School run style – mix and match autumn knitwear and denim

Style

I love this time of year as far as fashion is concerned. The sun always seems to shine in September, yet there’s usually a slight chill in the air, meaning it’s all about knitwear and boots for me, but without the need to fully wrap up as in winter.

But how do you make the most of the season’s latest fashions when you have small children to run around after? As regular readers of Cardiff Mummy Says will know, I’ve been on a mission to update my wardrobe with outfits that combine both style and practicality. Having spent a good six years either pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to shift the baby weight, my wardrobe was a shambles. A lot of my clothes were well past their best and I was feeling so mumsy and dowdy. Now that the youngest of my three children is 18 months old, it’s definitely time to get some of the old me back. Yet it’s hard to know where to look for inspiration because nowhere really caters for busy mums on a budget.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the first two fashion posts I published – two outfits picked for me by the new personal stylist at Gap Cardiff, and three looks in burgundy from Warehouse and Primark. Quite a few mums told me they had bought something featured on the blog posts, or that it had inspired them to go shopping again.

As one mum messaged me to say, “Thank you so much for writing about how I feel! I feel I’ve lost myself with clothing. I wear things that are comfortable, that I’m able to run around after my son and that won’t show up the snot and food! I feel inspired to get back on the fashion wagon…. Please write some more fashion blogs for us mums that just want normal clothes that make us feel good.”

And that’s exactly it. We don’t want overly trendy or high end designer clothes. We just want to wear clothes that make us feel confident and happy, are relatively stylish but won’t stop us playing in the park with our kids. I hope you like this week’s offerings from my new wardrobe.  I don’t think my bank balance can take any more shopping for a little while, so if you’re a mum who combines style with practicality, then see below for details of how you could feature on Cardiff Mummy Says.

Outfit 1

school run style

Two big colours this season are burgundy and mustard, which seem so appropriate for this time of year, reminding me of the colours of the leaves that will soon be falling from the trees. I wrote about a my burgundy purchases last week and was so pleased that so many of you told me you had ordered some of the garments I wore. The star of my wardrobe this week has been a gorgeous mustard textured-knit jumper, £25 from Oasis, one of my all-time favourite fashion stores. I already own this same top in hot pink. I bought it about a year ago and have definitely got my wear out of it. I managed to get it in John Lewis in Cardiff with 20% off, bringing the price down to £20. Mustard isn’t usually a colour I wear, but I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous…. and I couldn’t justify buying it in burgundy, seeing as I’ve already overbought in that colour!

I really like it with this indigo a-line denim skirt I found in Tesco for £18. I’m sure I’m not the only mum who picks up clothes while doing the weekly shop! The chocolate brown tights are also from Tesco, £4 for two pairs. The Dune ankle boots are the same ones I mentioned last week, and which might have been a bit pricey, but which are definitely working out well in terms of price per wear!

I’ve also worn it with these indigo skinny jeans, £7 from Primark. The bag is a present and was from John Lewis.

school run style

Outfit 2

school run style

 

I was so impressed when I saw this black and white floral cardigan in Tesco for just £14. It looks like it could have come straight off the rails of Oasis or Warehouse. Monochrome always seems to be in style, and I love the bold print. It’s perfect with the indigo a-line denim skirt, £18, also from Tesco that I mentioned above and black opaque, but I also love it with the skinny black jeans I got from Primark, priced £13, the same jeans I was wearing in last week’s fashion post.

school run style

I’m done with my big shopping spree now! I desperately needed some new clothes and am so pleased with my purchases. It’s great to bring a little bit of style back to my wardrobe and it’s done my confidence no end of good.

However… as I mentioned, my bank balance isn’t looking so healthy any more! So I’m handing over to you, the Cardiff Mummy Says readers. Are you a mum who mixes affordable style with practicality? Would you be wiling to share a photo of your mummy style with other readers of my blog? All I’d need is a photo of you wearing an outfit that is perfect for day to day life as a mum, featuring clothes you’ve bought recently so I can let other mums know where they can buy the same.

If you’d like to hear more, do get in touch via any of the social media channels (click on the icons above).

And, if you’re not already, then I’d love it if you would come and follow the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page. It’s such an awesome community of parents from Cardiff and beyond. You can also tweet me on @cardiffmummy or follow me on Instagram @cardifmummysays 

See all of my school run style posts here.

16 Comments to School run style – mix and match autumn knitwear and denim

  1. I love this skirt – something I’ve been looking for for ages! And I completely agree about refinding your style, it’s something I’ve been working on too (even if I have a bit less excuse…)

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      It took me ages to find a skirt that wasn’t too short for when you have small children to run around after! I’ve been impressed with Tesco’s fashion – loads of lovely stuff in store at the moment.

  2. You have a really lovely style. I’ve been looking at skirts similar to yours recently – it’s such a nice autumn look with ankle boots. You’re right about the floral top too, it definitely doesn’t look like it’s from Tesco x

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      I’m wearing it again today! It’s lovely, really comfortable. I’ve absolutely loved going shopping again after so long. It was so easy to fall into the trap of just making do, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all, but I feel like I have gained so much confidence again now.

  3. I’m loving the new style and fashion posts!! They’re inspiring me to sort myself out 😀 seem to live in pj bottom or leggings and a baggy top. Not very stylish! Been wanting to make more effort, especially with the change in seasons. Going to have a good sort through my wardrobe and see if o can upcycle some new outfits, or sell all the old stuff and treat myself to something new (like that gorgeous mustard jumper!) thank you! Xx

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      Aw, have fun shopping! It’s completely understandable that it happens to so many of us mums. With children our main priority, houses to look after, food to buy and cook, we definitely fall quite far down the priority list. It’s been so nice to feel like “me” again. x

  4. Comfort and practicality are so important. If you don’t feel comfy in it, you won’t enjoy wearing it I think – and then your confidence will suffer. I do think it’s important to make an effort though – turning up at the school gates in your PJs is a definite no-no in my book!

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      Haha! Well, that’s one thing I’ve never done! Yes, comfort is so important. It’s been a challenge finding things are comfortable, practical when you have three small children, and stylish too, but I’m pleased with my new buys x

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      It’s not a colour I’ve ever worn before, but I love it! Like you say very autumnal and it goes with everything x

  5. It is so nice that you are inspiring other mummies 🙂
    Both of these outfits are lovely. I too love Autumn for dressing, though I do need to buy some new clothes before I get excited about it this year, my clothes from last Autumn were maternity so they aren’t really much good now!

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      Ah, I know the feeling of last year’s clothes being maternity/breastfeeding clothes. Hope you get the chance to go shopping soon x

    • Cardiff Mummy Says

      It’s such a lovely colour – not one I’ve really worn before, but I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous! x

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