Let’s address the elephant in the room or rather, the pyjama-clad elephant shuffling down the catwalk looking like it’s just woken up and forgotten to get dressed. Pyjama pants? As daywear? Seriously? I’ve spent years trying to convince my son that nightwear is not appropriate for the school run, and now Vogue wants me to lean in. No, thank you. And summer boots? I’ve seen enough blistered feet at festivals to know that voluntarily encasing your ankles in faux leather while the sun might be shining is a special kind of madness. Give me glamour, give me comfort, give me something that doesn’t scream “I’ve given up but spent £660 on the privilege” (looking at you, GANNI biker boots).
This season, I’ve rounded up the alternative hits: pieces that make you feel pulled-together, fancy, and crucially able to run for a bus without wincing. We’re starting with summer in all its sunny, twirly, dance-in-a-field glory, then layering up for autumn with coats and knits that do all the work. Think joyful dresses, shoes that won’t make you weep, and a dress that literally glows in the dark. Let’s go.
Summer: Sunshine, skorts, and shoes that love you back
Shoes that won’t make you weep
Let’s mention festival footwear, because the annual ritual of watching stylish women limp across a field with bloody ankles needs to end. My secret? Clarks kids’ shoes. Yes, really. The Clarks SchoolDeyes Dash Youth Blue Synthetic in a 6.5 wide fit is cloud-like, the Selva Edge in a 6 wide is a dream, and both cost a fraction of what you’d pay for adult “festival boots” that torture you. No blisters, no pain, just bouncing. You’re welcome.
For less muddy pursuits, our mum testers put Dream Pairs through its paces, and the verdict was unanimous. The Criss-Cross Wedge Sandals (£19.99) were worn to a garden party and danced in for hours, “height without the hurt,” one tester declared. The Raffia Espadrille Wedges (£19.99) felt like “holiday in a shoe” and survived a beach-to-lunch marathon without complaint. The Chunky Platform Sandals (£24.69) gave serious stature with surprising stability, and the Espadrille Wedges with Crisscross Straps (£19.99) were an “effortless” wedding guest hit, anti-slip soles and all. Also earning a gold star: the Linzi Carolina Ivory shoes, pretty enough to stop strangers on the street and comfortable enough for a full day on your feet. At these prices, you can buy the lot and still have change for a Pimm’s.
Adventure gear that’s almost too nice to sweat in
Sherpa Adventure Gear does something clever: it makes technical clothing you genuinely want to be seen in. The Neha Skort in Evergreen Indreni was a revelation, soft fabric, useful pockets, and a print so pretty I wore it straight from a hike to the pub and felt entirely appropriate in both settings. The matching Neha V-Neck Tank is ridiculously soft, drapes like a dream, and packs down to nothing. Plus, Sherpa funds education in Nepal, so you can feel smug about your shopping choices while you look effortlessly outdoorsy.
WHEN AUTUMN CREEPS IN: Coats & Knits to the rescue
The coat that instantly makes you look polished
When the temperature dips just enough to justify proper outerwear, meet the American Vintage Pufrow coat (£350, in Smoke Melange). This is a grown-up piece that does all the heavy lifting, Italian recycled wool, a blazer collar that frames everything beautifully, and that oversized-but-not-sloppy silhouette that whispers “I have my life together” even when you’re wearing it over yesterday’s leggings. It’s the sartorial equivalent of dry shampoo: an instant refresher when you’ve got nothing else going on. Throw it over a summer dress for those awkward in-between weeks, and it’ll carry you right through to winter.
Knitwear that deserves the spotlight
Just when you think you can get away with a tee, autumn reminds you that a great knit is the ultimate comfort. Here comes Cara & The Sky, a female-founded British brand making statement knits that deserve to be seen, not hidden under a parka. These are your main-character-energy pieces, bright, mood-lifting, and made in small batches right here in the UK using vegan-friendly yarns.
The Bernice cardigan (£85), recently spotted on Emily Clarkson, is the throw-on-and-go hero: bold colour, supremely relaxed fit, an instant compliment magnet. The Rhiannon jumper (£79) serves up big stripe energy in a shape so easy you’ll wear it three times a week. For something lighter, the Gala jumper (£65) has a crochet feel and wide sleeves that elevate even the most tragic jeans. The Candice cardigan (£85) plays with a checkerboard print that’s playful without being childish, and the Tracy cardigan (£89), with its statement balloon sleeves and midi length is the layer you’ll reach for on every “is it warm, is it cold?” day from now until October. Knitwear season isn’t over; frankly, it’s only just getting started.
So there you have it: my summer-to-autumn survival guide for anyone who refuses to schlep around in nightwear or torture their feet for fashion. First, soak up the sun in twirly dresses and shoes that actually let you dance; then, when the chill hits, wrap yourself in coats and knits that look like you’ve made a spectacular effort even if the only thing you’ve organised is the heating timer. Glamour, comfort, and a healthy dose of personality, because being a mum doesn’t mean you’ve retired from looking fabulous. It just means you need clothes that can keep up.
Monica Costa is the Editor of London Mums Magazine. She tried the pyjama pants trend exactly once, and the Ocado driver is still in therapy.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
