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A work uniform?

Coach Nancie Kay Shuman image

Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

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A work uniform?

So over the pandemic and through some life changes (Grad school and my Godfather who was more like a father to me, dying) having a protracted end of life experience, I have put on some weight. (this is not a diet or weight loss post.) It looks as though I will be returning to the office at least part time, and need to put together a wardrobe.

In the past, I had a large and varied wardrobe with multiple choices. I once challenged myself once to how long I could go without repeating outfits , the exception being blouses. 28 days, including casual Fridays. I simply do not have the resources to repeat this at this time, nor the desire.

So, here is the idea: how do people feel about putting together a capsule wardrobe specifically for work? A limited number of items which can work together, an hopefully won't be too boring? Example: I have a boss whose go to was black pants, white or black tops and ballet flats. Very little variation. She told me that this helped her get out of the door because it was easy. While I might not go that basic, it is a possibility.

Thoughts?

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  1. Anonymous

    Definitely a good choice. Most of my wardrobe centers around a specific color that looks good on me. Most of my remaining work clothes are black. Between skirts, slacks, dresses, tops, and blazers, I can mix and match almost everything. I have a handful of black shoes/boots to match different seasons and wear black shapewear leggings when it's cold. I will add that I've found skirts and especially dresses with no defined middle (instead of skirt and top sewn together in the middle, it's usually front and back sewn together on the sides - still often has a high degree of structure) to be the most forgiving for fluctuating weight.

  2. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    I lean towards well cut wrap dresses for changing weight issues, but agree that basic well structured dressed without a seamed waist is an excellent choice. Thank you.

  3. Anonymous

    Capsule wardrobe of curated basics and high quality pieces like a couple of sweaters and jacke6s is perfect. It's studied, high end and an easy formula for the perfect no-brainer dressing. I spend a lot more per piece because there are not that many pieces. Everything goes with everything else so I don't stress but always look snatched. Love it.

  4. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    Thank you.

  5. Anonymous

    MY mother and grandmother always taught my buy quality over quantity. Capsule pieces are a great idea. Use the tops to create variety. A few Jewelry pieces or scarfs are a nice accent pieces as well. As time goes on a few trendy pieces for the season can be added.

    I also have my closet color coded. Shirts/tops , then pants, and Skirts and Dresses. I have my sweaters by color folded on the shelf in the closet so I can see them with my other items. This also allows them to retain their shape. I find the color coding allows me to see the what I have and then allow me to purchase something if needed.

    Good luck

  6. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    Thank you. This is also a case of knowing what looks good on each of us. I have a large chest and a round booty with well-defined legs. I was a ballerina, and developed what are often referred to as jumping thighs. The silhouette you have described makes me look top-heavy. A better look is something which emphasises my waist. Think Sally Rogers (played by Rose Marie) in the Dick Van Dyke Show.

  7. Dawn Cross

    Check out Pinterest. Search for Capsule Wardrobe and you will find a myriad of options.

    Like your manager my main go to is black, basics that I don’t have to think about. That being said, choose a few things that excite you and can be worked in as well.

    I found that setting my closet up color coordinated as well helped. I have tank tops (layering pieces), no/short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, sweaters. I have them further separated by solids and prints (yeah, I’m that person).

    Doing this helps me feel put together and out the door.

    As time goes on, add in a few more pieces and expand the wardrobe.

  8. Kat

    Good suggestions below. If you're concerned about the cost of building up a new work wardrobe, go to Goodwill, thrift/outlet stores, and charity/consignment shops. They have lots of nice, stylish clothes for a fraction of the price of retail. Many carry designer labels and have accessories too.

  9. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    ShopGoodwill . com s a great resource, as are consignment stores. My sister, who is a bit of a fashionista, knows were the best ones are in her area. It can be an enjoyable afternoon thrifting with her.

  10. Megan Leasher

    As a fashion girly, I am all about this. Covid changed so much and you had life changes on top of it. I think a capsule collection is a great idea and I support the other comments of thrifting to help round it out. Have fun with it!

  11. Anonymous

    Great idea. I’ve been doing it for years and it makes life much easier. The new fabrics and easy but professional styles are great. No

    more stiff suits or high heels. Tho my outfits are crisp and professional. Have fun!!

  12. Anonymous

    Oh ONE MORE very

    important thing

    tho… make sure your accessories are exquisite. Good purse watch and jewelry. No junk. A great bag and good shoes elevate an outfit like you can’t believe.

  13. Jacqueline Cutler

    If you wear skirts, dresses, and pants to work, plan on buying one skirt, two dresses, two pairs of pants, four tops, and two jackets. Make them all within the same color scheme. Suggesting black bottoms and then different color tops and neutral jackets. The goal is to be able to mix them and keep it simple and on a budget.

  14. Anonymous

    With RTO, capsule wardrobes have become the norm. A lot of women wear black pants and black flats every day now. Start with 3 different brands that you can wash and dry and that have pockets. See how they hold up and get more of the brand you like best as needed. Get a pair of nice jeans for casual days. Thrift some tops and jackets, but everything should be easy to wash and wear. If your company ever gives out logowear, consider wearing that weekly with your good jeans.

  15. Anonymous

    Great advice!

  16. Anonymous

    I think many of us gained a little during Covid as I know I did. I had been out of the office a year and couldn't fit into my clothes. So along with other women who were in the JC Penney on this particular day, I was asked by a sales associate if I needed help. I replied, well I've gained some weight during Covid and I heard another customer say, "me too!". I wasn't alone thankfully. With that, create a wardrobe that is easy, based on if you prefer pants, skirts, dresses. I have a combo of pants for winter, different pull on ones different colors, and different shirts of the same brand but different colors too. I found some cute dresses last summer from Target and bought 3 in different colors. I wear long cardigans with them as our office is cold. Both in the winter and summer. Layering is always a good idea. I also use different jewelry and pashminas to change up a look. I'm not a fashionista and could care less about being one. I tell people black goes with everything just like diamonds. In my role, I have to have comfy shoes and have found Skechers has not only those that slide on but found some amazingly cute sandals last summer. Will wear them again this summer. Blue, tan, all kinds of colors and are very comfortable and affordable. We have a discount place here, Hamricks, that has them for less than the department stores. These sandals look really cute with my Target dresses. I'm all about comfy, cute, and being, well, me. I work with others that wear designer clothes and carry designer purses. I could care less. There is NO value in looking like you walked out of a vogue magazine. Unless you work in the fashion industry. Some women I found are more focused on the name brand. I'm brand loyal, but do not buy DG because I am too much of a hippie for that. I get compliments a lot as I know how to put it together, but could care less if my purses change on a daily basis. So just be you.

  17. Anonymous

    Love this advice, just be you! I agree that most of us probably got out of the work attire habit during Covid. But, in some cases, the business attire policy has lightened up a bit. In other words, we still follow proper business attire when presenting, meeting with the executive team, entertaining, etc. However, we are more apt to wear business casual in most cases which in my opinion sort of lessens the burden. There are many more choices out there now for affordable, comfortable casual clothing that can be worn outside the office as well.

  18. Anonymous

    So true gone are the days for me having to wear suits and high heels!

  19. Anonymous

    I love this idea. Eileen Fisher issues a capsule each season with wardrobe classics. Although a little pricy, the clothes are excellent quality (often 100% cotton or 100% silk), and they offer most, if not all, of their line in regular and plus sizes.

  20. Michelle Stewart

    I think it is a good idea. When I worked in the office, I also used to put clothes away in the closet in outfits and hung them at the front, that way on frenzied mornings or mornings when I just really didn't care, I had options pre-selected for me. I'd do this for dressier days and less dressy days, so I generally had at least 10 outfits pre-prepared. But even if you just have 3, that is the first half of the week and can give you some wiggle room. You may find that you pull the same things regularly and default to a "uniform". Generally speaking, I'm a cardigan, flowy tank, and 'comfy' work pants person; although, I have jumped on the jumper bandwagon and am a fan of maxi and midi dresses because they look like you are dressed up, but you're really just basically wearing an over-sized tee and, in my case, bike shorts underneath. Basic pieces are super easy to mix and match.

  21. Anonymous

    Agree on the maxis! I dress up a bit more in my office. Do zi take a comfy maxi and pair it with a blazer. Totally comfy, yet dressy.

  22. Anonymous

    That's a good strategy, simplifying your choices definitely speeds up getting ready.

    I have a bunch of solid bases of slacks or colored jeans, and switch out a variety of blazers. Still very simple but a lot of different outfit options. Also have a bunch of fun shoes to swap out.

    When I am looking for inspiration, I check Pinterest and search for one "blue blouse work outfit" then let the choices give me an idea.

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