40 year old working Mum, capsule / key pieces.

[Darkestseasonofall]

Hello style gurus, help a pal out?

I'm emerging from 5 years of pregnancy and small children. Ready to go back to work and enter the next phase of my style, the one pre dc is now dated and unsuitable.

I've spent so many years in a wilderness of maternity dresses and smocks I'm a bit lost.

I'm a slim 5'4 autumn, and I'm after some suggestions on key pieces.

I work in a the NHS in a semi senior role, but also do the school run etc.

I can pull off shortish skirts and skinny trousers as I've decent legs, but no one would ever write home about my bust. I'm not great with busy patterns.

If you're similar to me what are your day to day clothes like, what would you recommend investing in?

Any help gratefully received

Hi OP. Exciting to be returning to the land of adults and civilisation!
I’m shit at stuff like this and so find it easier to find someone whose style I like and nick it! I really like Esther Coren who runs a blog called on the spike. She did a piece on a capsule wardrobe ages ago but the principles are the same. Basically it’s a list of plain things to buy so you can get dressed each morning without having a breakdown. Beyond that you can then add bits and pieces as you like.
The big wins for me (I’m about your size) are buying gap chinos to wear in place of jeans (just a bit smarter and more done). Plus some plain t shirts and nice quality plain uniqlo jumpers. So I’m exciting but easy to get dressed and I can shove on a large mental necklace if I feel like making an effort.
Don’t know how to do links but you’ll find it if you google. Good luck. If I think of any else I’ll shout.

@Onekidnoclue thanks so much, that's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for, the blog is fab.
I've never considered chinos but thinking about it they'd be perfect for most seasons and may just be smart enough for work.
You are fab

Thanks smug face
I have no personal style and love a bossy person who does! Good luck chino shopping.

I’m an inch taller than you and given that you said you don’t have much in the bust region, I’d recommend patterned tops (they don’t have to be busy) rather than plain to distract the eye. So perhaps a polka dot shirt or something with an interesting collar. I can’t remember the last time I bought something ‘plain’ - that just sounds depressing! Have a look in Jigsaw for well cut items and the shoes are fab too. Maybe watch some of Trinny’s Zara shop ups for ideas. And use Instagram for ideas too - perhaps YStyleIreland is a good place to start as she has a highlight saved on a Spring capsule wardrobe.

Right now my capsule wardrobe is trackies and a t shirt you can't see the stains on with my low resolution web cam 😉

Thanks @Mrslebon (love the name BTW).

I think patterned tops will have the added benefit of concealing small bits of baby dribble better than plain as well .

I've never, ever shopped at Whistles, always thinking it to be the preserve of proper grown up women... If I'm not one by 40 I never will be I guess! I'll have a look on their website now, thanks!

I didn’t mention Whistles but that’s a good shout! Their jersey blazers are one of my staples. And I do think you can find some gems in Zara - you just have to wade through some shit first! Topshop do some great shirts and blouses too.

@mrslebon I read Jigsaw but saw Whistles, how weird!
I'm in Wales so we're a bit behind on lock down, but I'm desperate to get out shopping ASAP. I used to love Zara but it had a lost few years, but I'll definitely try it again.
Our local Topshop is like a shitting rave and gives me a headache, fuck I'm old and grumpy

Our Topshop has closed but it’s probably best approached online. Sign up for the Sheer Luxe daily email which gives good ideas on styling, beauty etc - they do YouTube videos too.

I’m about your size and have been back at work for a few years rebuilding my clothes selection. I disagree with patterns because you can’t wear them as often IMO. I have a couple of pairs of Hobbs work trousers in grey / navy and a couple of skirts in similar colours. A bit tweedy / herring bone to hide small marks. Then in winter I have built up a selection of cashmere fitted jumpers and cardigans, they can all be worn with all of the bottom halves. Some are bright, some are more subdued but in a limited range of colours. I also have some silky blouses with a bit of a pattern - but again they all go with everything (some of these are pre worn but real silk and look super smart) I have a couple of dresses, same colours again. A plain navy jacket and a tweedy jacket when needed. It’s a very plain look but I think it looks tidy and grown up and most importantly requires no thought from me in the mornings.

You’re slim so have loads of choice. Where did you used to get your workwear?

Advise against any items requiring handwashing or dry cleaning, for practical and cost reasons. That rules out a lot of items sold by some of the retailers recommended above.

I have shrunk every good quality knit have ever owned since having DC, for example!

Is there a new version of that blog? I found it but can only see posts from 2017 and 2018?

@Sittinonthefloor I like your approach to work wear, everything goes with everything so no brain power required in the morning. It could work for me but in warmer colours like browns and beiges.

@Dozer I'm a nurse who has only recently come out of uniform due to role change, hence me having no idea. We tend to dress a little less corporate in the NHS than most industries I think. I agree that I haven't the energy or brainpower for handwashing or more than annual dry cleaning .

Any more fab ideas for non work wear, perhaps even the elusive cross over pieces that can be dressed up or down?

What's your waist like?

I have a work "uniform" of high waisted slim cut trousers, usually linen or linen mix, and some smart t shirts / blouses / shirts I tuck in as it looks smarter. All plain or in a muted pattern (eg stripe).

I have about 6/7 tops and 3 pairs trousers.

ASOS weirdly do some good linen trousers in petite if needed

www.asos.com/asos-petite/asos-design-petite-ultimate-linen-cigarette-trousers/prd/13477005?affid=25449&_CjwKCAjwxLH3BRApEiwAqX9arSI272Htc8TrNlfwbyL2agt4w814pjcsOnbYnwnZ6MFo5sQ0HPBCPxoCgBwQAvD_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=9933071229|103204516769|pla-294682000766&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwxLH3BRApEiwAqX9arSI272Htc8TrNlfwbyL2agt4w814pjcsOnbYnwnZ6MFo5sQ0HPBCPxoCgBwQAvD_BwE

@nanbread I've a decent waist for a skinny Minnie, so high waisted might look really good, I'd never considered them.
What would you put on your feet then? I look like a set of golf clubs in skinny trousers with loafers or pumps.

For NHS would prob go for ‘smart casual’ comfort! Separates etc. With just one or two v smart options for any big meetings.

I'm similar height and build to you. Also have a semi-cooperate dress code at work.

Get yourself a nice black leather suitable handbag that you love, you'll use it everyday and it makes a difference.

I have a few smock / shirt style dresses that I wear with tights and nice loafers with a blazer.

Zara, h&m, mango and warehouse are good options.

I think blazers are key, I have some lovely ones from Topshop petite so they're not long on the arms around £55 I think.... in black, beige and a dark green colour.

Buy a collection of plain blouses, but in nice cuts, white, black, and either warm or cool tones in small patterns depending on your colouring. Vest tops to go under to match for cooler months or if they're slightly sheer.

Clark's / Russel loafers in black

A good few pair of work trousers, whistles and John Lewis, try on 100 and don't worry about the length, have them taken up if they fit well everywhere else.

Midi shirt dresses can also look good in summer as they're long if you okay with bare legs and nice smart small block heeled shoes/smart wedges. Kirsty Allstop style but more formal?

Also go for straight legged trousers that cut above the ankle
Skinny to me looks teenage

@Darkestseasonofall I only ever wear trainers (or flat sandals if it's really hot) so might not be the best person to ask about shoes!

@nancyjuice7 thanks so much for taking the time to write that post, it sounds just about right for my workplace.

With a shirt dress for example I could just ditch the blazer, switch to some converse in the car, and be able to take eldest dc straight to her afterschool activities and be comfy enough to join in etc, fab!

@nanbread wearing trainers to work is my idea of heaven, you lucky thing!

Had a sleepless night with DC last night so did a huge Hand M order for some basics. Their sizing is so off I'll probably only keep 10% of it, but it's a start.

Brogues are good for the colder months.

I went back to work last year and found Next trousers fitted me well. Washable rather than dry cleaning which all my Jigsaw and Hobbs ones were.

I then bought tops from Zara, Cos, Jigsaw etc.

Definitely look at Uniqlo for work basics, their ankle length trousers are amazing and wash so well. Also great for solid colour knitwear for Winter work wear.
M&S so a great flat leather pump that's like wearing slippers but smart enough for work. Ignore the totally awful photography, can highly recommend, they come inn several colours
www.marksandspencer.com/leather-high-cut-ballet-pumps/p/clp60275418?image=SD_01_T02_7095B_N4_X_EC_90&color=BROWNMIX&prevPage=srp

As well as COS try arket, & other stories for slightly less boring bits. Also Sézane if you fancy looking a bit french.

Re dressing up / down, IME if you wear simple but well Fitting clothes in good fabrics if everyone else is looking casual you will fit in with that and if everyone else looks dressed up you’ll Fit in with that too. You can change earrings, put some lipstick on or change shoes to quickly change the look. Eg smart trousers with a blouse and brogues would like v different with some heels.