£500 to spend on new wardrobe

[DaysAreGettingLongerNow]

I’ll start by saying I’m lucky to be in this position but in all honesty it’s probably what I would have spent this year if I’d needed to/been able to shop for clothes.

I’ve got £500 put aside to get my wardrobe up and running again after more or less 9 months of shielding.

Everything’s worn out! I have 1 pair of jeans in presentable condition, some trainers, and long-sleeved t-shirts which although past their best are still wearable. I’m also fine for coats, scarves, bras, socks and knickers, thankfully.

Almost everything else is stretched out, bobbled, got holes in or way too formal for round-the-house wear (eg lovely wool blend dry-clean-only Boden dress, not something I’m getting much use out of in Tier 4).

I mostly wear jeans/shirts/jumpers. I definitely need new jeans or trousers, but which ones?

TL;DR: capsule wardrobe ideas for woman in late 40s with £500 to spend? I’m 5’9 and size 12, work from home and have a fairly relaxed style.

Oh also: everything has to be bought online, all ‘non-essential’ shops are shut here.

I did this this year :D It is fun! (Although my budget was smaller, and mostly shopped on eBay).

First I decided what suits my shape. I am short with small breasts. For my body type I decided:

No: scoop neck tops, cropped trousers, ankle length skirt, knee high boots.

Yes: crew tops, tight sleeves, short skirt, tapered trousers, ankle boots.

Then, I decided what colours suit me and what I'm drawn to. I really like neutral colours. I like black, navy, blue, and white. I like metallic shoes.

Then you need to figure for what occasions you need clothes for, whether that be for: work, casual meet up, special occasions etc.

Once you know what you like and what you need, you can then get online shopping :D

If you know your size, eBay is great for bargains. I buy items with lots of 'give' in the material like t shirts and jersey dresses, which are more likely to fit. Brands like Boden and M&S can be good bargains. All brand new with tags.

M&S for jeans, bonus for them having recycled content.

Uniqlo for basics - couple of vests in neutral colours to go under jumpers.

Ebay is great for bargains but only if you know what you are looking for.

capsule wardrobe 1

capsule wardrobe 2

A couple of capsule wardrobe ideas

Despite the stupid brand name I LOVE jeans by Toxik 3 - they're a French brand, very slimming, the waist doesn't constantly need pulling up and they're very slimming. Best jeans ever - and they're around £20-40 a pair.

@DaysAreGettingLongerNow

I’ll start by saying I’m lucky to be in this position but in all honesty it’s probably what I would have spent this year if I’d needed to/been able to shop for clothes.

I’ve got £500 put aside to get my wardrobe up and running again after more or less 9 months of shielding.

Everything’s worn out! I have 1 pair of jeans in presentable condition, some trainers, and long-sleeved t-shirts which although past their best are still wearable. I’m also fine for coats, scarves, bras, socks and knickers, thankfully.

Almost everything else is stretched out, bobbled, got holes in or way too formal for round-the-house wear (eg lovely wool blend dry-clean-only Boden dress, not something I’m getting much use out of in Tier 4).

I mostly wear jeans/shirts/jumpers. I definitely need new jeans or trousers, but which ones?

TL;DR: capsule wardrobe ideas for woman in late 40s with £500 to spend? I’m 5’9 and size 12, work from home and have a fairly relaxed style.

How did it go?