Image credit: Marks and Spencer
It has been one busy summer with everything fully opening up and might add a stressful one. I was really enjoying my six hours of peace working in front of my computer while my kids were at school. Now, I am currently juggling work, and kids while I am surrounded by the chaos of my house being in a mess and the stress of making a million meals a day. I am sure many mums can resonate with this!?
Over the years I have learned the only way to keep my house in a tidy state is to keep the kids out and as busy as possible. So, this summer's planned activities include adventure clubs, swimming lessons, playdates, kid's parties, and a fun staycation with all the family.
With many of us, busy mums juggling work, life, balance our style can easily take a back seat or we can fall into a style rut by wearing the same boring items that can make us feel a bit rubbish. As a personal stylist who predominantly helps women, my solution is to wear good quality functional items that can be thrown together quickly for effortless style. These items will not only serve you for one season but can easily transition to other seasons with some clever styling tricks. Planning your outfits is also key if you have a jam-packed summer of activities with your kids. I advise pulling together simple outfit options in advance then you will never have the stress of not knowing what to wear.
If you would like to look a bit more put together and stylish then my practical outfit ideas for busy mums on the run may help inspire you. Keeping in mind this summer's unpredictable weather I have put together a mixture of outfits to cater to the mild weather conditions with some suggestions of where you can wear these looks.
See below my practical outfit ideas with all the links to the selected products.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: PARK PLAYDATE, DAY OUT TO THE FARM
A lightweight jacket for the cooler weather is a must. I own an old camo jacket that I love wearing out for park play dates or the school run especially when the weather is milder. This is a great capsule wardrobe item that will transition well into Autumn. If you don't like a camo print then opt for a plain khaki style in green or navy that will also match a lot of basic items in your wardrobe.
Camo Jacket, Very, click here.
T-shirt, M&S, click here.
Jeans, M&s, click here.
Bag, Hush Clothing click here.
Trainers, M&S, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: BEACH, DAY TRIP, BBQ
A classic black dress and a denim jacket are both great versatile pieces for summer. The better quality then the longer they will last you. These items are also easy to dress up with a number of different accessories and shoes. Most people have a classic black dress in their wardrobe so look at the accessories you already own and play around with creating different outfit options.
Dress, Mint Velvet, click here.
Jacket, M&S, click here.
Bag, New look, click here.
Sandals, Office, click here.
Sunglasses, Quay Australia, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: DAY TRIP, PLAYDATE
I am a big fan of culottes in the summer, as I don't like to show too much of my legs. They are especially great for balancing out bigger hips. Team this item with basic tops, a pair of sandals, and throw over your denim jacket for an easy effortless look.
Denim Jacket, HM, click here.
Tshirt, Riverisland, click here
Culottes, HM, click here.
Sandals, New look, click here.
Sunglasses, Quay, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: DAY TRIP, SHOPPING DAY OUT
The boiler suit is a stylish one-piece that will help you instantly look put together. Wear with sandals in the summer or layer with a warm turtle neck, padded jacket, and boots for the colder autumn and winter months.
Boilersuit, Hush Clothing, click here.
Bag, Oliver Bonas, Click here.
Sandals, Oliver Bonas, click here.
Sunglasses, Quay, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: BRUNCH, SHOPPING, MEETING FRIENDS
A chunky cardigan is a great wardrobe essential all year around. It is perfectly styled with a lace trim cami, relaxed jeans, and these slip-on backless loafers. Add delicate jewellery to elevate this smart casual look.
Cardigan, H&M, click here.
Cami top, H&M, click here.
Jeans, H&M, click here.
Bag, Newlook, click here.
Loafers, Dune, click here
Necklace, John Lewis, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: DAY OUT, BRUNCH, SHOPPING, MEETING FRIENDS
Dungarees may not be for everyone but I love them as the styling options with different tops are endless. I think these mint velvet ones are great for us curvier women. You can also team these with different shoe options such as trainers, sandals, or flip flops.
Dungarees, Mint Velvet, click here.
Top, Wyse London, click here.
Sandals, Air & Grace, click here.
Bag, Osprey London, click here.
Earrings, Oliver Bonas, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: PLAYDATE, DAY TRIP, STAYCATION
A t-shirt dress is a great summer essential. I love wearing mine for relaxed every style. Just throw it on add your accessories then off you go.
Dress, Cos, click here.
Denim jacket, click here.
Trainers, Nike, click here.
Bag, Forelli, click here
Sunglasses, Quay, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: PLAYDATE, SHOPPING, MEETING FRIENDS
A good blazer is a great piece to throw on to smarten up a super casual outfit. You can create so many different looks with a blazer. Throw over a dress, a skirt or wear leather trousers for Autumn and Winter. I am also a fan of loose-fit jeans, as I find them much more flattering and comfortable on my bottom-heavy frame.
Jeans, H&M, click here.
T-shirt, Anine Bing, click here.
Blazer, H&M, click here.
Sandals, Office, click here.
Necklace, All Saints John Lewis, click here
Bag, Whistles at Selfridges, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: PLAYDATE, SHOPPING, WALK IN THE PARK
A cool slogan sweatshirt is great to throw on with jeans. This look is an easy to wear outfit that many of us can recreate from existing items in our wardrobe. Experiment and add interest to a simple outfit through accessories like this weaved textured crossbody and printed leopard slip-on pumps.
Sweatshirt, Myrockingkids.co.uk, click here.
Jeans, M&S, click here.
Coat, Newlook, click here.
Bag, Newlook, click here.
Slip-on trousers trainers, Schuh, click here
WHERE TO WEAR IT: STAYCATION, OUT SHOPPING, MEETING FRIENDS
Here's another outfit option with dungarees. The stripe top will add width to your upper body, this is great if you are a pear shape and the straight leg will help balance out your bottom half. To transition this item into an autumn layer over a warm polo top, a shirt, or a fine knit jumper.
Dungarees, Mint Velvet, click here.
Stripe top, Crew clothing, click here.
Necklace, Oriela Jewellery, click here.
Bag, Apatchy London, click here.
Trainers, Veja at Netaporter, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: BRUNCH, SHOPPING TRIP, DAY OUT.
I instantly feel dressed when I wear a simple ditsy floral dress. It can be quickly dressed up with sandals and accessories if you going out for brunch with friends or play it down with casual trainers and biker and still look so effortlessly put together. This is one of my favourite looks to wear.
Dress, Newlook, click here.
Trainers, Office shoes, click here.
Leather Biker, Fat Face, click here.
Bag, Mango, click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: VISIT TO PARK, DAY OUT
A warm waterproof coat is always needed for the cooler UK temperatures. Padded coats are big for Autumn and Winter, they are great as you can add a few different layers under these types of coats.
Padded Coat, Hush Clothing, click here.
Jeans, H&M, click here.
T-shirt, M&S, click here.
Bag, Zara, Click here.
Trainers, Radley, Click here.
WHERE TO WEAR IT: PLAYDATE, DAY OUT, STAYCATION
Here's another lightweight padded jacket option. Team with relaxed-fit mom jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals for comfort and effortless style.
Padded Jacket, M&S, click here.
Basic top, La redoute, click here.
Jeans, M&S, click here.
Sandals, Office, click here.
Bag, Tiba & Marl, click here.
I hope you are feeling inspired to re-create these easy-to-wear outfit ideas. I could've created so many more looks...
Please note some of these product links have affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase I will receive a small commission from the sale. This is no extra cost to you. This small income helps me to continue to do what I love and bring you great quality content.
If you would like the help of my professional online styling or in-person personal styling services then please do get in touch. I can help you create a bespoke capsule wardrobe of considered outfits that will work effortlessly for your busy lifestyle. Please click here.
Many thanks for reading!
Jas x