Help with capsule wardrobe for work

[Haypanky]

Hello! So I go back to work in a fortnight after my second period of maternity leave, boo hiss! My office is on the casual side, jeans and a tidy t-shirt or jumper is often fine. However, I'm going back to a promotion, and have a history of being 'caught out' by not having appropriate clothes for meetings etc. I therefore need to spruce myself up a bit!

Any advice on how to create a multi purpose capsule wardrobe would be really appreciated!

Am thinking I need a couple of pairs of trousers but not sure what, jeans are too casual, but office trousers would look out of place.

Smart casual tops but again not sure what to look for, and a blazer that goes with it all.

Critically, and this is what I'm really crap at, it all needs to go together! How does one achieve such a feat?!!!

And what the heck do you wear with brogues?!!

Any help appreciated as am chronically clueless and hate shopping!

I have a navy patterned jersey dress from White Stuff
A plain burgundy from Boden
Black culottes
Grey wool pinstripe trousers - neither too smart of too shabby
Long sleeved boat neck Ts from Gap (Tall) in navy, white, black, burgundy
Merino jumpers - navy, grey and burgundy/cream stripes
Jersey blazers in navy and grey
Brogues in black, navy and pewter
Black knee boots, black ankle boots

Most combinations of those seem to work for “smart casual but quite senior”. The burgundy ponte dress is my “suit” for those type of occasions.

Dreading summer dressing!

I think the trick is to stick to 2 or 3 colours, mostly plain and a little pattern to break it up a bit. And my jumpers, long sleeved Ts and brogues are all the same style - i’m a big believer in “if it suits you, buy a few”.

Thanks @bikerunski, I like all those brands and your name, so think you're on my wave length. Help me out with my first triathlon too by any chance?! Lmao

Ha! Despite my name, I’ve never done a triathlon! I tend to stick to one sport at a time. 😄

Black trousers (1 pair)
Grey trousers (1 pair)
Black skirt (1 pair)
Flat shoes, brogues (1-2 pair)
Shoes with heels (1 pair)
Black ankle boots (1 pair)
White sleeveless blouse (1 pair)
Light blue blouse (1 pair)
Black sleeveless blouse (1 pair) to go with skirt
Jacket, business style (1 pair)
Pink knitted sweater of finer quality (1 pair)

Have a look at Uniqlo.

For trousers could you go with a silm fitted khaki. If you got navy and camel they would go with most things. Including brogues. I've had success with gap for semi smart trousers, they don't look like half a suit.

Depending on how smart you want to go a couple of fitted shirts would mean you always looked smart enough but didn't need a jacket. I think a less structured top (like a Breton t) needs a blazer if you're being smart.

It's tricky, I work in a very corporate environment but then at a minutes notice might need to be with front line staff who are much more casual so I have kind of the same but opposite!