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A better work capsule

Sal

Veteran

Hi All,

The hole in my closet at the moment is smart workwear.

Background:

Most of the time: I work from home 2-3 days a week and from our business the balance (about 30 hrs a week). Most of the time I can literally wear what I like - jeans, dresses, sandals, sneakers etc Mostly I need to be practical and comfortable. Sometimes I need to wear "tough" clothes as I might wear a hi vis vest and be in the stores or hangar areas.

Occasionally: I attend conferences, meetings, seminars and need to look smart. I don't need a suit but I need to be more professional. These occasions might happen 10-15 days a year but can be 2-3 days in a row.

What do I want:

I am not worried about the average week - but I do need to upgrade the smart professional workwear to a good capsule for three days. I want it to be trans-seasonal.

I want to do this in a logical fashion so my work capsule is cohesive - I do have a number of other pieces that can be mixed in but I don't want to base decisions around them.

The core pieces to work around are:

- my existing black heels and boots
- my black and camel Furla handbag

In the finds below you will see my existing pieces. All are in good condition except for the black pants which need updating.

My thoughts are:

Toppers
Existing light grey/blue blazer
** One new addition

Tops
Existing two blouses (black, floral)
** Knitwear option to go with one or both toppers
** A long sleeve blouse

Pants
Existing white pants with black fleck
**Updated version of black pants
** Other pants

Footwear
** Loafers or flat covered shoes - not black - but coordinating with above
Existing black boots
Existing Pumps

Accessories
Black and camel bag

Coats
** Smart medium weight coat

So in summary I think seven pieces - some could be second hand.

one blazer
two pants
one footwear
two tops
one coat

I am unlikely to purchase online internationally due to the shipping/return issue. But I am interested in the sort of pieces that you think I might suit or work for me either in photos or finds. Colours that appeal for this capsule are black, camel, vanilla white and red. But I am open to others! Colours that I am not drawn to are optic white, citron, charcoal and cool olives/taupes.

Any ideas or input are most welcome. It is possible it will become urgent depending on the result of a phone call today!

Thanks in advance
Sally

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Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

notsaf

Veteran

Yey, Sal! This is my favorite type of capsule, and you already have such lovely foundations. I'd suggest a non-black loafer for your other shoe, so that you can wear it into spring/summer and beef up the cold weather/dark pieces, as it looks like you're better-represented separates-wise for the warm weather. Adding a few things from my Wardrobe Finds to get you going.

Hampshire 7/8 Trousers

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Supersoft Relaxed Voop Tee

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Double Breasted Linen Blazer

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slim cat

Veteran

What do you think about a sheath-dress in a lightweight stretchy/knit fabric? Chocolate brown to go with your light blue blazer or maybe navy?
The other possibility is adding the skirt: midi length with a small
/subtle print or solid neutral.
Currently working on figuring out my dressier mini capsule for work - but it's all pants/jackets for me.
Shoes - metallic in color or chocolate brown ?...

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Notsaf - yes I was thinking camel or metallic loafers or oxfords..... that can be worn all year. Those Boden pants would be spot on too.

Slimcat - yes I would consider a dress or skirt too to replace one of the additional pants. I would then get black pants as they just suit my life and existing pieces so well. I really like sheath dresses - I do have one that I can wear under the jacket (it is not suitable if I take the jacket off as it has a cutout on the back but I should remember that).

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

This sounds like a sensible plan for a capsule. I think camel shoes would be great since they would work with your bag and bookend your hair. They might feel a bit "autumnal" in terms of colour but that would depend on what you paired them with, perhaps. If you had a lighter trouser -- hmm, maybe even camel or khaki for the trouser? Or a "false plain" very light check that incorporated camel...the BR ones are not quite right (and you probably don't want cropped) but you get the idea.

A blouse that incorporates the beautiful blue of your jacket would be sensational.

A dark topper sounds good.

As for the coat, as long as it coordinates. Do you like yourself in camel? That would be so elegant.

Banana Republic

Slim Wide-Leg Cropped Pant

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks Suz. I would wear camel all year and as long as it is the right camel it looks great on me (definitely in the warmer side, taupe and beige are plain awful!). I do think camel would be perfect for the coat - long living and good with denim, black and navy.

I think I need to start with pants, blouse and shoes that go with the bag. Then build outwards. Shoes are usually the easiest thing for me to fit - blouses are pretty good, and pants are tricky.....

rachylou

Veteran

I really like the idea of camel shoes... well camel everything...

SarahD8

Veteran

I love the idea of camel for the main pieces (like pants and a blazer, and maybe a sheath dress). You could combine it with cream in summer and black in winter. The coat could then be red!

Joy

Veteran

Look for a bright blue jacket or blazer that can be worn with your black pants and white ones too. Turquoise or aqua blue would work too.
A nude for you pair of pumps or dressy flats, but camel would be great with your bag.

smittie

Veteran

I think a camel blazer, or a long camel blazer would be wonderful with the black items.

Then a dark olive top and dark olive pants to create a faux-jumpsuit.

I might try a large red bangle or red dress that has a tie (and then wear a blazer over it).

Vanilla heather top.

Black Moto. Will that work with your floral top?

Gretchen

Veteran

What a fun opportunity to shop!

I have a couple thoughts based on what you’ve shared.

Do you need another blazer or would a smart sweater give you more options? Could be a solid or could be a lighter pattern to add dimension? Or would you want to add a standout topper to pair with a column of color? Something like the striped sweater?

I’d definitely suggest a lighter pant - camel or a vanilla white. Maybe to pair with your new blazer/topper so it implies a suit without going fully there?

Also 1-2 print blouses with a light background to wear with the toppers. I often wear a t shirt or printed sweater like the below when I’m attending conferences. Layer a blazer or structured knit over it for more formality, but it keeps the tone lighter.

Love the idea of camel or lighter colored loafers.

I’d also suggest that you think about your newer items as a separate “set” so they can lighten and add variation to the core you already have.

Some ideas below...

Nic + Zoe Leo Leopard Print Jacket

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St. John New Boucle Jacket

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Anthropologie | Anthropologie Padua Tee

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Leopard Print Short Sleeve Sweater

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Jane

Veteran

Sal, I’m wondering if a ‘wild card’ might be a jump suit? I’m also wondering if there are evening events that you might need to transition too? And perhaps culottes might be an option?

I love camel and black and some loafers in camel. It is such a classic and stylish combination.

Anonymous

I love your plan and will follow with glee.

Since I am on my first cup of coffee I have some confusion regarding the bag. You say that one of your existing pieces is a black and camel Furla handbag. I see a black bag in Finds. Is that the bag to which you refer? Where is the camel?

The bag in Finds is gorgeous! You've had it now for not quite half a year. How do you like it?

I like the idea of the Boden Hampshire pants for your capsule. I think I tried them on though and found them to be too short. Aren't you fairly tall?

nemosmom

Veteran

I don’t have finds, but my first thought for you was a red suit (blazer and pants), a camel blazer, and a metallic loafer. I think suit separates in a flattering color would be really versatile.

Let us know how your progress is going!

Anonymous

Another vote for dresses Or 2 piece dresses, or a jumpsuit. A column of color just seems dressier than seperates, not to mention easier!

Sal

Veteran

Thank you!

Suntiger - I am very open to a dress as I do like them - and I love a column of colour.

Nemosmom - I could do a red suit..... I love red and camel - so that could work too. Finding one might be tricky though!

Sterling - my bag has camel on both ends so it is two toned. I didn't catch that in the photo. I really like it for a structured work bag and having two colours makes it easier to incorporate. Boden is not available here except via international shipping which I deem too risky for pants. I would consider for knitwear or shoes - but pants are my hardest thing to fit!!

Jane - our work is very casual and events are too (men in chinos and logo polo shirts mostly - a suit is a rarity!) I would consider a jumpsuit as long as it worked with a jacket. My current one would work in some situations. And you are right - black and camel is a lovely combination.

Gretchen - thank you! I do agree that a smart sweater is needed - and is an easy pack option. I like all your finds especially the leopard sweater and the blouse. I think this time I will be looking for simple pieces with longevity - happy to be bold in colour - but I don't want them to date because I won't be wearing them out in a year.

Thanks Smittie - if I get the right olive it can look really good on me. I want something in camel for sure - I do have a camel trench already but I would prefer a single breasted knee length coat for winter.

Joy - thanks - blue is another way I could go. I am a bit funny with blue and black - it sometimes is a bit harsh on me - but I love it with camel and with cream.

Rachy and Sarah - thank you!!

Lots of ideas here - I hope to get out and have a look next week for a few hours and try some things on. I will report back for sure.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My 2 cents:

toffee blazer
light footwear
micro-checked pants in the same earthy palette
toffee pants, red pants
red top, light blue top, navy top,
tan, red or black coat.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Angie. I would love either red or micro check pants. I think I need to start with the pants as they are the most difficult to find and fit. Will keep you posted.

nemosmom

Veteran

Back to say I have re-read your post about 5 or 6 more times. I love the approach you are taking to build this capsule! It is so very mindful!

I tend to buy a bunch of separates then Hope I can cobble together a look I like at the last minute You have given me something to think about! Thanks!!

Sal

Veteran

Nemosmom - thank you! It is a bit daunting as I haven't approached workwear this way and because I have a few gaps it could be expensive. Keeping in mind that here

Work pants $150-$300
Blazer $200 plus
Shoes $200 plus
Coat - well could be $400 upwards......

But in all honesty I have plenty of summer casual clothes, plenty of occasionwear, and whilst I want jeans and knitwear - I could do without if necessary. Because I work part time and often from home I just haven't spent any money on decent work clothes in ages. And whether I can find things......

It will be a different way for me to shop that is for sure!!

unfrumped

Veteran

Right now I do not have very specific item suggestions but more a concept.
I attend some professional lectures several time a year and for those I need the whole outfit, top, bottoms, topper, shoes, bag— differently than how I function at work. What I learned was that I was very sensitive to how the WHOLE ensemble worked, wanted my best proportions, cared about “ the rear view” , only lined certain shoes with certain pants, and so on. Wasn’t happy with some things I assumed were mix and match. So, found I needed to pre- view and select very specific combinations I loved and wear the exact items- some were trans- seasonal but I have options that would be for different temperatures( August being very different from January).
So, one thing I would suggest is, if you have an item or 2 already, you wear those shopping ( if doing bricks & mortar) and do “ Retail research” on some other pieces that really complement them. You might try on things you might not actually buy- wrong color, too expensive- but gives you idea of what to shoot for.
If I SYC, I put on one of my best candidates for pants for these occasions, for example, then try them with a whole slew of toppers, shoes etc and go yay/ nay until it really clicks.
I like your careful capsule approach because along the way, I learned that just buying random pieces, even good ones, did NOT always increase my wearable “ complete outfits “..

Sal

Veteran

Thanks unfrumped - that is really practical advice. When I say capsule, in a way I mean I want three fab outfits that work "most" of the year for me. I then think I can mix those pieces in with a few existing pieces and maybe build on it. For my average work week I can really get away with being very casual - but then when a work seminar comes along it is great to be able to put on a tried and true look - a FFBO.

I hope next week to have a bit of time to go locally to a couple of retailers but I might even head to a larger city and spend a day on it or on my upcoming city break.