Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Wednesday, September 3
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»FROM PLAYGROUND TO OFFICE: Styling Tips for Busy Mums
Parenting Articles

FROM PLAYGROUND TO OFFICE: Styling Tips for Busy Mums

5 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
By Carolina Giraldo

Working mums are a force of nature. There are so many factors that go into one day, let alone an entire working week. Meetings and homework. Reports and lunchboxes. Presentations and the playground. It may seem as though transitioning your outfit from playground to office would be at best inconvenient and at worst, completely unrealistic.

Thankfully, style connoisseur and working mum of two, Carolina Giraldo, founder of Carolina Lifestyle, has been there and done that. Here she shares her top 7 tips for styling your wardrobe, so you can confidently pivot your runway from asphalt to office, effortlessly.

Strip back and take stock

It’s often overlooked but this one simple tip is the foundation to your wardrobe; ensure you wear your clothes, and they don’t wear you. Do a wardrobe purge and bin or donate anything that you haven’t worn in 6+ months (except if it’s a special occasion piece) and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit properly. Having a closet cleanout allows you the space to focus on what fits, what you like, and what you wear most often. Then, from here, you can start to fill in the gaps.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel

Once you’ve done an inventory of what you have, it’s time to fill in the gaps. With all this new wardrobe space it can be tempting to go all out and buy that little black dress you’ve been eyeing for months, or that fabulous kaftan for a holiday you’ve yet to book. But these pieces won’t be your everyday go-to’s. Start by taking note of what styles, colours, and shapes suit your body. From here you can base your new pieces upon this blueprint, knowing they will fit, flatter and match what you already have.

Make your clothes work for you

As the saying goes, ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’. This makes sense in theory, however, in execution with the added complexities of a working mum, it’s not so cut and dry. The key here is to find a level playing field between the playground and office. What similarities can you find between the two and what is the lowest common denominator? Depending on your job and its expectations, this will be different for everyone but by comparing the two, it’s easier to draw similarities and distinctions, allowing you to level-up basics and pare down formalities.

Versatility

Building on the point above, when finding a happy medium between playground and office, go for pieces that can work in multiple ways. A wide-leg pant in a neutral colour can be dressed down with a pair of flats and blouse or dressed up with heels and a blazer. A classic for a reason, a trench coat is a chic addition to any casual outfit and can be styled open or closed.

Accessorise like you mean it!

Now we’ve got the basics down, it’s time for some fun! Bold, colourful or animal print accessories like scarfs, bags, sunglasses, and jewellery are the secret weapons of your wardrobe. A patterned scarf or bold earrings are easy to throw on in the morning and will compliment any neutral pieces, without having to plan around them. A pair of statement sunglasses combine form and function, adding a sleek finishing touch to any outfit. 

Adapt the flat

Flats are a fantastic option for mums on the go, however, they may not be the best choice for your workplace. In this case, adapt your flats. Grab your favourite, tried and true’s and see if the brand has another, more premium version available. Gold or silver details are a great addition as they’re simple, yet impactful, adding a sophisticated element to your look. Sneakers are another go-to and in this case, white leather is a great option as they’re easier to clean than suede or synthetics and if kept in good condition, add a sporty, chic element to a more formal outfit.

Invest in a blazer

A tailored, well-made blazer is one of the most flexible pieces in your wardrobe. Patterned, plain or colourful, they work on top of just about anything including turtlenecks, singlets, blouses, and t-shirts, pairing perfectly with denim jeans or a pair of black trousers. Adding instant structure and intention, effortlessly, blazers are a wardrobe staple. Whether oversized or more tailored, both work well with a slim pant and pump heel. 

As a busy, working mum, the last thing you need to add to your never-ending to-do list is to pack a separate change of clothes to take you from playground to office. It’s just not feasible, nor is it necessary with the tips shared above! With a bit of focus and strategic shopping, your wardrobe doesn’t have to be one or the other. If you can be both, why can’t your wardrobe?


carolina.net.au

Peninsula Kids – Winter 2022

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
10:30 AM - MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
12:30 PM - MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
4
5
6
10:00 AM - Creative Music Workshop
7
11:00 AM - Dad skates FREE at Sk8house this Father's Day
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
September 3, 2025    
10:30 am - 11:15 am
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
  • Workshop/Class
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Tickets required [...]
More Info
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
September 3, 2025    
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
  • Workshop/Class
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Tickets required [...]
More Info
Creative Music Workshop
Creative Music Workshop
September 6, 2025    
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
  • Workshop/Class
Join McClelland and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a music workshop on Sat 6 Sept! With guidance from MSO musicians, participants aged 10-14 will develop music skills, experiment with composition, and co-create a brand-new piece to be performed in the MSO in Your Neighbourhood concert in Mornington.
More Info
Dad skates FREE at Sk8house this Father's Day
Dad skates FREE at Sk8house this Father's Day
September 7, 2025    
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Let’s celebrate the legends we call Dad this Father’s Day at Sk8house! Sunday 7th September 2025| Morning Session: 11am – 1pm Afternoon Session: 2pm – [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
September 16, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Events on September 3, 2025
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
3 Sep 25
Langwarrin
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
3 Sep 25
Langwarrin
Events on September 6, 2025
Creative Music Workshop
Creative Music Workshop
6 Sep 25
Langwarrin
Events on September 7, 2025
Dad skates FREE at Sk8house this Father's Day
Dad skates FREE at Sk8house this Father's Day
7 Sep 25
Carrum Downs
Events on September 16, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
16 Sep 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
DOWNLOAD FROM LINK IN BIO FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Winning entries will receive one of five family vouchers (family of five admission ticket) valued at $75 each to @ashcombemaze 
Email entries to info@peninsulakids.com.au or PM your artwork to facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids.

Prize drawn on 14/11/2025. Winner will be notified by email.
Prize must be collected from Peninsula Kids offices during office hours,
9am-5pm, located at 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC 3915
•
Follow
DOWNLOAD FROM LINK IN BIO FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Winning entries will receive one of five family vouchers (family of five admission ticket) valued at $75 each to @ashcombemaze Email entries to info@peninsulakids.com.au or PM your artwork to facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids. Prize drawn on 14/11/2025. Winner will be notified by email. Prize must be collected from Peninsula Kids offices during office hours, 9am-5pm, located at 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC 3915
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🍋 When life give you lemons...pop them on an adorable front cover of Peninsula Kids magazine! 💛

Read the spring edition via link in bio.

#peninsulakidsmagazine #lovepeninsulakids #springedition
•
Follow
🍋 When life give you lemons...pop them on an adorable front cover of Peninsula Kids magazine! 💛 Read the spring edition via link in bio. #peninsulakidsmagazine #lovepeninsulakids #springedition
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The countdown is on, school holidays are just around the corner and Acro Kids is the place to be! 22nd September – 3rd October in Mornington and Braeside. 
Reinvented full day programs designed for beginners to advanced skills, kids will learn wicked acro and parkour tricks and make heaps of new friends. 
Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/

@acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
•
Follow
The countdown is on, school holidays are just around the corner and Acro Kids is the place to be! 22nd September – 3rd October in Mornington and Braeside. Reinvented full day programs designed for beginners to advanced skills, kids will learn wicked acro and parkour tricks and make heaps of new friends. Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ @acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
FREE Father’s Day printable questionnaire. Just download form and print!

https://peninsulakids.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=17344&action=edit

#fathersday #questionnaire #aboutmydad
•
Follow
FREE Father’s Day printable questionnaire. Just download form and print! https://peninsulakids.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=17344&action=edit #fathersday #questionnaire #aboutmydad
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Have you entered our Things We Love winter competitions?
We're choosing winners Monday, so hurry up!

ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/winter-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you entered our Things We Love winter competitions? We're choosing winners Monday, so hurry up! ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/winter-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Hawks are back in Frankston this weekend!

Get your tickets here:

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/hawthorn-v-carlton-2025-nab-aflw-season-10-frankston-23-08-2025/event/130062D7A58C195D

Please Note
Junior Policy:
Children aged 0-17 as at 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry.
Persons aged 18 and over as at 1 January 2025 are classified as an adult.

@hawthornaflw Hawthorn FC AFLW 
#aflw #kineticstadium #frankston
•
Follow
The Hawks are back in Frankston this weekend! Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/hawthorn-v-carlton-2025-nab-aflw-season-10-frankston-23-08-2025/event/130062D7A58C195D Please Note Junior Policy: Children aged 0-17 as at 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry. Persons aged 18 and over as at 1 January 2025 are classified as an adult. @hawthornaflw Hawthorn FC AFLW #aflw #kineticstadium #frankston
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my!

Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays.

Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience!

Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences.

“The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine
"Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times
"Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review

MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN
Frankston Arts Centre
Tuesday 23 September, 2pm
Tuesday 23 September, 6pm
Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance)
Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm
Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75)

Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060

Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac 
#frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
•
Follow
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my! Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays. Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience! Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences. “The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine "Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times "Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN Frankston Arts Centre Tuesday 23 September, 2pm Tuesday 23 September, 6pm Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance) Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75) Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060 Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac #frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/

@chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
•
Follow
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page. https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/ @chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹
#bookweek
•
Follow
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹 #bookweek
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.