The mum uniform is often a jersey t-shirt and a pair of jeans, yet so many women tell me that they feel bland and boring, but they still need the practicality of wash and wear, and also fabrics that are easy to move in so you can take your kids to the playground, clean the house and sit on the floor and play.

But boring and bland is not how mums want to feel.  We want to feel beautiful and attractive.  So how do you dress up your t-shirt and jeans mum uniform?

1. Shoes
2. Scarves
3. Accessories
4. Jackets
5. Hats/Sunglasses

1.     Shoes

OK, so do you slip on your old white sneakers with your jeans?  The shoes you choose to wear with them can make them look more or less stylish.  Rather than a big chunky white sneaker, why not try a dress sneaker (it’s not like you’re going jogging so don’t need such a high level of support.

Want to dress it up a little more?  A pair of ballet flats or loafers is another comfortable but practical option.   In winter, why not put on some knee high boots over the top of your jeans?  Warm and stylish!

In summer, a jewelled thong or sandal is a stylish option to try.

2.     Scarves

Add a scarf, winter or summer (provided it’s not super hot).  In winter a pashmina style scarf is great for both keeping you warm and providing some much needed colour and detail.  In summer look for a floaty chiffon or light cotton scarf with a gorgeous pattern to take your denim from blah to hurrah.

Scarves can be more practical for many women than necklaces on fine chains if your kids are little and are still in that ‘grabby’ stage.

Not sure how to tie them?  Check out this video for over 13 ideas on how to tie a long rectangular scarf.

3.     Accessories

Necklaces

If you have babies you will find that necklaces aren’t your best option as small hands like to grab and pull them.  But once you’re past that stage you can easily start wearing some of the great and affordable jewellery that you can get these days.

Earrings

Small kids and dangling earrings don’t go together, but when your kids are older, why not wear a statement pair to draw attention up to your face.  (As I always tell my clients – if I’m looking in your eyes, I’m not looking at your thighs).

Belts

If you have a defined waist, tuck in your top and put a belt on those jeans.  There are so many colours and styles to choose from, animal print, red, feature buckle, slim, wide, the options are endless.

Rings

Why not wear a statement ring?  Costume jewellery stores have lots of fun options, as do eBay that will make a statement without breaking the bank (and you don’t have to worry about losing diamonds in the sandpit).

Bracelets

Stack on some arm candy.  Choose a variety of colours and styles .  If you go for something that’s bendy or on elastic, they can be comfortable to wear no matter what you’re doing.

4.     Jackets

Add a jacket.  Not your old suit jacket (well unless you’re never planning on wearing it to work again, or you love dry cleaning) but why not try a jersey jacket, a moto jacket, a denim jacket (not in denim but in a colour) or a leather jacket.  Find a jacket with a little detail and it will instantly dress up your outfit.  The other benefit is that they can cover up some of the bumps and lumps that may have appeared post-pregnancy.

5.     Hats and Sunglasses

In winter why not try a beret or funky cap (not a trucker cap) when you’re out at the park to keep your head warm.  In summer, you make your kids wear a sun hat, you should be wearing one too!  Kids copy what we do so you need to take the lead and wear a sun hat with style.  Why not try one with a big brim to keep the sun off your neck and shoulders as well as your face.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to put on your sunnies when you leave the house, they add a touch of glamour and mystery, whilst also protecting your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun.

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