School run inspiration for cold rural life

[kmini]

I miss my old London days where I actually had a (slightly) glamorous wardrobe.

These days I work from home and then only time anyone sees me is on the school run during the week. For 6 months of the year given I live in the north east - I'm basically trying not to be cold and get wet. So only coat, jeans and shoes are on show and I'm already bored (and its only October!).

Give me your inspiration for what you wear so that you dont feel entirely dull during winter months.

Coat, jeans, with bright wellies. Sorry, not glamorous or exciting, but you will find being warm is more important than looks.

Following @kmini as I could have written your post, except I’m in the NW :)

Currently in Chicago, during winter snow boots and a coat that looks like a duvet, balaclava on really bad days!

I have never got the school run thing. I always just wore my normal clothes. Jeans, boots and warm coat (playground was the coldest place on earth!)
Wear comfortable and practical clothes.

The 'uniform' five years ago was jeans, Gillet and over sized scarf. With brown knee boots.

I know this is S&B but wear what you like. Get big scarves. Oversized jackets. Kaghouls. Whatever. Set the trend!

I suppose that's just it @DobbyTheHouseElk. I need to be practical in terms of warmth etc but I want some inspiration for brands/looks that make me feel a bit glamorous (ok anything better than drab) but fit into rural life.

Give me some fabulous country looks/brands that aren't twee or but.also are suitable for this part of the world.

So glad some else is.as frustrated @WingDefence

Canada Goose is the coveted winter jacket with us. Personally I find the 1k price tag a little much but all the most stylish school mums have them.

Warm socks with long boots (not necessarily wellies), jeans/jeggings/nice patterned leggings (see Lucy locket loves for inspiration!), layers with a warm jumper then a nice warm & waterproof coat - school run isn't a fashion show!

Warm socks with long boots (not necessarily wellies), jeans/jeggings/nice patterned leggings (see Lucy locket loves for inspiration!), layers with a warm jumper then a nice warm & waterproof coat - school run isn't a fashion show!

Sorry, didn't notice this was S&B!
Ok, prob brands like Joules, Barbour (for coats), hunter wellies - if it really matters, sorry it just seems so unimportant but go to some Country Fairs.

Oliver Bonas have something lovely colourful scarves and accessories which would brighten up a dark coat.

Fancy hat?!!

It sounds like you're a bit bored? Can you take your work to a coffee shop one day or arrange to meet someone for lunch.

In terms of what to wear for SR, it's all about having a good few different coats and jackets. So I have wool wrap long grey coat, a rose pink teddy bear coat, the standard hooded parka style, a black and cream shearling aviator jacket and a red wool wrap coat.shear
Skinny jeans, cropped flare jeans, pleather leggings with fleece lining, long skirts with tights, coated skinnies to mix up the bottom half
Gloves, cashmere wrist warmers - loads of different colours available, scarves ditto
DMs and hiker boots are really cool and warm. Do not wear wellies or Uggs!
Leather trainers?

Holland Cooper and Helly Hansen are your friends!

Dubarry or Ariat for warm comfy waterproof boots. Cashmere jumper, barbour waxed jacket with or without furry liner clipped in and waxed hat. Good clear dome umbrella, hoge snuggly cashmere scarf, leather gloves and an oversized Mulberry Alexa. My standard school walk outfit (live rurally).

*huge

Lands end down coat in a nice jewel colour with down gilet underneath on freezing days. On wet days, thermal ski jacket from mountain warehouse. The cuts are quite flattering now. I wear much loathed (on here) leather uggs or wellies with sheepskin insoles inside and fluffy socks. Slim jeans and a nice scarf with cashmere wrist warmers. I have a super dry gilet for warmer days.

Not saying any of the above is stylish but I feel happy and cosy in it, it's practical and I don't feel I stick out a mile on the playground. There are a few glamorous mums but most of us are just getting on with it.

Get a beautiful, bright cashmere hat and scarf. That will make any outfit feel glamorous.

Please don't buy a Canada Goose jacket. They use fur from trapped coyotes.

1k on a coat 😳. Sod that.

I live in a city but the default school run clothes are waterproof jackets and boots - pull on type for speed. It's not a fashion show, just have some nice hats for cold weather perhaps. I've seen many parents (well mums) in pjs dropping off kids, it's not London for sure!

And whatever coat you choose, check it's hydrostatic rating - fashion brands often aren't very waterproof! Patagonia I suggest for style, function and eco credentials, mountain warehouse if you budget is tighter

Stack of really fitted jeans, then team with leather boots (eg. Dubarry or something less functional from Jones Bootmaker), then lots of cashmere jumpers in beautiful colours (Brora.... or M&S/Boden for cheaper). For jackets it depends on the season - fitted with a fur-trimmed hood for winter, fitted and down-lined (eg. RAB) for spring/autumn. Try Cotswold outdoor, they have both this season!

heated gloves (you can pop them in the microwave) - find them on Amazon.
Wool. Don't mess about. Get at least one really good quality wool turtle neck for those really, really ice cold mornings. Celtic and Co make excellent warm wool jumpers. Woolovers is an excellent alternative if Celtic and Co is out of your budget.
I love Hush joggers and I live in them year-round. In the winter I wear thermal leggings underneath on very cold days.
Good thermal tops (Next and Uniqlo offer excellent ones).
Lands End for down jackets/gilets. I have a full length down parka (reaches mid-calf) which is the bomb! It is the perfect coat. I zip myself all the way up but then I can unzip it from the bottom, which gives my legs walking/cycling room while the rest of me is cocooned in warmth. It is so reasonably priced and Lands End coats last years.
Knitted Hats or headbands with thermal/Thinsulate lining. Yes, look for thte trademark Thinsulate. It matters!
I have a knitted cap lined inside with Thinsulate fleece and it is one of the best winter warming items I have ever bought.
Barts headband/headwarmers are also fantastic.
Boots: I wear Ugg Adirondacks (which I've had for over a decade). Worth every penny! I have a pair of fleece-lined ankle wellies when it's muddy/wet.