Build a capsule work wardrobe

The rules when you build a capsule wardrobe

• QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

Buy the best you can afford for Wardrobe Essentials. Choose higher quality garments which will give you longer wear and always look good. One quality item will always lift the look of others. 

• LESS IS MORE

Instead of having lots of clothes in your wardrobe, many of which you never wear, choose fewer versatile garments which you will wear more. 

• NEUTRALS RULE

Neutral shades are classic and timeless. When they form the backbone of a wardrobe it will happily take you from season to season. Inexpensive items can be added in as fashion colors each season - tops, blouses, scarves. 

• FIT NOT FASHION
  

Your priority must be a perfect fit. Dress for your shape and learn to use your clothes wisely - accentuate the positive and eliminate the negatives of your body shape.  The workplace is not a place for fashion - the most important factor is good Presentation and Grooming!

1 Choose neutral shades that work with your coloring

• Choose 2 or 3 neutral shades to suit your coloring for the backbone of your wardrobe - neutral shades are classic and will never date whereas fashion colors change every season. Shades of beige, taupe and black always work well together but if you know your color direction then choose your own best neutral shades.
  

2 Buy the best you can afford

• If you're starting from scratch then the best buy is a 3 piece suit, jacket, trousers and skirt; plus one other suit, skirt or pants; a white silk blouse; and a coat or raincoat that will top everything. A good dress that will tone with both jackets is a bonus, it will take you to lunch or dinner for the ultimate occasion.

• If you're using your existing wardrobe after a Wardrobe Edit, go through each item in turn and decide whether it fits well; is flattering to your figure; and if the quality is good enough to keep or to replace when possible.
  

3 Follow a basic plan

Depending on your work commitments and schedule, this will vary - but this is a good mix to aim for initially.   

2 Jackets and 2 skirts

• 2 suits or 1 suit and jacket/skirt that tone. Each should be interchangeable with the other skirt.
  

1 pair trousers

• preferably matching one of the skirt suits

1 Plain dress

• A shift dress is best that can be teamed with both jackets and dressed up or down

1 white shirt

• most people will advocate cotton but it's too firm for many figures -  I like the fluidity and more feminine look of silk
  

Raincoat

• preferably with a detachable warm lining to wear all year
  

Add

• 3 or 4 tops that will co-ordinate with both the suits to ring the changes

If you travel you may want to include some casual wear in this mix

• well cut and flattering jeans, 1 cardigan jacket and 2 shirts
  

4 Work initially with what you have

• Work initially with what you have and identify the obvious gaps

• Start to build your capsule wardrobe with the items you'll find most useful
  

• Aim to buy or replace one item at a time as budget allows maintaining the quality
  

• Ensure that anything you spend money on fulfils your brief, it should:

5 Plan to replace or purchase accessories in the same way

Quality accessories are equally important as an investment and say a lot about the person you are.

Decide to buy one item at a time in classic styles and neutral tones - but spend your money only on those items you will feel justifiably proud to wear or carry long term.

Just one high quality accessory will lift the look of the entire outfit. Make your own priority list.

• good leather court shoes and boots
  

• quality watch and good pearl or stud earrings
  

• leather briefcase or large tote bag with small leather clutch that will fit inside

• a good pen and notepad - will always make an impression

• leather belts for texture and interest and a couple of beautiful silk scarves to soften

6 Add your link items and color

Once you add accessories and different tops into the mix, you're beginning to breathe life into your outfits. Initially, you will need to use your existing collection of tops, blouses, scarves etc to add color and interest but, over time, you can replace these with better quality items. 

There is, however, always a place for some feminine flair - a brighter tone, a fashionable color - introduced inexpensively in your tops, scarves or even lipstick!