Capsule Wardrobe for the Clueless

[Trounlet]

After (finally) losing weight I need a new wardrobe.

My current wardrobe is an overflowing mix of everything accumulated over ten years plus so I don't really have a look (quite a bit bought because it fitted rather than I loved it), however, it's all on the large size now. So I need new clothes and would like to create a capsule wardrobe for both work and casual.

My job is senior management in a semi formal office environment with some very formal meetings, so I probably need a couple of dresses.

I'm 53, size 14, curvy with big boobs and a c-section overhang. Budget up to £100 per piece.

Where would you start?

Watching with interest.

Do capsule wardrobes really work though?

I have a work wardrobe of dresses. And a casual wardrobe of jeans, T-shirts and shirts.

But the thought of trying to make some mix and match wardrobe makes my head explode.

well done on the weight loss.

things that are working really hard in my work wardrobe currently are cream wide leg trousers and navy ankle grazers (Reiss M&S) on bottom and Zara Chanel style jackets on top.

these are examples of the outfits I’m wearing in the office currently - including plenty of examples of items that were excoriated on the recent guardian capsule wardrobe thread

I wouldn’t start with such random budgetary restrictions … You’ve cut out all the better Zara pieces and couldn’t buy a coat from anywhere decent.

Why not this Margaret Howell skirt (imaginary example) negotiated down to £140 pre-owned, with that end of sale linen t shirt from wherever for £19.99?

(Besides which, much of the beauty of a wardrobe is the unexpected precious things one falls in love with which become a part of you - whether from T K Maxx or Cartier. Random limits take out all the fun.)

@RandomersAssociation i don’t think the OP has imposed random budgetary restrictions. She’s set a limit that she happy paying up to. It’s not a target, so the option of spending well under £100 remains and means she’s not going to receive links to expensive pieces that aren’t suitable.

many people don’t like to spend over a certain amount for a particular item, regardless of whether savings can be made elsewhere to offset the cost simply because they don’t feel they get value over a certain limit.

I wouldn't set a budget per item and sacrifice overall quality, that makes no sense. If anything I would decide how much I wanted to spend overall and just get fewer things.

I would start with these

• Classic silk blouse - e.g. https://lagence.com/products/dani-silk-blouse-syrah?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=311596110

• Short sleeve but 'dressy' blouse - e.g. https://www.vince.com/product/silk-cowl-neck-blouse-V796112595OFFWHITE.html

• A heavy, textured jacket - e.g. https://www.meandem.com/textured-bracelet-sleeve-contour-jacket-black but there are so many styles and variations of these

• Wider, flowing trousers - e.g. https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/trousers/smart-trousers/wideleg-pleated-trousers_77020374?c=92&talla=40&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMAX+-+1WOMAN+-+GB&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8--2BhCHARIsAF_w1gylGC_u07SPfZ71ApvMesgiaKie0IkmmpqfXzjmn0KXkDApwrnT5BMaAuPEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

• Any kind of maxi skirt / dress

I lost quite a bit of weight last year too, and my strategy was to set searches on Vinted and EBay for labels I like BNWT or BNWOT. I’ve picked up several dresses from The Fold that way which work really well for formal business meetings and retail for £500+ brand new but can be found for not much more than your £100 budget on resale sites.

@wintersgold that's exactly what I was thinking, live the jacket and the trousers.

@Katrinawaves vinted an excellent idea, I'll set up some searches.

Following this

I've not come across L'Agence. I don't have a problem with pricey clothes but I'm struggling to see anything about the clothes on their website which justifies their prices.

I’d recommend going to John Lewis and having a personal shopping session, I think this would help a lot to show you sort of things that suit you. Personally I’m a big fan of a Hobbs dress & jacket but many styles etc also recommend one you ascertain what suits buying on eBay or vinted

Many are 100% silk. The designs are also flattering. I've found them more than worth the price personally

What colours do you like?
Do you want to show your waist?
Do you prefer skirts or trousers?
What shoes do you like to wear to work?

Navy, taupe and grey suit me.

Re waist, I'm off foundation shopping on Tuesday so once I've got my Spanx then yes I'll show my waist.

Its generally trousers and dresses - I don't think I own a skirt.

Heels, Oxford boots or loafers for work.

Thanks