More often than not, we see a very edited version of what people really look like and wear on social media...
In the spirit of transparency, we asked some stylish mums what they really wear when out and about with the kids, and the results are unsurprisingly a mixture of style and substance. Hint: cross-body bags are a no-brainer and sneakers are the new heels! For everyday sartorial inspiration that allows for a wash’n’wear wardrobe (that resembles dry-clean only), step right this way.
Georgie Abay, Founder of The Grace Tales, mum to Arabella, 5, and Lottie, 4
“When I’m with the girls in winter, I’m either in activewear (with a big Uniqlo puffer thrown over the top) or jeans and knits (my collection of knits seems to grow every other week). I don’t give what I wear a lot of thought when I’m with my girls. In summer, I love cotton or linen dresses or kaftans and also denim skirts. And always flats. I rarely do a heel these days (these Ganni’s kitten heels are perfect for me). I love dressing up in a beautiful skirt, but I save those outfits for when I’m kid-free. I regularly shop at Mango, Everlane, J.Crew, Net-A-Porter and then love supporting small local brands such as St. Agni, Faithful and Sarah J Curtis. Oh, and can you tell I love pink?” Georgie wears Mango knit, Isabel Marant jeans. Arabella wears printebebe.
Marisa Remond, editorial director at The Grace Tales and co-founder of Grace Styling, mum to Gigi, 4, and Louis, 22 months
“When I’m with the kids it’s all about practicality and comfort. For winter, that means a lot of jeans and knit combos with an endless selection of sneakers – at the moment I’m alternating between Golden Goose and Adidas running styles. My little boy is still in the messy stage so I can’t be precious with clothes when I’m essentially cleaning up some form of food, play dough or paint all day. Accessories keep things fun – I love neckties, belts and piled-on gold jewellery at the moment.” Marisa wears Mango knit, Re/Done jeans, H&M belt and Golden Goose Deluxe Brand sneakers. Gigi wears printbebe outfit, Pixies Bows headband and Young Soles shoes. Louis wears Seed Heritage knit, Next pants and Vans sneakers.
Emily Armstrong, founder of The Paradise Catcher, editor-at-large at The Grace Tales, mum to Beatrice, 7, Eddie, 6, and Agnes, 3.
“When I’m running around with my children in hot, humid Singapore it’s all about keeping as cool and calm as possible (one can dream!). I like to keep it simple with lots of linen dresses or skirts and denim shorts. A cross-body bag means I can keep my hands free to corral the children and slides allow me to kick shoes on and off easily (many people here keep the no shoes inside rule so I am catching on slowly). I live in St. Agni rattan and Isabel Marant pool slides. I love Mango’s summer collection of linen dresses and separates, and have found Lucy Folk hair ties can sort out the post-swimming pool hair pretty well. Add sunnies and we’re off again!” Emily wears J. Crew tee, Mango skirt, St. Agni slides, Lucy Folk sunglasses and Flash Jewellery earrings. All basket bags by The Paradise Catcher.
Lara Einzig, founder of Aquadorium, The Grace Tales's LA style contributor, mum to Raphael, 8, and twins Flynn and Louis, 5
“My go-to outfit essentials be it work or running around with the kids always starts and ends with a dress and sneakers (current faves – Nike Air Max). And in between, a small cross body bag (or fanny pack), a men’s watch, minimal jewellery, unbrushed hair and if the outfit is pared down, I’ll jazz it up with some statement sunnies.” Lara wears Genuine People dress, Celine bag, Fendi sunglasses and Nike shoes.
Shen-Tel Lee, Designer, mum to Benjamin, 5 and Kingston, 4
“My “mum style” is 100% predictable. A dress with a cross body bag and Sereni and Shentel ballerina flats so I can run with the boys. I find wearing a dress the easiest thing as you don’t have to think much when getting ready in the morning.” Shen-Tel wears Paule Ka dress.
Amanda Woodward-Brown, head of content at Rupert Sanderson, The Grace Tales's London contributor, mum to Violet, 4 and Isla, 22 months.
“On my days with my daughters, I always turn to dresses or jumpsuits in denim or cotton. I love the fact that I am dressed and ready to go with just one piece, that I can easily run after the girls and that they can also be thrown in the wash after being smeared with sticky fingers. They also look great with sneakers and slides – the two shoes I wear on repeat. I’ll often add statement earrings or sunglasses too – though that does depend if I remember to grab them before I run out the door!” Amanda wears Zara dress, Rupert Sanderson slides, J. Crew earrings and edit58 bag. Violet wears Olivier Baby and Kids dress and Matilda & Grace bow.
Tamsin Johnson, interior designer, mum to Arthur, 2, and Bunny, 5 months
“I live in Lucy Folk as it can take you from the beach to the evening and allows for easy access for feeding and getting your gear off to go swimming. It’s hard to find time to change when you have your hands full! I do like a stripe and the Moroccan inspired palette suits my tan. It’s washable too which is important when you have messy kids around!” Tamsin wears Lucy Folk playsuit.