferably cashmere and of course gloves.

I second the layers, starting with thermal leggings & long sleeve top, then more layers on top. Heat holder socks are good, I find walking boots warmer than wellies. I am wearing a ski type jacket this year, previously I've done the walking sleeping bag look with a longer coat but like you wanted to have some style on the sidelines.

I totally agree with the layers MrsCB you could get a ME+EM sheepskin snood as well - that would definitely learn VB

Ooooh I love that snood damedoom.

Tis a thing of great beauty and looks a million dollars Mrs CB. It has been one of my best purchases ever - even popped it over DH's £13 cashmalon , navy v neck and it still looked classy.

This is why I love S&B! The snood is gorgeous but I may have to settle for the knitted one instead sadly. I am off next weekend so will go looking for a hip-length down jacket that isn't too bulky and put some layers underneath.

I am now also lusting over Dubarry boots but £££ straight after Christmas

Kyles If I were sharing the touch line with VB I might just be steering DC towards a different sport .

I am so not into fashion- she is obviously in designer head to foot but to me it looks like black boots, legging type jeans and stylish coat - always in dark colours. They are a fantastic couple though and pose for photos all the time. Even in the rain when they probably want to say ... ohh piss off and leave us alone. I think it's constant when I see them never mind every other time with are out and about.

Reading this makes me glad that my sons are nerdy academic types.....no need for winter woolies on the sidelines of a chess match or a coder dojo;-) Anyhow, my question is, is it really necessary to stand on the sidelines? Can you not, like, have a nap in the car?

It's definitely about wearing layers. Also, DON'T wear jeans - terrible for warmth even on a dry day, but the worst thing you can wear on a wet one.
Make sure you have at least 3 things on your feet (tights, normal socks and thick ski / walking socks) and make sure you have a hat on.
Really, it doesn't matter what you look like, this is about being warm.

BackforGood - What would you suggest instead of jeans? I need high-waisted, slim/skinny and stretchy please!

burnishedsilver Don't assume children who play sport aren't academic either. I know children who are complete brainiacs who love nothing better than playing football/rugby/ hockey. Some kids are real all rounders

No assumptions Joni, but mine aren't all rounders.

Obviously being married to Mr Joe Hart I'm always at football . Hunters are cold, dated and inferior quality these days so country boots are the way to go. Uniqlo do heat tech trousers that look like thick leggings so much warmer than jeans.

I know burnished I just wanted to make the point because so many children believe sporty children can't be clever and vice versa. I know a few children who not only have all a* GCSEs but also play sport at a very high level. Amazing kids

burnished my dd2 was playing sports and chess for the last couple of years. You can give me a football match to watch ANY day over a chess tournamoeny- that's like watching paint dry :0

op ANY trousers better than jeans - cords, ski pants, tracksuit bottoms, walking trousers....anything.

Jeans are ok if you wear something underneath, I wear footless tights from M&S (stops the horrible tights under socks sensation) then thin pair of socks and thick knee high ones over the top.

Thin thermal long sleeved top, M&S Heatgen ones are brilliant and actually come in a great range rather than looking like your grandma's underwear. I wear a camisole underneath too if really cold. Then layer cashmere cardi over the top, then slim fitting fleece gilet - adds warmth but not bulk - then coat over the top.

Coats with higher placed hand pockets make a big difference as you can keep your hands properly warm, I have this coat and ever so warm.

Then proper cashmere scarf, cashmere hat and leather gloves. Avoid cotton and man made materials as they won't keep you anywhere near as warm.

Wellies are awful at leaching heat from your feet, go for neoprene or leather ones like Dubarrys if you can.

Finally, make sure you tuck your tshirt(s) into your trousers, it's amazing the difference it makes at how warm you stay, must be something to do with keeping your kidneys warm (oh god, I sound just like my mother!) but it really does work!

I have spent many an hour stood in freezing cold farmyards and fields and waiting for the hunt, I have become at expert at keeping warm! Plus thin layers help one avoid the Michelin man look!