Help me build a capsule wardrobe!

[MotherWol]

I've recently returned to work after mat leave, and I'm facing up to the realisation that my wardrobe needs a dramatic overhaul. All of my pre-pandemic, pre-baby workwear doesn't work any more, and I'm very tempted to junk it all and start again. Previously I'd wear smart plain-ish dresses from Boden with heels, but now I'm only actually in the office 2 days a week, much of that still on Teams.

I'd like to radically simplify to comfy but still smart trousers with nice knitwear, but I don't know how to find trousers that suit me. I'm 5' 3" and a 12-14 with short legs, so wide legs often look a bit daft on me. Someone mentioned Saint and Sofia on another thread and some of it looks really promising, but there are so many cuts that I don't know where to start.

What shoes do I wear with this? I'm most comfortable in trainers but don't know what shape I should be looking for. In all honesty I'd be quite happy going for the Steve Jobs/Elizabeth Holmes uniform look, but I feel so out of the loop with what kind of silhouette will actually look good on me that it's just a bit daunting!

I've been building a capsule wardrobe using Styled by Susie. It's been really helpful.

I built a capsule wardrobe a while ago and love it as it’s a time/mental energy saver. Also based on trousers, knits and in my case shirts (white/patterned).

One things I think with trousers is you actually have to try them on ! Is there a shape you know works for you? I have a pair I love that works for my shape (Hobbs Annie, I’m an hourglass with big thighs), and have a few pairs in navy & black.

I’ve chosen a few basic colours (black, navy, white, red, emerald) & have jumpers/cardigans/couple of blazers in those colours

Shoes: I have some Adidas gazelle navy trainers (these may be v dated, I’m not sure) and am looking for a flat black shoe/trainer too

Are you trying to do this all online? I personally went to Hobbs/John Lewis and had a mass try on. Once I knew the shapes I was then able to buy additional pieces online

Trousers, I would go for some fairly classic cigarette / slim cut in black, navy, khaki and cream / beige. They will do heavy duty day in day out, and they won’t really be seen if you’re sat down on Teams calls.

I’d look for slightly cropped (on the ankle-bone) to wear with smart flat shoes like loafers or pointed flats, and add a simple belt - the idea is to draw the eye down to your feet and back to your waist to avoid the stumpy-leg look. Buy an easy-wash cotton based fabric for when your LO gets older thinks its funny to use Mummy as a towel, the grimy fingered goblin

For easy shorthand ideas of outfits that might work, look at Wearsmymoney - she is good at styling different looks based on a different theme each week. She mostly uses high street items, and often does capsule wardrobe posts showing e.g. 15 items for autumn

On a different topic, check out Vinted both for selling on your old dresses and for trying out new looks. You can easily find BNWT items for a fraction of the RRP, and anything you buy that isn’t right just goes back up for sale. It’s a revelation - I honestly don’t think I will buy anything (apart from undies) new any more!