PLEASE HELP! Capsule wardrobe needed...

[DesperatelySeekingStyle]

and I don't have a bloody clue :( Utterly clueless about clothes etc so even if you only recommend a few websites for the fashion muppet it would help.

Background: writer (teen) with spring to summer publishing type events coming up (talks / book shop signings / evening launch stuff) so need items which can cover a few bases. Am 5'6" and a size 16. Stomach still podgy post-baby. Will be living out of a hand luggage sized case for 3-4 days. Not great in heels so things that can be worn with calf / knee boots (chunky heeled) or flats would be great. Need to look young / trendy-ish but not ridiculously so - no tall order

I would really love to be able to put together some pieces mix and match style. Budget isn't huge but will splurge a bit for a good trendy but timeless dress / decent jacket / decent trousers.

PS: Had my 'colours done' years ago and apparently I'm a winter for anyone interested...

Please help Style and Beauty peeps! I'm a fashion imbecile! Any help appreciated.

I would go with a white company jersey dress in black and accessorize. They tend to skim the tummy and will pack well.

These boden crop trousers are smart but super comfy and could be styled with different tops these
I also bought their lace top with is nice thick fabric and very flattering here

What about a blazer in a nice colour, you could wear it both with the crop trousers/top and also over a dress? I'm a 16 too and find drapey jersey dresses the most flattering , sort of like this here

I'd definitely get a nice print scarf in colours to match my outfits and maybe a nice ring or necklace too, to give the outfits a finishing touch. Good luck

Gillybob those are brilliant, thanks so much. Never thought of Boden and didn't realise they had free returns so even better! Any nice blazer ideas?

Puppet will check out White Co - another one I hadn't thought of!

That sounds exciting! So, you'll be needing 3-4 outfits for different venues doing your signings? Tis is right up my street, this challenge.

Outfit 1
Cerise or cobalt blue suede pumps
Bare legs, bit of fake tan if you like
Simple classic dress
Black blazer
Multicoloured scarf picking up some colour from your shoe choice

Outfit 2
Same shoes
Ankle length trousers
Cream shirt
Same blazer
Funky necklace

Outfit 3
Same shoes or a different pair of ballet flats, maybe with trim
Patterened skirt
Black shirt
Same blazer
Funky necklace

Outfit 4
Same shoes
Printed trousers
Either black or cream shirt
Same blazer
Scarf or necklace

You could make the dress work with the necklace and no blazer for evening meals too.

If you go for Boden don't forget to use the 40% off code.

puppet Code? What code?!

Lechat going to check this stuff out now, thank you!

LeChat I love that dress but have 2 worries:
I have big boobs and pudgy knees. Will that dress make both look worse???

I think the height of the neckline will flatter your top half, I would have to say try some on to find a length you are happy with. If you feel more comfortable with one that hits you just below the knee when standing, then this will be better.

By all means, you don't have to choose the actual clothing in those links, just to give you an idea of a few outfits that would look smart and trendyish and will go together so you won't need more than one suitcase! If you like the idea, you might find something lovely that is not exactly those ones, but similar.

Great suggestions LeChatRouge

I love the dress, I really do! Do you think a black blazer would go with a black dress? I don't want to look like a Mafia widow :o

In fact, I love lots of stuff on that website and the only thing saving my credit card from a beating is the fact that I suspect they are quite small sizes.

I think black on black is chic, especially lifted by the colours in the shoes and scarf. The Comptoir one is textured, which adds more interest next to the fabric of the blazer.

Have a look on Whistles and Reiss sites for some more dresses. And Cos too. Alternatively, a dress with a small print would look good too. If you prefer this idea, maybe just go for a bright plain scarf to let the print be the focus.

If you have time, John Lewis have a personal shopper service. This might give you some more ideas of new cuts, shapes and colours.

mirpuppet what code?? Gasps disbelievingly

To update - LeChat thanks so much I found a nice dress in Whistles going to give it a try. Also puppet found lovely dress in White Co too - had never looked at either of those websites before :-)

I've found Pinterest really helpful for putting all my finds together. Just need to find some lovely cerise shoes now (flats - lots of lovely cobalt blue ones around) and a nice grey scarf with some cerise or cobalt blue in - any suggestions welcome!

Hooray, glad to hear it. I will keep my eye out for a suitable scarf for you.