The lovely guys from George at Asda recently set me the challenge of transforming 1 basic item in to 3 different outfits for 3 very different occasions.
The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is starting with good base pieces. I chose a black jersey pencil skirt (£8) from the Plus Size range to start with. I absolutely love multi-purpose wardrobe items and I always like to think of different ways I can wear a piece before I buy it.
Click below to keep on reading how I turned 1 skirt in to 3 sleek and chic looks. Work, Sight seeing and drinks with the girls.
Look 1 – Business Attire
I already own the blazer and this is something I love to throw on to smarten up an outfit when you’re dashing in to a meeting or a client turns up out of the blue. Keeping it it in monochrome, you can swap out the pieces when they need replacing or inject some colour with a bright vest or scarf.
The shoe boots look just as good with trousers and help you go from desk to bar. A big bag is a business essential for me and I can fit my laptop and notebooks in this with space to spare!
Black pencil skirt (as above)
Black cut out shoe boots (£18)
Look 2 – Sightseeing
Whether you are home or abroad, a good sightseeing outfit is great for summer. Something to keep you cool and comfortable but covered for visiting religious areas, provide cover from the sun or to take that chill off when the sun sets.
A comfy pair of shoes is imperative so I have paired these on trend black slip on plimsolls with the black pencil skirt to keep the colours tied in. With a coordinating vest top to get a bit of sun on your shoulders, my ultimate essential for summer days out is a loose, baggy mens shirt. This simple white shirt is thin and light weight to keep you cool and covered up. Wear it knotted at the waist for a preppy look. On holiday it can also double as a beach cover up, or if you size up, a really simple shirt dress, belted at the waist.
A good pair of shades and a straw bag complete the summery look.
Black pencil skirt (as above)
Black straw bag (£8)
Look 3 – Drinks with the girls
Summer, beer gardens, hazy days and balmy nights. No greater time to recycle some of your lightweight gauzy party tops and beach cover ups for a glam look. As part of my capsule challenge, I have again stuck to black as a base colour and injected colour with some jewel tone shoes. You can still wear black in the summer!
This gorgeous floaty kaftan is actually a beach cover up but it works so well with a fitted pencil skirt. If you are feeling racy you could just wear your bra / bikini underneath or pair it with a black vest for some modesty. It’s a great 2 in 1 look for a hand luggage only holiday as you get 2 uses out of the 1 kaftan top.
Statement necklace, a clutch and some gorgeous colourful shoes complete the look. You could swap the flats for the black shoe boots from Look 1.
Black pencil skirt (as above)
Jewel tone embellished flats (£14)
Statement necklace
There you go, I hope this has given you some ideas on how to reinvent some basic wardrobe items. The possibilities are endless!
– At time of writing, everything was in stock and available but this may be subject to change
A black pencil skirt really is so versatile – I think I like the drinks with girls outfit the best 😀
Author
It ticks loads of boxes doesn’t it? Bit sexy, bit chic, perfect for holidays or summer or paries!
I don’t usually care about outfit posts, but really liked this one Katie! Love the stripy blazer too.
Author
There is no greater compliment then!
I have a similar stripy blazer from George in navy and white which is my staple holiday item…. i wish i could find one in plain navy