Summer is coming, the sun is out, the days are getting longer and children are eager to be outside playing.

The beginning of summer is also a sign that the festive season will soon be upon us.

Many of us will be getting organised for the most hectic period of the year – Christmas.

This is also the time mothers forget to take some time for them, instead caring for the needs of their parents, children, husband, colleagues and pets.

Jane Liddelow is an (AICI) image consultant and business owner of Style Makeover HQ. Her experience working with mothers has developed a passion within her – Jane says, “I’m passionate about helping all women achieve their best appearance. It’s lovely to be able to show them that it’s important they look after themselves as well. And how looking good can make a mum feel more confident and better able to be a good mum.”

With limited time and having a personal desire to look your best, it is important to remember you don’t have to break the bank or spend all day in front of the mirror in order to look and feel great about yourself.

Jane’s 6 style tips to get you ready for summer:

1) Pack away winter woollies and coats.

Planning your wardrobe is easier when you can see what you have.

Time to put away your cooler weather clothes.

Leave out trans-seasonal items, include lighter weight jackets and cardigans for those cooler days and evenings.

2) Get organised now to reduce any stress!

List possible socialising events and activities coming up over the next few months. Include any planned vacations.

3) Check summer clothes for fit and condition.

Throw away has-beens – discoloured tees and tops, overstretched camis and so on. Mend and alter items that need attention.

Sell or give away things you will never wear again (or at least pack them away).

4) Create outfits you love.

With what’s left attempt to create outfits that flatter your current shape, colouring and personality.

If you don’t love the outfit, can you think of how to change it to make you love it? For example, can you add a necklace, or use a different top? Add missing items to a shopping wish list.

Identify at least one outfit (ideally have a backup too) for each activity on your list from question 2. Add items to your shopping wish list if necessary.

Don’t forget to complete your outfits – think shoes, accessories, outer layer (in case it’s cold or wet), handbag (day/evening). No, one pair of shoes and one handbag won’t work with absolutely everything!

5) Complete your outfits.

If you identified shopping list items in item 4, work out your priorities and budget, then go shopping with your list.

Don’t forget to take the items that you want to match with you. Add some colour. Inject a pop of your favourite colour, even if it’s only in a handbag or lipstick.

Lighter colours work better in summer – they feel cooler and look more summery.

However, you don’t have to choose white if that’s not a practical option for you. Choose a medium light grey, or brown, or beige as your core neutral instead.

6) Experiment with your favourite patterns.

It’s hard to avoid patterns at the moment! Choose from florals (botanical or abstract), stripes, quirky prints, tropical prints, dots, leopard or snake.

Patterns can be very practical for hiding a few grubby fingerprint marks.

Pick a pattern you love in a top, bottom, or dress. Just ensure the pattern isn’t too large for your scale. Choose a subtle pattern, or print, as a safer option, especially one where you can’t see obvious pattern repeats.

Check that the pattern doesn’t draw attention to an area you’d rather hide, such as creating a horizontal line over wide hips.

Now you’re ready for summer. Enjoy!

As we head into summer life is only going to get busier. Mums take the time now to take care of yourself both on the outside and inside.

The way we present ourself has a direct affect on the way we feel about ourselves.

Now we are not all super mums ready to save the world. But we are mums who should be proud of who we are and how we pesent ourselves to the world. After all…

“Life is not a dress rehearsal…..always put the best YOU forward”.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

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