Effortless Summer Style Tips for Busy Mums
Summer brings longer days, lighter wardrobes, and, let’s be honest, a whole new level of chaos. Between school holidays, family trips, and juggling work and home life, finding time for yourself can feel like a luxury in itself.
And when the temperatures are rising and you’re stressed out of your mind as a busy mum, it can be tough to feel your best. But looking and feeling good doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few smart swaps and minimal-effort style tricks, you can glide through summer looking fresh, feeling confident, and still managing everything on your plate.
Here’s your easy, breezy guide to mum-friendly summer style, perfect for when you’re ready to step out in style. From skincare and hair care to effortless fashion and everyday accessories that actually make a difference.
Keep Skincare Simple but Effective
When the sun is shining and life is full-on, your skincare routine needs to work hard with minimal steps. A simple, consistent morning routine is key: start with a gentle cleanser, follow with a vitamin C serum for a bit of glow, and finish with a high-quality SPF moisturiser. Look for multitasking products, tinted SPF or moisturisers with built-in antioxidants, to streamline your routine even further.
And remember, summer skin is all about hydration. A quick facial mist or lightweight gel moisturiser popped in your bag can do wonders on a warm afternoon.
Quick and Easy Hair Solutions
Hot weather and humidity can turn hair into a high-maintenance nightmare, but with the right hacks, you can stay polished with minimal effort. Loose plaits, messy buns, or even a low ponytail with a silk scrunchie can keep things cool and chic. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these easy hair ideas for busy mums, perfect for days when you’re out the door before your coffee kicks in.
Leave-in conditioner is a summer essential, especially if you’re swimming or out in the sun a lot. And on those hectic mornings? A spritz of dry shampoo can bring tired hair back to life in seconds.
Don’t Forget Your Eyes
We’re quick to remember SPF for our skin, but what about our eyes? Protecting them from UV rays is just as important, especially when you’re spending long days outdoors. A great pair of designer sunglasses isn’t just a style statement; it’s a practical essential. They instantly elevate any outfit (even if you’re in joggers) and shield your eyes from sun damage and strain.
Look for sunglasses with proper UV protection and lenses that suit your lifestyle. Polarised options are ideal for driving or beach days. Bonus: they hide tired eyes like a dream on those sleep-deprived mornings.
Summer Fashion That Works for You
You don’t need a wardrobe overhaul to feel summer-ready. A few key pieces, such as linen dresses, flowy skirts, and soft cotton jumpsuits, can be mixed and matched for endless, easy looks. Comfort is queen, so choose breathable fabrics, forgiving fits, and sandals you can actually walk in.
Add a bit of personality with bold earrings, a bright scarf, or a pop of colour on your lips. When you’re short on time, small details go a long way. And remember, the best outfit is the one that feels like you, so dress for yourself, not just for Instagram.
A Final Note
Style in the summer doesn’t have to be fussy. With a little prep and the right go-to pieces, it’s possible to feel confident, pulled together, and ready for anything, even when the kids are melting down in the car and you’ve already reheated your coffee twice.
So take a few minutes for yourself, throw on those sunglasses, and step into summer with ease. You’ve got this.
When Families Fall Out: What the Beckham Headlines Can Teach Us About Repair and Mediation
When Families Fall Out explores what the recent Beckham headlines can teach us about family rupture, repair and the role mediation can play when relationships feel strained. With insight from JMW Solicitors’ family law team and child anxiety therapist Saskia Joss, it looks at why disconnection happens, how to name it, and what practical support can help families move forward with more understanding and kindness.
When Parents Split, Schools Feel It Too: The Hidden Impact on Children
Relationship expert Sally Land highlights the hidden toll that high-conflict separations can take on children — and how often schools end up caught in the crossfire. Citing research from The Parents Promise, she notes that teachers are regularly seeing the fallout in real time: slipping grades, increased absence, withdrawal, behavioural issues and worsening mental health.
Building a Brand as a Working Parent: The Bit Nobody Talks About (The Loneliness)
Building a brand as a working parent looks great on paper — flexible hours, doing something you love, creating a life that fits around family. But the reality is often messier. You’re juggling school runs and deadlines, client work and packed lunches, confidence wobbles and cash flow worries… and somehow you’re expected to show up online like you’ve got it all under control.
The Balance of Play
I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.
Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
