Where to buy relatively good quality, classic items at reasonable prices?

[MsOnatopp]

I can't afford to keep up with fashion, all I can afford to do it buy the items that will last through the different fashions and hopefully last a good while. Even then I cant afford expensive things.

So where would you suggest I shop?

TIA

It depends what you want to buy. I think the key is working out where to spend and where to scrimp. T shirts/vests/jersey tops are never going to last 100 years so get basics cheap from Dotty Ps, but a good coat can last forever so tis worth spending more. In my opinion things it is worth spending as much as you can on are:
Bras
Winter coat
Denim or leather jacket
Handbag
Tailoring if you are an office type
Knee boots
Keep a look out in the sales and at TK Maxx and these bits need not cost as much as they are worth iyswim.

Everything else is more about fit than quality so find what shops suit your shape (Primark/New Look/Dorothy Perkins etc)

OK thanks. Sales in what shops?

I'm really wanting to know where is a good place to invest for those of us that are cash strapped.

Being cash strapped is not really the issue here - all shops have sales but it depends what you want to buy - your age, size, lifestyle etc all come in to it.

If you are 60 years old i'm not about to suggest you rush off to topshop (though there may be some things in there that would suit)

If you spend your days at toddler groups I would not suggest investing in a tailored suit no matter how good the discount.

Can you see what I mean?

As an example of a good bargain/investment here is a lovely coat from warehouse at £20 down from £90 if you are size 12. Imo this coat would make cheap primark jeans (£5ish) and a basic long sleeve Tshirt (£7ish) into an elegant looking autumn/winter outfit.

gap wears well I find, and has lots of classic styles

Don't know where you are, big city, small towns or country, but where I am it's small market towns at best & I find the best places are the small department stores. They usually have terrific sales as they need to shift the stock & carry a good range of various good quality brands as they need to appeal to all sorts.

Or have you got an outlet you can reach, somewhere like Boundary Mill or the outlet villages?
I agree a good coat.
Then perhaps a leather jacket, a bag, boots & shoes you love & can actually walk in comfortably, so you haven't wasted cash on ones just stuck in the wardrobe cos they hurt.
After that you can get away with cheaper bits & pieces, separates, scarves etc to jazz up the good things.