Can you help me find an 'every day' outfit or 2 on a budget?

[CountingPennies]

I have rather specific requirements I'm a fussy old cow and next to no money. Anyone up for a challenge?

I work in a creative environment, so there's no dress code. I'm currently down to a couple of pairs of skinny jeans & jumpers and 1 dress, am feeling rather dowdy so desperately need some new clothes.

I'm in my 40s, long limbed (so sleeves and legs are usually just an inch too short) and a size 10. As for the fussy bit, I suppose I've had a few years to find out what fits/suits me - it needs to be toddler friendly, not frumpy (White Stuff A-line skirts/fussy tunic tops would send me over the edge - sorry if that's what you are currently wearing!), flat weatherproof shoes (walk to work). No black, white or teal (drains me of colour). I'd normally wear White Company, Jigsaw, Cyrillus, the less gaudy/boxy stuff from Boden - I suppose I'd describe my style as understated classics with a twist not very exciting, but my budget won't stretch to these at the moment.

I've put off shopping at Primark as it just makes me feel ancient. Do I just need to get over it?!

What do you S&B experts suggest, can you suggest a few budget outfits for inspiration?

TIA

Anyone with some inspiration or am I a lost cause?

H&M have some great stuff ATM. They have some great satin blouses in two good colours ( really) a fab patterned bomber ( bamboo?) and loads of t shirts, treggings and decent long jeans. They also have a lovely little Chanel type jacket that my friend has and looks great ( not my thing )
Their kimono coats might also suit you.

Try ASOS, go onto their sale page, its like 70 percent off atm. I got jeans and a jumper for 17 quid, postage was free. If youre feeling brave you could try everything5pounds.co.uk, ive got a blazer from there, pretty good quality for the price. Its end of line stock from other businesses. Their shoes are great too. It can be hit and miss at times, but just read the comments on things x

Thanks RonaldMcDonald. Long jeans? Fab! Not many places seem to stock them, so that's good to know. Satin blouses make me think of Margaret Thatcher (but maybe I'm not wearing them the right way) and patterned bomber sounds a bit scary for me (see, I'm quite boring really).

I've just looked up the kimono coat though and LOVE it. Will it last more than one season though? I'm not sure I can justify buying something that is trendy this year and outdated next. (is it 'trendy'? oh dear, I'm so out of touch)

Thanks Tracy (are you 'related' to the infamous thread? Actually, don't tell me, I may end up snorting tea out of my nose again!) ASOS, here I come...

blouse not Thatcher

bomber sorry, couldn't link earlier

What about ebay? Search for the brands you like that are good quality.

jeans 34 inch inner leg
also I love Asos Saxby boyfriend jeans and can highly reccy

Ooh, nice. Yes, I like the blouse, not what I was expecting at all! Not sure i could carry off the bomber though, my legs don't look like hers (unfortunately) - I need something less puffy.

ebay is a good idea, hadn't thought about that, although I guess you need to be quite certain something is going to fit if you can't return it.

Jeans look promising, especially if they make my legs look like that . They don't have my size but I'll take a look at their others. Boyfriend jeans - oh my god, are these back in?! I've probably still got a pair of 501s in the attic from the first time these were fashionable!!

Great. I love hennes and find that their t-shirts and vests...anything jersey is usually a good length and nice quality with good colours

oo I've just had a look on Asos and the Saxby in the sale only a 10 and a 12 left They are perfect because they don't taper in the roll up

You could probably get away with the boxy shaped thin jumpers around with a vest/chemise underneath with your elongated shape, and the shorter style of jumper would emphasise your long slim legs. I think being tall, slim and long limbed you can rock almost anything.

Great plains sale has some great bargains at the moment, I'm a classic dresser too and got some great bits and pieces

last thing I like this dress I have others similar and can do loads with them

Ebay's perfect for this - I (older than you) search for my size on Jaeger, LK Bennett, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Fenn Wright Manson, Phase Eight etc etc, new items with labels still on - if its a classic style and the seller's got good feedback, you won't go far wrong. And if you do, you can sell it again.

I know you probably don't go for Dorothy Perkins, OP, but this was the sort of jumper I meant - sort of boxy and short though this one is more of a chunky knit. Look great on tall people with good legs. It sounds like you might suit pastels if bold colours drain you.

Blue jumper

Phase Eight seems to be full of tunics at the moment.

Zara sounds about right for you. I think it suits all ages, my mum and I both love it and we're 30 years apart!

Some bits are a bit shit/ teenagy but they do lots of nice workwear and knits ( and bags )

I would look online and in store at Tk Maxx.Look in Matalan for good basics like tube skirts,vest tops and crew necked t shirts plus jersey dresses.Its also good for kids basics and frequently gives discounts.

I think these looks would really suit you, OP:

Navy blue

This skirt but with a different coloured top

Finances are tight so Dotty Ps is probably where I need to be looking, budget-wise. I've avoided chunky knits as they remind me of being a scruffy student, but maybe I need to try them again to see how they look, especially with the softer colours. I wore alot of boxy/slouchy jumpers over vest tops in the summer, so don't know why I haven't got any for the winter!

I like the shape of the dress, ronald, but don't think I can pull off the print/colour. at stumpy legged parsnips!!

A couple of the Phase Eight tunics look good, will check them out.

Liking the idea of the good quality labels on ebay.

Thanks for all hte ideas everyone!

Zara, yes, I sometimes get DDs clothes there but have been a bit scared by the trendiness in the 'grown ups' section.

I like the navy blue jumper. SKirt - scares me, feels very young and formal!

Actually, I realise that my views are based on my fashion faux pas in the 1990's. Oh no!! I associate the jumpers with being scruffy (and skint) and any skirt as being formal and dressy. Hmmmm. How do I get over that?!

Second TKMaxx, and don't be too proud to scour charity shops, some real bargains to be had. I'm not short of money but get a real thrill out of charity shop finds.

Primark Super Skinny Jeans - they do short, med and long leg, 11 a pair. I have three pairs worn on rotation and they last!