This is probably my most popular workwear request, and I’ve been working on this post for a while! This blog post sets out my idea of the perfect work capsule wardrobe.
These are the items I would buy if I was starting out building up my workwear collection afresh, with the benefit of what I know now.
With this selection you’ll end up with a small, focused collection of classic workwear pieces which are complementary to each other, provide you with loads of interchangeable outfits, and – most importantly – arm you with a work capsule wardrobe which you love, and which reduces the amount of time spent staring at your wardrobe in the morning!
I know lots of you are on a budget. However, I do get requests for premium/luxury workwear, too – so I’ve picked out some of my fave workwear pieces to suit a variety of budgets. (You may also want to check out this more detailed post I wrote on building up a work capsule wardrobe, with a focus on affordable workwear pieces.)
I’ve done my best to source items I already have and love, that are currently in stock – stock levels are a ‘mare at the moment!
Okay, let’s get into it…
Your ultimate work capsule wardrobe
Your work capsule wardrobe checklist – and some options for various budgets
Tops
1 x white shirt
- Affordable options at H&M and Uniqlo
- Mid-range option at Everlane
- High-end option at Frankie Shop
1 x blue shirt
- Affordable options at H&M and Mango (I have the Mango one and ADORE IT)
- Mid-range options at Everlane and Reiss
1 x neutral silky blouse
- Affordable options at H&M (here and here) and Mango
- Mid-range option at Lilysilk
- High-end option at Toteme
1 x black silky blouse
- Affordable options at Mango (I have this in cream and it’s beautiful) and Uniqlo
- Mid-range option at & Other Stories
- High-end option at Everlane
1 x neutral knitted tee/roll neck
- Affordable options at NA-KD, Zara and Marks & Spencer
- Mid-range option at Cos
1 x dark knitted tee/roll neck
- Affordable options at NA-KD, Marks & Spencer and La Redoute
- Mid-range option at Cos
(The exact knitted tees in the picture – from Mango – are the ones I have and love. The black is linked here (currently on sale!). I’ve also linked the cream option in case it comes back in stock!)
Bottoms
1 x neutral trousers
- Affordable options at Zara and H&M
- Mid-range options at Reiss and Everlane
- High-end option at Frankie Shop
1 x black trousers
- Affordable options at Zara and H&M
- Mid-range options at Reiss, Everlane and Massimo Dutti
- High-end options at Frankie Shop and Toteme
Dresses
1 x black shift dress
- Affordable options at H&M and ASOS
- Mid-range options at Karen Millen (here and here), Reiss and Hobbs
- High-end option at Theory
Outerwear
1 x black blazer
- Affordable options at H&M and Mango (here and here)
- Mid-range options at Reiss (here and here) and Massimo Dutti
- High-end options at The Curated and Anine Bing
1 x tweed/boucle jacket
- Affordable options at Mango (here and here) and Zara
- Mid-range options at Ted Baker, Phase Eight and Massimo Dutti, here and here
- High-end options at Reiss, Sandro and LK Bennett
Shoes
Leather loafers
- Affordable options at Marks and Spencer, here and here
- Mid-range options at John Lewis, Sam Edelman and Dune
Slingbacks
Long time followers will know that the Marks & Spencer leather slingback Chanel dupes – pictured – are my fave, however those are sadly sold out. They do tend to come back each year, so keep an eye out!
In the mean time, here are some alternatives…
- Affordable option – the new season updated versions at Marks & Spencer
- Another great affordable option at ASOS
Black court heels
- Affordable options at Mango (I will die on a hill for the fact these are the best comfy high heels EVER!) and Marks & Spencer (other colours available too)
- Mid-range options at Whistles and LK Bennett
- High-end options at Jimmy Choo and Gianvito Rossi
Neutral heels
- Affordable option at Marks & Spencer
- Mid-range option at LK Bennett
- High-end options at Jimmy Choo and Gianvito Rossi
Accessories
1 x black (ideally) leather tote bag
- Affordable option at Marks & Spencer
- Mid-range options at Lawful London and LK Bennett
- High-end options at Anine Bing and Mulberry
My favourite brands for workwear
Affordable workwear
- Mango
- H&M
- Zara
- Uniqlo
- Marks & Spencer
Mid-range workwear
- COS
- Everlane
- Reiss
- The Outnet
High-end workwear
- Theory
- Frankie Shop
- Toteme
- The Curated
- The Fold
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