Help with capsule work (non frumpy) wardrobe

[ConfusedDotCom13]

Hi wise mumsnetters,
I have somehow managed to bag myself a new job (finally!) and will now be required to attend the office two days a week. Please help me plan an inexpensive (am keen on Vinted) capsule wardrobe that I can mix and match.
I want to look trendy, but not like I'm trying too hard. I suspect I'll be the oldest one in the office.
I'm 52, try to keep in shape, so size 10 in most things. Brunette. Like bright colours.
Was thinking wide legged trousers, nice shirt (t-shirt), er, inspiration runs out there...

I tend to stick with wide leg trousers and tops or skirts
I have checked trousers and plain trousers (black and grey)
patterned and plain tops
cardigans in grey, black and khaki
skirts in black and patterned
blouses in grey, khaki and dark green
blazers in grey and black

basically if I like something and it’s flattering I get every colour that suits me

What height and body shape are you?

Do you know if there's a dress code or if people tend to dress quite casually in the office? May depend on industry.

I would say you can't go wrong with a couple of pairs of wide leg jersey trousers from M&S, a blazer or two (Zara always has decent ones) and a few plain t shirts and shirts to go underneath. I also love a skinny rib long sleeved top under a blazer, there seem to be loads around at the moment.

If you like bright colours, Oliver Bonas might be worth a look.

My extremely elegant boss is a similar size and age to you and she tends to wear:

A black blazer over lots of outfits, including more casual trousers.
A reasonably structured midi dress with a subtle graphical pattern.
Stylish coloured leather trainers.
Sleeveless knit over shirt.

To look more current, I would avoid: black trousers and patterned top combo; stripy tops; floral midi dress with white trainers.

Congrats on your new job!

I wear wide leg trousers from M&S with adidas trainers. If I had to be smarter I would probably replace trainers with loafers. In winter I have lots of merino crew neck jumpers from Hobbs or m&S. In summer I have loads of blouse type tops in various patterns that I wear instead of a jumper and are nearly all from Mint Velvet.

I sometimes wear blazers but I usually feel too smart in them as my office is quite casual so recently I’ve been wearing some short quilted jackets instead which feel more current. I recently got some from Vinted which were from Hobbs and M&S.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7590789364-black-ladies-jacket This is what I mean as short quilted jacket.

ooh, some great ideas there. Thanks (and for congrats re: job)
It's in the charity sector, so pretty casual I think.
Hopefully yes to trainers.
Any links to good wide legged trousers? I've seen the jersey ones from M&S...

Like that quilted jacket @Toomuchleopard

Jersey wide leg M&S trousers with either a good quality tee or a thin knit jumper / tank top style knit, blazer and some clean trainers (plain, bright, leopard, cow print - all adidas to match choice of top. Smart, on style and comfy!

Cardigans in or out? Slim fitting ones, I mean.

I’m wearing these plus some I got off vinted which had loads of brand new M&S trousers

I'm thinking of buying this from Next - Black Elastic Back Wide Leg Trousers
https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU343344/N27222

https://www.marksandspencer.com/tapered-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60546426?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/checked-side-tab-back-pleated-trousers/p/clp60761482?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I would say out. Chunkier and more oversized would be more current.

Thanks @ghostwhisper
I particularly like the first ones...

I run my own business but am customer facing so always like to feel fairly smart but casual. I wear a lot of jeggings (White Stuff) and replace them often so they don't fade - and I'll wear a blouse or tunic top (Mint Velvet is a good brand) with a smart cashmere cardi (fitted) and a nice pair of boots with some simple jewellery. I'll add a patterned scarf or a kimono (100 hundred stars are great for these) if I'm wearing a plain top.

I once read an article in somewhere like Marie Claire and this lady had a work uniform. Black trousers and white shirts. If I was only in two days I would create exactly that. A uniform of two pairs of trousers, 3 or 4 tops and couple of smart/cool jumpers/Jackets (depending on the environment). Then I would create 4/5 looks and rewear constantly. Boring? Maybe...

My absolute standard work uniform is Abercrombie and Fitch Sloan trousers, which are beautifully cut, with a Uniqlo crew neck merino jumper. Easy to mix and match with a variety of colours. I have the trousers in grey and black check to wear with pink and burgundy jumpers. I’ve also got the trousers in burgundy which works with a navy or more neutral jumper. Always finish the outfit with some cute flats and a nice belt.

Congratulations! I'd suggest getting a few things to start you off, but not investing too much till you've been to the office for a few normal work days (rather than interviews) and seen what others wear. Office style varies hugely these days and you might want to adapt accordingly ☺️

Cashmere slim fitting cardigans are always in. You can wear them with a Peter Pan collar or frilly neck blouse or just a bra underneath.
I would look for natural fabrics, wool, cashmere, leather, silk on Vinted.
Check out Elodie Romy’s style. I love her looks, most are great for the office and you can try to replicate the style.

I’ve been wearing them with trainers or flats and they’re comfortable with the elastic back bit to sit in as well

What shoes do you like to or need to wear? I’d work backwards from there.

Adidas trainers!
But some great advice. Thanks.

How about these looks…