Building capsule wardrobe, £500 budget

[NorthEastNellie]

Hi

I'm 10 weeks postpartum with my last baby, coming up for 40, and need to get my act together style-wise. Would anyone like to help me shop? For now, I need high street versions of the expensive clothes I'd actually like to buy.

I have £500 to cover an autumn/winter casual wardrobe. I have a toddler and a sicky baby so need clothes that can stand up to machine washing.

I am thinking wide leg/cropped trousers in navy, black and light brown. Navy/dark green sweaters/v neck cardigans, with t-shirts or shirts layered underneath. I like the shirt/t-shirt poking out from under a jumper look. Also dark striped t-shirts in the examples. High necked styles suit me.

Here's a screenshot of part of my Pinterest board 🙂

Coat I'm not sure on but I'm thinking maybe a dark bomber or short pale puffer for now and getting a longer wool coat in the Jan sales? That said, I do really like the coat I've uploaded in the images, if we think it'll work with the overall style?

Shoes - I have some black biker style boots and black Nike retro trainers, but could do with other suggestions! Maybe cream/white trainers as well? Second hand DM shoes? What would you get? 🙂

I'm fairly short at 5'4 and tend to choose short/petite length trousers, size 8/10.

Trousers - I already have some wide leg cropped navy cords from seasalt, plus these on the way (see photo), so I'd be looking for a black pair and a light brown pair maybe?

If it's helpful, I could put together some outfit ideas on Pinterest? For critique/purchasing suggestions.

Thanks so much in advance!

I really like the souffle knit - warm, cozy and non-itchy albeit manmade fibres. I've got this which goes well over skirts www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E469430-000/00 and this which goes with everything www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E472093-000/00

Also their smart ankle trousers, rayon blouses, cord shoulder bags, merino thin roll necks, flannel shirts, and thin ankle socks... If I get the navy, off white, dark green and wine/burgundy colours in different styles then it all goes together. Then make more interesting with accessories.

Thank you so much @TheMildManneredMilitant . I'll do some perusing after bedtime... 😅

Just back from a lunchtime trip to Uniqlo, and they have some great pieces in lambswool for those who prefer natural fibres; I picked up this cardigan from the men's section as a natural alternative to the acrylic souffle knit. I'm a UK 10-12 and the men's XS fits well. https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E469402-000/00?colorDisplayCode=31&sizeDisplayCode=004

They also have some very reasonably priced merino and cashmere as well, which I'll explore when I have more time!