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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Do people really dress up for the school run?

152 replies

Orangeanddemons · 16/09/2014 18:53

Just heard a few comments lately, that seems to indicate that people plan their outfits for the school run

Now I love fashion and clothes, have a degree in fashion, have worked in the industry....but have never ever even considered wearing anything special for the school run. I just get up, drag on some jeans and rush out. And it appears all the other mums at my school do this. Apart from one who is always made up to the nines, and wearing ott stuff, but she may have just come from work. I just can't get my head round this. Does it really happen?

OP posts:

LeonardWentToTheOffice · 16/09/2014 22:40

There are clothes that I own that I definitely would not wear, such as my 'Enjoy Cock' T shirt

LeonardWentToTheOffice · 16/09/2014 22:41

Haven't worn that in years mind!

MaryWestmacott · 16/09/2014 22:48

See, can I ask a reverse question, for those who say "I just put on some jeans" or "I don't get dressed up for the school run" does that mean after the school run you get changed again for the rest of your day, or are you saying "I just wear jeans and t-shirts for most days"?

The 'school run coat/dress/boots' conversations I thought was a short hand for "suitable for SAHM lifestyle clothing, which involves a walk to/from school a couple of times a day".

I wear make up most days and do tend to make a bit of an effort with what I'm wearing for the day, but dressing for my plans for the day, which includes the school run. Life it too short to get ready more than once...

ChocPretzels · 16/09/2014 23:06

We lived 5 mins from primary, a short walk. I often wore heels (being a short ar*e), dresses or skirts - only occasionally wear jeans. So for many people in the playground, I looked dressed-up, but it was just my normal. But rarely made-up.

Now moved in to secondary, no more school runs for me and I'm in pyjamas til midday

ChocPretzels · 16/09/2014 23:08

Moved on to secondary...

Brightbutchilly · 17/09/2014 01:04

Leonard there have been a few threads about what to discuss at the school gate recently. Wear that tshirt and no one will be short of conversation for monthsz

OldCatLady · 17/09/2014 01:23

Eugh. One of my pet peeves.

I'm treated to an array of women wearing what I would call smart/casual perfectly coordinated outfits with 6 inch heels, full face of make up, perfect hair etc

Or women dressed for the gym (still with full face of make up, perfect hair etc)

I've got no chance....??

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 17/09/2014 01:37

I just used to dress for the day. A few times after night shifts that has meant slinging on my pyjamas and refusing to get out the car! Or my not so attractive running gear.

No school run these day, what bliss......

LumpySpacedPrincess · 17/09/2014 07:16

I'm sure the women wearing clothes are not doing it to offend anyone.

Fedupnagging · 17/09/2014 07:27

So when did dressing for the school run become a thing?

It's years since I did a school run so do you think I now need to be dressing for the dog walk instead?

Sonotkylie · 17/09/2014 08:49

I dress for the dog walk ... The dog recognises the ensemble and goes completely fruit loop. At least someone thinks one of my outfits looks foxy!
As to school run, I dress for me and like to look presentable, so yes, I plan my outfit (in the shower having heard the forecast etc) and put on a bit of make up so my early morning eyes are visible. Then I happen to do the school run.

Stupidhead · 17/09/2014 09:09

One mum used to look like a model, about 8 foot tall, size zero and dressed immaculately. No one would talk to her (I couldn't as I was usually late...) but she worked in Next and was off to work. I didn't dress up as such but always wore makeup and I refuse to own joggies due to not wanting to go down that slippery slope. The last time I wore leggings on a school run I was busy patting myself on the back for being on time, looked down and saw a Tardis on my calf. It was a pair of DS1s pj bottoms.

fluffyfanjo · 17/09/2014 11:31

I dress up in respect of hair washed and styled and full face of make up,nice jeans etc.

I wouldn't go in grey joggers,no make up and hair in a scrunchie.

Asteria · 17/09/2014 14:38

stupidhead - DS was best friends with the sons of two ex models at school. Thankfully they were just as scruffy as me (I worked with one so she was also covered in crusty paint), although I did feel that they could pull off scruff far better than I could!!

spiderlight · 17/09/2014 14:59

I dress for the day, which for me is working from home and walking the dogs, whch means jeans and t-shirts. For the winter I do have a couple of school run jackets, but that only means that they've got slightly fewer dog hairs and muddy pawprints on them than my dog-walking jackets. There's rarely anyone dressed up at our school unless they are very obviously on their way to work - it's almost entirely jeans/t-shirt/Converse with the occasional day-glo pink lycra. There is one slightly scary gran who has an extraordinary collection of wolef fleeces, usually teamed with jogging bottoms and either slippers or wellies.

MaryWestmacott · 17/09/2014 17:19

I've been thinking about this further - I went back to work after having DC1 so had to be dressed for work (hair done, full make up, smart clothes that 'went') by 7:30am, to drop him at childcare at 7:45am, with DC1 also ready for the day, so now I have DC2 and don't work, being ready to leave the house, dressed for the day, hair done and simple make up on for 8:20am doesn't seem that hard to achieve. (Having 2 DCs who think the day should start at between 6 - 6:30am helps with that!).

I've never owned joggers since leaving school (part of my school PE kit), and I don't like looking scruffy. I guess "school run" clothes are really just a short hand for explaining my clothing requirement. I previously had a "winter commute coat" - I had boots and shoes bought just for the commute to the office, so far I haven't bought anything specifically for the school run, however, I can see why you'd think in terms of 'school run suitable' clothing.

Original poster

Orangeanddemons · 17/09/2014 21:17

I've also seen threads on here discussing how to style oneself for the school run several times

Not in terms of practicality, but sort of competing about what item to wear with what etc. I don't mean people who just get up, and get ready, I mean in terms of styling and looking glam.

OP posts:

MaryWestmacott · 17/09/2014 22:36

Well, to be fair, I've seen lots of threads about styling clothes for the office, not just get up, throw on smart trousers or skirt and one of a selection of suitable tops, but styling, incorporating latest fashions, avoiding looking frumpy etc.

It's quite sad the number of woman who think that becoming a mum and being at home means fashion and style and being glamorous no longer should have a place in their lives, to the extent that when others do, it's commented in a negative way, unless they are then going off to work, because only if you work outside the home is it ok to make an effort with your appearance.

MrsCampbellBlack · 18/09/2014 06:51

Quite Mary.

I don't go anywhere without making an effort with my appearance - it is fun and I feel better about myself if I'm wearing make up and nice clothes.

The whole school run dress thing which Cod started on here was just shorthand for a nice casual dress - I think that's what a lot of people mean when they say is this suitable for the school run.

And there is no way ever I would wear pyjamas for the school run.

LinusDKD · 18/09/2014 06:59

I couldn't agree more Mary!

dexter73 · 18/09/2014 07:02

I agree too Mary!

Rivercam · 18/09/2014 07:10

I don't dress up, but then I wouldn't go in scruffy joggers either. I'm somewhere in between the two - jeans/t shirt combo,with limited make-up. That seems to be the average for my school.

Turquoiseblue · 18/09/2014 09:30

I dress for the school run - as in for what I am doing that day, some days that involves going onto work, someday that involves going to meetings/ gym/ or home to the chaos domesticity :).
I dress for myself and my lifestyle, some days I make more effort than others. I love putting on an outfit and feeling good in it. It s not all vanity,having been through a few life changing events in recent times, I learned life is too short. I don't dress for the other mums at the school gate -( most of whom are good pals). I don't just throw on what ever is close to hand either. I wear stuff I feel good in, my style, my colours. I m pretty low maintenance in terms of make up and hair and I keep my wardrobe up to date - clothes in good condition, Mended when needed, shoes heeled etc so. I usually put out what I ll wear the next day, the night before - but that s to make the morning run smoother.

QueenCardigan · 18/09/2014 12:03

Absolutely mary. I felt a I lost a bit of identity becoming a sahm so there's no way I'd want to lose it further by wearing pjs to school. Dressing up whether it be the school run, sainsburys, my volunteering role or nights out is part of who I am.

Lucylloyd13 · 18/09/2014 15:15

Depends what you mean my dress up.

Every woman wants to look presentable. I do decide what I am going to wear the night before, have it ready, and have brushed my hair etc

The women who look a mess on the school run tend to look a mess all the time.

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