How to build a work capsule wardrobe in Australia in 2025
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Work shopping sits somewhere between tax preparation and dental surgery on the excitement scale.
Finding something you can wear all day that's office-appropriate, comfortable and stylish often feels impossible – especially when it's Wednesday morning and you're staring at the same sad blazer, wondering if anyone will notice you wore it on Monday too.
Research from UK fashion brand Public Desire and The Australia Institute shows the average Australian spends $2500 a year on clothing, that's 56 new items annually. Yet most of us still feel like we've got nothing to wear.
Enter the work capsule wardrobe: a genius system that takes the stress from your morning routine and saves money long-term. No more one-off trendy buys that end up forgotten at the back of your closet. Instead, a work capsule gives you versatile basics that mix and match into multiple outfits and actually work for your lifestyle, helping you look polished and feel like yourself every day.
Below, I've rounded up the five pieces I think everyone needs in their work capsule wardrobe, including the Uniqlo pants I've worn for years and can't live without.
WORK PANTS
The holy grail of workwear isn't a designer blazer; it's finding those pants. You know, the ones that don't require a lie-down after lunch and actually make your outfit look intentional. For summer, look for light, breathable materials like linen and cotton, while woollen pants in winter will keep you warm. Whether you're at a casual workplace where you can pair them with a tee, or a corporate environment where you need a shirt or blouse, good quality work pants will last you years.
WORK DRESS
The work dress is fashion's equivalent of autopilot; slip it on and instantly look like you have your life together, even if your morning was complete chaos. Personally, a black midi with short sleeves is my go-to but a pop of colour, depending on your work, is also the easiest way to show some personality and not get dragged into daggy corporate fashion.
M.N.G. Caroline A-Line Dress With Draped Waist, $90 (down from $139.95) at THE ICONIC
SHIRT
This is where most people go wrong: they think 'work top' means boring. The secret is finding pieces you genuinely enjoy wearing and that complement your own sense of style, not dampen it. A crisp white button-up is non-negotiable, but add a chic waistcoat or a blouse with an interesting detail and suddenly you're the person who 'always looks so put-together'.
Linen-blend suit waistcoat, $59.99 at H&M
JACKET
Here's what the fashion magazines won't tell you about Australian offices: they're arguably the coldest place on earth. Invest in a blazer that doesn't wrinkle when you sit down and avoid anything polyester unless you enjoy looking like you've run a marathon by lunchtime.
Corbett Blazer, $650 at Camilla and Marc
Harrison Coat, $74.99 (down from $149.99) at Cotton On
Atmos&Here Bella Blazer, $69.99 (down from $99.99) at THE ICONIC
LEATHER FLATS
If you're still buying plastic shoes as an adult with a salary, we need to have words. Your feet and your professional reputation deserve better. Look after your feet with supportive, leather shoes and trust us, the cost-per-wear is genuinely a lot lower because you'll keep them for way longer. Your future self will thank you when you're not hobbling to the bus stop at 6pm.
Martinez Black Nappa, $179.95 at Tony Bianco
Trenery Lennox Slingback Flat in Black, $199 at Myer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY PIECES DO I ACTUALLY NEED FOR A WORK CAPSULE WARDROBE?
You definitely need less than you think. I'd recommend these five pieces as a base, then add a couple of each plus a few extras, around 15-20 pieces total. That may seem like a lot, but considering the average Australian buys 56 new pieces every year, it's practically minimalist.
HOW DO I ADAPT THIS TO A MORE FORMAL OR MORE CASUAL WORKPLACE?
That's the beauty of a capsule wardrobe: it adapts to any workplace. In theory, all of these pieces work everywhere; it just depends on which specific version you buy. Work in a corporate office? For pants, go with classic wool pants and pair them with a sharp, tailored shirt. If you work in a casual environment, swap it out for linen pants, a belt and a white tee.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET?
Buying all of these pieces at once will definitely add up, so I recommend slowly shifting your wardrobe instead. Next time you need to buy a blazer, invest in the quality $200 one that'll last for years rather than the cheaper $50 version you'll need to replace multiple times. Your wallet will thank you in the long run.
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a day ago
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How to build a work capsule wardrobe in Australia in 2025
Standing in front of her wardrobe at 7am, this fashion writer had an epiphany that changed how she shops forever. These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more Work shopping sits somewhere between tax preparation and dental surgery on the excitement scale. Finding something you can wear all day that's office-appropriate, comfortable and stylish often feels impossible – especially when it's Wednesday morning and you're staring at the same sad blazer, wondering if anyone will notice you wore it on Monday too. Research from UK fashion brand Public Desire and The Australia Institute shows the average Australian spends $2500 a year on clothing, that's 56 new items annually. Yet most of us still feel like we've got nothing to wear. Enter the work capsule wardrobe: a genius system that takes the stress from your morning routine and saves money long-term. No more one-off trendy buys that end up forgotten at the back of your closet. Instead, a work capsule gives you versatile basics that mix and match into multiple outfits and actually work for your lifestyle, helping you look polished and feel like yourself every day. Below, I've rounded up the five pieces I think everyone needs in their work capsule wardrobe, including the Uniqlo pants I've worn for years and can't live without. WORK PANTS The holy grail of workwear isn't a designer blazer; it's finding those pants. You know, the ones that don't require a lie-down after lunch and actually make your outfit look intentional. For summer, look for light, breathable materials like linen and cotton, while woollen pants in winter will keep you warm. Whether you're at a casual workplace where you can pair them with a tee, or a corporate environment where you need a shirt or blouse, good quality work pants will last you years. WORK DRESS The work dress is fashion's equivalent of autopilot; slip it on and instantly look like you have your life together, even if your morning was complete chaos. Personally, a black midi with short sleeves is my go-to but a pop of colour, depending on your work, is also the easiest way to show some personality and not get dragged into daggy corporate fashion. M.N.G. Caroline A-Line Dress With Draped Waist, $90 (down from $139.95) at THE ICONIC SHIRT This is where most people go wrong: they think 'work top' means boring. The secret is finding pieces you genuinely enjoy wearing and that complement your own sense of style, not dampen it. A crisp white button-up is non-negotiable, but add a chic waistcoat or a blouse with an interesting detail and suddenly you're the person who 'always looks so put-together'. Linen-blend suit waistcoat, $59.99 at H&M JACKET Here's what the fashion magazines won't tell you about Australian offices: they're arguably the coldest place on earth. Invest in a blazer that doesn't wrinkle when you sit down and avoid anything polyester unless you enjoy looking like you've run a marathon by lunchtime. Corbett Blazer, $650 at Camilla and Marc Harrison Coat, $74.99 (down from $149.99) at Cotton On Atmos&Here Bella Blazer, $69.99 (down from $99.99) at THE ICONIC LEATHER FLATS If you're still buying plastic shoes as an adult with a salary, we need to have words. Your feet and your professional reputation deserve better. Look after your feet with supportive, leather shoes and trust us, the cost-per-wear is genuinely a lot lower because you'll keep them for way longer. 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HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET? Buying all of these pieces at once will definitely add up, so I recommend slowly shifting your wardrobe instead. Next time you need to buy a blazer, invest in the quality $200 one that'll last for years rather than the cheaper $50 version you'll need to replace multiple times. Your wallet will thank you in the long run. Want to read more on product launches and reviews, or here about all the biggest and best sales? Sign up to our free checkout shopping newsletter here.
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