How do I look like a yummy mummy rather than a frumpy mummy? Help!

[TheSmallestOneWasMadeline]

I cringed as I was writing that title but I need HELP! Turned up for a viewing of DD's new nursery school this week and was left feeling like a sack of spuds compared to the other Mums dropping their kids off.

I think 2.5 years of either being in lockdown or at home on maternity leave have completely ridded me of any fashion sense that I once had (which wasn't a lot in all honesty). I work from home a lot now so instead of my nice workwear I'm just in leggings and cheap tops/cardigans most of the time but I'd quite like to put together a new wardrobe of essentials that work for my new life I.e. nursery runs/playgroups/coffee with friends rather than my old blend of very formal for work and glam for going out out.

Could someone suggest some shops/items I should be looking at to achieve that nice, put together but casual mum look please? I'm honestly common as muck but the nursery is in quite a 'posh' area so you all must know the look I'm after 😀

Thanks!!

What sort of things were the mums you were looking at wearing? When I drop off DD I just wear leggings and trainers lol, so do most of the other mums although there are a couple who come in all dressed up with 15 layers of makeup and fake tan.

Following with interest!
I really struggle with the “causal and comfy but not complete scruff” look.

I find autumn a bit easier - I usually go for a jegging style trouser, hiker ankle boot and a checked shirt.

What were the others wearing that made you think they were put together?

Also struggling with this. Anything I buy just falls flat

I find suede or cords leggings look smarter, pair with fitted vest top and oversized checked shirt and ankle boots? Also can pair with t-shirt and oversized blazer and trainers. I often wear long shirts in silky material with a thin trench coat over the top pair with jeans/smart leggings.

I also find tying my hair up and wearing a pair of earring makes me feel smarter.

What about always wearing a watch and a pair of stud earrings, rub on some tinted moisturiser each morning and a bit of mascara. Eyebrows can be darkened ever so slightly with a bit of eyeshadow and a normal brush. All that makes a huge difference.

As for clothes what do you like? I live in Lucy and Yak dungarees. I have two colours and I literally only wear them. I have some cotton broderie anglaise tops in a few colours from Next. It's a bit off a uniform but as way as sticking on leggings and tshirt without looking that way.

Dungarees aren't for everyone but when you find something that works like a certain style of jeans buy two or three and stick with it. Dresses are another lovely easy thing to wear fr Autumn.

Don't wear leggings unless they are good quality.

Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence. Correct your posture if necessary and keep your head up. Smile a lot, even if staring in to the middle distance. Take a deep breath before you go in so you appear calm and unflustered.

Do NOT, under any circumstances, go for "mom boots".

Or.. the very lazy alternative is to just go around in sports wear - get some sweaty Betty kit and then you can look like you are just about to pop to your yoga class. But still be wearing leggings. You're welcome.

@YesItsMeIDontCare what's mom boots?

Get rid of the clothes that you feel are scruffy. Wear what's left, you know the things you like to look at or are saving. Because I bet they are the items that make you look and feel amazing.
Wear them instead. It's the only way.

I would go with a really well cut pair of dark jeans that fits, a really nice pair of boots with a well cut autumn coat. Good hair cut helps too. As do well-shaped eyebrows and a small amount of natural makeup if you are pale.

www.instagram.com/p/ChaS0sIMwmV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I love Emily. She has a good community group on FB

Low heeled - not flat. Not pointed or round toed, halfway between the two. "Embellished" in the most half-hearted of manners...

I guess trying to be practical and suitable for "going out", missing the mark on both.

The good news is that autumn is the ideal time of year for casual but nice clothes! E.g.

Slim corduroy trousers plus a fitted jumper in a colour that suits you

Short wool/ denim/ corduroy skirt plus tights and boots, with a jumper or denim/ checked shirt

Jeans of whatever sort flatter you most, plus aforesaid jumper/ shirt

I think fitted clothes are usually easier to pull off and feel a little smarter than oversized styles. Think crisp fabric that holds its shape instead of droopy stretch jersey.

It's quite hard to put my finger on why they looked good because it wasn't anything special really. Jeans, but nice shaped ones not the knackered skinnies j have in my wardrobe. Trainers, a few puffa jackets. Mostly plain tops and minimal makeup/jewellery. It was casual but in a lovely way, no fake tan glam or anything. Although thinking about it they did all have a lovely swishy hair. Maybe I need to get my hair done?! I tend to just stick it in a ponytail and be done with it.

@YesItsMeIDontCare I have some boots like that, fucking hell am I a lost cause?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Going to compile a list..

I think this comes back to the how to look expensive threads.

I've come to the conclusion sadly that I would look ten times better if I just lost the two stone that have been bothering me for years. Jeans and a t shirt just look that little bit more chic when you're slim unfortunately.

Having said that, I was talking to another mum at the school gates the other day and came away feeling like shit - she was much bigger than me, but was dressed in a lovely bright top that really suited her colouring, great casual make up, glossy hair. And most importantly, she oozed confidence and had a huge smile on her face.

Totally this. You still look 'put together' but casual.

This is 100% what I do. I shove a baseball cap on top so I look sporty but don't have to do anything with my hair.

Yes this is me! I have been asked multiple times if I'm going to the gym 😂

@TheSmallestOneWasMadeline

A lost cause? Absolutely not! If you like them wear them with confidence! It's more if you're not sure what to buy than if you know and like them.

I still think the key is good posture and confidence 😊

Start simply. Jeans instead of leggings.

Long line gilet, nice trainers and neutral toned leggings and hoodies, think browns, camels, creams.

You can still wear skinny jeans if that's the shape that works for you, wear with oversized shacket and again nice trainers or Dr Martens.

Baseball cap in the summer, cashmere beanie in the winter if you cba doing your hair in the morning.

A lot depends on your size and shape, oversized shirts and shackets etc can look messy if you are very petite. I agree with someone upthread who suggested you throw out the stuff that's scruffy and makes you feel scruffy. If you are working from home then you will want comfortable clothes. I found what really helped me was to spend more on my "around the house" type clothes so when I have to collect from school/pre school or out walking the dog I don't feel like such a scruff. I'm only 4"11 and discovered Love Leggings during lockdown and their leggings are great. Cosy and good quality and with a deep and high waistband and they come in all lengths. Gym and Coffee is another good brand for casual sportswear type stuff.