Spring/summer work "uniform"

[EqualityDuck]

I would like to create a work "uniform" or capsule wardrobe for spring/summer and I've got no idea where to start and how I can look fashionable.

It's a relatively relaxed dress code. In winter I've been wearing chunky jumpers, tapered cotton trousers and ballet flats.

Any suggestions welcome, not worried about budget particularly.

I'm looking for:

• Natural fabrics only
• Trousers that are neither skinny nor extremely wide-legged
• Flat shoes only

Restrictions from my workplace:

• No jeans
• No trainers
• Arms must be covered to elbow

I'm 34 years old, 5'3, size 12 and "spoon" shaped (like pear shape but with added bonus of broad shoulders...!)

Any help greatly appreciated!

What have you been wearing in summer until now? Are you starting a new job?

And could you give a more specific indication of budget? No one here knows whether you’re thinking of Next or Net-a-Porter …

Cotton https://www.sezane.com/en/product/lorenza-blouse/ecru-polka-dots-earth-coloured-background-print#size-6

Viscose https://www.sezane.com/en/product/lisana-blouse/ivory-guipure#size-6

With some polyester https://www.sezane.com/en/product/alvere-blouse/ecru#size-6

Cotton https://www.sezane.com/en/product/enea-blouse/ecru#size-6

These would look good with jeans outside of work.

Hello!

Haha good point. Defo not Net A Porter!

Cos, Mint Velvet, Baukjen-type budget (or cheaper, I do also buy from Uniqlo etc).

It is a new job - I used to be in management so I had a series of trouser suits (some for winter and some lighter ones for summer). New job is far more casual!

I absolutely love the first and third one! Extremely partial to a square/sweetheart neck. Thank you for the recommendations!

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Hi,
Thank you, but dresses are just not me. It was a fight to get me to even wear one for my wedding (and I only wore a dress in the end because it was extremely tailored/suit-like!)

I really like looks like this (attached)

That's fair enough! Lindex might be worth a look? These trousers are similar to the photos you shared Trousers in linen blend | Lindex, and they have some tops and blouses that might work too Scandinavian fashion online | Lindex

Lucy and Yak do some trousers that I really like- tapered and look good rolled up, cotton, pleated near the top to give a nice shape. Wide elastic waist band but belt loops and really suit a belt.

I also like their jumpsuits (Ragan). I have two and always get compliments when I wear them.

I’m in warmer clothes than you in winter, especially footwear! Ballet flats are a summer shoe for me 😆 so I would carry on with those if sandals aren’t allowed.

Pop over to Vinted I’ve just had a massive clear out of my work wardrobe some really lovely pieces that have been worn once or washed and not worn.

I’m sure there’s lots of people that have no plans to return to a work/office environment and lots of bargains to be had

tbh I've just stocked up at H&M - nice short sleeved stripy soft knits, some great trousers which are actually pull on but look smarter as have waist pleats, I also love wearing black jersey culottes to work in spring and Next ones are usually good.

A quick search on John Lewis filtering for your criteria shows loads and I picked these out - might be something there you like.

https://www.johnlewis.com/boden-ava-lace-trim-top/p113064547

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-era-poplin-top-navy/p113408791

https://www.johnlewis.com/kaffe-jollia-notch-neck-top-oil-green/p113359675

Oooh, never heard of that label before but loving their stuff! Thank you for the recommendation!

Ahh, yes I ordered some of their tapered trousers thinking they'd work on me last year but they didn't look right around my hips... although I have lost weight since then so I might give them another go, maybe they will hang better. I really liked the material.

I have always loved H&M - might plan a little Easter shopping trip and do some trying on...!

Yes - I'm thinking of booking a personal styling appointment at John Lewis - I did that for my winter work wardrobe in January 2024 and it was fab so I think I'll do that again!

I second H&M for workwear. I picked up two pairs of Navy trousers - bit more spring and summer than my usual black and some work appropriate tops. And some shoes… And some earrings… And a jacket….

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0751471102.html

I picked up two pairs of barrel leg work trousers in M&S and I love them. I will be wearing them with loafers and thin jumpers a lot for work.

Do you have the link for the trousers by any chance? - they sound ideal!

Those trousers look fab - thank you for the recommendation!

@EqualityDuck These are the trousers; I have them in navy and black. One of their very cool young people at work admired them today!

Oh those are perfect! buys immediately thank you for the recommendation!

I got a couple of really nice pairs of light trousers from Cos recently which might work. Both a barrel leg shape, one in a dark blue (described as something like a “denim trouser” but definitely not jeans) and one in a buttery colour. I wore the navy ones yesterday and really liked them - I’m a 10/12 with big hips, bit taller than you. I had a sweatshirt and trainers with them, I’m on holiday this week but could wear that for work, which isn’t helpful, but I think they would dress up nicely. Breton tops tucked in would look good, maybe chunky loafers?