I know some of you are thinking "Whaaat?! I have sorted the school uniform but now I have to think about what I wear to drop off?!” but for some what to wear on the school run is a real ball ache in the mornings and fills new school Mums with dread. I had a client in Spring already stressing about her little one starting Reception in September questioning me what to wear, desperately wanting to fit in with other Mums.
If you too are an anxious new school Mum or just want to spruce up your look for this term then take a look at my tips below.
1. Perform a Wardrobe Edit or hire a Stylist to do it for you!
With a new school year and a new season, September is a great time to have a wardrobe detox. Take out anything that doesn't fit, is tatty & not repairable or you haven't worn in a long time and pack away your summer/holiday clothes to store elsewhere. You just want the current season items to hand (and those which you actually wear) so you aren't wasting time flicking through hangers of stuff and you can see all your options. As you go through your wardrobe think about how you can wear items differently and put outfits together. This will save you lots of time making the morning rush easier.
2. Nail your outerwear
We'll spend the majority of the school year in coats and jackets and that's pretty much all anyone sees so it‘s important to get that right. Invest in a good classic winter coat that will last year after year which suits your colour palette and is flattering for your body shape (if you aren't sure then ask a Stylist!). If you've got some extra cash then I would also buy a cheaper statement coat on trend for that season which will spruce up your style with minimal effort.
The other staples for the school run are a good waterproof raincoat (it always rains on the school run) and a blazer/ shacket/ leather jacket that you can throw over anything. Size up as if it's slightly bigger you can layer up depending on the weather.
3. Dress for the rest of your day
I had one client who wasted time dressing for the school run in what she saw as her yummy mummy clothes wearing the latest Instagram craze brands just for that half hour of her day and then when she got home had to quickly change into her corporate clothes & back out the door for her office commute. Her worry was that other Mums would treat her differently if she was suited and booted for work. There really is no need for that. You see a whole variety of outfits on the school run but actually no-one pays that much attention as everyone has there own shit going on in the mornings. The first week of my son's reception start I would be tarted up ready for a TV appearance one day looking like a Band of Gold extra and the next day in my comfies for a day of house chores and bleaching the loos. So to the new school mums worrying, don't, as everyone's rushing about themselves and no-one bats an eyelid first thing.
4. Running late? Chuck on your gym kit
Even if you aren't planning to workout that day, nobody knows that! I'm the late disorganised Mum who mostly doesn't know what day of the week it is so when I'm pushed for time & late (again!) I'll just don my activewear for the school run. It sometimes motivates me to actually get to my exercise class later on too.
5. Never wear your jimjams
If you've taken the time to read this style blog (thank you) then I'm guessing you probably wouldn't consider wearing your pyjamas to school but however late you are/ close to the school you live/ think no-one will notice with a coat chucked over, don't do it! "Think of the children!" Even if you don't give a shit your kids will when their classmates are taking the piss.
The solution to all your style worries is to have a capsule wardrobe of everyday essentials that are flattering for your colouring and body shape. Having a wardrobe of items that you love, fits and you know suits your personality and lifestyle make getting dressed everyday for every occasion quicker and easier. If you need help with this then let me know.
Good luck to all the newbies starting school! Fingers crossed for rain free school runs this term xxx