Now that I do the school run twice a day, I’ve been forced to be less scruffy. Before September, my working-from-home uniform tended to be shorts, t-shirt and flip flops, with my hair tied back into a pony tail. Sometimes (shock, horror!) I wouldn’t even wash my hair. Of course, if I had a meeting or even if I had plans to meet friends for a coffee, I’d make more of an effort, but my look was definitely relaxed! After years of working in an office, it was lovely to make less effort and not have to think about looking smart.
But doing the school drop-off each morning means that I’m seeing lots of people I know every single day. I can’t subject them to my scruffbag look. Seriously. It wouldn’t be fair on their eyes.
I should make it clear at this stage – I’m so not into the whole “school gate thing” – I once appeared on ITV1’s Lorraine talking about the rivalry some mums feel at the school gate (Side note: Lorraine Kelly was quite possibly the nicest person I’ve ever met and somehow had the amazing knack of making me feel like the five minute segment of her show that included me was award-winning telly.) I’m not interested in all of that competitive stuff, whether it’s talking about your child’s achievements or going dressed to the nines, I’m more likely to be found having a quick natter with the lovely mums and dads before dashing off to a local cafe to work on my laptop.
But knowing I’ll see people I know every day means I try to look semi-presentable every day, and it’s got me thinking about what makes a good classic ‘school run outfit’. On a cold, autumnal day, I think it’s important to be cosy, comfy and able to stride quickly (is it just me who always seems to be running late?). This is one of my favourite fail-safe outfits.
Long-sleeve Breton, £25, Boden // Ultra Stretch Jeans, £34.95, Uniqlo
Peacoat, £55, c/o Next // Westbourne Chelsea Boot, £130, c/o Joules
I’m not ashamed to admit I own more striped tops than most people have had hot dinners. This Breton from Boden is one of my favourites – it’s thicker than many, meaning it keeps you cosy and is great for layering. It also holds its shape, even after lots of washing.
Skinny jeans might be a bit boring, but let’s face it, this is the school run, and it’s important to be warm and wear something practical. Warmth is a key factor behind this Next peacoat too, and the khaki green colour isn’t my usual thing, but actually is a great neutral that goes with loads of outfits.
Finally, good flat boots are so important when you’re stomping through leaves and rushing to get to and from school. These Chelsea boots from Joules make me so happy. From the front, they look like standard brown leather boots, but the flash of leopard print on the back is a genius touch.
What do you reckon?
Photos: Katrina Cool Bananas // Thanks to Joules and Next for their help with this post! For details on how I work with brands see my Work With Me page.
As soon as I saw those boots I wondered if they were from Joules! I love this outfit, it’s simple but so well put together. I’ve always been jealous of people that can wear jeans, I just never feel comfortable in them. Also LOVING the post about you being on LK! She does seem like the nicest lady ever. x
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She was! I wanted her to be my second mum.
You look lovely and that’s one of my favourite places to take outfit posts.. (Then everyone is looking at the phone boxes and not me!)
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It’s such a fab street isn’t it? I used to work in Covent Garden and loved passing it on my lunch hour.
1. I LOVE those boots. Need them in my life. 2. I LOVE that coat. Need it in my life. 3. I LOVE your fringe. If I didn’t already have one myself I might get one cut. 4. Katrina has taken some pretty bloody brilliant photos here. I need a Katrina in my life. (Move to Devon Katrina!)
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Everyone needs a Katrina in their life! And they are fab pics, aren’t they? She is a clever lady.
Those boots! We’ve just had a Joules open up locally so I’ll have to check ’em out Love your hair in this too. If I looked like this each day on the school run I’d be one happy bunny x
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Yes I saw there was one opening in MK. Definitely check it out – I’ve got lots from there.
I love those boots. I always feel like the school run scruff but I do spend the rest of the day playing on the floor with Mini ATWWAH so it is justified.
And Lorraine Kelly is surely the First Lady of British TV???
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She absolutely is! And playing on the floor definitely calls for scruffy clothes, if you ask me! 🙂
I pretty much NEED that whole outfit. Especially the coat and boots. And I love the denim colour too. Lovely!
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I can see you wearing this outfit, Eleanor. get shopping 😉
Love this outfit. Those boots!! You must be one of the most glam mums in the playground xx
Perfect outfit, I just need to master the red lip and I could almost replicate that when school starts back!
I’ll second the stripy top addiction I don’t think i’ve been seen without one at the nursery gates. My little says I look like a zebra 😉
Love your boots, great outfit 🙂
I would love to find a nice stripy top. I think I need to go shopping ..
I love this outfit – perfect for the school run and more! 🙂 Those boots *swoons* You look gorgeous xx
Fellow stripe addict right here. It’s getting so bad that I almost don’t feel myself without wearing a stripe somewhere. I even own stripy pjs, it’s becoming a problem. Your ‘school uniform’ is the same as mine, just substitute the coat for a parka and our wardrobes could have been separated at birth xx what great taste you have
Basically everything Molly said but with added fringe envy. WHERE IS PART TWO? x
You look fab lovely, and aided by a fantastic photographer! 😉 I have the coat in this colour, and navy (I was greedy!) and have had a few compliments at the school gate since F started, you have good taste! 😉 Love the boots too x
I absolutely love this outfit Alison – super stylish and those boots – I need those boots. Also perfect for Autumn – can’t wait to see more
Laura x
I love this outfit! I agree that olive green is a great neutral. I have a Zara coat in the same colour from 3 years ago, which I agonised over buying as it wasn’t cheap and didn’t fit my usual criteria of black, navy or grey! But it was a great buy which I wear all the time and is still going strong.
Loving these posts, looking forward to more.
Clare x
Lovely outfit, the coat is looking indeed very chic…