School run outfits

[NeverNic]

I've recently taken redundancy after 15yrs of working in a corporate environment. My child has just started reception and the school runs have made me realise I don't have any clothes suitable. My autumn / winter wardrobe is pretty much all work stuff and occasion outfits, bar a few t-shirts and jeans. Now I don't need clothes for a reason, I'd love to buy things that make me happy. The playground mums are much funkier than i was expecting too, which makes me want to make an effort. I' ve asked friends for suggestions, but I was told I should just stick to my own style, as I'll look like I'm trying too hard to fit in. I think they were missing the fact that I want to experiment and try something new, and actually work out what my style is and maybe look fashionable at the same time? I know that I'm not a boden type mummy and I'm early 30s, so don't think I'm too old yet for most things.

What are your school run must haves and loves?

I wear whatever I'm wearing for the rest of the day - sometimes work stuff, sometimes gym wear, sometimes jeans and a T.

I just wear fitted jeans or dark trousers, usually a dark top of some description, and one of my brightly coloured coats (my current favourite is mustard yellow) and some kind of scarf, in autumn/winter anyway. Boots or slip on shoes.

I don't really stand out or fit in - floral harem pants and a knitted sweater tied around the shoulders, with Birkenstocks seem to be the norm at DS1's school, whatever the weather!

I like to wear dresses as I find them comfy and easy to wear. Jersey dresses are good as the usually don't need ironing! I also like relaxed skinny jeans and Breton tops or t shirts.
Fit flops, Birkenstocks, pumps etc. Flat ankle boots if it's cold and wet.
Tights and a cardi when it's cooler. Mac when it's raining and casual Parker style coat when it gets cold. Scarf and sunglasses depending on the weather. "Day" makeup and jewellery, huge leather tote to fit everything in.
I like to be comfy and stylish but I also hate feeling too dressed up! I am a sahm in my 30s if that helps!!

Well today I've got a denim fitted shirt over grey zips skinnies ash jealous style suede boots, pale grey waterfall leather fitted biker style jacket with a taupe leather cross body bag.
Just go for a look round shops or peruse on line and see what takes your fancy.

What do you wear at the weekend? Perhaps wear a a version of that.

Village school here, and we don't tend to get overly glam school run rain anybody? skinny jeans, top, jacket and lace up boots in not wet but 15 degrees, and a Joules raincoat if raining.

Today it was foggy first thing, until the sun burnt through, then everyone was over dressed.

If anyone turns up in anything really smart, they get asked where they are going!

I think a decent coat is a good place to start at this time of year, and boots, you need boots just look at all the boot threads

Try Asos, order a load of stuff you like the look of, return the stuff that doesn't work.

Where do you get your jersey dresses from?

I get them from all over really. M&S Monsoon F&F Primark Joules... I am fussy over the length I like them to be above my knee but not too short. Then they look good with flats and heels.

I've started doing the school run too. Parents seem to wear whatever - mix of mums and dads. I'm going to get a better coat to stand around in but I'm preggers so no one's going to be using me as a style guide. It sounds like it's the first time in your adult life you can wear what you like, so wear what you like!

I never put any thought into what I wore. Usually it was jeans, T-shirt, jumper and trainers. The same as most of the other mums I think. TBH I didn't really notice what other mums wore unless it was something particularly nice. Obviously on work days I wore smart work clothes.

Thanks HandbagCrab! That's exactly that! I'm excited to start over and looking forward to wearing some colour!

Blueisthemagicnumber - my weekend wear consists of skinny jeans and the same TShirts and long sleeve tops. If I'm going out say for lunch I'd wear the jeans with a work top. It's just depressing wearing the same things every day. Also 3 pairs of my jeans now have holes in them and I threw away a few long sleeve tops yesterday that have faded or worn away. I definitely need a casual wear shop!

Jmangel - That's the sort of outfit I think I need. Casual and cool, but still put together.

Proper winter I think I'll be okay with. I have some lovely coats (though not coloured ones). I have more jumpers than I know what to do with (they majorly need a cull - being pregnant / post-partum in winter made them a comfort blanket). It's now that I'm really struggling.

I will check out the boot threads. Ive been wearing Chelsea boots to death for the last 3 years. My current pair leak so they need replacing too. I've just ordered a coloured raincoat thing from asos

Countrylife - do you find tights warm enough for the playground?

Coloured raincoat sounds nice!
I find tights really warm and really comfy. I like the M&S ones that keep you warm they are called Heat something??!!

I have always liked to feel 'dressed' so probably put too much effort in to the school run but also its what your wearing all day so needs to be something you love.
I work PT so at times its work dress, cardi, coat etc. Yesterday I wore navy slim fit jeans, gold spot Brenton top, black pointed toe flats and a nude raincoat with black leather gold zip bag. Always have 'day' makeup and hair done. Today I have laid out denim jeans folded up, a white fitted shirt, nude lightweight jumper and leopard print slip ons. Probably use the same mac as yesterday.