Complete my work capsule wardrobe.......

[GreatSoprendo]

I'm trying to put together a small capsule wardrobe for work - very loosely based on this that a helpful poster shared with me. Based on suggestions from here I've now got a plain bright coloured v neck sweater, a black and white jersey blazer, a white shirt and a black pencil skirt all from Banana Republic or Linea when they have had discount codes.

Next steps I think are a plain sleeveless shift dress that I could wear with a cardigan or jacket over, or with a shirt under. I'm thinking black as I have a black and white jacket. Any suggestions? I'd probably have up to about £60 to spend. I bought this but it's very very short so will be returning, and would prefer a sleeveless shift as seems more versatile.

Ideally I'm trying to buy better quality stuff in sales - I've got loads of work clothes that no longer fit (I've lost weight) from Next and similar, but I'm trying to have less stuff but better quality.

Have you tried Zara? They always have a lot of smart office wear with a bit of an edge to it.

My SIL is a manager and I worked for her once and she always looked/ looks great.

Sort of things she wears: fitted plain black/ grey dresses with dark but not opaque tights and low heels (about 2in)
Black ankle grazer trousers with pockets and a more fitted black top with neck detail I.e peter pan collar.

Pencil skirt and fitted white shirt again with the tights and heels.

The key also is all the clothes looked good quality, I wish I knew wear she shopped but at a guess Id say Zara/ Jaegar/ French Connection.

Maybe start with one or two outfits and build up over time. Its better to have good quality and less of it.

Beware of having everything black. Do you have a colour scheme that you're working with? What's the bright V-neck?

I'd suggest a grey sleeveless shift, a striped or floral shirt using your bright colour, and a patterned scarf that has all of those colours in it for instant pulling together of outfits.

Thanks for the replies - Zara is a great suggestion desperate, hadn't thought of them. Will have a look at their website tonight. I'd definitely prefer to buy things gradually over time, but literally nothing I own fits me and I'm starting work in 3 weeks time! I like the sound of your SILs work wear - sounds like just the look I'm trying for.

I think you might be right about black Melanie - maybe grey would be better. The bright v neck I bought is a bright blue, which would work well with grey.

Looking on Zara for a grey shift now.......

Uniqlo has some good basics at very reasonable prices