Sophie's Kmart 2025 Workwear Capsule For Under $350

 

There are any number of reasons that you'd want to update your workwear wardrobe. Perhaps you need a wardrobe refresh, have gained or lost weight, been out of the workforce for a while, making the switch from WFH back to the office, or moving from the blue collar world to the white collar one.

It's not always practical or affordable to purchase everything from a less fast fashion-y brand, or at the op shop, as much as we'd like. Especially with limited time, and a limited budget.

Here is my affordable, accessible Kmart workwear capsule for under $350, which, at the time of publication, was available at the prices I've listed below. I've kept the colour palette neutral (with a splash of leopard print to keep it fun!) for simplicity's sake, and for maximum mix and matchability. 

I've also added two sets of jewellery - in silver and gold, to match your cool or warm undertones.

Goes without saying, it's absolutely not necessary to rush out and buy every piece, if you've already got a serviceable version hanging in your closet already. Use this capsule as inspiration, or a starting point, for your own workwear capsule.

Here are the pieces:

Clothing

• Short Sleeve Belted Midi Dress - $35 in black
  
• Relaxed Blazer - $38 in black
• Tailored Pants - $25 in black
• Linen Blend Maxi Skirt - $25 in leopard
  
• Pocket Textured Cardigan - $30 in oatmeal
• Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt - $25 in white 
• Long Sleeve Boyfriend Shirt - $20 in grey stripe
• Short Sleeve Elevated T-shirt - $15 in snow stripe
• Short Sleeve True Knit Fitted T-shirt - $15 in taupe

TOTAL = $ 228

Accessories 

• Mid Heel Court Shoes - $16 in black
• Saddle Loafer Flats - $20 in beige 
• Large City Tote Bag  - $22 in black
• Slouchy Shoulder Bag - $18 in tan 
• Double D Belt - $8 x 2 in black and beige
• 3 Pack Statement Stud Earrings - $5 x 2 in gold and silver 
• Intricate Chain Necklace - $6 x 2 in gold and silver 

TOTAL = $114

Bonus

• Oxx Cosmetics Matte Lipstick - $2 in Apple
• Oxx Cosmetics Nail Polish - $2.50 in Scarlett

GRAND TOTAL = $346.50 

 

So how many outfit combinations can you create? I haven't run this through a combination calculator, but here are a few sample looks you can create, to get you started:

Monochromatic Look = Dress + Belt + Pumps + Blazer + Bag + Gold Accessories

 Leopard Look = Top + Skirt + Cardigan + Loafers + Bag + Gold Accessories

 

 

 

Sporty Look = Blazer + Pants + Tee + Belt + Loafers + Bag + Silver Accessories

 

 

 

 

 

Let me know how you go!

My Top Five Thrift Shopping Tips

 

 

The first time I went thrifting (or op shopping, as it's known in Australia) was back in the nineties as a high schooler, with some of the money I made as a checkout chick (aka working the cash register at the local supermarket). My mother was horrified when I brought home what she considered dirty junk! I've been an avid thrifter ever since. I've made some great finds, such as a Georg Jensen candelabra, Murano glass, Selangor pewter, lots of crisp linen shirts and dresses, a Stella McCartney frock, and beautiful coats, dresses and Bunnykins for my daughter.

Thrifting's popularity has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and the thrift stores have certainly cottoned on by raising prices, and moving items they deem valuable online. There are still bargains and deals to be had, if you know where to look, and make a bit of an effort! Here are my top five tips that I've gleaned from years of op shopping. I hope you find these helpful if you are new to the world of thrifting.

1. Don't go in with a preconceived idea of what you are going to find, or try to stick to a shopping list. There's really no telling what kind of inventory you may find from day to day, as thrift stores are accepting new donations all the time. It's great to have a wishlist of items you might need or want, but be open to happenstance - it's likely that you will chance upon something that jumps out at you, and if you leave it behind to have a think about, it will likely be gone by the time you come back. 
2. Check out the entire store - not just the section you are interested in (such as womenswear, books etc). Things get miscategorised, customers move things around, you might happen upon something you can wear or repurpose. Also, I often love to check out the menswear section, as mens clothing tends to be made in natural fibres like cotton or wool, more often than womenswear, sad but true. 
3. Ignore sizing! - know your measurements (and those of your kids), and bring a tape measure with you. Vanity sizing is a thing. Vintage sizing runs smaller than modern sizing. Things shrink in the wash. Items get taken in and altered. Size is just a number - don't let it ruin your day!
4. Learn about dressmaking and tailoring basics - Even if you aren't handy with a sewing machine. There are lots of great, free resources out there, I'd recommend starting on YouTube. Turn things inside out and look at the stitching. Check for damage, missing buttons etc. Learn to identify fabrics through touch. Remember that brand doesn't necessarily equal quality.
   
5. Come back often! - This is the most important tip. New stock is arriving all the time, and there's no telling what it might be. If you run your errands in a certain place, and there's a thrift shop nearby, add it to your route. Heading to a different part of town? Google thrift shops / op shops in the area and check them out!

Got anymore tips? Share them in the comments below!