Building a Capsule Wardrobe For Work

So you've got a new job and you are looking to revamp your work wardrobe. Or you realise you have lots of clothes but nothing you want to wear more than once for work. If you are looking to build a capsule wardrobe for work there are some things you need to take into consideration. A mix and match wardrobe can be a great idea. Let's have a look at how to build a capsule wardrobe of clothes for work if you work in an office environment. 

A classic coat



Every wardrobe and especially every work wardrobe should have a classic coat. If you can afford to, choose a wool coat or a cashmere mix which will be soft and keep you warm on a cold day. Cashmere can be expensive but it is worth paying for as it is super soft and warm. This dark grey coat above is simple, stylish and elegant and will go with most things. The tie will also define your waist. A perfect coat for your capsule wardrobe.

A little black dress
If you don't have a little black dress or LBD in your wardrobe you should get one now. A little black dress is one of the most versatile items you can own. You can pair it with sensible shoes for work, team it with jewellery and heels or boots for night outs and I have even seen people wear a little black dress with trainers.  Of course, a LBD, is great for your capsule wardrobe. I would buy the best quality you can afford as you will get a lot of wear out of it. This double crepe dress above is simplicity in itself. 

A summer shift dress
As well as having a LBD, it's good to have something lighter in colour, especially for the summer months. A classic shift dress is a light blue, would be perfect for this. This is the sort of dress that can take you to a summer occasion too like a wedding or day at the races. The quality of this dress is outstanding with perfect finishing of the seams, and the darts nip in your waist.

A smart winter suit




A smart suit in a neutral colour is a business wardrobe essential. Traditionally a black or navy suit is a great idea. If you want to be slightly different a grey suit like the one above is stylish and smart too. I like the black detailing on this wool mix suit. It's cut very well and would look super flattering on. 



These black and white trousers with a wide leg are a great fit with the jacket above. Sitting flat on the stomach and with a wide leg, they would look good with ankle or long boots, or court shoes too.
This matching pencil skirt can be worn with the jacket above or on its own with a top like the cream one below. 

A light summer suit

So you have a classic warm woollen suit in your wardrobe, pair it with a different suit for summer in a lighter colour. This beige suit is great for summer when you don't want to wear a dark colour. Again it is super smart and has a button to accentuate your waist. This is the sort of suit you can also wear to a special occasion like a garden party at the palace, or your niece's wedding as well as business lunches with you top clients. 
These beige trousers match the summer jacket perfectly and the slightly wide leg make them a flattering fit. Match with boots or court shoes for some height, and you have a summer suit with pieces that can be worn on separately too.


Every capsule wardrobe needs a few long sleeve tops. Again neutral colours are perfect to mix and match. This scoop-neck long sleeve top in a cream jersey material has lycra added for stretch and fit and this will help it wash over and over again and still keep its shape. You can't really go wrong with a scoop neck top.

Pearl earrings



Some pearl earrings are a great choice for your work wardrobe. They are always in style and although they can be thought of as a conservative choice, you can pretty them up with a little sparkle or wear them as a drop earring. Accessories like this can really finish your look.

A tote bag



Now, I don't know about you but I seem to have everything in my handbag, including the kitchen sink! For work, this roomy tote bag is just perfect. Big enough to carry around your purse, makeup, laptop and even your kid's toys, it's size is great and this leather bag in a croc print adds a touch of detail to your wardrobe. I personally feel it's worth investing in a quality leather bag like this as it can last you a lifetime, and because of that has a low carbon footprint. You definitely pay for quality.

So these are some of the items I would use to build a capsule wardrobe for work. Check out Lalage Beaumont, for more capsule wardrobe inspiration. 

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5 comments

  1. I love my tote bag and I think, as you say, a quality leather bag will last you a lifetime.

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  2. The cream suit is very smart, perfect for summer whether work or a wedding.

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  3. I would love to have a cashmere coat like that one, so smart and warm for the winter

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  4. Thankfully I don't have to wear smart clothing to work which is good, but I do want a good casual blazer when I'm trying to make things a little smarter x

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  5. It's so weird seeing this and knowing I won't be returning to my office for a long time! I will take note for my return though :)

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