Winter slightly dressy capsule

[wand3rlust]

I've got a few nice drinks etc coming up with diff groups of friends and would like a core outfit or two that I can use for them all. Nothing hugely fancy, but birthdays, hens, dinners etc so I can make a little effort. It is the season after all.

The past 10mths I've been home with a baby, so lived in casual clothes and nothing I love really fits like it used to.

I'm a size 10, hourglass, 5'5, dark hair, and fair (I reckon I'm a clear winter if you go in for that kind of thing) so I generally like brights/high contrast outfits. Vibe is east londony so no heels etc.

Back at work, so happy to spend a bit on it, up to a couple of hundred for some nice versatile things I'll get a decent amount of wear out of. I usually like smaller, independent brands but if something's great at a high street one that's fine too.

Does anyone have any ideas for things that fit the bill?

Maybe some leather trousers and a silk shirt?
A versatile dress? I've bought one from m&s, never have before but it's petite and the right length for me and it looks great with a thin belt and heeled boots or trainers
https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-v-neck-midi-tiered-dress/p/clp60612753

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/we-the-free-rebel-vegan-leather-pants/?color=001&size=US%2012&type=REGULAR&inventoryCountry=GB&countryCode=GB&quantity=1 leather trousers

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/100-habotai-silk-shirt-l05126503

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/100-habotai-silk-shirt-l05126503

https://www.withnothingunderneath.com/products/the-dress-shirt-silk-organza-ink

This is a bit dressy, but it’s crying out for a crumpled linen t shirt and some clogs. Gorgeous shape.

https://batsheva.com/en-gb/collections/new-arrivals/products/alison-skirt-in-fireworks?variant=43975122157817

Sorry mine were all dark- you could easily go bright shirt with leather trousers! That would look great, jewel colours

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/chlo-shirt/rosewood#size-4

I bought this today - it's lovely and very much slightly dressy. I'd wear with with black jeans / trousers or a midi skirt.

mintvelvet.com/products/orange-geo-print-satin-shirt

I keep getting this dress popping up and I am strangely fascinated by it:

https://everbyx.com/collections/our-bestsellers

This is gorgeous!

Def satin/silk shirt. Rich blue, green or magenta if you're clear winter?

Black leather or courderoy skirt, I'd go for either the below knee pencil, or well above knee mini, and pair with thick black tights and chunky flat DM style boots 😄

Also the knitted skirt trend still seems to be around, I got a basic black one from Tesco and dress it up with a belt. I sized up and put a slip underneath to make sure it hangs nicely, too tight always looks cheap.

I am tempted by this to wear with my rose gold Docs https://www.nobodyschild.com/burgundy-cord-long-sleeve-starlight-midaxi-dress.html

Shamelessly placemarking for ideas and to ask where you got the rose gold Docs from @grumpycow1 ? 😁

Ahh they were second hand! My most favourite purchase ever, £40 😱 Vinted might be worth a try 😊

Would you wear a sequin skirt with a t-shirt, blazer and trainers? I really like the daytime sequin look, even with a chunky jumper and boots.

A black skimming midi dress with a bright blazer over.

Leather wide leg crops and a silky shirt.

Nobody's Child have some good dresses for day to night.

Really like the idea above of sequin skirt, t shirt and tights.

Metallics and tights are featuring heavily on Instagram right now.

Metallic silver trousers with a black top and blazer or satin shirt, or brighter colour tops like pink, purple, blue or even red if you wanted to go really festive. Two pairs below
www.marksandspencer.com/ivy-coated-high-waisted-skinny-jeans/p/clp60627221?extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_pst&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bRdx3RKKxXSuX8Q4pCbwtOpI&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5p2XW33zpzyCWg2OivyXXw3vktrRgUBlujysbSlHvw9TixLtuLVKOJxoCq5QQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.riverisland.com/p/silver-high-waisted-straight-coated-jeans-903288?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtCgghW1tdSjc1d_1ZLIXkdA_TzP&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5p6mJHrdkVYwGp-Z3lMqcAx-9vI1M7dj12Rr0PUbgm5MiNaHpBzmGzBoCQwoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Metallic skirt with tights. Quite like the jumper the model is wearing with this one if you like brights:
www.dancingleopard.co.uk/products/harley-skirt-in-metallic?variant=40142005272647&currency=gbp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5p2ZIuEPKqNyoXI_QPjviFSeReV0FFuAPWEWfwyfAm59TObmDmT2--BoC15IQAvD_BwE

Mango have some great dresses and jumpsuits in at the moment

Soooo many good ideas here. Thank you, just what I needed to recalibrate a bit.

I'll get looking for a silk shirt in a bright colour as I'll be able to wear that in lots of diff ways.

And a leather skirt or trousers also seems like a winner. I remember having a pencil leather skirt a few years ago that was one of the most hardworking pieces in my wardrobe, so can see it's worth the investment again.

Silver seems v intriguing! Can oddly imagine it being pretty versatile.

I like the sound of the sequin skirt plus t shirt, although generally have started avoiding new sequin stuff as I have the sense it's not super eco (I know I know, vs leather, buying clothes at all etc & there's always secondhand). Are ppl still doing the satin skirt and t shirt/jumper thing? Or is that truly over now?

I'm with you on sequins. Not good for the environment at all. Also faux leather.
Satin skirt and jumper still looks stylish - lots of the Instagrammers I follow wear that combo. I'm thinking of a getting a brown one.

Red is the colour of the season… sounds like a lovely jewel-like, Ruby colour would look spectacular on you. Silk, satin or velvet especially. You can colour-block it with magenta or a clear red, or wear it with neutrals. I love the versatility of a shirt dress. Would suit your shape and looks amazing with heels or boots and tights, plus it’s easy to accessorize with outerwear. Just don’t wear it with green or you will risk looking like an Elf on a Shelf.

I have a few midi length satin skirts which I find I'm wearing lots as they feel so special but also completely comfy. Can be for a smart office day if I'm going out that evening, or for a drinks party etc. Something like this.

www.zara.com/uk/en/zw-collection-satin-midi-skirt-p09213966.html?v1=306978328&v2=2291242

They look great with a slightly oversized roll neck jumper like these Uniqlo ones.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/100pct-lambswool-turtleneck-jumper-450517COL32SMA005000.html?template=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3uGqBhDdARIsAFeJ5r3t-bNEmXaz08GpuxR7QUObaFWTObck3hJMmmwywtt6CMooeZ7l3hsaAtXwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You could probably opt for brighter colours than this with your colouring but you get the idea and there are so many of these styles out there at the moment, in every shade imaginable.

And then you can wear any top you like underneath, for if you get too warm. I like a slightly oversized thick white tee or roll neck tee.

Ankle boots or knee high boots with a slight heel, some chunky minimalist jewellery and you're done.

That’s really nice. It’s almost making me regret the velvet midi I just bought in the same colour.