If you have young DC, what do you wear?

[AradiaQueenWitch]

My youngest two are 1 and 4 and I am sick of feeling (and looking) like a bag lady. I am two stone heavier than I would like, which I hate. I have always been a size 12 but now find myself at a 14. 16 on a bad day and I can't find anything to wear that I feel good in.

I wear jeans almost always and have a couple of pairs of skinnies that I wear a lot but I hate all my tops. I have literally 2 tops that are sort of tunics that I feel ok in, but dream of looking stylish. I don't know how to do it while running after the kids. Is it even possible? I covet Stella Gibson's (the Fall) silky blouses but never go anywhere worth dressing up like that for.

Especially now it's summer(ish) I really need some clothes that are practical but look fab. I am also skint so ebay is one of the only places I can afford.

To make matters worse I just stick my hair in a pony tail most days and it looks, well, a bit shit to be honest. Please help me stylish Fairy Mumsnetters! If you are one of those mums who look good on the school run, I need your magic!

Don't feel bad. I think most of us with young children dress practical, I'm in skinny jeans and tshirts. Single coloured ones in winter to wear with cardigans. Breton ones now the weather is warmer. All my coats are waterproof. I don't know how I can dress in anything that is not easy care when I am always in the park or have mucky hands and feet on me.

Mine are 8mo and 4.

Interested in seeing what stylish mums can come up with that is also comfy and practical.

Skinny jeans and plain yellow or red top with this navy stripped jacket and red flat pumps, bulky necklace.

I still dress practically, but with a few twists:

Hair styling and make up - I throw on a hair band or Hair accessory, tinted moisturiser and some lip gloss. I keep my clothes practical, but it means I look a bit more groomed.

The weekend - I try and make more of an afford at the weekend, as OH is around to help out. If visiting family or friends in their own homes, I wear heels as it won't involve walking much.

I find I get loads of compliments if I wear a jacket, rather than a cardigan, and that is all I've changed! Look for something that gives an illusion of a waist. Mine are nearly all from H&M so not ££££ either. I'd go with BB cream, and a bit of blusher, to make you look awake.

I wear skinny jeans, but a good fitting top or light weight jumper. I have had some lovely ones from Unqlio and they wash well.
I go for more brighter colours now which seems to help.

Dresses with long sleeved top underneath, leggings , dms in winter
Dresses with chunky sandals in summer

But how do you wear dresses and skirts and still be able to climb? I resorted to shorts during my holiday abroad. I used to wear short skirts but I can't do they playground in them.

My 4yo wants me up the slides btw. And I hate hate shorts.

lovewearingjeans thanks for the jacket vs cardigan suggestion. I can see I look more put together in a jacket too. I will have a look at h&m. I noticed a lot of mum bloggers like coatigans too.

I always wear dresses. Can still climb when needed, and no showing back side or mid drift with bend over/ lifting. With tights most of the year as cold

artandco how do you managed not to flash your panties?

Genuinely curious as it seems something I need to learn

I think colour is important, and scarves, and things you can throw on over the top of very plain clothes. Today I'm wearing jeans and a very ordinary Breton top, but when I go out with my three year old, I'll throw over it a lovely gold/ deep mustard unstructured mac, or a poncho/shawl a friend made for me out of an old washed silk sari in greens and golds. I also have a vast collection of beautiful scarves, and two friends who knit have made me a couple of gorgeous slouchy knitted hats from Olga Jazzy patterns for colder weather.

I also have ballet flats in slightly wild colours, and I like unusual silver jewellery.

I really don't get this ? Just where whatever you used to wear ! Stuff that you like wearing not what adverts seem to push at you or what other mums seem to be wearing . Sod that wear what you feel comfortable in ! And if you've put weight on just buy the same stuff you used to like but bigger sizes !

I'm not exactly hanging upside down from the money bars so never had an issue with dresses

Check out the school run thread. Brilliant ideas on it !

Pre dc I wore heels every single day and fitted shirts. I have a tummy now so until I shift it I wear pointed flats and sports type black trousers and loose fitting tops from oasis or white stuff.

I tend to wear black or navy batwing jumpers as they are flattering with pearl earrings.

I get my trousers from Tesco as I have two under two and have to change them at least once a day and treating myself better quality when I shift the weight.

I use st Tropez gradual tan a benefit brow kit and max factor face finity with sheer lipgloss

I have four pretty scarves and a few smart parka or fitted coats

I don't feel too frumpy and is all comfy.

I would Love to lose two stone and get gorgeous jeans
.that's the goal vegetables for dinner

Mrsmeerkat can you still get into your heels ? I've recently had my pre DC ones on again and hell no there is no way I can wear them. Something weird has happened to my feet

lovewearingjeans what kind of jackets do you wear?

pyscho it's not always as easy as saying wear what you used to wear because for many that probably used to be work clothes or in my case a uniform.

My youngest is 3 and I wear jeans and usually a blouse as i suit them better than tees. I don't watch the fall but could you find cotton/viscose versions of the silk shirts so that they could be washed easily. Look at Uniqlo and esprit or see if they have those brands on eBay. I add in jewellery to make me feel put together and a nice bag (big enough for all the paraphernalia obviously). If you constantly wear your hair up have you thought about going for the chop?

Yeh I see what you mean I just think people worry about how they should dress or feel they have to look a certain way which is a shame as I think people should just wear whatever makes than happy though yes sometimes it's hard to actually know what that is

I am a size 12 hourglass, 5'4". I tend to wear jackets to the top of my hip during the day, tucked at the waist, and I never wear them done up. I will post pics tomorrow. I am also short waisted. If I wear longer jackets with a nipped in waist, they make my hips look massive. I can, however, wear a dinner/tux type jacket that is straight cut to hip length. I wear this sort of jacket in the evening. I think wearing things that are fitted, and not too baggy, help make you look smarter, and often a size smaller than you think you are. I think it's about knowing your shape. I would love to wear smock type dresses, but they just make me look bleurgh, and huge! Whereas close fitting clothes show my waist, therefore make me look slimmer. Can't live without black vest tops!

I think I know how you feel. I used to push a double buggy around - double length so extra cumbersome and I always felt so mumsy.
Stick with your jeans, have a look in Uniqlo as they have some lovely soft silky but inexpensive tops in great uplifting colors.
Would you consider a biker jacket to give you a bit of edginess? Next has a cotton one for about £50 or find a 2ndhand leather one.
Personally I don't feel good in macs or trench coats. I like jackets. I know you're on a tight budget but what about just tying on a few different styles in Gap / TU/Uniqlo to see how they fit with your shape.? Then you might get an idea where to go with your bargain hunting.
Took me ages to get my mojo back after my two kids. A personal shopper day helped with ideas and NO pressure to buy!!

I'd also say that a decent haircut and style makes a huge difference between feeling mumsy shit and like someone glamorous who just happens to have a bit of baby sick on their shoulder.

A few tops that you like - even Sainsbury's does some very cheap and actually okay t-shirts - will help.

Also, a decent pair of shoes or trainers.