If you had to start from scratch what would your capsule wardrobe contain?

[babycheesus]

New Year, lots of ideas of clothes in my head but havent been shopping since having my dd 5 months ago.....there is a lot of crap in my wardrobe and I want to start again......ideas please!

Like the name, cheesey! I am currently mulling over hiring a personal shopper/stylist. Not cos I have loads of cash (I don't) but I think it will save me money in the long run to buy stuff I actually wear.

Awaiting the stylish and the great's replies with anticipation. I think fashion editors tend to say 'oh, classic trench, man's white shirt, black trousers, black polo neck' etc, etc but really not that practical with a toddler.

I've just bought a stretchy t from limited in M&S. Black, three-quarter length sleeves, nice generous neck, very flattering overall. Def a wardrobe standard. DS2 mushed his breakfast into it this am, DS1 rubbed his toothbrush all over it, I still managed to wear it to work, and it is so comfy I am wearing it now with tracky bottoms.

Dark indigo skinny jeans
Tailored tuxed jacket, in a good expensive fabric
Good flattering black wool coat
Feminine camisole tops for layering, looking nice under cardis/sloppy jumpers
Little black dress
Short skirt (wintery) for those days when a short skirt, opaque tights, mary janes, tux jacket, scarf makes you feel a million dollors

Jewelsandgems - just out of interest what's the maximum size that can get away with wearing skinny jeans? Or does it depend on your shape?

backalleysally - I think it is more how they are worn. For instance, I see larger women in skinny jeans looking excellent (fitted things usually make the wearer look slimmer) and then some skinny young girls wearing them half way down their arses and looking just awful.

Dark blue straight or bootcut jeans.
A couple of pairs of non-jean trousers such as grey wool, cords or something.
Basic long or three quarter sleeved t-shirts in good quality cotton and colours and necklines to suit you.
Little cardigans in a range of colours.
A couple of skirts to wear with above mentioned tops and cardigans, in a style to suit - probably one black and one with a pattern in your good colours that goes with at least two of the tops.
Camisoles for layering.
Knee high boots.
A good coat that goes with skirts and jeans.
A good quality tux style/men's style jacket with a nipped in waist - maybe black or dark grey - for spring and autumn when you don't need your coat.

Thanks for that Jewelsandgems. Im a size 12/14 ( nearer a 12 now i think) but haven't really the confidence to wear skinnys. I was a size 8 pre-pregnancy and just feel too huge to wear them .

I urge you to try some on backalleysally! I bet you may be surprised! Go for some topshop baxters in indigo (or miss selfridge - generous around the waist) I persuaded a friend of mine who was a size 18, slimmed down to a size 14, to try some on and she looked great! She had a massive grin on her face the whole day and has now bought some. If you are uncomfortable about the tummy area, just wear a tunic top with them. If the thighs are where your attention is directed, then try a knee length jersey dress over them (or, if you have none of the above, you can wear with anything!)

I buy mine so they are nice and long too, look lovely with boots, great with chunky heeled shoes, or even turned up for a casual preppy summer look with sandals.

Thanks Jewelsandgems I'll try some on next time I'm in town.

Good question.. Am watching with interest.

would love to wear skinny jeans but always feel thighs look like 2 fat sausages. I'm size 12/14 so if I wear a dress over the top I just feel like a homeless person who has to wear all their clothes at once.

Jewelsandgems - are you some kind of stylist? You sound like you know your stuff. Will you do a gok on us?

Not get us naked, maybe I mean trinnie and susannah?