I’m a school style expert – what to wear when dropping your kids off & why skinny jeans should be ditched

THE new school year starts next week and it can be as tricky for mums as it is for kids – especially when it comes to what to wear for drop-off.

From flashing too much cleavage to turning up at the gates in pyjamas, former PTA chairwoman and parent class rep Emma Kent, 44, knows all about the dos and don’ts of school run style.

Olivia WestEmma Kent reveals her set of strict fashion rules that guarantee you will look your best at the school gates[/caption]

Here, the mum of two who lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, reveals her set of strict fashion rules that guarantee you will never get marked down at the school gates.

FEAR THE GYM GEAR TRAP

I WEAR workout gear on the morning school run, but I always get changed for the afternoon pick-up because it speaks volumes about what sort of mum you are.

If you don’t change, you’ve either been lazy and haven’t done any exercise, or you’ve been to the gym and skipped the shower afterwards — and stink.

Don’t be intimidated by the New Balance gang and feel you have to keep up with that trend.

You only need one pair of basic black trainers.

Getting a pair in every colour under the sun is a waste of money.

LEAVE PJS AT HOME

IT is hard to comprehend that some mums turn up at school in last night’s pyjamas.

Even if I’m wearing them at home, I refuse to answer the door.

If you take your kids to school in them, the chances are you haven’t even washed, so never, ever do it.

Mums, please set your alarm and get up earlier, otherwise you’re at risk of other mums labelling you as lazy.

My husband wears his comfies when he picks up our daughter on a Friday teatime after her gymnastics class — but I give him strict instructions to never, ever get out of the car in case he’s spotted.

As for wearing slippers? I have no words.

DON’T CHANNEL KAT SLATER

JUST because one of your mum mates can carry off leopard-print leggings doesn’t mean you can.

Likewise mixing boho pieces with animal print and statement dangly earrings just looks gaudy — nobody can carry it all off at the same time.

Own your style.

If you’re getting side glances in the playground, take note.

Mums who know which looks suit them have more confidence — and kudos — than those who think they can rock it all.

CARRY EMERGENCY KIT

SPILLAGES and stains are frowned upon by school mums, so be prepared for every eventuality.

If you drive to school, have a spare top or a nice jacket in the back of the car in case of emergencies — especially if you have a baby in tow and there’s a vomit risk.

You can get away with marks on your clothes once, but never twice.

Stuff a pair of oversized sunglasses in your bag too, to hide those eye bags.

Yes, you might have been up all night with your youngest, but nobody needs — or wants — to know about it.

BIG UP YOUR BARGAINS

MY nickname in the playground is Martin Lewis, because I love a good deal.

I bagged a great pair of new designer sunglasses for half the price on Vinted and told anyone who’d listen.

There’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if you turn up at school in an outfit you bought second hand.

Brag about your great buys – other mums love it.

One word of warning.

If you think it’s OK to buy second hand Boux Avenue pyjamas, or a swimming costume without the hygiene sticker firmly in place, keep schtum.

It’s rank.

DON’T BE A COPYCAT

WHILE you might love the coat one of the other “cool” mums is wearing, turning up the next day in the same look will put you on dodgy ground. It isn’t a compliment and everyone will gossip.

If you do it accidentally, style it out by praising the other mum on her great taste.

But, if you’re a cool mum who turns up in the same coat as one who is known for her dowdy fashion sense, get yours on Vinted immediately to protect your reputation.

SHOW A LITTLE LEG

STICK to classy, not trashy, outfits for the school playground, especially if you’re over 35.

I stick to the old rule — cleavage or legs, but never both.

Olivia WestGo classy not trashy[/caption]

One mum turned up at our school in a pair of hot pants a couple of years ago and we still gossip about it now.

And remember, the dads gossip too.

Their WhatsApp groups will be on fire if you turn up with too much flesh on show.

NEVER FORGET YOUR BRA

TURNING up at school braless is a huge no-no.

No teacher wants to have a serious chat about your kid’s progress while your nipples are glaring back at them.

Especially on chilly days.

One mum at my children’s school did the morning drop-off in a pair of oversized dungarees with side boob on show.

Everyone was talking about her — and when she did the 3pm pick-up wearing a bra, it was clear she’d overheard us.

CHOOSE JEANS CAREFULLY

THERE’S a place in the school playground for skinny jeans, but think carefully about what you wear them with.

Low-slung skinny jeans with a muffin top bulging over is not a good look.

If in doubt, pair them with an oversized jumper and knee-high boots.

If you’ve gained extra pounds over the school holidays, stick to mom jeans.

They’re more flattering and comfortable. A win-win.

And if you’re over 40, please lose the ripped jeans.

You’re not a teenager, so don’t try to be one.

BEWARE SCHOOL GATE GOSSIPS

PICTURE the scene: Your mum or a mate did the school drop-off, but she calls you at 9.15am to say she’s accidentally left your child’s packed lunch box at home.

You dash back up to the school office to drop it off — in your scruffs and with sopping wet hair — thinking you won’t be spotted. Wrong.

There’s always a gaggle of mums who loiter at the school gates long after the kids have gone in.

You will always be noticed, so don’t risk it.

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BAG

THERE’S no excuse for turning up to school holding your bag for life from Aldi — even if that’s where you’re heading after dropping the kids off.

Neither you, nor your child, will ever live it down.

Olivia WestA cheap and cheerful tote bag is a playground fashion staple[/caption]

A cheap and cheerful tote bag is a playground staple and means you’ll always have somewhere to stash your purse — handy when you need spare change for that forgotten bake sale, or for a last-minute whip-round.

DITCH CROCS AND SOCKS

IT’S September, it’s drizzly and temperatures are dropping, but that doesn’t mean you can pair those Crocs that saw you through summer with chunky socks.

It isn’t a good look.

While I love a slider, I wouldn’t dream of wearing them now either — and definitely not with socks.

I could never be friends with someone who did this.

Opt for a versatile Chelsea boot, which is both comfy and stylish, instead.

The crocs-and-socks combo is taking comfort too far.