Creating a Capsule Work Wardrobe

I’m sure it goes without saying but I would still like to preface this blog post by stating that I am absolutely not a fashion expert or fashionista of any kind. In fact, I spend so much of my life wearing trackies that on the odd occasion I endeavour to wear “proper” clothing I either get asked if I’m having a jammie day by the kids (flowy, floral trousers are pyjamas apparently) or a sharp double-take from Liv and Paul (any time I turn up at their house in jeans, because it is such a rarity).

After starting a new job in April I realised that my wardrobe needed an update, and pronto. I haven’t had to wear “office attire” for over three years and in a bid to be more minimalist I passed on anything even vaguely office-y some time ago, as I was never wearing any of it and thought it deserved a new home. I had a few conversations with Livvy and Mama about what sort of style I wanted to go for and after some back and forth screenshots from the Vinted app I managed to piece together a simple but diverse 14-item capsule work wardrobe.

According to Wikipedia a capsule wardrobe is “a term used in American publications as early as the 1940s to denote a small collection of garments designed to be worn together which harmonized in colour and line”. My aim was to have predominantly monochrome items with the odd pop of colour, meaning it would be easy to mix and match what I wear without having to put lots of thought into it each morning. It was also important to me to have a year-round wardrobe rather than designated summer/winter items – the hunt for a more minimalist life continues! Alongside the items I bought I do have a few pieces that were already within my wardrobe that can be incorporated as well, such as the pink tulle skirt in the photos below.

I think it’s safe to say we all know I rate shopping second-hand, but that doesn’t mean it is without challenges. There were a few hiccups along the way to building this wardrobe, but none of which have been hugely limiting; the black shoes I ordered are a smidge too big but still wearable, and I plan on getting inserts to make them more secure; one of the black skirts I ordered is a touch see-through but will be absolutely fine when worn with tights in the winter; and the checked suit trousers are a lower-rise than I would normally opt for, however they are perfectly fine to wear and have actually opened my eyes that trousers don’t necessarily have to be super high-waisted at all times (who knew?).

All of the items I bought came from the Vinted app and although I cannot give the exact amount that I spent (they have updated and created an entirely new app within the past 6 weeks and some of my purchases are in the old app which I no longer have) I can say for certain that it cost less than £150, including postage. The items I purchased are as follows:

• Black bodycon dress with a yellow and white floral pattern on
• Thick navy wrap-around dress
• Long-sleeved white blouse with white tie detailing
• Long-sleeved white blouse with a Peter Pan collar and black tie detailing
• Sleeveless white blouse
• Capped-sleeve black blouse
• Black pencil skirt
• Black bodycon knee-length skirt
• Black boyfriend style blazer
• Checkered trouser suit
• Blue trouser suit
• Black pumps

Please do remember that I am neither a fashion guru nor a model of any kind! This post is simply to demonstrate a capsule work wardrobe and what that looks like for me; filming myself in multiple different outfits is definitely not my forte but I hope that this post has proven useful for a least one person in terms of either building a capsule wardrobe from scratch or reducing their current wardrobe so that it is more minimal and yet practical.

What are some of your must haves for a capsule wardrobe?

Summer and Livvy