School run fashion revamp?

[Eesha]

I realise this might be a very pathetic sounding post but recently single and the only time I'm ever out is on the school run and I feel like I need to revamp my look. Prelockdown it was glasses, jeans, jumper, trainers and a massive parka. I didnt wear makeup either. I look lovely when im out out but not on a normal day! It's an hours walk home so I want to keep the trainers but any other tips to look a bit more presentable and perhaps desirable?

I'd caution against following loads of instagrammers... I found my mental health improved greatly when I stopped looking at all these rich women who get gifted loads of expensive clothes and skincare (and food, what's with that in the middle of a pandemic?)

Pinterest is better (don't just browse, use it for specific styling ideas like "leather leggings outfit" and the more you use it, the more it will learn your tastes and suggest things you might like). I also like Who What Wear, which you can read on the Apple News app or go to their website. It's very fashiony but will give you that "knowing what is in fashion" feeling.

@Eesha

So today I went for my vaccine in :

Girlfriend jeans in blue
Superga white trainers
Black Victorian sheer floral high neck blouse
Leather jacket

I still felt a mess, where am I going wrong and how would you have styled me!? I think the jacket might have been wrong but what would an alternative have been?

Maybe a trench coat as its plain texture might contrast nicely with the statement blouse.

I look on Pinterest a lot and they have colour charts plus 'neutrals' charts for outfits.

Probably pretty smart advice actually to avoid Insta if your’re feeling vulnerable. Stick to Pinterest and pin ideas of what suits you.

@Eesha also not sure of your budget but I have found avoiding buying from cheap fast fashion retailers like new look has helped.

Hi, I'm currently sifting through basics. I don't want anything too tight, almost flowy white long sleeved t shirts to wear with jeans or leggings, which I can then dress up. Hush seems to have lovely stuff but a bit pricey. Is it worth it anyone?

@peachypetite i find my boden stuff has stood the test of time whereas my h&m and new look hasn't.

An hour walk? Not to be rude but can you drive/do you have a car? If not I would prioritise your funds towards that as a compulsory 2 hour walk a day is intense

Oh, for T-shirts, I know it’s boring, but my Uniqlo ones have stood the test of time really well. They just wash so much better than others.

@flakymate it's probably more 45min each way but I actually love the walk and it's my exercise for the day! I have a car too.

@justilou1 will look at Uniqlo now!

@whiteonesugar my leather look leggings arrived and I look amazing!! Just eaten a huge plate of rice but it still holds me in. Thank you so much, you've really made a huge difference to how I've been feeling! I'm wearing a 14. Usually between a 14 and 16.

@Eesha that’s great! So glad you like them and, more importantly, feel great in them!

@whiteonesugar Yes, i kept the 14 as they felt tight enough to hold me in but not hugely different to the 16 in terms of comfort. I just need a few loose tops. I also found a gorgeous fake fur coat in my cupboard which I have never worn. I think it would be ideal with plain clothes underneath for the school run. H&M leggings also ordered for comparison!

@Eesha I’ve just ordered the leggings too after seeing they come in a short length.

I recommend remeasuring your bust size using the BOB method (Boob or Bust). As a size 14 you'd expect your band size to be closer to a 34 rather than your current 38

I just want to reiterate that you are doing so well, @Eesha! I’m so proud of you! Keeping your spirits up and doing healthy things like walking are great for your own mental health and that of your little ones. Sorting out how you feel about your style gives you that extra spring in your step and you are proving to be both strong AND positive, which is hard for pretty much everyone at this stage of lockdown/Covid. You have so much to be proud of yourself for! I hope the weather continues to improve to make your walks more pleasant, and you find more joy in your days!

@justilou1 thank you! The S&B is always so lovely. I bought some cool second hand trainers today too. The final piece is my hair which is greyed out in places. My sister might be able to do it for me but I have an interview next week so was debating leaving it till then. That said, I feel so bedraggled at present so I'm weighing it up! My hair usually looks great when done but I've obviously just let myself go with lockdown. Bought Seche Vite off the back of another thread too.

I wish mumsnet had a like/love button, but it doesn’t... you get this instead...
👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
Meanwhile, I have a feeling you’ll be glowing for the interview!!!

I find leggings just lazy.

Make an effort

@Thebestposter i wouldn't say lazy, it's just a different look to try out. Leather leggings, boots, simple top, fur coat doesn't say lazy to me.

Wow - that lazy comment was a bit harsh. One could say rude. If I was walking for an hour each way, I wouldn’t want a pencil skirt and heels, ffs!

@justilou1 thank you, i thought the same!

Thanks for everyone's advice. Im looking a whole lot better on the school run. Those H&M leggings are amazing. I tend to wear those with a cool coat or topshop jeans and a peacoat. Only issue is my new trainers are causing ankle blisters so i have to break them in. Other than that, it's helped me feel happier.

These are cute
www.schuh.co.uk/womens/converse-all-star-frilly-thrills-ox-white-trainers/1924971020/?store=&gclid=CjwKCAiAhbeCBhBcEiwAkv2cY90P-dvGhIxWCZgS5E8xo8Zpufwn5lpLxKdzRwXKQ1shxRbcqyd4XRoCzjwQAvD_BwE

Nice raincoats
stutterheim.com/uk/product/mosebacke-navy/

So glad you feel happier OP, I bet you look fab :)

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping thank you for all your advice on here. It definitely makes me feel less heartbroken when ive actually made an effort with myself if you know what i mean.