Capsule wardrobe ideas

[noragrats]

Having worked from home since 2019, I’m about to go back to the office as I’m recruiting a team and need to be around more. I’ve been one of those managers who doesn’t actually manage anyone!

My issue is, I have 0 work clothes. I have baggy T-shirts and leggings. My other issue is I tend to go overboard and already I have 1000000 dresses and pairs of shoes in my shopping basket on various sites.

What do I actually need? I might be going to the office twice a week at most, maybe I’ll go more but it’s unlikely.

My sense of style was quite alternative however I’m just about to turn 35 and the last few years have aged me. I have bright pink hair, a fairly high up in my organisation, two levels below director.

Am tall, losing some weight and currently am very gut heavy (16stone).

any ideas? I’ve looked at pinafore dresses I can wear with a blouse but that was my limit. What do other people wear?

Wide leg trousers and a couple of tops? A jumpsuit?

I'm a department head, older than you, and I travel into London on public transport which is generally pretty grubby..

I alternate between dark tailored trousers and a top, a jacket, or coloured sweater & t-shirt, and ankle length straight dresses (no flounces) and jacket.

It's practical, professional and have warm/cool versions as necessary.

I think it depends on how formal you need to be, that will greatly change the answers. I actually found it easier when I worked somewhere more formal, and the answer was 'suit and shirt'.

My work uniform now is cropped straight leg trousers, a silk t-shirt, a knit or ponte blazer, and leather trainers (never going back to heels!). But my industry is pretty informal and I work for myself, so no one can complain

Need an indication of whether your budget is more Uniqlo or The Row …

Also, what’s the culture of your workplace?