New term style! How to make the school run your runway
The holidays are nearly over and the new term is about to begin.
You've got their uniform, lunch box and school shoes sorted but are YOU ready for the reality of the school run?
For some reason the school gates are a minefield and while we've all been there, rocking up in your pyjamas and slippers isn't something you can do every day.
So start the term as you mean to go on with a well organised morning routine which will even allow for five minutes just for you.
There's no need to be fashion forward on a Monday morning before 8.30am, but fill your wardrobe with easy to style pieces and you'll never panic dress again.
Here are our top tips for getting it right on the school run...
Footwear
Unless you're as proficient as Carrie Bradshaw at running in heels, we suggest avoiding them on a busy morning. Especially if you walk to school with your little ones scooting alongside you.
L-R: Patent Chunky Loafers (£18) and Chunky Fashion Trainers (£18) at Matalan
So stick to flats. Luckily flats have never been more stylish meaning we can all be comfortable without feeling like we've somehow failed in our femininity.
Trainers, whether chunky, slip on or hi-top will always help to add a bit of fashion edge or why not try a flat mule or a boyish brogue?
Denim is your friend
What would we do without denim? Struggle to get dressed that's for sure.
And with countless styles, cuts, washes and fits of jeans, jackets, skirts and dresses, there's not only denim to suit everybody and almost any occasion, but there's just tonnes of choice for easy outfit updates.
So some well fitting jeans, a denim skirt and dress are wardrobe must-haves when considering what to wear on the school run.
L-R: Frill Belted Denim Dress (£18) and Midi Denim Skirt (£16) at Matalan
Style your jeans with pretty blouses and statement knits, or while the weather is still mild, layer a cardigan over a simple tee.
If you're heading straight to the office switch the cardigan for a sharply cut blazer.
L-R: Animal Print Frill Shirt (£14) and Sophia Cropped Straight Jeans (£16) at Matalan
Denim skirts and dresses can be worn with bare legs right now, but look great with opaque black tights too so you can keep rocking them all year long.
Layer long sleeved tees under a denim dungaree dress and any of the tops you wear with your jeans can be styled with a denim mini or midi skirt too.
Ath-leisure is okay
Sports kit has become so chic, it's no wonder we're so keen to wear it at all times.
And with the sports-luxe, ath-leisure and streetwear trends still big on the catwalks of even the most luxe designer labels, we're loving any excuse to wear out favourite leggings.
But there is a fine line between looking like you're about to pop to a yoga class before grabbing a green smoothie and like you just couldn't be bothered to put actual clothes on.
To avoid any confusion (and to ensure you can continue to wear extremely comfy clothes at all possible moments) follow these simple rules.
L-R: Souluxe Slogan Hoodie (£14) and Souluxe Multi-Panel Gym Leggings (£14) at Matalan
Wear well fitting leggings (no saggy bottoms please).
Match with a supportive sports bra and sleek tank.
Layer a soft jersey sweatshirt or hoodie (but avoid oversized styles) over the top. You can tie this around your waist if the temperature hasn't dropped just yet.
If you wear joggers, keep them slim and style with a cute T-shirt.
And let's all say one final prayer of thanks to the fashion gods that decided this was all totally cool.
Don't complicate things
Simplicity is key when getting dressed in a hurry.
So avoid over thinking and stick to separates that will work in lots of different ways. So a midi skirt will look great with a T-shirt tucked in but will also work with a knit.
A pretty blouse can be styled with jeans or a pair of smart trousers.
A midi dress needs no styling, other than footwear, so just slip on your favourite pair of sneakers.
L-R: Falmer Cable Knit Jumper (£20) and Giraffe Print Co-Ord Midi Skirt (£16) at Matalan
A lightweight jacket can be worn over everything you own. Switch it out for your winter coat when the temperature really drops.
When you hear people talk about a capsule wardrobe, this is really what they're talking about.
A few simple pieces that are easily styled and which will work across a range of occasions; a good coat, the perfect jeans, one great knit, a basic T-shirt, a little black dress etc etc.
So start yours now and you'll see how much more straightforward getting dressed will be.
