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!!

No patterns. Plain coloured jumpers overs white t-shirt or shirt and we’ll fitting jeans (can have stretch for comfort). You can go for colours, but if you want to fit in with “posh” nursery mums stick to grey, navy, black and beige - think ‘The White Company’. You can find jumpers in supermarkets and TK Maxx, but if you stick to basic, plain colours you can’t go wrong.

It’s all easier in the autumn and winter. Boots and a nice coat chucked over virtually anything is alright. Roll on the cold weather, I’ve been a sweaty scruffy mess on the school run this week!

what is the relevance of her size???

fucking rude !

The relevance is exactly what I wrote I usually feel like losing weight would be a big help (still do), but that that lovely woman reminded me that dressing to suit yourself and being confident will work just as well. I think i was fully clear on that.

No you wasn’t fully clear on that. The fact you had to mention her size indicates you are fatist!

Nice jeans and blazer ?

It was perfectly clear to me.

Think you’d be better off on another thread @isitfridayyet22

Thanks benning - was wondering if I was going mad for a second there.

The fact you had to mention her size indicates you are fatist!

Don't be daft Friday - the poster said she feels she's overweight but when she saw another larger woman looking great, she realised weight isn't really the issue.

She's not being rude or 'fatist' (daft term)

You were clear. Totally understood what you meant

I think having a 'uniform' that you know exactly what you are going to wear, really helps - you won't feel thrown together in the morning rush then.

I also think identify what you like / love about yourself & highlight that eg hair, figure, legs, face.

YY to good hair cut & eyebrow tint / shape. I also fell in love with Shellac nails years ago & almost always have them done - for me, an instant 'put-together' look but others would see it as an unnecessary expense.

As to what to wear, that's really individual. I agree not tatty or dirty (eg runners) but after that it's up to you. I don't think it needs to be expensive. Ideally work out what makes you feel comfortable & suits you & go with that.

I do think leggings must be of good quality. Cheap ones always look it.

Spend money on coat/jacket and shoes. I tend to look pulled together on nursery run days because I then go into the office.

Have a look at slim fit Mom jeans rather than skinnies, it’s a more modern shape. Go a size up if you need to, so you can tuck/French tuck shirts and jumpers in. Cropped shaped jumpers work really well with high waisted jeans.

French Connection have a couple of great jumpers in their sale which would look really good loosely tucked into high waisted jeans.

Low cut trainers (Stan Smith, Veja or Nike Courts) would work well in autumn. New Balance have a great white leather pair with leopard print which is pretty in this autumn.

Sadly agree with the mum boots - have a look at Hudson or Solovair.

If you see something you like, have a look on Vinted first to see if you can replicate it cheaper.

Another good cheat is to get some fabulous sunnies! I can't be bothered to wear much makeup these days but nice sunglasses make me feel good, and have the added bonus that you can be somewhat inscrutable should you so choose. They don't have to be expensive but they should suit your face shape.

Does anyone else find the Sweaty Betty leggings really..um..sweaty? They make me sweaty even if I've just sat on the sofa and watch TV!

Delphinium (don't know how to tag sorry!)

Yes the running ones can be a bit warm - (any trousers have been too warm this summer) but I think they do some in slightly thinner material too. I like the ones with a phone pocket on the leg for when I'm walking the dogs and don't want to take a jacket or bag with me. I quite like them being thicker material as it helps keep my wobbly bits under control 😂

I disagree that leggings have to be expensive - I just think they have to be thick and not see through. And fit you properly, so don't get them too long so that they wrinkle. Personally I found some nice ones in Morrisons (not the multipacks) that have a nice wide waistband and the material is not thin.

In winter a nice coat and boots can hide a lot.

I think a lot is the grooming and accessories. Hair not wild or greasy ponytail. Find a hairdo you can do that looks 'done' with no effort, e.g. low loose ponytail. Clean shoes, a little jewelry. Jacket and bag that look in good nick. Clothes ironed. I think dressing for your shape helps a lot, I've been learning about this recently and the difference having a balanced silhouette makes is huge (this is at any size).

Try Hush for posher joggers

@isitfridayyet22 Calm down.

@JenniferBarkley was perfectly clear, you've either got a chip on your shoulder or just lack basic comprehension skills

ooh what are 'mum boots'?

I've just had a few bits come from shein. I'm actually really impressed. Quality is good.

I've bought a couple of skirt and top sets to wear with boots and I'm really happy with them. It's worth a look.

All down to matchy matchy accessories and hair cut IMO.
Personally I couldn't care less 😂

Fatist? For goodness sake. Don't be so ridiculous and melodramatic! And actually READ the comments you're replying to before you reply, maybe.

Also, is 'fatist' even a word?

No, but fattist is. The word derailed also springs to mind.