Classic but modern style - help!

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I am in the process of losing weight and am fantasising of a new wardrobe.

I am 5'9" and on my way to get to size 14.

I need some inspiration for non-bank breaking, stylish clothing labels. Whilst fat i have bought most of my clothes from supermarkets - not knocking them, have had some lovely clothes but just means that my clothes shop reference points are really just M&S/ Next/ John Lewis.... I'd like to find some nice brands I haven't seen before.

For example, like Oliver Bonas style, Mint Velvet, Zara (although quite unforgiving if you have hips) etc.... I like simple lines, classic style.... But would quite like to still feel my young ish 37 years

Would love suggestions of nice brands/ interesting people to follow on Pinterest (am obsessed with Remus Lupin's board)/ general looks to explore.

Thank you!!

Any tips on where to buy good quality plain blouses/shirts?

Flo - I don't find it limiting at all really because you rotate every 3 months, so you're regularly tweaking for the weather and your mood etc. It's been a good way for me to limit impulse buys and see more clearly what you have available. Previously I had the horror of repeating a top or dress in company that had already seen it but now I really don't care.

I will say that it's easier to do in summer than winter when fewer layers and a more casual vibe is needed.

Sorry OP, gone off topic a bit!

This is all really interesting...
I have been pinning like crazy!

I definitely agree with the idea of focussing on your key look(s) and making sure you only buy with that in mind... I have done the 'buying in a panic with1/2 hour left in the shops' before an event... And never wearing the item afterwards....

Since having my eldest 6 years ago I feel I have been dressing functionally - to enable breastfeeding, to cover my body and hide lumps, to have something that was vaguely appropriate to fit worker whatever...

I want to spend more on fewer quality items so I don't feel like a dirtbag!! I want to dress like the woman I am in my head 😬

I have been a bit obsessed - trawling Pinterest and looking through brands mentioned above.

I now have the following brands bookmarked: Oliver Bonas, All Saints, Mint Velvet, Kin, Oasis, Cos, & Other Stories, Banana Republic, Gap, Baukjen, Reiss, French Connection, Hush, Jaeger, Whistles, Hobbs, Zara, Warehouse...

I have also done the Unfancy planner thing and catalogued everything I currently have, and I am now going through piece by piece and deciding what to ditch (what doesn't fit, what doesn't suit me, what I never wear) and what I like the style of but the piece is old/damaged and needs replacing.

I also have managed to pinpoint what look(s) I am going for and which bits I already have fit with this. And do you know what? I have more stuff that fits than I though I did! I also have a little list of things that I want to look for, with the idea of buying less so being able to spend a bit more on quality

I quite liked the bit on Unfancy about shopping sales with her wardrobe planner in hand to avoid snap purchases that either don't fit with what she's looking for/ duplicate what she already has.

Thanks for all the tips everyone

Ooh sounds like you're going great guns, OP!

Remus, can you please link to lovely casual printed midi skirts? I have a gorgeous plain navy Autograph one that I wore for a wedding but haven't managed to find anything a bit more everyday.