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Diversifying from Zara... Help?

8 replies

hopsalong · 15/09/2015 09:20

So here's the thing. I've realised that everything in my wardrobe that I wear regularly, from slim fitting shirts to trousers that fit over my hips without gaping at the waist, is from Zara. But I am sick of the cheap fabrics, loose threads, buttons falling off, and the general amount of bling in the store I want to get some new classic pieces, not fringed trousers or tiny cropped jumpers. And I suppose I feel a bit silly being dressed head to toe in my late 30s in one (slightly younger?) brand. BUT the clothes seem to fit me better than anywhere else, being tall (bit over 5'9'') and pretty slim but with a big bum/hips and a flat chest, small waist. The sizing guide confirms what seems plausible that hips are cut very generously relative to bust/waist at Zara (eg a size 10 is 35.5-27.5-38.5). Other stores I like, like Cos or Uterque or Whistles, do not fit me so well. Does anyone have any suggestions for brands (high street or designer could look in sale) that would suit a thinnish pear? Also should note that I don't have long legs height is in torso, making rises on most trousers too low. Would be especially grateful if I can get some new basics -- eg well-fitting slim black trousers, pencil skirts... Am just back at work after a baby and feel a tatty Zara mess.

OP posts:
rosepepper2010 · 15/09/2015 11:25

I had a serious Zara addiction and nearly everything i owned was from there - just always something and price OK etc.

But for the past year I would say I have bought nothing and love TK Maxx. I can't believe some of the things I have bought.

Don't even look in Zara now - not something I ever thought i'd say!

UrbaneFox · 15/09/2015 11:32

Mássimo Dutti?

I hate zara though, being short, and MD seems like more of the same to be but better fabric and fewer outlets sso more expensive.

Gruach · 15/09/2015 11:40

Massimi Dutti is part of the same "family" so possibly might suit you. Slightly up-market of Zara.

At the other end of the price scale - have you ever looked at Alexander Wang? (Reasonably easy to find reduced at Matches /The Outnet etc.)

OliviaM91 · 15/09/2015 12:14

I really like Hobbs, they have a good range of styles and cuts and myself (5 foot 9 and 47-33-45) and my friend (5 foot 5 and 35-27-30) can both shop there. They also have regular sales if you don't want to pay full price.

nannyplumislostinspace · 15/09/2015 18:18

Massimo dutti, & other stories, banana republic?

velourvoyageur · 15/09/2015 18:54

I love Zara jeans & basics (but they've ruined their jumpers this season with gold buttons on the sleeves and yet more of those side splits at the hems, grr) gave up on dresses and nice things ages ago though.

& Other Stories I like too, and American Apparel
Uniqlo for basics
Urban Outfitters for shoes

hopsalong · 15/09/2015 19:56

Ugh, yes, completely agree about the gold buttons (and there's all the mock leather too).

Some good suggestions here will scout out Alexander Wang on Outnet. Hobbs is a shop I kind of like but it is definitely in the category of not fitting me well. Maybe I sound fussy about this but I find "fit" makes more of a difference than anything else for me because of my flat chest and height I am prone to looking vaguely mannish if clothes not quite fitted. Also have bought too many trousers over the years where the rise is too low -- instant builder's bum and cold middle.

Had forgotten about &Other Stories. Thanks! Massimo Dutti I somehow have avoided -- irrational prejudice that it was for tiny short people. Will try.

If anyone has any more suggestions about clothes cut small in the waist, big in the thighs/ bum that would be great!

OP posts:
Gruach · 15/09/2015 21:26

You could try Acne Studios for trousers. Not at all High Street prices I'm afraid but very wonderful. Their rise is infuriatingly high for the shorter of waist (and it's such a difficult area to have altered, what with belt loops and pockets) but quite a few style are the shape you describe.

Take a look at their own website. (And, if you can't get to a physical store, size down.)

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