Help me get my sense of style back on a budget please

[5831bob123]

I'm in my late 30s and a mum of 2 little ones and feel like I've lost my way with fashion, especially during this past year. Like most I've been living in joggers/leggings and hoodies.

I want to update my summer wardrobe with a couple of things (£100 budget) but I don't know where to begin. Comfort is key with 2 young children as we go to the park A LOT but I don't want to look drab.

I like mom jeans but usually wear skinnies and wouldn't know what to put on my feet. I don't know what practical coat to wear. I don't know what accessories to wear. I'm just lost!

I tend to shop at H&M, and I'm a size 10 bottom half, 8 top half and fairly tall at 5'8.

Please give me some guidance!

I saw this blog post recommended on another thread, might be helpful for some starting ideas? They're not really budget options but you'll be able to find cheaper versions of you like any of the outfits: www.wearsmymoney.com/shopping/your-15-piece-spring-capsule-wardrobe/

Thanks for this link. I have a few similar pieces already so I could add to them fairly easily.

I feel as though I'm at an age where I dont want to make myself look older than i am but also don't want to look like I'm trying too hard to dress younger.

Go for mom jeans and white trainers.

As you are a slim top, you will get away with light or white jeans and a bright top. It sounds like you are slim all over.

Hoodies make most people look like a blob but maybe I've spent the last year alone

What would you wear on your feet with skinnies? I wear Stan smiths but most trainers/sandals work fine with mom jeans, you just need to flash a bit of ankle.

I am also late thirties with a toddler and spend a lot of time at the park. My spring/summer staples are jeans, denim shorts (mom style not hot pants!), and midi skirts (patterns to hide those mud/food stains). Then I have a bunch of plain/band t shirts and tanks that go with everything, worn tucked in. I also find jumpsuits really practical, I have a slouchy black linen-blend one that is super comfy and can be styled in different ways.

@ILoveShula I'll never see a hoodie in the same way after the "blob" comment

Wardrobe-wise I can see jumpsuits being practical in the same “one and done” way a dress is. It’s been a while since I had toddlers myself but I do remember toilet time being at a premium - how do you handle that aspect with toddlers?

I’m just giving a few ideas. The Telegraph has had a look at post lockdown dressing. You can mix up the looks with a cardigan, jeans and skirt etc. I’ve included a jump suit. You might even go out!

I agree mom jeans and white trainers will look a lot fresher than skinny jeans.... Id buy a few cheap tops you can mix and match. If you are an 8 on top I'd wear a nice belt and tuck my tops in, or maybe buy a couple of cheap cardis that are short with longer vests tucked in. Like the other stories dinosaur buttons type ones but cheap copies.
Throw a light jacket with a drawstring type waist and that still has a hood over the top.
Boikersuits are not your friend in public loos when you are trying to corral young children..... Bitter experience speaking.

@PresentingPercy I love the two tone skirt you have linked. I have a telegraph subscription but can't find the article its from. Do you happen to remember where the skirt is from please?

I'd start with some floaty ditsy maxi dresses (which if you shop carefully can be really cheap and look just as good as the Anthropologie ones). Those dresses are so practical - no need to co-ordinate then with anything. Put hidden legging under them with knee boots, Seventies style on cool days or wear them alone with white trainers or sandals on hot days.

I'd add white trainers or lace up deck shoes and a pastel or pale blue denim jacket.

I've been in skinnies for ever and ditched them for barrel leg or mom jeans. You're slim, so you can easily pull mom jeans off. I wear longish Chelsea boots and brogues (from fitflop) with them.

I wear anything on top but not a hoodie however I think the relaxed jeans with hoodie and a big coat over it can look quite stylish (I can't quite describe the look but I've seen it locally on trend - conscious younguns.

Skirt is M&S @NoMoreMuchin

I think a cotton jumper looks good with it too. But I could see a crisp shirt with a belt. Or a very high quality t shirt. Cos usually do good ones.

I’m not sure about a hoodie. There are great relaxed tops such as a pullover which look much better in my view.

Some great ideas thank you! I've placed a h&m order this morning for some mom jeans and some t-shirts. Also created a wish list for items i like but don't quite have the guts to buy yet.

Thank you @PresentingPercy...just went to buy it but Its sold out 🙁

You might like these ideas too. I think they can be copied quite inexpensively.

Sold out! The power of the media!

Hello! Also loving the khaki jumpsuit Percy! I can't find it on the telegraph website (maybe because I'm not a subscriber!) - any chance of letting me know where it's from? Thanks ever so much 😊

Me&Em

Not budget money! I posted it for an idea. Not the price!

I take my dogs to walk near a children's playground most days - most of the mums seem to be in variations of khaki trousers, white trainers and some kind of jacket.

I think the wears my money blog is a bit old for you (she's my age!).