Help me find a great capsule wardrobe for the office - as cheaply as possible of course!

[Paddlechick666]

So, the stakes at work are getting higher and higher and I want to smarten myself up!

Current wardrobe is okay but not as sharp as I'd like.

Ideally a good suit with trousers/skirt combo and a dress.

Shirts that don't crease immediately and iron easily.

A couple of knits to alternate the shirts.

Shoes - comfortable and low! I am no spike heel queen I'm afraid!

I've been googling "women's office capsule wardrobe" and there's a serious gap in the market so far IMO!

Would really appreciate some advice and guidance.

TIA
:)

ps: am 5'8" and a size 10/12

Where are you based? If in London, have a look at COS. They're owned by H&M, but are a completely different style - very timeless, neutral colours, nice fabrics. Looks much more expensive than it really is.

Cos would be a bit alternative surely! Unless you aspire to be a Marni-lookalike. They do nice knits though and some nice slim-line shirts but you will have to search.

Banana Republic and Massimo Dutti good for work wear - knits, suits, nice blouses. Or Zara if you are more budget-minded - they always have jacket/trew combination and knits/blouses/dresses. H&M are even more bargainous and normally have something OK in their workwear range. Gap good for trews and knits, but not really suits.

Alternatively Austin Reed - probably more towards the upper end of the budget and more traditionally cut (online though). LK Bennett if you're feeling flush!

But you should be able to find basics pretty much everywhere - today I'm wearing a stripey jumper from Jigsaw and plain black pants from Gap, with a Uniqlo cardy-jacket.

Thanks, will check them all out.

Was hoping to source online as work full time and 5yr old doesn't appreciate clothes shopping if she is not the recipient LOL!

I'm thinking splash on a suit and dress and shoes then combine with cheaper shirt/knits etc.

Thanks :-)

If going online, look at the Outnet, Matches, Net-a-Porter and Mywardrobe - they all still have good sales on I think.

You haven't mentioned budget, but can I put in a good word for Next? I know they get a lot of stick on MN, and their casual stuff is a bit hit-and-miss, but I think they do lovely work-wear, and not at Net-a-Porter prices.

Hi,
most on-liners will offer deals for bulk buying, but be careful of the sizes, especially if you look for vintage. I have just set up my own vintage range on-line and i am having to meet up with buyers to make sure the sizes match the bodies!

Okay great, thanks again. Will be online browsing tonight!

Budget wise I guess I am thinking £250 to £300 to include shoes and a new shoulder bag (old one strap snapped today!).

I've got 1 suit from next and 3 shirts which are good workhorse stuff. Also a really nice suit from Jigsaw - all 3 years old now tho.

I bought a new suit from M&S in november and then went and lost a few kilos so now it hangs off me and looks rubbish! Doh!

Recently I have bought a Margaret Howell dress, a Ghost dress, a cashmere jumper, 2 lovely fine knit jumpers and a Mulberry bag. My work wardrobe is refreshed and all courtesy of my local Oxfam. I am finding it hard not to visit every lunch time!

Wow! Was that Oxfam in Sloane Square or Chelsea?

LOL - it's not a bad idea but I think I'd have to travel to a much more wealthy area.

:-)

Guildford...but now I've told you,my secret is out and I'll never find another bargain there

Ahhh, you don't surprise me. I have friends in that area and there does seem to be a lot of affluent people there!

DW, I'm in London so probably easier to get to one of the posh post codes up here than Guildford!

Thanks for the tip tho :)