alternative to leggings outfits

[BigFairy]

Hello. I am trying to find my way out of the frumpy mess I have become since having DS. I live in leggings and tunics - I know I look rubbish but I spend my days running round after my 15 mo, sitting on the floor, bending etc and just find leggings so comfy and practical for this. I have a pair of skinny jeans from Next but they are not very comfortable so for going to playgroups etc if I do wear them to try to make slightly more effort (!) I end up fidgeting with them and wish I had just gone for my trusted leggings outfit! Help!! What can I wear that will look nice and be comfy and practical for SAHM lifestyle? I see other mums in jeans and wonder if they are actually comfortable. Are some jeans better for this? Also, suggestions for more stylish things to pair with leggings would be helpful if that's possible (currently have some tunics from fatface!). Now DS is a bit older I feel quite embarrassed to still look so terrible. Thanks for any help.

Hi fairy I suggest that if you can you go 'window' shopping with a friend, try some different items on, trousers, skirts, dresses etc, have a play with the cloths. You do not have to buy anything untill you feel comfortable with different things. I would start off with soft fabrics for comfort, use accessories to 'glam' up your wardrobe, leggings and tunics can have very different looks teamed up with say a tube skirt, a belt, maybe a trendy cardigan or throw or even a scarf. Tunics can look lovely with a pair of well fitting trousers/jeans. Have some dress up fun and be creative. I find popping into charity shops really good to help keeping budget down, this way one can spend a little more on a couple of really lovely items.

I like my high waisted jeans for comfort. I can bend and roll about with the kids without exposing anything (except, you know, lack of dignity!!) I just have the Primark version of lift and shape jeans, they're fab and wash brilliantly! I also wear denim shorts with tights underneath, I'm not cold and feel a bit more 'different' IYSWIM?

I'm sure you don't look terrible. I think theoldhag is right, look at some accessories first maybe if you're worried about feeling too far out of your comfort zone?

How about cords and a nice shirt or light knit jumper, think American prep. Also look on pin interest loads of ideas. Also think tights and short tight skirts or shorts are brill, can mix this with boots, converse or flats like ballet shoes.

Thanks for the ideas. High waisted jeans could be better for me and some dresses now the weather should get warmer. I keep not buying clothes as I need to lose weight but have decided to buy a few things at least so I can look better while dieting. If I felt better about how I looked I reckon I'd find it easier to diet/exercise more!

It may be that when you lose weight jeans will become more comfortable - this is a bizarre truth that I have realised as I got older! It's not to do with the actual size of the jeans ime, it's that it's very hard to get trousers to fit properly and comfortably when you have a larger tummy and bottom/hips.

For this reason leggings are always my lower garment of choice! They can look really quite smart with a just above knee dress or skirt and boots.

Miss selfridges super soft high waisted jeans are really comfy.
My friend swears by the new French connection skinny jeans with elasticated Waist. She has 4 pairs but at £69 a pair I can't bring myself to get
Them.
Also I often wear little skirts/ dresses with leggings

M and S 5 pocket jeggings! They are amazing, perfect if you want to shift from leggings. They aren't jeggings really more skinny jeans, but good stretchy material that holds in without adding bulk. They have a medium rise and I don't flash my bum at toddler groups. Tunics are definitely dated - try layering a tee over a long fitted vest (H and M £4 ones) to smooth over any lumps. Scarves are a great cheap way to brighten yourself up - try Ebay, Primark and ASOS.

How about palazzo trousers?

Or a sort of strange skirt?