Autumn casual / school run capsule wardrobe

[KeepingKeepingOn]

Looking for ideas and to share inspiration - I’ve recently lost loads of weight (yay) after 7 years of pregnancies and have no idea what’s on the style menu these days.

I’m an hourglass 14-16, which is tricky as I love the aesthetic of chunky jumpers and camel coats, but haven’t found a combo that works for my figure.

what’s everyone else wearing / planning to wear? I’m mid 30s in case that changes anything :)

Some of my faves here:

Cardigan
Blazer

I’ve been wearing these with Harper jeans from M and S this week, but can’t work out what footwear or tops are the best for underneath…

I plan to wear anything that keeps me warm.

Jeans, jumper and a waterproof coat as we walk to school and it usually owes down. Probably topped off with wellies and waterproof trousers.

I don't think camel coats are very flattering or practical for the school run. Get something that can withstand the rain as it inevitably begins to chuck down between 3-4pm. Trainers or comfy Chelsea boots, thin knitted dresses and a puffer coat or denims and a few jumpers, job done. You mainly need an umbrella or raincoat.

Thanks @RicottaCheesePie - with the dresses suggestion, do you mean something like this? what kind of boots with it? Am not just thinking about the school run, but also weekend wear for eg coffee with friends or, more likely, shepherding children to birthday parties!

In terms of coats, I have the Joules version of this coat from a few years ago, but can’t work out if the trend for these has passed and it now looks dated…

Lots of mums round here have coats like this, but we're rural and many are farmers!

The cable knit jumper is nice as is the phase 8 coatigan you linked to. The joules puffer coat is pretty universal, it may be a bit passé but I am not really an expert.

If anyone could link to stylish water repellent/proof coats, that would be great. ☔

I wear mom jeans or barrel leg jeans, Nike Pegasus trainers or white leather vejas. A white/grey/navy crew neck t shirt (Abercrombie and fitch or j crew) and I have a big comfy oversized jumper in blue from whistles with a big roll neck and I gorgeous lilac one from Zara when it’s gets colder. Then my trench coat. When it gets cold will swap for my puffa coat (north face) or my grey wool coat. Coat is from The Kooples.

I tend to wear the same things I also have 5 cashmere jumpers-
pink, black, camel, grey and navy that will get worn to death when it get colder.

@KeepingKeepingOn What about something like this?

I’ve been doing the school run for 14 years and worked in a school for 9 years and have greeted and dismissed classes many, many times.
As long as you don’t turn up stark bollock naked, no one is worried about what you’re wearing.

There’s no style ‘rules’, wear what makes you feel good.

I’m not quite sure what to suggest-I have done the school run and children’s parties for years and have never worn a blazer or a camel coat! I would wear jeans, a jumper, boots and a warm coat.

Why do you have to have a capsule wardrobe for school runs? Just wear your normal clothes

Thank you @Bunce1 and @KateLumley - really helpful. Especially like the gilet!

To other posters - I’ve spent basically 7 years in shapeless, dark, breastfeeding attire, hiding my body because I’m ashamed of it or too tired to try and look good. I have no ‘normal clothes’ and need to get some, so I’m asking for some help to make me feel slightly more put together when I’m standing next to a load of well-groomed mothers at the school gate. If you have nothing to add that can help with that, please feel free to scroll past 🙄

Hi OP, I think what you need/want is a capsule wardrobe. Look it up on insta or Pinterest. But basically a few tops/jumpers/dresses/jeans/boots that can all be cross matched that work with each other!

I think something like this dress is quite classic, and can be dressed up for coffee out. or this dress.

I get the idea of a capsule wardrobe, one less thing to think about in the morning scrum. But I guess it needs to be practical too, so perhaps a good waterproof coat with a hood. I have this coat.

I've also been seeing lots of cardigans similar to this which is a little less bulky than a jumper.

This shows a better example of a streamlined top and jeans, with the cardigan.

I know exactly what you mean @KeepingKeepingOn! My eldest has just started school and I felt a complete state compared to the other parents on the school run this week! I’m trying to lose some weight (lockdown plus pregnancy weight!) but still want to look and feel nice in the meantime.
I actually have the cardigan @KateLumley linked in a few colours and love it!

@LBB2020 phew! Glad someone gets it 😄

@KateLumley i love those links - thank you. I can see those dresses working really well with tights and ankle boots, and still working for interminable Zoom calls when I get home.

@KeepingKeepingOn I bought these ankle bootss* last year, although the heel on these is slightly different. They are super comfortable, I can walk in them all day.

Have a look at the Wears My Money blog - she’s a 40-ish London mum and posts every Sunday on specific themes including seasonal capsule suggestions. She's a bit more into dresses than me, but Ive found some good outfit ideas and styling tips from her.

On the whole finding-your-style thing, one tip I got from here is to look at Kibbe body types and work out what shapes and styles look best on your figure. It’s quite useful, especially if you have changed shape after pregnancies and bf. It helped me to realise why the ‘Swedish Architect’ fashions I really like don’t actually do anything for me. Another idea is to look at Kettlewell (clothing brand known for basics in 1000 colours) and do their quizzes for idea on colours and patterns that suit you. Helps you filter out a LOT when you’re shopping!

A capsule wardrobe needs key basics & a colour palette. In the summer I did my first successful capsule wardrobe. Everything matched with everything else. I’m now sorting out my autumn capsule wardrobe & it’s pretty much nearly there. I work in an office but it’s casual clothes.

Tell me more about your autumn capsule @happytobemrsg!

@ShangPie great blog - thank you; I also follow shopyourwardrobe, as she’s brill for showing you how to make the most of outfits, although her style isn’t exactly like (I think) mine is. I did do my colours earlier in the year actually and I came out as a bright/clear spring. It’s been quite hard shaking myself out of the blacks and greys that I’ve been hiding in for years, although I definitely look better in brighter colours 😄 there’s definitely a need to almost re-find my identity after so long being overweight / on mum duty all the time.

I have my eye on these two rubberised raincoats from ASOS

www.asos.com/prd/23294416?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

www.asos.com/prd/202190414?acquisitionsource=pasteboard