Quality v Quantity - How to go about it?

[MysteryCat]

Decided I don't like any of my clothes. I've always bought (fairly) cheap options e.g. jeans and jumpers for under £30 in the sale at M&S or Debenhams. As a result I've got lots of average, boring clothes that don't look very good.

I've realised that it would be better rather than having five pairs of £30 jeans to just have two pairs that cost £75 each, for example. Same with jumpers.

However, I've no idea where to go. I can't afford to revamp my entire wardrobe in one go but thought I'd start with a nice pair of jeans and a stylish jumper as I work from home so don't need office wear.

Where would you go for good quality jeans and stylish jumpers? I'm thinking skinny jeans that I can tuck into boots as I walk everywhere so will be in boots throughout winter. Jumper-wise, I'm thinking something fairly long so that I can also wear it with leggings.

In case it's useful I'm 37, shortish (5 foot 4), size 10 on the bottom but big boobs mean 12+ on top. Have a tendency to look a bit dumpy if I'm not careful. Style-wise I like Lisa Faulkner (when she's presenting that cooking show, rather than her underwear modelling days :)

Sorry that's a bit long - hope you can help. TIA

I like levi slight curve jeans - I love these black ones. They are £80 in John Lewis but come up reasonably often in TKMaxx for about £30.

Cos has gorgeous sweaters ATM in the £55 - £100 range. All natural fibres too. This one would work well with skinnies or leggings.

The White Company or Mint Velvet for some nice quality knitwear or even M&S for some quality basic cashmere.

I would spend a day trying on lots of different denim brands to see which ones fit your shape best. Are you near a big dept store like House of Fraser or John Lewis? Levis or Lee jeans are in the £75 range. French Connection or Ted Baker are also in your budget.

I have recently had the same revelation OP, and I DETEST shopping.

I bought a couple of lovely classic cashmere V-neck jumpers in neutral shades (navy, cream, beige) from GANT. It's pricey, but I found an outlet store so that softened the blow.

I bet you'll find some great bargains in the sales. Wish I was still in the UK

Also UNIQLO for great basics at a good value price. Think they're only in London and online though

Thanks all - some great ideas! I hadn't thought of TK Maxx for jeans even though I go there all the time for home stuff! Will take a look. Love the idea of cashmere jumpers too. Thanks for the suggestions :)