Classic Style and Careful Buying

[Southeast15]

I love the ideas on this topic but am a first time poster under here hoping for some advice from some of the more regular posters.

I have put on a lot of weight over the past few years which I’m hoping to loose but need to get in the right head space. I want to pull myself out of my rut and start taking care of myself to hopefully encourage my weight loss.

I see lots of threads about buying classic items and shopping around for them, even the mention of designer classic pieces off eBay.

I am mid 30’s and have lived in marks and Spencer’s and next forever but it’s time to branch out, if only I knew how.

Any ideas on what constitutes classic pieces and where to get them from? I’m not sure what people mean by careful buying.

I’m really looking forward to reading some of the suggestions, so thanks in advance 😄

For me classic = simple basics that won’t date so things like a great coat, the perfect black jumper or cardigan, the smart good quality boots. You need to think about what you like to wear and your own lifestyle, one person may need a classic ball gown if they go to formal occasions but another might need great jeans and shirts or wellies.

I think it’s about having great basics to build your wardrobe around and that pull outfits together, it’s amazing how a striking necklace or nice bag can change the whole look. Jeans and white t shirt can look great but add a well fitting blazer and it becomes something else (if you like that look)

I think it's about hitting on the perfect combination of buying things that won't date and things which suit you and your life/look.

Do you have a clear sense of your own style? If not, I would recommend pinning things and looks you like and then trying to pick out themes and think about how you could make it work for your body shape.

I would also go through your existing wardrobe and think about where the 'gaps' are, and send to charity shops/ebay anything which doesn't make you look absolutely incredible.

Think about how much budget you have and then think about the key pieces which 1) won't date, 2) will fill gaps, 3) suit you and the looks you love and then be prepared to trawl the shops patiently until you find the kind of piece you are willing to splash out on.

Also, find a good seamstress! I get nearly everything I own/buy nipped and tucked so that it fits perfectly.

And re: specific suggestions, with the caveat that one woman's classic is another woman's dowdy, for me (size 8, hourglass, 5ft7, big red hair, Autumn colouring, lover of 40s and 50s styles) classics would be:

1. high waisted pencil skirt in tweed, wool, silk, denim.
2. nipped in at the waist coat (wool, trench coat). Tweed capes for drama at the weekends.
3. high neck silk shirts (neutral colours: cream and navy)
4. cashmere sweaters (neutral colours in rust, khaki, cream)
5. wool polonecks
6. flat boots (and heels) in tan leather
7. some antique jewellery/heirlooms (string of pearls, grandmother's rings)

All of the above should he the best quality you can afford.

Quality quality quality.

Go for good quality and a lot of them will be in 'classic' styles anyway (because few people will spend a lot of money on something that will be out of fashion soon). You don't see many cold-shoulder or unicorn-themed cashmere jumpers.

It's difficult when your body shape will be changing a lot in the future (I'm currently pregnant so I'm not buying any "investment" pieces apart from a handbag right now).

I agree with everything pp have said and would add - make sure you're comfortable in it, emotionally and physically, otherwise no matter how objectively beautiful it is, or how much you spent on it, you won't wear it often.

I believe everything dates. Even with something like a white shirt, the shape, fit, collar and cuffs all change with fashion. If you don't mind playing the long game and can keep things (and can sew or know a good seamstress) some of them will come around fairly regularly and just need a bit of a tweak - or will pass as vintage. But normally whenever a fashion writer talks about 'investing in classics', I stop reading.

That said, I do believe in having your own personal classics. They're the things you get so much wear out of - or just love so much - that, for you, they're worth spending more on. Mine are trousers, coats, jackets, along with anything that's an interesting shape. I don't usually spend as much on tops or knitwear because I wear them out so quickly and most of my jewellery is cheap and cheerful so I can change it around. But another poster might think the opposite so I would say your first step is to work out what they are for you.

In terms of where to buy:

The cost of the clothes I like far outstrips my budget, so I rarely buy first-hand, in a shop, at full price.

Ebay: hit and miss, but search filters allow you to search by material, condition and brand, which can reduce tens of thousands of items down to ten. Always check the seller's feedback before you bid.

Secondhand shops: not all created equal. There's one near me that only sells excellent condition designer goods. Obviously you don't get things for £1 in there, but it's always worth a look. Charity shops in the leafier suburbs tend to have a higher proportion of nice things, if you have the time for that.

TK Maxx - I go in there if I have a rough idea what I want (jeans, or a work bag). I shop in there mostly by feel - run your hand along the rack and feel for the cotton, silk, wool and cashmere, it's much faster than looking for things you like and then checking the label.

High Street: uniqlo, cos, arket. I've had some luck in Reiss sales. Generally though I don't buy from websites that don't allow you to search by material, because 95% of the time the thing I like the look of turns out to be synthetic, and it gets too frustrating.

Not all synthetic fabrics are created equal. Nylon/polyester = sweaty, static-y plastic. Polyester also starts to smell as it gets old (you'll notice if you go in a charity shop). Viscose is made out tree fibres and has fans because it does drape nicely and is reasonably breathable, but it is also on the delicate side and tends to fade.

Although I usually shop in the sales, if you see something that you really, really love, then don't wait for it to appear in the sale, because it might just sell out altogether.

I think classic does mean that you won't be up-to-the-minute or even the year in fashion but I stopped worrying about being dated a long time ago so my investment pieces would include:
good white, navy and black tshirts (I like White Company and White Stuff do good long sleeved winter t-shirts)
navy cashmere button-through cardi or crew-neck
tan shoes navy shoes and boots
jeans
navy trousers
blazer
silk square (accessorize have some lovely ones at the moment)
breton stripe tops

I then add in cheaper fashion colours to lift the navy/tan/cream theme.

I should add that I have always done well with M&S cashmere

I don’t think ‘classic’ ‘style’ and ‘careful buying’ need necessarily be yoked together! You could exercise careful buying if your entire wardrobe is leather leggings and sequinned crop tops.

So the first thing is to think about what you like. My classic and or stylish might not be, indeed probably isn’t, yours.

Anyway, you’re in luck. If you’ve been shopping exclusively at M&S and N ..t pretty much any shop you step into will feel stylish by comparison.

As pp have said - consider your own lifestyle. I always despair when posters start threads wanting advice on new clothes, and then refuse anything that isn’t primarily suitable for dog walking on remote hillsides. But it’s equally frustrating when someone’s about to start a million dollar an hour job and is outraged at any suggestion that costs more than a Hobbs t shirt.

So I’m a bit reluctant to offer specific advice! Look about you, browse websites, decide if you want to look smart, casual, rich, bohemian, hipsterish ... Exactly like your friends / colleagues, or completely otherwise. And whether you want to achieve this on no money at all or exclusively through sales - or whether it’s something you’d enjoy spending a lot of money on.

Thank you everyone for your comments. I always see the threads about classics but it never seems to go into detail but everyone has made a valid point about what suits me and what I might call a classic is different to someone else. It sounds like I need to get out and start trawling the shops a bit more frequently and not just next and marks and Spencer’s. I’m not keen on the idea of buying online as it’s so hard to tell what it’s going to look like

Thank you everyone for your comments

I really wouldn’t let uncertainty over sizing put you off online shopping.

Do you know your body measurements? Do you have a tape measure? Most sites will have a page of sizing guidelines. Some can advise on the best size if you enter your measurements, some can actually show you how a particular item in a particular size will look on you. And even if something arrives and doesn’t fit, you have only to post it back. Which may cost less than a trip to your nearest good shop. There is very little to lose.

As regards the quality of clothes bought online - always check the fabric content on the website page, and enlarge the photos to examine the details of fabric and stitching.

I almost never shop in concrete shops now (apart from TK Maxx oddly enough) - why would I when the Internet gives us access to shops all over the world? (Mostly I stick to places in Europe though.)

The only good thing about trawling your High Street is that you can try things on to find out what shapes and styles suit you now - then look for a wider variety online.

I think the French capsule wardrobe templates are a good starting point.

However -work out your body shape and adapt accordingly.

Also work out what your best neutrals are and stick to them.

Lastly use accessories to update the basic wardrobe or add the odd thing in that works with the rest that is more current.

@Sigh81

This is great advice. How do I find a good seamstress? How much will they cost roughly?

Also, find a good seamstress! I get nearly everything I own/buy nipped and tucked so that it fits perfectly.

I think it's nothing more than trial and error unfortunately. Or see if you can find a recommendation from a trusted friend? If you are anywhere near south/west London I can PM you the details of mine - she is superb.

As for price, anywhere from £15-£30 per item depending on what you need done. If you are happy to have an alteration without trying it on then it is less, but I don't think you get the same result unless you are very good at knowing your measurements and know exactly what you want done, technically.

So it adds up but it is some of the best money I have ever spent.

Shoes are the key to updating a classic wardrobe. Anything very fashiony makes boring items (my staples) less ordinary. Stick to middle of the road garments that fit perfectly (the seamstress comes in here) and add accents that are super fashion. Don't get swept up in the silhouette of the moment. Choose good basics for your life and then decorate and define the season with accessories.

Good tip I picked up on here: ‘flip’ your spending. Most people have a party dress=high value T-shirt=cheap when actually, if you spend a lot of time in the latter, that’s where to drop your cash. My next pair of flat shoes will be around £300 (i’m saving up)-I went to a black tie this year in £20 Asos heels.

Unlike other pps I rarely buy second hand as I like to plan my purchases and how they will will fit into my wardrobe, and I make myself have a cooling-off period. I’ve had some treasures from eBay but they’re balanced out by what I’ve spent on duds. I also save a biannual budget (started this spring with 500) and buy most of my clothes in late April and October rather than shopping continuously-it frees up time and headspace, makes for a more harmonious wardrobe, and I spend less overall.

Urgh sorry that was a bit garbled. Basically spend the most on things you wear the most even if not ‘special’. Try do do it in a premeditated way!

@hotbiscuits that makes a lot of sense.

The seamstress idea seems popular as well so I’ll see if I can find someone local.

I have spent my afternoon browsing Pinterest for some ideas, now to find some stockists. A lot seem to come from America or don’t tell you where to buy them but thanks to everyone I’ve made a good start.

It’s amazing looking through look ideas how very similar the looks are and yet I don’t own anything that I’ve liked.

@Tableclothing - thank you so much! I've been looking for new work wear everywhere. Uniglo is brilliant, I had no idea. Thank you.

Classic can easily translate as boring - buying clothes with an interesting cut can help them stand the test of time, you''ll feel fabulous every time you wear it. Most of my basic wardrobe is from uniqlo, I love their supima shirts, merino and cashmere round necks and polo necks, block tech raincoats, heat tech thermals, stripy socks and jeans, quite a lot of their stuff can be a frumpy cut - but I am a loyal fan and trying on loads of their stuff pays off. My coats and jackets are my stand out pieces, they are made with interesting fabrics, good cut and excellent quality - imo well cut coats and jackets - will always carry cheaper clothes. Shoes too I hate dull shoes...I buy good quality and keep my shoes for years.