Hurray – we’ve had a bit of sunshine across most of the UK at last although looking at the long term forecast it isn’t set to stay for very long. So for this month’s Boden edit I thought I’d look at capsule wardrobe building with hardworking transitional pieces that work for cooler days as well as warm ones. The thing about Boden’s cross-season drops is that it’s easy to flick through them and think that because there aren’t any show ponies there’s nothing to see. But this is when they release the lynchpins that become wardrobe favourites for years to come. So I’ve pulled out pieces that can be worn now, in weeks when we seem to have three seasons in one. And to show how easily they’ll integrate with your existing wardrobe, I’ve paired each one with clothes I already have. Oh and there’s 15% off the new collection if you use D9A5 at checkout – plus the same code will give you 20% off sale prices too, this weekend only.

Capsule wardrobe building: the white cotton poplin shirt

Let’s start with this white cotton poplin shirt which I could only give a quick mention to last month because it arrived just as I was sending my post live. It has a few of my favourite elements – a raised rather than full collar which means it flatters a shorter neck and is easier to wear with jackets and cardigans. Other features include lace panels which stop it from creasing as quickly as plain poplin fabric usually would and deep cuffs.

Nikki Garnett, style for women over 50

Cotton poplin shirt with lace panels (also available in a sky blue stripe, gifted SS23)

I usually fold my shirt sleeves up a little to emphasise the wrist but these cuffs are so deep that you don’t need to. This will be a great feature when it’s time to wear a jumper or cardigan over it too because you’ll be able to sit the sleeve of the knit a little higher for contrast. I love the fact that it’s cut close to the body and the shoulders fit neatly so it’s a good silhouette for wearing with wider bottoms. I’m wearing it with smart denim here but it will look just as good with ordinary jeans and I’m also thinking of wearing it with shorts when we head away to the sun… which won’t be long now. All in all it’s an elevated basic that will work hard in every season, I’m wearing a 12 and it’s true to size.

Nikki Garnett, style for women over 50

Cotton poplin shirt with lace panels (also available in a sky blue stripe, gifted SS23)

Capsule wardrobe building – the side stripe trousers

Now side striped trousers aren’t anything new, in fact they’ve become a chic staple but the difference with these is that they’re not jersey so you won’t end up with saggy knees. They’re still machine washable though and they’re cut loose at the thigh with a tapered ankle.

Nikki Garnett, style for women over 50

Side stripe trousers (also available in ivory with navy stripe and green with navy stripe, gifted SS23); Boden shirt and shoes past season

I’m glad that Boden have moved the pockets on trousers like this forwards so that they don’t visually widen the hips, they remind me of the Bistro crops that they used to do in about 2006. After reading the reviews I ordered a size up and I’m glad I did because there’s no stretch so unless you’re at the low end of a size range I’d suggest you do the same. The ruched shirt is one of my Boden favourites from last year by the way, it’s such a flattering fit and I see it’s been released in black for this season.

Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days

Side stripe trousers (also available in ivory with navy stripe and green with navy stripe, gifted SS23); Boden shirt and shoes past season

Capsule wardrobe building – the simple cotton jumper

I’ve been wearing jersey bretons so much during this wet summer that I’m really fed up of them. This cotton jumper instantly feels smarter and yet you could easily wear it with jeans or a skirt. It’s a great option for this time of year and also if you find wool uncomfortable – so many people can’t tolerate it at midlife when your skin becomes more sensitive to anything itchy and hot.

Nikki Garnett, style for women over 50

Cotton striped jumper (nine colours available, gifted SS23)

There are nine different colours, it’s a neat fit and a good length which is how I like it but if you prefer something looser, size up.

Nikki Garnett, style for women over 50

Cotton striped jumper (nine colours available, gifted SS23)

Capsule wardrobe building – the ballet flats

These silver ballet flats arrived too late for my last post but I’ve been wearing them continuously this month because I’m finding I’m a bit tired of trainers. They work to update absolutely everything, there are seven colour options available and I’m now very tempted by the red. The leather is incredibly soft, just as a ballet pump should be, the flexi sole bends with your foot and for me they’re a perfect fit in my usual size. Some people mentioned last time that they worry about the lack of arch support which I understand, but you’d need to be walking quite a way before that bothered you and I don’t think they’re the sort of thing you’d wear for walking the dog or a long day out. They’re more the kind of shoe that you slip on to lift an outfit for popping out to the shops, lunch with a friend or a relaxed meal.

Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days

Silver leather ballet flats (also available in red leather, cobalt suede, zebra, leopard, gold or black, gifted SS23)

I’ve already had so much wear out of them that I chose the zebra pair for this month’s edit. They’re ponyskin and I found them a little bit looser than the silver ones but that’s ok because I’ll be wearing them with tights and mini-skirts before too long so they’ll need a little more room. The black edging means they’ll work well with black tights. As you can see they’re black and ecru rather than black and white so they won’t show the dirt too quickly.

Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days

Zebra ballet flats (also available in red leather, cobalt suede, leopard, gold or black, gifted SS23)

Capsule wardrobe building – the throw on sweatshirt

And strangely this could be my favourite piece from this edit. It’s so difficult to find a sweatshirt that doesn’t have either a raglan or dropped cut at the shoulder-line, it balances out the straight waistband meaning it looks relaxed rather than sloppy. The colour is the shade of slightly mossy green that’s good for warm skintones because it doesn’t drain them in the same way that drab khaki does.

Nikki Garnett, casual chic women over 50

Cotton sweatshirt (also available in oatmeal, gifted SS23)

Capsule wardrobe building – the tulle midi-skirt

Another year-round hero, the soft tulle skirt. I bought the orange version last year and it’s become a holiday staple because I can crush it down in the corner of a suitcase and it comes out looking perfect. I’ve dressed this new navy one for summer here but it will work just as well with a cashmere jumper and heeled boots for work in winter – or dressed down for the weekend with a cream arran knit and flat boots.

Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days

The tulle midi-skirt (gifted SS23); Ribbed vest

One thing I would suggest is sizing up because the deep elastic waistband is powerful so it’s good for cinching you in but it does mean that there can be some muffin top overspill if you’re wearing it with a top tucked in like this as you can see. It’s also available in black or soft ballerina pink.

Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days

The tulle midi-skirt (gifted SS23); Ribbed vest

Capsule wardrobe building – the jersey shirt

And last of all here’s the jersey shirt, one of those pieces that you scroll past without noticing but it’s really lovely to wear. It’s great if you work from home and want something comfortable that will also look good in a Zoom meeting but it works just as well with jeans at the weekend too. I’m wearing the soft ivory here and it’s true to size but it’s also available in the same soft olive as the sweatshirt I showed you – I really hope that’s a colour that’s going to be core to Boden’s ranges for AW23.

Jersey shirt (also available in olive, gifted SS23)

So I hope that’s given you a kick start with your capsule wardrobe building as you slowly start to think about new season. Remember that these days it doesn’t really get cold until mid-November so these are the cornerstones that should see you through until then. My key piece of capsule wardrobe advice as you start thinking about it is to decide on your base colour – as you can see mine’s navy and everything needs to work in with it.

In the meantime I’m thinking harder than ever about sunshine because we’re finally approaching the slice of time that we’ve been able to book off work. Next weekend we’re going away with friends so there won’t be a post next Friday but you’ll be able to see us on Instagram – and I’m sure you’ll recognise our buddies because we first met through Midlifechic. Then I’ll be home for a couple of weeks before Mal and I log off completely for a while but I’ll tell you more about that nearer the time.

So I’ll be back on the blog on 1st September and I’ll just end by saying thank you for all of the varying takes on Barbie that you added to the comments after the last post. I felt a bit nervous when I first posted my thoughts but I should have known it would be ok. I love the fact that everyone here puts their views forward so well while still accepting and accommodating other opinions. Maybe we could form a committee to run the country… or the world maybe. I’m sure we’d soon sort everything out!

Disclosure: ‘Capsule wardrobe building: transitional pieces for cooler days’ was commissioned by Boden. As always, outfit choices, photographs and thoughts are my own.

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