10years since I worked, help me build a capsule wardrobe!

[HattiFattner]

I havent worked in 10 years and have an interview for an office job that I really want! If I get it, Im going to need to buy a complete wardrobe (albeit over a couple of months).

Im 5'6", size 20 (eek).

I need help!

I love the idea of a "capsule wardrobe" where everything goes with everything else, but I have no idea even where to start.

I even need to buy something for the interview next week as I have lived in jeans for the last 10 years.

The job is in a school, so smart casual the order of the day.

Help me oh wise style gurus!

For interview buy smart dark trousers and shirt /blouse

Boring but appropriate

Buy suit for interview
worry about capsule wardrobe when you get the job

I would get smart trousers and shirt for interview. Wear with heels and a nice bright scarf tied at the neck. How about a trench coat - this would still be useful if you get the job. Also a nice roomy leather handbag is a good investment if working in a school.

Agree a suit best for interview, make sure there is some colour either in your top/blouse or accessories.

Thereafter if you have two pairs of tailored trousers, a pencil skirt and maybe one smartish dress, combined with a selection of blouses/smart tops you'll be sorted.

Im not a huge lover of Next but have to say for work clothes I think they are hard to beat

I think 'capsule wardrobe' is one of those phrases magazine writers like. It's supposed to sound minimalist, but actually, it's to encourage you to go out and buy 9 or 10 pieces which all supposedly work together blah blah blah.

I agree with the pp, buy something that would be right for the interview, then at the interview cast an eye around the place to catch the vibe of the people who work there. no point buying a hobbs capsule wardrobe if the rest of the staff are all in per una gypsy wardrobe la la

thank you. I used to have the whole power suit thing going on, and never did smart casual which seems to be the way they seem to dress in schools.

Valiumsoltera, I will turn down a job in gypsy per una wardrobe is required....

so...have purchased grey long line skirt, black long flared skirt, navy trousers, 2x white shirts and a dress.

I do need new clothes, so bought some simple comfy pieces.

WIll need to buy some heels I think, but as I have a do to go to later this year, I will buy be able to use them for this event if I dont get teh job.

I did spot this monstrosity today - I can assure it looks even worse in real life...