Work capsule wardrobe

[Hopeislost]

With an imminent return to the office, I need to buy some new workwear. I've gone down 2-3 dress sizes since I was last in the office so will need a whole new wardrobe! Any advice on how to plan a capsule wardrobe would be really helpful - I don't want to panic buy stuff that doesn't go together! Also suggestions of actual items would be good too! Thanks!

Pinterest is good for images of capsule wardrobes to get ideas on how many items etc.

Does your work have a dress code?

Neutral colours works best, with the odd brighter item that can be added to outfits.

For me, if I was looking to put together a capsule wardrobe, I'd have:-
Pair of 7/8ths trousers ×2 (black and navy)
Dress (black or dark grey)
Pencil skirt (dark grey)
Tops/shirts ×4 (white, cream, black, navy)
A thin wool blend polo neck jumper
A longer thicker cardigan to hang on the back of my chair for chillier days
A blazer/fitted jacket of some sort which matches all the other items for meetings

The above all depends on how formal you workplace is. Mine dont care if you come in to work in trainers/jeans/etc.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz No dress code, but smart workwear is the standard. Definitely no jeans or trainers!

What's your budget?

I have several items from The Fold in my sights for workwear. Quality fabric and interesting cuts. They have capsule collections also.

eBay is amazing at the moment for workwear as so many people are obviously not going back to the office and selling stuff.
I’d recommend you keep to a neutral palette with multi use items that can be worn and interchanged.
Black, white and cream plain tops - H and M are great
Black and brown or navy trousers - I’m loving the M&S wide leg ones
Black dress - next always do a good shift dress style
Black skirt/patterned skirt -pencil skirt or shorter A line
A nice jazzy blouse - just for those days you need a bit of colour in your life!
A few colourful/brighter jackets/blazers - I’ve got Hobbs ones on eBay brand new for £20/£30 recently
Black low heels - Boden do a great comfy pair that go with all of the above
I add a bit of variety with leopard print accessories and brighter coloured jackets/blazers and have a few different coloured heels

@bunglebee Probably a couple of hundred to get me started. Ideally it'd be something I can build up, due to money and a phased return to the office.

@SarBear1980 That's a great shout! I love Hobbs but it's out of my price range. Will start trawling eBay!