To ask for office capsule wardrobe ideas?

[cakeallday]

My existing clothes won't cut it for my new office-based job...anyone got a tried-and-tested basic capsule wardrobe they would care to share? What pieces do I need?

I don't have a big budget but would like to look a little more polished than my usual Primark/Next/Oasis sale.

At my interview the women were wearing things like patterned jackets with plain trousers, rather than a matching suit.

M&S will be due a sale soon. Some things are frumpy but when they do finally cotton on to trends you know the pieces will wash well and last for a while.

patterned jackets with plain trousers, rather than a matching suit

Ewwwkay then, I'd be calling your old employer up asking them if you can go back!

I’m in the same boat so watching. You may want to get this moved to Style and Beauty?

I think a good pair of cigarette pants are a good starting point. Most shops do a version of them, you probably just need to try a few on to find the right fit.

Then I have a black pair of heels and a nude pair of heels. Both from M&S because they are cheap, comfy, and look the same as more expensive brands.

I’m also think of getting 2/3 midi skirts in different patterns from ASOS. Then matching with fitted tops from H&M.

I’m coming from a fashion based company where jeans where fine, to a central London corporate so need to do the same as you!

@SweatyUnderboob yes, certain M&S stuff is ok. I have a pair of their heels that I wore to a wedding @Needallthesleep so I know what you mean.

LOL@LonelyAmongUs I didn't describe it well. It was fashionable! Just not matchy-matchy

Go somewhere like Next.
Look for matching separates and dresses. That way you can ring the changes by wearing different tops with a trouser / skirt / jacket combo, or dress / jacket.
As long as the colourways suit you, you could go black or navy, or both.
You could then add in beige trousers to go with black, or other colours.
The trick of having a capsule wardrobe is to have multiple things that all go together. It doesn't really matter what colour way you choose, as long as they go together.
I do this, and add in colour by wearing tops or dresses under jackets that go with what I'm wearing.
I've also done it with holiday clothes, in shades of olive green and cream that go with my colouring.
If you need some help, you could go to somewhere like John Lewis and ask for help.