https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:29:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2815382 Tue, 10 Apr 2018 06:54:19 +0000 periwinklebee 2815382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: Thank you, awesome suggestions, as always! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2815310 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 18:31:24 +0000 gingerbebe 2815310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am basically in budget capsule wardrobe mode because I have been losing weight the last 6 months and need new clothes like all the time. So I cant really spend a whole lot.</p> <p>My staples since the Fall (and will carry me for a few more weeks until its really warm) is:</p> <p>- 1 black and 1 charcoal pair of Apt 9 Magic Waist slacks from Kohl's. Wide waist band really tucks in that mom belly and has a little stretch, but looks like a nice work slack.</p> <p>- 1 cigarette cropped black pant. These are just some $20 pull-ons I got at Costco, but they are textured and look pretty nice.</p> <p>- 3 Merino wool sweaters from Banana Republic that I got on sale for about $20-30 a piece. They wash well and hold their shape.</p> <p>- 1 wrap dress. I can wear leggings or tights under with booties with a cardigan over it now in transition weather and can wear it without the extras when its warmer.</p> <p>- 1-2 sheath dresses. Same thing. I have one in a print, and one in a solid.</p> <p>- 2 black cardigans. One is open front and lightweight, another is longer and heavier.</p> <p>- Clean spaghetti strap tanks in black, gray, and white to layer under things.</p> <p>- Shoes, I'm wearing booties a lot right now. I have 1 pair of black ones and 1 pair of brown ones that have like a less than 1 inch heel and they are comfy. I also got a fun pair of embroidered mules to wear with my cigarette pants and one of my Merino wool sweaters. </p> <p>I keep a black blazer on my hook at my desk so if I have to look more polished, I can throw a blazer on top, but I'm usually fine business casual. I work as an attorney. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2815297 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:39:08 +0000 periwinklebee 2815297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsLonghorn: I hadn't heard of these - going to check them out! I feel like there are lots of higher end clothes that you rarely have to pay full price for if you look around... and this is exactly what I want, to be able to get dressed mindlessly but still feel good about how I look... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2815285 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 16:42:20 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2815285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've moved toward a capsule and upgraded my wardrobe in the process (fewer items, higher quality) and I can't rave enough about MM LaFleur's black pants. I wear them 3-4 days a week, wash in cold water, and lay flat to dry. They still look brand new. (My old ones, from Express were looking really warn out).</p> <p>If they're a bit outside your price range (they are for me), I would visit a store if you're located near one, or order online to find out your size - they have free returns. I currently own 8 MMLF items, and only paid full price for 2 because I got all the rest on EBay! For me, it has 100% been worth it - getting dressed for work is totally mindless now and I feel great about the way I look. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2815276 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:54:26 +0000 periwinklebee 2815276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: Thank you - these are awesome suggestions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814897 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 19:09:25 +0000 LCTBQE 2814897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: my answer is a little more spendy:) :) first I think what you should get really depends on your figure and your industry—so if you loved wearing skirts and dresses during your pregnancy, maybe you don’t need “work pants”. I don’t wear suiting/pencil skirts/work pants in my industry, but if I did I’d get a few nice basics from Vince and/or Theory. I think their quality is still really good and worth the money, the things I have from those brands don’t look worn or dated years later and LOTS of use later. My favorite places for more interesting but work appropriate things are No. 6 Store and Steven Alan. J crew’s quality has gotten really shitty compared to what it once was, but their stuff is so affordable now and the fits and colors are still great. I have like 8 of those tissue turtlenecks and probably paid around $14 each and wear them constantly. Like sweetiepie mentioned, Zara also consistently has nice cuts that feel chic, definitely not heirloom things but I still like them. Also going to be an outlier here, I think cardigans age women by about 15 years.<br /> For shoes, have you seen Martiniano glove flats/heels? I have a few pairs from sample sales and would never buy them full price, but there are a million knock offs now and they’re so comfortable and go with everything. The heels are like 1.5”—so easy to wear, but I love the flats. Also Maryam nassir zadeh block heels are super low and for heels, doesn’t get more comfortable, and she also has tons of people knocking her off for 1/4 the price. Stilettos are awful and so bad for your feet, glad they’re trending out—heels don’t have to be painful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814876 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 17:06:42 +0000 periwinklebee 2814876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: That sounds awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814873 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 16:47:03 +0000 Littlebit7 2814873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: it really is great. If you are a Nordstrom cardholder the styling fee is free l. The best part is they send you a preview of your entire trunk so you can say “I don’t like that” or “I already have something similar” and they will replace it with something else. You can also use the app to exchange for another size if they have it in stock. And you get Nordstrom points. It’s SO easy. My stylist is sending me a trunk since we are going on vacation soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814859 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:50:25 +0000 periwinklebee 2814859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all - great suggestions!</p> <p>@MrsBucky: @wrkbrk: @mrsjd: Checking out the shoe recs - I wore heels until eight months pregnant and am so over them. </p> <p>@jennlin821: awesome article - thank you!</p> <p>@Littlebit7: I hadn't even heard of this - sounds like my kind of shopping now! </p> <p>@snowjewelz: Thank you - great suggestion!</p> <p>@SweetiePie: Finding the right pair of straight legged pants is key - the fit can be so tricky and it makes a huge difference to the look. I've never tried Zara. </p> <p>@pwnstar: Completely agree on suiting - a theory suit I invested in ten years ago for job interviews (and I wear the pants all the time) is still in awesome shape. </p> <p>@Silva: I'm all for uniforms. I don't think the people I work with are horribly attentive - more that I just need to look polished/professional so they won't notice how I look. </p> <p>@looch: my grandma used to say that all the stuff was made in the same factory and they slapped different labels on and gave it different prices. The only place I've had horrible quality luck with is Amazon, which is a shame because it is so convenient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814817 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:53:54 +0000 Ajsmommy 2814817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Black pants<br /> Gray pants<br /> Pencil Skirt<br /> Patterned/loose skirt<br /> 2 Dresses, one sheath, one wrap or drape<br /> 1-2 Cardigans<br /> 3-4 tops that could be interchanged with any bottom<br /> Blazer that could go over top shirts/dresses<br /> flats<br /> pair of 2 in heels </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814798 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:21:31 +0000 SweetiePie 2814798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: this is exactly what I would do. I would just add that I would do a straight leg or skinny/tapered ankle pant as that is what’s current and has been/will be for a while.<br /> Believe it or not my best work pants were from Zara. I got so many compliments on them. I had navy, black, and charcoal. So maybe I would also add navy pants and get both taupe and black shoes. </p> <p>Was also going to suggest these shoes which I haven’t tried but I Pinterested them because they look comfy while still being professional and polished - but could also be worn with jeans. </p> <p><a href="https://www.solesociety.com/andorra-leopard.html?color=black&#038;utm_medium=cpc&#038;utm_source=facebook&#038;utm_campaign=andorra-taupe-pump-pp" rel="nofollow">https://www.solesociety.com/andorra-leopard.html?color=black&#038;utm_medium=cpc&#038;utm_source=facebook&#038;utm_campaign=andorra-taupe-pump-pp</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814796 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:18:30 +0000 pwnstar 2814796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I agree that most basics do not need to be expensive to look expensive/wear well/have decent longevity; sometimes all it really takes to make an outfit look expensive is a freaking iron (or a steam cycle in the dryer). The only area I disagree regarding price point is for suiting/jackets/skirts--finishes (seaming and other details) and lining versus no lining make(s) a big difference not only in how the items look, but how well they wear (on the body). Imo, a middle/slightly more expensive suiting option is going to be a better bet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814791 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:05:56 +0000 Littlebit7 2814791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You should try trunk club from Nordstrom. I’m not affiliated but just really like the concept as a new mom (to my second child). No shopping in a store, alterations included, and you can specify price points, styles, needs etc and they send you 9-12 items (clothing and shoes). I’ve had some spot-on reccs from my stylist. And I don’t have to leave my house </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814789 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:54:55 +0000 Silva 2814789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I went back to work after my first maternity leave I got a few pairs of black pants (I went with a skinny, ankle length from J.Crew), and then several different pop-over or button up shirts. I generally wear them untucked, which was fine where I worked. A pair of black flats.<br /> For summer I got several short sleeved blouses, and some black cardigans, and just wore those with the same black pants.<br /> For getting to work in the winter I'd just throw on socks and boots and bring my black flats. If I needed to be more dressed up it would be easy to add a blazer.</p> <p>It was more of a "uniform" than a capsule wardrobe I guess, but it worked really, really well for me. I just wanted to look put together and professional, not really going for super fashionable....I was working in a jail at the time, so being super flashy isn't really appropriate.</p> <p>My mom is a teacher and has done the same thing with longer tunics from Boden and leggings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814777 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:15:06 +0000 looch 2814777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First off, I don't think unless you're buying true bespoke designer pieces, that there is much of a difference in the quality of a pair of pants from Old Navy vs a pair of pants from a mid level brand in a department store. You can spend $125 on a pair of pants and they might not last you any longer than the pair you spent $25 on.</p> <p>Second, I don't use a capsule because I love clothes and mixing things up, but I do rely on a outfit formula for the ways I put clothes together. I am either wearing a dress with a blazer or long line cardigan and a pair of tailored pants with a blazer or a tailored top (not a button down shirt). I love print and find it to be more forgiving than solids, and I also wear accessories to change up the basics. I have scarves, necklaces and bangles that really change the look of my outfits. I also invest in nice stockings and tights, heels and booties.</p> <p>Now that the weather is warming up, I will start wearing dresses without a topper, so I look for ones with sleeves. I typically rely on the brand Eliza J for print ones. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814735 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 09:08:27 +0000 mrsjd 2814735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me:</p> <p>3-4 pencil skirts - love Jcrew Factory's - 2 in neutral colors, 2 in bright colors<br /> 2-3 dresses. I like sheath and A-line in solid colors<br /> 4 short sleeved pattern blouses<br /> 2-3 blazers (cardigans look frumpy on me, so I stick with blazers)<br /> 2-3 thin sweaters - three-quarter length is the most flattering for me<br /> 2 pair cropped trousers/pants (<br /> Two pair of chic flats - nude and black<br /> 1 trench coat</p> <p>I wear heels once in a blue moon, and I work in a very dressy profession. It works for me, I just make sure the proportions of my outfit work with the flats. And I make sure I have cute flats. 6pm.com has great inexpensive options.</p> <p>This works for most season for me but I live in the deep South. I would have more pants if I was somewhere cold. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814730 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 09:02:29 +0000 snowjewelz 2814730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Check out the puttingmetogether.com I always recommend her blog because it's easy to follow and very informative. She doesn't have as much work options but she really teachers you how to build one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814714 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 08:36:23 +0000 wrkbrk 2814714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Regarding non-heeled work shoes .... I bought these on a whim and I seriously LOVE them. I wear them at least twice a week, they are comfortable, they look great, and I get tons of compliments. They look best with cropped work pants, I think. :) Even just pixie pants from Old Navy, nothing too fancy!</p> <p><a href="https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/tahari-tina-loafer/399479?cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Loafers%20&#038;%20Slip%20On-_-New_Loafers%20&#038;%20Slip-On&#038;cadevice=c&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvt_38uGl2gIVBwlpCh2vVw8gEAQYASABEgK5y_D_BwE" rel="nofollow">https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/tahari-tina-loafer/399479?cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Loafers%20&#038;%20Slip%20On-_-New_Loafers%20&#038;%20Slip-On&#038;cadevice=c&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvt_38uGl2gIVBwlpCh2vVw8gEAQYASABEgK5y_D_BwE</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814710 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 08:24:20 +0000 jennlin821 2814710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="https://verilymag.com/2016/11/office-capsule-wardrobe-workwear-outfit-inspiration" rel="nofollow">https://verilymag.com/2016/11/office-capsule-wardrobe-workwear-outfit-inspiration</a></p> <p>I only had a chance to skim this article, but I think it has what you are looking for! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814704 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:55:48 +0000 Mrs D 2814704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, here is my set up:</p> <p>-Two dresses per season<br /> -Two styles of cardi's...2 colors each style<br /> -Cami's/Shells...2 pattern, 2 solid nuetrals (I have cream and black)<br /> -Long or Short sleeve pull over blouses (2, either solids or light patterns)<br /> -2-3 solid sweaters<br /> -2 pairs of pants (I would have pants &amp; ankle pants/capris for summer)</p> <p>I also have a few skirts I mix in but I didnt count that here. And - I dont have any blouses listed, bc its virtually impossible to find blouses that fit my body, but ideally I'd love to have 1 or 2 staple button ups. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814696 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:29:46 +0000 MrsBucky 2814696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think for me, it would be: black slacks, charcoal pencil skirt, 2 dresses: a wrap dress and a sheath dress, 4 tops in a machine washable fabric in whatever style suits your body type, a cardigan and/ a blazer to ideally match or go with everything. For shoes, I’m really digging my rothys these days, though I outright reject heels these days, soooooooo 🤷🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-designing-a-capsule-work-wardrobe#post-2814691 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:00:53 +0000 periwinklebee 2814691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>what would it consist of?</p> <p>I'm headed back to the office full-time post maternity leave in a couple of weeks. I pulled out my non-maternity clothes, and it is embarrassing. They are all super old and looking worn, and I have to do something about it. The thought of spending too much time shopping though is a bit overwhelming.</p> <p>For maternity, I had a few Isabella Oliver/Seraphine knit dresses, a pair of black pants, and a couple of knit shirts, and I really loved it. I would love to reproduce something like that in a non-maternity wardrobe, and am willing to invest in decent pieces as I want to look polished and want them to last for awhile. </p> <p>I also realized that my work shoes got stretched out while I was pregnant and now slide off, so I'm in the market for that as well. I would love not to wear heels, but I always find it hard to look polished without them... </p>