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For those who struggle with putting together smart casual outfits with versatile wardrobe pieces that can be dressed up or down, this is for you.

I've put together a collection of items to create a mini capsule wardrobe and styled 7 outfits.

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There are lots more outfit options from these pieces and you can substitute similar items that you have already, but here are my suggestions for a week of outfits:

Starting the week with a casual two piece of linen trousers and shirt, both summer wardrobe essentials perfect at home and on holiday. The shirt doubles as a jacket if left open and worn over a simple vest top, as well as a beach cover up. Dress the trousers up with a smarter top or again wear on holiday with a simple vest top and flip flops for the beach.

This seasons most popular skirts are either denim or a cargo style like this one. It's versatile...

We’ve all been there – staring at a wardrobe full of clothes, but feeling like we have nothing to wear. It’s easy to accumulate clothing over the years, especially as we are so frequently “influenced” by what is on social media, or by emails we receive on a daily basis with all the new in styles at our favourite brands. It’s important to periodically declutter and streamline our wardrobes. Not only will it make getting dressed in the morning easier, but it can also help reduce decision fatigue and overwhelm. We won’t wear what we can’t see.

Many of us keep things because they were expensive, they’ve hardly been worn, or that other favourite - we are going to lose weight to get into them. Instead what happens is we wear the same things over and over and we beat ourselves up about all those items languishing in our wardrobe. Getting dressed in the morning becomes something we loath when actually it should be a happy experience that...

Weddings are back on this year and having been to one myself, there is definitely the desire to take advantage of an opportunity to dress up. It's been so long since we could really go all in and celebrate that now is the time to do it. The shops are also obliging with plenty of pretty dresses and accessories.

I've created 3 outfit ideas, including one with trousers. I think trousers are perfectly acceptable for weddings now, whether it be a pair of floaty palazzo pants like these or perhaps one of the Sherbert coloured suits that are plentiful this season.

I've chosen pieces that can all be worn again - option 1 is a gorgeous Summer dress, perfect to take on holiday too. The Poppy print dress could be worn with a blazer to the office or pop a sweater over the top and turn it into a skirt. And all the pieces from the trouser outfit could be split up and worn in so many other ways - the trousers would be perfect for an evening or with a simple vest top and slider sandals on...

If you are anything like me you haven't worn a sweatshirt since playing netball or hockey during school sports. Since then I have avoided them as ugly and unflattering! But I'm currently working on a project (which will be revealed soon) and it's made me think about what I as a woman over 50 want to wear. We've all got much more used to wearing leisurewear over the past two years and I am sure like many of you I've grown to love comfort dressing, albeit my joggers are cashmere and I still haven't worn a sweatshirt :)

I've never been one to be happy in a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit - I've always felt like I needed to add something, so a simple jeans or joggers and sweatshirt outfit just wouldn't float my boat. So it got me thinking about how I could happily wear one in a more stylish way and I've come up with three options for a printed sweatshirt, which I think gives it a little more style. Plus I've opted for one that has a looser cuff at the bottom so it doesn't puff up...

If you are one of those women who seem to have a stuffed wardrobe but can't easily create outfits, it could be that you don't have versatile wardrobe staples.  We often buy one off pieces or colours that don't go with anything else and either they get worn once or not at all.

The solution?  A capsule wardrobe of basics.

Don't be mistaken in thinking these are boring items, they don't have to be if they work with your personal style. What they will do though, is add the start point or the finishing touch to multiple outfits. They include the shoes that go with everything whatever the style or colour, the jackets that are the perfect topper to an outfit, the trousers that dress up or down.

You may have seen lists of wardrobe basics before. They often say you need a pair of black tailored trousers and a white shirt, a pair of black court shoes and so on. But this doesn't give you room to incorporate your colouring, shape or personal style - like much styling advice...

It's that time of year when a Trench coat is one of the handiest items you can have in your wardrobe. For this example I have picked a classic double breasted style. However, This style isn't ideal on everyone so adapt it to suit your shape. If you are large busted, choose a single breasted option and if you don't have a waist or don't want to wear a belt a swing style will work better on you.

With that caveat in place let's talk about why a Trench is so versatile.

A trench is practical as well as being stylish, in fact it's a Style Icon that just doesn't date. While it was originally created for British soldiers in World War one, it really got its style credentials later when worn by the likes of Catherine Deneuve and of course Audrey Hepburn. Many a Femme Fatale has donned a Trench coat, occasionally with little else underneath!

It gets its versatility by having the ability to be dressed up or down. It looks just as great over a pair of jeans as it does over a shirt dress for the...

Creating Capsule Wardrobe is my favourite part of my job. This works now but will transition into Spring too. Predominantly in neutrals it has a couple of pops of Spring colour. There are cosy knits and a Puffer coat for cold days, but also a silk shirt and a bold print skirt that will work on less chilly days too. I've included black jeans as a change from blue denim as they are easier to smarten up, as well as wear with your knits and trainers.

I've chosen a mixture of mid to high end High Street and a couple of designer pieces but you can switch out pieces that you have in your wardrobe or at your own budget.

The Capsule Pieces

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Zebra coat // Puffer coat // Knit dress // Jacket // Taupe knit // Green knit // Shirt // Taupe trousers // Jeans // Skirt // Earrings // Necklace // Bucket bag // Black bag // Sunglasses // Belt // Loafers // Boots // Court shoes //

Capsule Outfit Ideas

If you liked this capsule wardrobe, you will...

Like most of us my wardrobe and getting dressed requirements have changed considerably over the last few years. Not just because of the Pandemic, but also since turning 50. If your wardrobe is in need of a revamp because it's full of clothes that don't fit your shape or your lifestyle anymore, my four step process will help you create a wardrobe that works for you now.

Step 1 - Where Are You Now & What Do You Need

Bite the bullet! You can't think about a streamlined wardrobe if it's overwhelmingly full of clutter. When you can't see what you've got it's impossible to pull together stylish outfits. So your first step is broken down into 2 parts.

First you need a grand declutter to get rid of everything you no longer wear, anything that is dated or damaged and anything that no longer fits. Ditch the guilt while you are doing this. Don't allow anything that still has the label on it to persuade you it should take up valuable space in your wardrobe. Donate or sell it on to...

A T-shirt (or jersey) dress is a great addition to your wardrobe. It is so easy to wear - and usually to care for too. On cooler days layer a denim or cargo jacket over the top and wear with loafers or trainers. For warmer days all you need is a pair of sandals or espadrilles.

Ruffle edge dress in yellow and stripe // Green dress // Stripe dress // Navy/gold dress // Blue dress //

Most brands add a T-shirt dress to their collection so you can find them at every price point.

Choose a style that works on your body shape. The green one above is great for those who are pear shaped or have a tummy they want to hide. Create or show off a waist with a waisted style or choose a straight shape to skim the body if you don't want waist emphasis.

A thicker cotton style works best on slim and straight shapes. A viscose jersey mix or a lighter weight or washed cotton, will create a more fluid fabric for those with curves.

They are great to pack for holidays as they won't crease too badly and...

A white dress is a must have item this season. If you haven't considered wearing one, there are lots of options from casual through to occasion dresses. Below I have rounded up a selection of wearable options for those of us who don't want to bare too much flesh but love the idea of a crisp white dress for the hottest days, occasions and if lucky enough, holidays.

Sleeveless options...

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Left to right - Cotton draped dress £79 // Cotton shirt dress £79 // Cotton jersey dress with Broderie detail £65 // Linen dress with ruffle collar £99 //

Short Sleeve...

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Left Linen wrap dress £319 // Right Black piped viscose dress £199 //

Long Sleeve...

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Left Cotton lace trim dress £49.50 // Middle Cotton pleat hem dress £79 // Right Cotton Broderie shirt dress £99 //