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Original poster

Work capsule wardrobe

27 replies

DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:05

I'm going back to work soon after a year's maternity leave and I'm feeling sick about it already - I thought a few new clothes would make me feel better/more confident about the whole thing.

I (obviously!) don't want to spend a fortune, so what should be in my smart capsule wardrobe?!

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NorkilyChallenged · 28/04/2009 21:09

Eek, me too - will watch with interest as also feeling quite queasy about my return (after 2 years of mat leave as I had my two really close together)

Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:11

Thanks for empathising - horrible, isn't it?!

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fridayschild · 28/04/2009 21:18

Things you can wash in the machine! Dry cleaning is expensive, and you need to find time to get to the blooming dry cleaners as well. As for handwashing.....

You'll need to give us a clue about the sort of work you do - office? - and budget - Next? - if you want links to inspiration.

mrsmaidamess · 28/04/2009 21:25

where do you work?

NorkilyChallenged · 28/04/2009 21:28
Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:32

Totally agree with the 'no dry-cleaning, machine washable' approach! Non-ironing would be even better..!

I work in an office - I wouldn't need to wear a suit everyday but need to be smart, quite traditional, definitely in the Next/M&S budget range!

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Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:35

What NC said about tops - shirts can be a bit of a pain because of a) ironing/keeping them looking smart and b) big boobage.

I usually take a size 16 bottom and 14 for tops.

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rookiemater · 28/04/2009 21:40

Not sure about capsule wardrobes ( imagine something like Mr Ben where you walk in and walk out dressed like a cowboy or similar) but can highly recommend wrap dresses. Don't need ironing, look professional ( provided you use safety pin if needed so that not too much flesh revealed) and can be shoved into bag if you cycle in like myself.

I buy mine from Phase Eight -usually when they have a sale on or a 25% discount promotion and recently got a nice one from Frasers. I would link to it but it looks foul in the picture, but so much better in reality. Although a bit more expensive, you only have to buy one item rather than skirt or top and they wash really well.

NorkilyChallenged · 28/04/2009 21:41

Ah, DM here we part company as I'm a teeny tiny chested lady (size 8/10 top and size 10/12 bottoms) so the same tops probably won't suit us both, sigh.

duckyfuzz · 28/04/2009 21:41

Limited collection at M&S and Betty Jackson at Debenhams have some nice work stuff in, not too £££

Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:42

I like the Mr Ben image rookie - I think I'll go for his caveman look!

I agree about wrap dresses but never seem to actually find any in the shops - will have a look at Phase Eight.

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rookiemater · 28/04/2009 21:45

Just checked the Phase Eight website DM, there doesn't appear to be much that would suit at the minute. I have also got dresses from Wallis and Next for work. Agree that Debenhams sometimes has good stuff.

NorkilyChallenged · 28/04/2009 21:51

I will go for the Mr Ben knight-in-armour look I think.

Wrap dresses not so good for the flat-chested. Have recently realised that v-necks really don't do me any favours...

Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 21:53

A bit of a change of topic, but I've also just been on the Phase Eight site - what do you think of the Thea dress?

I've got some birthday money that could get splurged on this! Thought it would work well in all the many and varied social settings I find myself in these days..!

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LetThemEatCake · 28/04/2009 21:57

pencil skirt (in charcoal, black or chocolate), shift dress (ditto colours) wrap dress (patterned), tailored shirt or two (one plain, perhaps one striped) one or two dressier blouses (with a ruffle or two, and maybe in colour/ pattern), couple of scarves, cardigan, jacket(in charcoal, black or chocolate)

does that sound okay? can find links if so.

Original poster
DunderMifflin · 28/04/2009 22:00

Thanks LTEC - I think I'll try the Gok approach and try to get a series of things with a colour theme so they all go together.

Black it is then!

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Sorrento · 28/04/2009 22:18

Shift dresses made princess diana look like a man, the rest of us have no chance.

LetThemEatCake · 28/04/2009 22:27

Sorrento!! what are you on about???

okay then what about this?

and a friend of mine has this and says it is super-slimming

what's wrong with this?

MrsTittleMouse · 28/04/2009 22:31

What about this navy dress from Wallis. I've had my eye on it, but I don't have any occasion to wear it. It's even in the sale, and a MNer who recommended it said that it's very comfortable.

It's available in black and petite sizes too.

Sorrento · 28/04/2009 22:38

She looks awful in that Wallis dress, shapeless and it'll add pounds.

www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B001MVAYRK/ref=pd_sbs_6/277-0656074-9601532?ie=UTF8&mnSBrand=core

That is what I would call a shift dress and they look bloody awful on everyone with or without boobs and including the late HRH

LetThemEatCake · 28/04/2009 22:40

Sorrento, are you feeling okay tonight? you sound a bit, um, grumpy.

Sorrento · 28/04/2009 22:46

Am just very anti shift dresses LTEC

LetThemEatCake · 28/04/2009 22:50

Hmmm. Not my thing either, I must admit, but do think they suit people and look smart for work.

Okay, OP - ditch the shift dress. Get 2 pencil skirts instead.

Heated · 28/04/2009 23:00

I really like LTEC's third link, as it works well for winter & summer.

How about a spash of colour
next skirt with a white t shirt or blouse, heels/sandals in summer, boots & little cardi in winter?

Original poster
DunderMifflin · 29/04/2009 09:46

Thanks everyone - have to say that shift dresses don't really do anything for me. As they generally have high necklines they can make me look a bit matronly - nice!

Funnily enough, I'd just seen the Next skirt Heated mentioned and thought it looked lovely. This shape is good on me so may go and have a look 'in the flesh'.

I generally wear trousers because they seem easier, but I think that dresses/skirts are actually easier to look smart in and probably more flattering.

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