I want to simplify my work clothes to maybe 5-10 mix & match outfits. Anyone else do this?

[Trickymoments]

I am always running late in the mornings trying to get everyone else ready & leaving hardly any time for myself. I'm often scrabbling around trying to find a clean top or ironing a cardigan to go with a pair of not very flattering trousers.
I am one of those with lots of clothes but nothing to wear!

I've read a bit about capsule wardrobes & I think this would help me so things are easy to put together. I'm thinking if I could make 10 outfits then that would do me for a couple of weeks snd then start again.

I really need sort out what I've got first as alot if it is old and worn and I don't feel good in it. I don't havr much money for clothes but have seen some lovely things for work in the sainsburys 25% sale.

Has anyone else done this and could you share any tips? Thanks

[Trickymoments]

Gosh sorry for loads of typos, typed a bit quick!

[bookgirl1982]

Following! Sounds like a great idea and would really simplify things.

[thatstoast]

Checking in until wiser people turn up. My work choices are dictated by what doesn't have dried weetabix stuck to it.

[Trickymoments]

Oh that's just like me thatstoast😂
Sometimes I think I look ok and then will look down in a meeting to see some form of stain from a child on my arm or trousers!
I also often roll up with hair not dried properly as it takes so long and needing more make up to cover my utter knackeredness!!
Doesn't help that my 2 colleagues are young, gorgeous, kid free and generally perfect in every way!

Now mine are both at school I want to look better & try harder.

[knowler]

Yes, I try to do this for work. Although it sounds boring, I stick to the same colour palette (so everything goes with everything else) and also try to buy things in a similar silhouette so that layering works e.g. no massive ruffles or anything similar as I wouldn't be able to get a cardi/jacket over it.

i also buy trousers/skirts and jackets/cardis in neutrals (for me, black, grey, navy) and then add contrasting colour in tops (for me, mostly bright blues, pinks, soft white). I did a cheap colour consultation so all of the tops will go with all of the bottoms and jackets.

Dresses are also a life-saver: I have a stretchy black jersey one which works for any occasion and another smarter blue one for meetings.

i keep the clothes simple and then add a bit of interest with big necklaces or scarves. I also try to do my make up and hair for work as this makes me feel a bit more 'together'.

[KentMum2008]

This is my dream work wardrobe. However, I'm a pre-school teacher so in the autumn I stick to jeans, converse and long sleeved t-shirts

[bigkidsdidit]

I do this for work. I have two black trousers, one wide one skinny, black jeans, blue jeans, two skirts. Then I have linen t shirts or shell tops in s range of colours but based on blue, grey, cream. Then I have some cardies in blue / grey / leopard. And I have 3 j crew tippi jumpers.

My work is quite informal (academic) but I also have one suit and one smart dress for conferences - j wear them to every conference / seminar / interview I have.

[KentMum2008]

Ahhh pic post fail.

[WhatWouldCoachBombayDo]

I have a capsule work wardrobe, I have 2 knee length skirts, 2 trousers, 1 shift dress, all are grey or black.

I then have 2 lonsleeved tops that can fit under the shift dress or be worn independent and 3 short sleeved tops, I then have 3 cardigans that can be layered.

The tops are either, baby pink, baby blue, lemon, white and one "fancy" silk multicoloured one. I have enough for 5 outfits and on a Friday night it all goes in the washing mashine as one load and is back in the wadrobe ready for Monday.

[Barefoot789]

I'm about to start a new job and am trying to do the same. For those that are already successfully doing this, what about shoes? Do you have one or two pairs that go with everything? Boots as well?
I have to walk to and from public transport so don't want a high heel.

[crayfish]

I depends where you work/dress code but my solution to being perpetually disorganised with work clothes was to buy 10 dresses. Not really expensive, most were from the next outlet shop, but different colours and styles. My only stipulation was than none of them needed to be ironed.

So I have two weeks worth of outfits, I liven them up with different shoes/boots/scarves/necklaces/occasionally a jacket but it really takes no thinking about in the morning. I love it!

[crayfish]

Shoes wise I have a black and a navy pair of ballet flats, black chelsea boots and a black and a tan pair of knee high boots. I never wear heels.

[eatsleephockeyrepeat]

I do this! For me it's a full day out in an edge-of-town retail park (mostly Matalan, mainly because their clothes in my size are a perfect fit!) trying on every combination under the sun. I have a couple of pairs of expensive for me quality shoes and two good handbags (plus the odd bit of jewellery on a very special day) and I feel this means I avoid looking budget. At least I hope it does!

[eatsleephockeyrepeat]

Miss KG do some very nice flats; these are an absolute bargain - I paid full price!

[WhatWouldCoachBombayDo]

I have 3 pairs of shoes. All the same style, a small heel in nude, one black. And one pair of grey heels that are slightly higher which have a brass buckle on them. So if I need to look super smart I tend to wear the shift dress with nude tights and grey heels.

I only go from the car to the office so no need to walk. If I did need to walk I'd opt for 3 pairs of ballet pumps in black, grey and navy or brown probably.

I do like to accessorise sometimes so a chunky coloured necklace or a bracelet or two. Sometimes a belt around my waist to clinch it in.

I wear minimal make-up so some face powder or tinted moisturiser, eye shadow and mascara and blusher. My nails are always pretty swanky though (my guilty pleasure) and my hair is a cropped and easy to style pixi cut.

I'm 26 and am lazy so so lazy hahaha

[MrsPear]

Op one thing I would say is that you need to take time the evening before to Organise yourself. I am not a morning person and therefore I sort out my outfit the night before including which bag, underwear etc

[AalyaSecura]

I've done the same as crayfish and bought dresses. There are a couple that I'd only wear Oct to April, a couple that are summer only, but the rest can span all year unless it's crazy hot. All washable, can't be doing with dry cleaning.

For shoes, I have 1 pair of knee high boots, a pair of ankle boots (both black, wear with opaques), and 3 of pairs of mid heels - one dark red that I wear with the neutral dresses, one tan heeled brogues, one black pair.

I'm not that fussed by trends for my workwear, though care more with my other clothes.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I like the ten dresses idea. I'd personally find it difficult though, as often separates fit/work better for me.

I tend to go down the v plain top and jackets route, with a selection of plain and print skirts.

Shoes-wise I've given up on heels. I have delicate shoes for full skirts, clumpy shoes for mini skirts, plus ankle and knee high boots in various colours.

[RaisingSteam]

Have you seen the 4X4 wardrobes? With a bit of sorting my wardrobe I found I could do this with black, pale grey burgundy and a few different accent colours. Although a bit of a challenge to find scarfs and accessories to pull the colours together. I think it's a clever and flexible system.

[RaisingSteam]

four by four oops link

[Fletcherl]

On Sunday I create a capsule wardrobe for the week as if that was what I had in a suit case. I put it out on hangers for the week ironed with the accessories.
This week I started with Monday a blue and white midi stripy skirt and shocking pink blouse.
Tuesday skirt with navy blouse
Today is pink blouse with black dotty skirt
Dotty skirt with blue twinset
Blue twin set with cream trousers.
I find it fun to put together.
I am not buying more clothes at the moment just working through what I own.

[HelenaJustina]

I wear dresses a lot too. Easy to throw on, tights long sleeve top under in winter. Flats, heels or boots depending on weather, season, mood, meetings!
I could do with some more cardies as a thin top layer...

[Alwaysrushingaround]

For those that wear dresses what type of tights are you wearing at this time of year? It's slightly chillier here (ROI) but not really cold enough for black tights, but too cold for bare legs! are nude tights ok?

[Ememem84]

I'm trying hard not to buy anything new.

Today's outfit is a black wrap dress coral top underneath and a huge scarf. Grey ballet flats. And no tights.

I'm bare legging until at least October.

[violetbunny]

I do this. I find it easiest to get the bulk of things from one store, as often they'll launch a collection of items that already mix and match with each other. I'm in the Southern Hemisphere so have just bought my spring / summer wardrobe. It's a few more items than I was anticipating for a "capsule" wardrobe, as it needs to cover both formal and casual wear, but I'm pleased with it:

Jackets

• white blazer
• navy denim blazer
• pale grey blazer & matching skirt

Tops / dresses

• navy silk short sleeved shirt
• white silk short sleeved shirt
• mid grey knit top
• navy t-shirt
• White t-shirt with lace trim
• navy & white striped tee
• navy & white striped 3/4 sleeve dress

Bottoms

• White denim skirt
• navy & white striped skirt
• White trousers
• pale grey trousers
• navy shorts
• khaki jeans

Shoes

• black mules
• White high heeled sandals
• silver low block heels
• tan low block heels