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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To say I've got my winter wardrobe sorted?

124 replies

BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 11:27

46, size 16, basically the archetypal middle class, middle aged, working mum.

I wouldn't call it a 'capsule' wardrobe, but I think I'm at a stage where I don't need anything different, so any future purchases are just replacements for what I have.

Here's what it comprises:

Four pairs of near identical Sweaty Betty ankle cuffed yoga pants (all black). Not too sporty, can be worn day to day.

8 or so thin under layers in black or cream (largely uniqlo heat tech).

4 round neck cashmere jumpers (from M&S or Cashmere and Cotton). In black, electric blue, brown, and beige.

One pair of wide leg dark navy jeans.

One pair of ankle cuffed mum style jeans.

One pair black cigarette trousers.

One boxy cardigan (oatmeal).

Three mock turtleneck jumpers (one black, one navy, one grey).

One ski style puffer.

One Sweaty Betty waterproof trench coat.

One tailored wool coat.

Two cashmere snoods.

I do have other clothes, but so far this winter I've basically worn this on rotation.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
whatcanthematterbe81 · 27/12/2025 15:30

Whatever floats your boat

HollyGolightly4 · 27/12/2025 15:31

This sounds ideal for day to day!

Do you have a go to outfit for day an evening meal or a drink out? I think I'd want a slightly dressier option- although having said that it might not be your style

NewLifter · 27/12/2025 15:32

I mean, if you're happy to wear these styles forever then it's all good surely?

I'm 45 and only getting back to finding my own identity after 22 years of focusing on being mum.

I'm loving trying out different styles and colours so limiting myself like this is not for me.

But if you're happy with your wardrobe, then that's great.

HelenaWaiting · 27/12/2025 15:33

What is a mock turtleneck please?

BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 16:14

HelenaWaiting · 27/12/2025 15:33

What is a mock turtleneck please?

Something with a high neck, but not a full polo...

Like this https://jonesandsmith.co.uk/products/hanna-knitted-jumper-with-pattern-and-high-collar?currency=GBP&variant=62188568183155&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=76996bedf070&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23005126248&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23011317044&gbraid=0AAAABBXpZU2bRexs-ybUqMaYRvKrUb9jA&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL7KBhC7ARIsAD2Xq3B7O393ATlma62QmUYjejZnftLt1BB_uIK14z_ZlwwiVURHLpQ3tZEaAoq1EALw_wcB

Hanna - Knitted Jumper with Pattern and High Collar

Looking for a stylish and comfortable Hanna - Knitted Jumper with Pattern and High Collar? The Hanna knitted jumper combines comfort with modern design. – Order now and upgrade your style!

https://jonesandsmith.co.uk/products/hanna-knitted-jumper-with-pattern-and-high-collar?currency=GBP&gad_campaignid=23011317044&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAABBXpZU2bRexs-ybUqMaYRvKrUb9jA&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL7KBhC7ARIsAD2Xq3B7O393ATlma62QmUYjejZnftLt1BB_uIK14z_ZlwwiVURHLpQ3tZEaAoq1EALw_wcB&stkn=76996bedf070&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23005126248&tw_kwdid=&tw_source=google&variant=62188568183155

OP posts:
BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 16:15

HollyGolightly4 · 27/12/2025 15:31

This sounds ideal for day to day!

Do you have a go to outfit for day an evening meal or a drink out? I think I'd want a slightly dressier option- although having said that it might not be your style

For dressier I have a couple of silk shirts that I pair with cigarette trousers and a boyfriend style blazer (or which i have two, cream and navy).

I also have a couple of sequinny affairs, if needed.

OP posts:
CosmicTea · 27/12/2025 16:16

This sounds great OP. Quite inspiring as I'm trying to pare down and fill gaps now.

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 16:17

NewLifter · 27/12/2025 15:32

I mean, if you're happy to wear these styles forever then it's all good surely?

I'm 45 and only getting back to finding my own identity after 22 years of focusing on being mum.

I'm loving trying out different styles and colours so limiting myself like this is not for me.

But if you're happy with your wardrobe, then that's great.

I think this is exactly it, this very plain, neutral set of clothes IS my niche...

I have worn patterns and frills, ans different necklines, and colours, and detailing... but I feel most myself in nice quality neutrals.

I like the lack of fussiness, both in choosing what to wear and how I look. I do have some more interesting accessories, but the items listed above see me through about 85% of my days.

OP posts:
anon2022anon · 27/12/2025 16:19

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

I think you might possibly faint if you saw my wardrobe if that's a lot to you. I have more coats on a rail than the amount of clothes the OP listed there.

pestowithwalnuts · 27/12/2025 16:20

what are these elasticated cuff trousers ?

RobinTheCavewoman · 27/12/2025 16:23

I like the sound of this. Do you have links so I can just copy - especially for the jeans 😅

Catsandcwtches · 27/12/2025 16:26

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

@roselea that’s really impressive - with my kids I could get through those clothes in two days by the time one has smeared say ketchup on me and the other has smeared chocolate all over. And I wouldn’t have time to wash and dry the one top and one skirt what with all the other clothes I have to wash and dry too.

BootMaker · 27/12/2025 16:26

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

How do you have so few clothes?

Seriously?

BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 16:26

pestowithwalnuts · 27/12/2025 16:20

what are these elasticated cuff trousers ?

Things like these from Sweaty Betty, and equivalent in soft denim (from memory from M&S about 3 years ago).

To say I've got my winter wardrobe sorted?
OP posts:
OP posts:
ABeerInTheSunshineMakesMeHappy · 27/12/2025 16:47

I think it sounds a very wearable, classic capsule wardrobe, and it’s one that fits your needs and lifestyle right now. However I think that in a couple of years time you will be reconsidering your statement of being at a stage where you don’t need anything different. Life moves on, even if we don’t follow fashion avidly, our likes and dislikes can be influenced by this, and late 40s into 50s can very much be a time when things change for us.

Purplephase · 27/12/2025 16:51

I think you’ve stolen my wardrobe! 🤣🤣❤️

Itiswhysofew · 27/12/2025 17:43

I love that jumper, OP. It's been around for a while. Got it saved on Pinterest.

I wish I could manage with a capsule wardrobe. Yours sounds good.

How do you find the cuff ankles? Im not convinced by them.

You've got coats covered.

Itiswhysofew · 27/12/2025 17:44

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

One top. How is that possible?

Bjorkdidit · 27/12/2025 17:49

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

So you never exercise or go out in proper hot, wet or cold weather and wear the same footwear day in day out regardless of activity, terrain etc?

Also don't have children or pets who will damage or dirty your clothes? Surely you must know that most people need more than 3 outfits and one pair of shoes? Do you never go away and not have access to a washing machine?

But OP there's some nice ideas there and I see Sweaty Betty have a good sale on. Is the quality worth the higher price?

BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 17:51

Itiswhysofew · 27/12/2025 17:43

I love that jumper, OP. It's been around for a while. Got it saved on Pinterest.

I wish I could manage with a capsule wardrobe. Yours sounds good.

How do you find the cuff ankles? Im not convinced by them.

You've got coats covered.

I am all about the cuff ankle, both from a shape flattering point of view (I'm narrow around the calf and ankle) and comfort level.

Because I'm not super tall (5ft4 ish) having clothes with neat ankles and wrists stops me feeling swamped.

I also have my tailored coat(s) turned up at the sleeve to sit just about the wrist, for the same reason.

OP posts:
BlueWorkDay · 27/12/2025 17:53

Bjorkdidit · 27/12/2025 17:49

So you never exercise or go out in proper hot, wet or cold weather and wear the same footwear day in day out regardless of activity, terrain etc?

Also don't have children or pets who will damage or dirty your clothes? Surely you must know that most people need more than 3 outfits and one pair of shoes? Do you never go away and not have access to a washing machine?

But OP there's some nice ideas there and I see Sweaty Betty have a good sale on. Is the quality worth the higher price?

I pretty much only buy SB in the sale, they have a lot of sales.

They are excellent quality though. Of my 4 pairs of yoga pants, two are at least 4 years old and still in great condition.

OP posts:
FieryA · 27/12/2025 17:59

Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:17

Holy moly why do you have so many clothes?!

I've got two dresses

one skirt

One top

One cardigan

One pair of boots

One coat which is well over 10 years old 😄

All of that does me all year round. I just wear the coat over clothes in colder weather.

I can't believe someone has that many clothes!!

I can't believe someone has such less clothes? This is weirdly a meagre set. You own only one skirt and 2 dresses? Can't imagine how many times they are repeated!

Grumpalot · 27/12/2025 18:24

Do you wear the yoga pants outside of home? I’d love to wear things like that but worry I’d feel like I’m wearing pyjamas or not properly dressed. What shoes do you wear with them?

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