Style Theory: For the Schoolrun I need practical, normally warm, rainproof clothes that are presentable. At this point in my children's school life, added to the fact we walk to school every morning, practicality rules over everything. So here is my run down of my most worn items, the additional pieces I will be buying for AW a dream item thrown in along with a few streetstyle images to show you how to style..
The JACKET:
I have long been a fan of a khaki/Camo jacket as a quick throw over when it is not raining. It keeps you warm but not baking you and looks a little edgy.
The best on the high street:
This is a super lightweight jacket that can be thrown over a T-shirt or fine knit sweater in the Autumn, and layer underneath your parka in the winter. It also look pretty good over a dressed up evening look, black top, boyfriend jeans and heels..add an edge.
I live in my camo jacket I bought a few years ago, it has been one of my most worn jackets. I wear it with everything from flared to skinny jeans (black, blue or white) I wear it over dresses when I am going out for the evening (I have an aversion to being too dressed up) You can clash it up with patterned tops, stripes/spots work really well. Just one of those hardworking, useful items to have in your wardrobe.
The parka....I know this coat had been around for years but to be honest it is just so practical, warm, long and normally at least showerproof if not waterproof with a huge hood - essential when pushing a buggy/pulling a child on a scooter up to school, whilst carrying schoolbags/lunchboxes and homemade cardboard fish tanks?!
The best on the high street..
I have featured this before, I love it.. a note of caution this is not waterproof (cotton outer) but how gorgeous anyway...
A good long length, like the waist details to give some shape and a generous amount of fur on the hood. Also some in black which is gorgeous..
I bought one like this a couple of years ago from Zara and still wear it every winter. This is a short length so good for petite ladies as the length will not drown you.
So these Bella Freud sweaters are the dream and one day I will have one! They are supersoft, utterly cool (although they have been around for a while), look fab with denim shorts on cooler days in the summer and in the winter wear like Kate Moss with skinny black/leather jeans and boots..just gorgeous.
Still on the pricey side but wearing a little bit of cashmere makes your outfit feel and look so much more luxurious and this is machine washable. I always buy sweaters at least a size bigger to add an extra slouchy look.
This is 100% cashmere sweater and amazing value. Uniqlo cashmere always wears well, it says to dry clean only (eek) but I am sure I have cold washed mine (do not quote me on that!)
This sweater has a zip detail running down the back and a real slouchy look. It looks more expensive than £38, wear layered over a longline vest top with boyfriend jeans and trainers.
The Breton top, again an absolute classic, wear it with a camo jacket, denim shorts and trainers on warmer days, on colder days use it as a layering piece under a sweater..this style never looks tired
I invested in a Petite Bateau breton a couple of years ago and I am so glad I did. The fabric is thick so doesn't cling to my tummy, the shape is quite boxy and sits well over the waistband of my jeans and it washes really well with no colour bleeding.
I really like an envelope neck, it really sits nice at the front, doesn't slouch off your shoulders and is flattering. I also have a Boden breton and again this has washed really well.
Amazing price and great for an additional 'schoolrun' top, this would look fab under black dungarees with trainers and a camo for an understated, cool look.
Jeans are a godsend..at the moment I prefer my boyfriend jeans this mainly due to the fact that I have gorged this summer and am finding my skinny jeans a little.bit.tight... however I hope to bring back the skinnies in the Autumn along with my waistline and new love of exercise (well I can try?!)
First the Boyfriends
The best on the high street..
I have these jeans and love them, they come up fairly big so size down. The distressing just gets better over time and I wear mine dressed up with heels if I am going out. So comfortable, such a useful pair of jeans.
River Island is always a good 'go to' shop for jeans, the pale colour of these jeans is perfect for this season and the ankle length so flattering and cool.
Black Skinny Jeans
Topshop Baxters are still my favourite affordable skinny jeans, for Autumn team these with a pair of trainers (love these with lo black converse) and an oversize cozy sweater (the cashmere sweaters above or an oversize forest green sweater - Topshop has a fab one)
Dungarees
Once you try dungarees you will realise how incredibly comfortable they are, I bought mine from H&M last year (they have since sold out) and I have worn them loads, yes I do still get a few smart comments from the Husband but for the comfort factor I happily ignore..
The Trainers
These trainers are so expensive but to me perfect in every way, love the worn look (crazy eh?) and the leopard detail at the back. I have been admiring these for years, again one for my wishlist.
A classic style, incredibly comfortable. Make sure you order the Neo white (off white - kind of yellowing colour) they look a little more worn less glowing than the white ones.
These look fab with black skinny jeans or dungarees (see image above) or white jeans in the Spring. They are the ultimate in comfort and will make the walking part of the schoolrun a breeze..
These are for non rainy days, they will look fab with dresses in the Summer, in the Autumn pair with ankle length skinny jeans and an oversize sweater. Admittedly they are to cold to wear in the winter..my feet freeze in them but you can bing them out again in the Spring..
My Schoolrunstyle
As you can see I do practice what I preach, for me the schoolrun is all about denim, trainers, stripes and camo, a pretty simple, basic combination but simple is what I need at 7am!
Nothing very groundbreaking in my style formula..everything is for ease and comfort but I hope you have found this rather mega edition useful. Next time my two minute make-up in the morning that takes me from looking super rough to kind of acceptable (from a distance!)
What is your schoolrun formula, do you wear your gym stuff (I would if I actually got my butt into gear and did some exercise) or do you go straight to work? I would love to hear your thoughts. I know Schoolrunstyle can sometimes be a strange subject because really, I genuinely do not care what people wear, we are all just trying to get our kids to school. Personally I like to get dressed (ie not do the schoolrun in my pjs) because I work from home and if I do not get myself sorted first thing in the morning I would never do it and I would never get out of pyjamas..ever..!
Would love to know your thoughts and comments and Mums from my school, I know I fail miserably loads of mornings to look presentable but lets just keep that between us!! ;-)
Until next time, Frances xx
