Good quality basics for a large apple shape :(

[trotzdem]

Trying to lose weight but keep self sabotaging.... will get there in the end but for now I want to revamp my wardrobe and go for a few good quality basics that will help me feel relatively well turned out and tidy/ "put together". I think that if I feel good it will be easier to stay on track with weight loss and not get discouraged. The problem is I am a size 18/20 apple shape, which makes looking put together hard - but of a catch 22.

Can anyone suggest a source of nice quality, simple clothes to look at - I want long tops to cover my big belly, but the problem is these always seem to end up being polyester monstrosities which look cheap and frumpy. I have one long top I love from Evans, but other buys from there have been mistakes that feel as if they'll just "do" as something to put on.

Really just looking for some long line basic tops to start with. I have a few "cover up" long line light button-less cardigans I like for over the top, and a couple of pairs of jeans and black trousers which fit OK, though the trousers are a bit synthic, but can never get the tops right. Shop recommendations - ideally online as I am abroad (but the lines for plus sizes in the shops here are horrible)! Thanks!

Have you tried John Rocha or Mantray in Debenhams ? Both ranges have lovely tunic style tops up to size 20 lovely colours and prints. Might be worth a look :)

I am also a size 18 apple and buy most of my clothes at Dorothy Perkins, H&M, some Wallis (can be polyestertastic though), jeans from Next. I also like Gap and Banana Republic.

A large in H&M tops fits fine, their linen v neck t shirts are great.

The only plus size range I look at is from New Look, I've just bought shorts from there as I wanted a particular cut. Otherwise the standard range is fine.

Oasis also do an 18 in some styles, they have good colours and prints which make a change from drab black or grey.

Next go up to a 22 but I find their tops tend to shrink.

Hope you find something you like, there is no need for Evans!

Boden also go up to 22 but I've sent back everything I've ever ordered from there as it's never quite right.

I,ve had some nice things from East. Not everything is embroidered hippy! I have a particular favourite dress/tunic in blue and black spotted chiffon. Looks good with black tights and flat boots.

I am the same size and shape as you.
I recommend Lands end for high quality basics.
The tops/t's/blouses etc are always long enough. I buy the plus size 1x.

If its trousers you are looking for, I find the trousers fit your true waist and not three inches under your belly button(never a good look).

With boden I find a size22 fits but most 'normal' tops tend to be too short for my liking, at 5'5. I also find boden tunics have too much elastane in them and therefore cling! I think boden can come up small/skimpy, if you are not familiar with boden check the reviews online before ordering.

I am about the same, my tops are from Gap, Debenhams, East. East have some nice linen tops that are a good length, just about to purchase another. Very generous sizing. If you buy from John Lewis free delivery over £50 and free returns but depends where you live I suppose.

Another brand I like is Great Plains, which I normally get online. I'm size 16 and 5' 8" so need things good and long!

Thank you everyone, off to do some browsing! Will let you know what I order!

I have heard mention that there is an H&M in the nearest city - might even be worth a shopping trip next time the logistics make leaving all the kids with DH for the day possible.
I think a lot of the other places might deliver here... I have heard people discussing John Lewis, and many UK clothing chains seem to have .de sites...

I'm enjoying the East website atm - I like that they give the length of all the tops, and there is plenty of plainer stuff among the very embroidered and printed "just come back from backpacking" looks :o !

I want to like Dawn French's clothing line, but am finding it a bit hard to imagine the clothes looking nice, esp as they are almost all viscose... I like the honesty of showing the clothes alone, not on a 6ft tall size 14 model (who could still claim to be larger than model size, but actually is very slim because of her height, and not shaped anything like me so gives an unrealistic impression)... but I would like to see those clothes for real before ordering I think, esp given the prices!

www.simplybe.co.uk/
Wallis do nice things in larger sizes.
www.bonmarche.co.uk/

East sizes come up large. I am a 14 there and (by dint of large boobs) a definite 16 elsewhere. Makes me even happier!