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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...

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...

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...

You might not be heading off on holiday, but that doesn't mean you can't add a kaftan to your Summer wardrobe. Of course they are perfect on a sun kissed beach, cocktail in hand, worn over your swimwear. But you can get wear out of them at home too. 

I have a gorgeous kaftan I bought to take to Antigua a couple of years ago and I have worn it with slim leg trousers for the evening too. In fact if you watch this week's video you will see me wearing it to film as it was such a hot day.

As well as classic kaftan shape I am wearing, I love the long open front versions too. The one below looks great over swimwear, but imagine it with a cami top underneath and a pair of white jeans for day or silky palazzo trousers for the evening.

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Long Kaftan

I've chosen one pretty blue print option and styled it 3 different ways below and linked a few more options for you at the end of the post.

3 Ways to Wear - Beach

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Kaftan // ...

Monday sees the easing of more restrictions and at last we can go out for a meal or shopping trip and coffee with friends and we can sit inside. Hurrah!

So I have put together 5 outfit ideas from casual to a smarter evening dinner  look. I hope one or more of them work for whatever you will be doing next week.

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Top // Trousers // Bag // Espadrilles //

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Top // Trousers // Earrings // Bag  // Shoes //

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Jacket // Dress / Bag // Sandals //

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Jacket // Top // Trousers // Bag // Bag Strap // Trainers

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Jacket // Top // Trousers // Bag // Shoes //

Jumpsuits have become everyday staples in our wardrobes, but you might think a strappy version wouldn't give you good cost per wear. However, I have found one that I think will. Plus, it comes in a great neutral Taupe which can be worn with brights, other neutrals and pastels.

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Jumpsuit

Outfit Option 1

For my first look I have paired it with red. For a daytime look I've layered a t-shirt underneath and added red sandals and bag.

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T-shirt // Necklace // Bracelet // Bag // Sandals //

Outfit Option 2

For this look I have dressed it up for an occasion with this fabulous print jacket (also has matching trousers) high sandals and clutch and included a lovely bright pink nail varnish for fingers and toes.

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Jacket // Bag // Shoes // Nail varnish //

Outfit option 3

Finally for a smart casual look I have added a crochet knit (an on trend piece) a raffia bag and woven shoes.

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If you've never tried wide leg jeans, here is your opportunity as they are on trend this season. I love a pair with a wide flare as they have great leg lengthening properties. This pair in a dark wash can be made smart casual with a pretty blouse, but for this group of outfits I've gone for 3 very different looks.

Parisian Chic

What says Parisian chic more than a Chanel style jacket and a pair of ballet pumps? This jacket is a knit, making it more relaxed and the pretty blue also has a nod to the season's pastel trend. Ballet pumps are back, an alternative to the trainers we've been living in, but still a comfortable option.

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Knit jacket // Jeans // Ballet pumps //

70's Vibe

If like me, you were a fan of Charlie's Angels and particular Farrah Fawcett, this might be the option for you. A feminine blouse, wide leg jeans and a pair of wedges teamed with Aviators and the long flicked hair that lockdown has blessed us with!

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The trench coat is always a Spring wardrobe staple. This year is no different, because you can dress it down now with your joggers or jeans and up later if you are returning to the office or more smart casual occasions. I would recommend a single breasted option as it works better on those with a larger bust but can still be cinched in to show off your shape. 

Here is a classic trench coat shown worn 3 ways to get maximum versatility. I've chosen a mid range price point as this is an investment you will wear for years to come giving it a great cost per wear.

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1. Trench coat // Sweatshirt // Joggers // Scarf // Trainers //

2. Dress // Boots //

3. Sweater // Trousers // Loafers //

Here are a few more great new in Trench coat options - click image to shop

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We all want to get good cost per wear from the pieces in our wardrobe and if you have watched my online workshop you will know how much importance I place on a versatile wardrobe. For this post I am using an old shift dress from Eileen Fisher, I have in my wardrobe. But I have given alternative options including a navy dress if you don't like or want to wear black.

To be really versatile I would suggest a simple style with a short or 3/4 length sleeve that you can layer under and over. A mid weight fabric such as crepe or viscose will work day and night.

By using accessories cleverly no-one will think it is the same dress you are wearing again.

Outfit 1 is for the Office.

For an office look I have added an open front jacket, silk scarf and quilted handbag with heeled boots.

(Contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you buy items using these links) Similar Jacket // Dress, similar Eileen Fisher, Budget friendly, Navy alternative // Bag...