Back to work capsule wardrobe

[mugglelady]

I'm returning back to work soon after maternity leave and want to get a selection of clothes that I can mix and match to help keep my outfits looking interesting as I find I generally end up wearing the same things. My job is corporate client facing/ salesy type of role. So thought I'd dip into the wisdom of mumsnet..anybody have any tips?

Many thanks.

How many days/week? What sort of height/size/shape are you?

Will probably return 4 or 5 days. I'm 5"8, a size 12 with a little bit more weight to lose but generally carry it well/ in proportion.

Thanks.

I am 5.9 and hourglass/size 12 so pretty similar. Style is very smart.

My work wardrobe is:

3 x blouses (one white cotton, one navy silk, one coral, all pussybow)
2 x tops ( both electric blue, one short sleeved wool, one 3/4 sleeve cowl neck)
Navy capris
Black cigarette pants
Black wide legged high waisted trousers
Grey stretch pencil skirt
Black wool pencil skirt
Black long cardi
Grey long cardi
3 x dresses (one navy, one grey, one black) all of sleeved/smart variety
Scarves (leopard, grey wool)
Skinny belts (leopard print, tan, red, black patent)
Shoes (as belts but never worn matching!)

I work four days so have enough tops/dresses to not repeat more than once a fortnight. It all mixes and matches apart from the coral top which I don't wear with red or leopard accessories.

Needless to say I suit bright blue/navy/grey and love animal prints. Have recently accepted that I don't suit black so my old black stuff that fits well gets teamed with a scarf/cardi to avoid me looking washed out.

I also have a black fitted wool dress suit but it only comes out for interviews, it isnt practical enough for my day to day job.

Thanks v much for taking the time to provide this Happily - this is very useful and I'll certainly be referencing.

Thanks again :)

I like the sound of your wardrobe too happily. Where did you buy your blouses and navy capris from?

French Connection often have nice blouses timeforcake. My white and coral ones were both from there.

My navy blouse is this one.

Capris are from Zara, Avid and Wise ladies recommended them, they have been really useful over summer.

I am always looking for nice work clothes so if you buy anything please link it!

Thank you happily. Can see why your blouse sold out!

Happily's list is great! I am not a million miles from your your proportions (5ft 10 and a large 10). I work 4 days a week in a role where I need to be corporate/smart about 70% of the time and can be relaxed in the office when there are no meetings.

Other ideas:

I have a number of suits that are easy when you need to look smart but dont have time to think. I have gone off Jigsaw in many ways, but their wool suits are well cut and hang beautifully - I have a blue suit with both trousers and a skirt (Hampstead cut) that has given me a lot of wear.

Couple of well cut jackets/blazers - I have blue and black.

Some dresses.

I also have 2/3 maxi skirts that I wear when I don't need to be quite as corporate (they are more 'fashiony) and I wear these with wedge boots or wooden heels and fitted tees or long sleeve tops.

Despite the myriad of articles trying to persuade me that shorts worn the right way are appropriate office attire, I remain very 'cats bum' face about the whole concept and look in askance at the few people I have seen try it in real life. It may be fine in the Grazia press office, but it isn't in the vast majority of settings that I have worked in.....

Thanks notyummy, will check out Jigsaw suits.