Got an appointment with a John Lewis personal shopper.

[snowypenguin]

I want a capsule wardrobe. Stuff that will last as I am sick of stuff looking like a rag after a few washes. Got a budget of about £700 but only for the right stuff.

I don't need jeans or shoes or bags. What should I consider. Looking for a smart casual wardrobe.

Oh, following this thread as I am also wanting to make an appointment in my local branch. I don't have the same budget as you though so just being nosey and want to find out how you get on.

Write a list of the possible scenarios/activities you want to have appropriate clothes for and start from there.

I would want to cover:

Posh dinner out
Drinks/dinner party with friends
A smart outfit for meetings/work/interviews
Day to day clothes for general SAHM/shopping etc
Clothes for outdoorsy weekend walks/park etc

...and so on. You might also want to save some money back for a 'refresh' when the weather gets warmer.

There will be overlap of course (the point of a capsule wardrobe) but if you have all eventualities listed it gives you a chance to think of the clothes you are being offered/trying on in the context of your actual lifestyle rather than just whether you like them.

Following with interest. Have made appointment with a personal shopper, too but it's 10 days away and abroad.

Definitely no need to spend all the money at once.

I have spent too much on summer clothes in the past and regretted it.

Oh yeah I don't want lots of summer stuff. More spring and Autumn bits. Stuff I can layer easily. I live in Scotland. It's very rarely warm here! No need for white linen trousers!