Help me buy some basics please

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I am desperate for tops. I hate my norks, so tend to never buy tops - but I am now in dire need.

SO - I want:

• a short sleeved or three quarter sleeved scoop or slash neck t-shirt in a decent fabric in grey and ditto in white and possibly ditto in red and long enough to sit below my waist

• a pretty spring like longer length blouse/top (sleeves or not I don't care) in silk or cotton or a mix and a nice print but not too scarily coloured

• the equivalent of a fitted band t-shirt for older fatter people: ie 43 and size 12 so too old for a band t-shirt but not old enough for those nasty short pastel coloured M&S things

I also need:

• some black cigarette trousers but everybody always recs the Gap ones and they just don't work for me

• a little spring like cropped jacket, maybe grey or maybe a fabric biker but cheap

Thank you, oh great S&B people. :)

Oh and some sort of white shirt but maybe sheer or chiffony and either long length or with a dipped back and NOT poly-bloomin-ester. :)

Can recommend my Next grey jersey biker if you haven't seen that!

When you say band T-shirt do you mean with a motif of some sort?

Cheers Amber. I'll look at the next one but I think it might be too casual.

Yes - basically something to wear with jeans that isn't just a grey t-shirt or a black jumper!

Hopeful bump...

French connection have great silk vests in store - can't see online as the website doesn't work properly for me. For something with a pattern or design I find it harder to find something nice on the high street - have a look through Matches and Netaporter and then see if you can get an idea. All Saints might be somewhere to look on both fronts?

Thank you. I can't afford Matches or Netaporter, sadly. Will look in FC but their tops don't tend to work terribly well for me, as they are often too shapeless and high necked. Will certainly give them a go though.

The Zara linen tees that everyone raves about might be worth a go? They are lower necked so might be a bit better - and cheap!

Thank you - I'll have a look at them, IF the store isn't looking too jumble sale-ish. I tend to walk in and walk straight back out (possibly another reason why I can never buy tops!).

I like Zoe Karssen t-shirts, which can be found at a discount on the Outnet.

nice shirt
How do you feel about viscose?

I like Mint Velvet and Phase Eight for tops.
Cos tees are lovely fabric but possibly wrong shape.
Have bought Boden tees this year in plain navy and white,not worn yet due to inclement weather but good quality.

Zara linen tees

Thanks. 1st Zara shirt is too severe. Zara stuff doesn't really work for me generally - I'm too curvy. Cos shapes generally all wrong for me and I don't like Phase Eight. Will look in Mint Velvet.

Hush are generally pretty good on basics like t shirts but i also buy plain basics at Matalan.Alterntively Wrap are pretty good.Both have jersey bikers or casual jackets.Monsoon have some pretty printed silk shirts this year.Phase 8 [although you don't like] have lovely silk fronted viscose loose tops and quite a few other pretty things.I'm 40 something and size 12/14 and these are all things that suit me.

Some Phase Eight bit Mother of the Bride but I have had lovely things from there that are more on trend.
Agree Cos not really for the curvier amongst us!

this jacket looks promising - haven't seen in the flesh though.

Sorry for my repetitive use of 'pretty'A long and tiring day.

What about The White Company for plain tees?
Autograph used to be good but not recently unfortunately.
I hate cheap thin fabrics,and that is all most shops seem to sell now.

I am planning to try seasalt tshirts this year. Not cheap (approx £25 - £30) but they get great reviews. I was in the shop in St Ives a couple of summers ago and the quality seemed really good - kicked myself afterwards for not just getting some but was at the very end of mat leave at the time and absolutely skint.

Also Kettlewell get good reviews (again quite pricey)

Boden have a lot if what you are looking for.

The plain boatneck tops are really ggod this year although the reviews suggest that in the lighter colours they are not so great as they are too sheer. I have the black one and it's really light material but flattering. No cling age and the sleeves good.

They have a cotton biker jacket that might be worth a go and a number of Capri trousers.

After recommendations here I bought some uniqlo plain t shirts in short and long sleeved last week. Am similar size (and age) to you and v pleased with them. Sit below waist, good quality and £9 each.

Thanks all. We haven't got a Uniqlo and I must admit I don't really 'do' Boden. I wouldn't wear capri trousers: I need smarter full length cigarette trews for wearing with heels at work.

That H&M jacket looks really good in the pic - will deffo check that out.

My biggest problem is that there is no point me ordering online and I have to be able to try on irl, because I can be anything from a size 8 to a size 14 depending on the style/cut.

I'm very selective in terms of what I buy and don't rule a clothes shop out until I have seen what they have to offer.

I don't like obvious brands and dress in monotone shades primarily. I do like good quality though and have just passed on what I have found.

Good luck O.P.

Thanks Practicality. I've ruled it out more on the lines of wanting to buy irl, rather than through total fussiness. Sorry if I came across as awkward (I am but I don't mean to be). :)