3 day work capsule wardrobe

[merchdrist]

I'm going away with work (to Singapore! 🙌) in a week time.
I normally work from home and don't need to be smart, however this is with the big wigs and I need to look smart. It's meetings all day, then evening dinners - not evening gowns but not jeans and trainers.

Can someone please help me work out what I should pack for the 3 days. Then I can comb my wardrobe, see what I have already and what I might need to buy.

I don't have any kind of work shoes, only trainers or DMs

Thanks in advance. This is a big deal for me so really want to get my clothes all sorted so I don't need to worry about that when I'm there.

What's the weather like there at the moment? Singapore gets awfully humid so you might want to bear that in mind when choosing outfits.

What job do you do, ie how formal does your work wear need to be? Heels yes or no?

Zara do some nice smartish dresses that I like to wear with nice flats for work dinners, I can't bear heels and tight fitting/tailored dresses anymore. I also wear similar for work with chunky heeled ankle boots, but I suspect you need something smarter than that for the meetings.

It's an office based job, there will be lots of sales finance and corporate marketing type people there.

I really don't want to wear heels, as haven't worn them for years. But not sure trainers with a dress will cut it.

Just checked weather and it will be around 29 degrees. Humidity is 75% at the moment, which means my hair will now rival Monica from friends

Avoid heels. Depending on your height, you may tower over some of the locals. Suggest just getting some ballet pumps or similar to wear. I used to live and work in Asia (HK/SG/KL) and the locals tend to keep their toes covered in office environments rather than wear sandals - corporate dressing is quite conservative compared to the UK.

Well I'm currently packing for a work trip somewhere hot-ish so I can tell you what I'm packing!

Basically, all midi dresses which are suitable for day meetings, lunches and also evening dinners as I won't be able to change. A mix of styles including shirt dresses, wrap dresses, high neck long shift dresses. All in light fabrics and fitted but not too clingy. Colours are black, navy, a patterned red one from Whistles. Others from Cos and & Other Stories.

I'm packing a couple of black slips to wear underneath so they don't turn out to be see through or to gape at the buttons. I'd recommend not polyester for these if possible if it's going to be humid.

I've got two blazer type things, one heavier and one light linen. Two scarves, one heavier and one lighter.

Shoes I'm packing silver smart trainers, tan coloured loafers and I've just bought the Seren30 Mary Jane flats from Clarks in a cream colour. Basically comfortable flats.

Singapore you may find is hot and humid or really cold air con so I'd be prepared for both!

I hope that helps.

I live in Singapore. It’s fucking humid! I would recommend some sort of extra layer/scarf in case you are in a very heavily air conned restaurant or office. Natural breathable fabrics. I think nice open toes shoes are acceptable. If you are a sweaty person, consider what colour fabrics you wear and how noticeable sweat would be on them (or is this just me?)

TBH for work you would probably be mainly indoors so should be ok.

It's worth buying Driclor. Stops ridiculous amouts of sweaty armpits. Try it before you go, it can sting. Definitely don't use straight after shaving.

Next do pure cotton slips which are great for under dresses in the heat and serve as nighties at a pinch. You can usually buy a two pack in black and white.

I'd second the covered toe smarter shoe suggestion. Maybe a tan or beigey taupe pair of loafers or low heel shoes that 'go' with everything. What about a pair of these nude patent block heeled Mary Jane's that are in vogue. Mango have them as well as the more expensive brands.

I'm not sure what the rules are in Singapore office environment when it comes to hosiery/ bare legs but if you think could be an issue and you don't fancy wearing tights, then you're looking at trousers- maybe slim legged formal cigarette style or wide leg depending on your preference. Recently I was looking for a formal knitted cardigan jacket for over silk and cotton tops for evening / aircon chill in similar climate. Looked at loads from expensive brands but found the perfectly cut pure cotton gold buttoned cardies in a rich cream and black respectively at H&M. Upsized from usual to make it more 'jacket-y'! But you need to be quick - noticed last time I was in that they've brought out a lighter ( cheaper artificial fabric) version for the new season!

Ah the cardigan I mentioned is only 60 per cent cotton but v nice. I can't link but it's called the short textured knit

Get a Brazilian blow dry before you go - you'll not have to even think about your hair.
Enjoy!

Bear in mind that while it’s hot AF outside, indoors will be aggressively air-conditioned to about 15C. I worked in Asia for a decade and always had an ‘office jacket’ to thrown on when the AC got too much

For maximum packing efficiency, I’d go for something like the following:

1 x tailored trousers in a dark colour
1 x midi dress
1 x lightweight blazer
2 x office tops (shirt, long sleeve blouse top)
1 x smart flat shoes (pointed ballet flats in a bright colour)
1 x plain dark trainers to wear on the plane and if exploring
1 x cross body bag for bank card, phone and hotel key
1 x laptop bag (NOT a rucksack - you’ll get big sweaty back patches)

All in a complementary colour scheme so that each item goes with at least two others to make a ton of outfit choices.

Enjoy Singapore!

You can expect around 33c and some heavy rain, often in the afternoon; take a brolly! As PP has said, it is very humid.

Smart sandals should be fine and most restaurants except the very high end ones are fairly informal.

With the humidity, some locally bought hair conditioner (possibly brands you have never heard of) work better than established UK brands.

When l go, l never take trousers/jeans except for flying and tend to almost live in dresses. Do make sure you have a cardigan though. Some of the aircon in shopping malls and offices is like walking into a freezer.

lf you are staying somewhere with a pool, remember your cossie or a bikini. For me, if you have been working, there’s nothing better than an early evening dip in an outdoor pool. Especially when you know it’s cold back home.

Thank you everyone. I'm going to enjoy a shopping and packing trip this evening!

While you’re there, make sure you save room in your bag and time in your itinerary for a good browse at Sephora! They have loads of Japanese and Korean brands and products that you can’t get here, especially good facial sunscreen, lightweight moisturizer and make up. Def worth a look!