Capsule Wardrobe - help me!

[yellowraincoat]

I am starting a PGCE in September so will be spending a lot of time both in the classroom (primary) and university. I won't have a lot of free time so don't want to faff with clothes.

The problem is I currently hate ALL my clothes and spend huge amounts of time trying to find something I actually want to wear. I have plenty of going out stuff, which I like, very little daytime stuff.

Part of the problem is my figure - I'm 5ft1, a size 6 but with C-cup breasts. Across my shoulders I am so small that a size 4 blazer I have looks big on me. It is a nightmare to find anything that fits, so I normally go for stretchy-ish stuff like jersey cotton. I am 29 but look younger.

To give you an idea of my style, I like skinny jeans with black vests and converse. Or polo shirts with chinos. I live in east London and spose I do like hipsterish stuff a bit but nothing too over the top.

Any ideas on what I can use to build up a small collection of clothes that I don't need to think about? My budget is not huge, we're talking a maximum of £300. I already have a jacket and shoes.

Anything goes at uni, but assume you want smart/ casual?

Wide leg trousers, fitted shirt with tank top/ waistcoat?
Roll neck jumper with skinny jeans?
Cropped trousers with ballet pumps?

I just want stuff that I can wear at university as well as at work without thinking too much about it.

Wide leg trousers don't suit me at all, because I am thin and short. They look very odd.

Cropped trousers is a good idea, but ballet pumps, never. I think they are hideous.

Teacher friend advises nothing low cut for teaching practice, think square, square, square.

Sweater dress, opaque tights and boots.

3/4 sleeve shirts (messy painting/ play doh)
Boat neck tops (personally, I love a Breton stripe)
Cord skirt (poss dark denim) with long boots

capsule wardrobe

closet carousel fabulous idea, just click the arrows for a different wardrobe!

Cigarette leg trousers, or 7/8ths trousers with a little top tucked in and a cotton cardigan would be fine for most primary schools and notthat far removed from your skinnies uniform.