The start of the capsule wardrobe starts here.

So here we go folks.

There are more than a couple of things that I think are super useful at this time of year, even in this weather, but starting with the shirt dress. 

Now I bought my first shirt style dress last year - total impulse purchase, it was one of those "I would love a new dress to wear out for a couple of occasions and this is a bargain in the sale" jobs.   And I have worn it so so much.  It works on so many levels - I could easily wear it work with ballet flats, I wear it out in the evening with heels, yesterday I wore it super dress down with sliders and am planning on wearing it shortly with ankle boots and a blazer for a slightly dressier look. 


It really is the ideal dress for all occasions and I've had a quick scout to see what is out there.  I'm warning you - wish lists at the ready....  There are so many options to these, you can wear with the buttons done up - those of larger chest will prefer to wear it V neck style and probably with a belt.  A jacket with a nipped in waist over the top will also give the same effect.  My personal fave is without a belt as I am totally waistless and I always feels that when I wear something belted it's like walking round with a neon sign pointing at my middle saying - LOOK NO WAIST.  Why highlight something that doesn't exist?

Coat wise when it does get cooler - you can literally wear anything - cocoon coat, blazer, denim jacket or biker.  The opportunities honestly are endless.  Also can work with a jumper or sweatshirt over the top, layering effect, especially if there is a collar on it. 

They come in a selection of prints and colours - just go forth and choose. 

Hobbs Adie Shirt Dress in navy was £110 now £73

Gorgeous versatile shade of blue from Baukjen 

Sardinia Shirt Dress in Iris Blue was £109 now £54


Printed from Samsoe and Samsoe at Atterley Road (where there are some amazing bargains....)

Halden Shirt Dress was £79 now £59





Now I may have fallen back a little bit in love with the sales - the great thing about towards the end is I find you totally change your view of them.  So whereas at the beginning it was all about what you could nab in the sales, towards the end and the nearing of September, it's suddenly all about what you can buy for A/W. 

Et voila - these are perfect.  Never looked at them before but suddenly they are the most useful things I've seen in a long time. 

And and AND at Matches there is now an extra 20% off all Sales Prices.  I should probably apologise for telling you this (but obviously I'm not *really* sorry...)  Use the code EXTRA20 till Sunday.  (obviously this means I shall be doing extensive thinking about the Helmut Lang Noa blazer from the other day... ho hum)

Isla Dress by Freda was £425 now £127 before the extra 20% off.  Amazing. 



And in this shade with an added belt - again a ridiculous reduction from £425 to £127 - would be a snip over £100.   If this isn't Autumnal then I don't know what is?!




Some have detachable belts so you can cover both options, depending on how you feel or how smart you want the occasion to be.  This is an unbelievable bargain at 70% off. 

Denim Shift Dress in mid denim from Me+Em was £98 now £29.40





The same option is available with the Safari dress also from Me+Em, available in navy and moss green.  

Safari Shirt Dress with Belt in navy was £88 now £44





And in the Moss with 70% off, was £88 now £26.40



A Chambray version to belt or not to belt....

Baukjen Adrianna Shirt Dress was £109 now £43






Paisie Two Texture Shirt Dress in Grey was £78 now £40



Belted Printed version in silk is now a bargain at Baukjen.  Proper bargain.  Love this with a biker jacket and tan suede ankle boots. 

Baukjen Venice Silk Dress in Dahlia Snake Print was £189 now £66 





More Print and a design classic from DVF at Matches. 

Polly Dress by DVF was £348 now £174 (before extra 20% discount)


And the Prita Dress from DVF was £311 now £186



However I am bit more than impressed by what looks to me like fantastic DVF tributes at River Island - new season. 

Cream art Print shirt dress £45 from River Island 



And this which is fantastic in the flesh. 

Lime Scarf Print Silky Shirt Dress £45



A more waisted version is also available - now I love these but I always find the proportions are wrong - I'm just too tall and these cut me off just high of my waist.  Darn it. 

These looked fab with sneakers, brogues or sandals but I also love with a wedge or a chunky wood heel sandal.   We are pushing the Winter option here but for Autumn this would still definitely work with flesh tights (or bare legs for those warm days) and a tailored blazer. 

French Connection Pixel Shirt Dress in winter white was £180 now £90


  

A slightly more expensive version by Carven at Matches but a classic colour and shape with an extra 20% off, don't forget. 

Navy A-Line Shirt Dress by Carven at Matches was £300 now £150



So there we have my Shirt Dress selection to get you through the remainder of the warmer days, straight into the less tropical Autumnal months.  Have you tried a Shirt Dress before?  Love them or hate them.  I have to admit I wasn't a fan until I got mine and I may be starting to feel an obsession coming on. 

Here I am in mine from the other day - this was Sunday actually - dress down day with the family.  Goes to show how versatile it can be.  This is a silk one but I handwash it and it comes up a treat.