Spring wardrobe

[Pinkheels]

Hi everyone, I'm a long term lurker on the s&b boards but first time poster. I've recently become a Marie Kondo fanatic which includes throwing out most of my wardrobe as I realised I have a lot of clothes that I wear but they don't necessarily spark joy. There's nothing that I really love or suits me.

I've had a rough time of late (including a couple of failed IVF attempts) so I'm trying to shift some of the weight I've gained. I'd really like some kind of interchangeable capsule wardrobe with items that all complement each other but I have no idea where to begin. I'm 30, a size 12, apple shaped.

Does anyone have any tips on how to build up a capsule wardrobe from scratch? Any essential spring/summer items I need? I'll probably have a monthly budget of up to £200 for the next few months.

[daisydalrymple]

I have a couple of magazine articles on this, which I've cut out. I will check back here tomorrow and add the tips if nobody wiser has been along in the meantime.

Also shamelessly place marking too, as I need a new basic wardrobe myself. Sorry for your experiences with the IVF, I hope more positive times are on their way for you x

[7Days]

Watching with interest.

I'm no expert but maybe work out your summer neutral ? I usually am in charcoal in the winter. Easy. I'm eyeing up olive green or burgundy now for the summer. Some skinnies or a light jacket. They are both neutral type colours if you follow me but are a good backdrop to florals and garden type colours. Saw someone wearing burgundy skinnies and a loose top in cream and sky blue. Looked lively and fresh but not outlandish for a drizzly day. I like tan bag and shoes too with those colours.

[7Days]

Oh add the tips Daisy!

[WhereDidAllThoseYesterdaysGo]

What's you budget?

[dragonsarebest]

Hi pink. What's your lifestyle like, what are the situations you need to dress for? Anything you feel particularly (un)comfortable in or especially enjoy wearing? Agree with 7days that finding your summer palette will really help. If you pick a colour that you love and loves you and start from there it'll be easier to build a wardrobe where everything works together. Good luck.

I've never done this myself, I think I'd need 2 capsules, one for work and one for everything else. I wear a lot of black and grey all week and year round, but still keep my work and weekend clothes separate.

[burnishedsilver]

Does my bum look 40s most recent post is on capsule warbrobes.

[Pinkheels]

Thanks everyone for your responses. In answer to your questions, my budget is around £200 a month for the next 3 or 4 months, or until I'm happy with what I've acquired. My lifestyle is fairly simple- I work full time so would need things that could be dressed up for work and dressed down for time outside of work. I'd love to be polished and well put together and be able to have fewer clothes than my reliance on lots of cheaper things that are a bit "meh". I love a good floaty, tunic type dress with leggings because it hides my tummy and accentuates my legs but not sure if it's ageing/horrible unfashionable!

[candykane25]

This is how would do it.

Start with colours. What colours do you like to wear each season?

Then shapes. What cuts suit you best? Think about the items you already have and what looks the best on you?

Texture/materials. What you you like the look of or feel of?

Plain or Prints - what makes you feel happy? Plain? Retro prints? Stripes? Florals?

Brands. What brands do you feel suit you, match your style?

Maths. How many separates and whole outfits do you need to fit your lifestyle?

That might give you a plan for where you want to invest your time and money lo King for the right items.

[GarlicBreadItsTheFuture]

I have found this site really helpful www.theviviennefiles.com

[Pigeonpost]

The Putting Me Together website is brilliant for this. Also for showing you how to make different items work better for you. I have learnt a lot!

[Iwillnotbeamug]

Get yourself on Pinterest there is so many outfits and ideas on there.