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Original poster

Classic, long lasting brands

48 replies

Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 09:35

I have recently lost quite a bit of weight (and am doing my best to keep it off). I want to improve my wardrobe as i still dress the same way that I did when I was a student (despite being 40 this year!).

I want to invest in some good, classic pieces that will last for a good while but I haven't a clue what brands to start to look at.

I don't like particularly bright or busy prints and suit more structured clothes than the oversized aesthetic of somewhere like Hush.

Can anyone help on where I should start to look so that I can dress like a grown up rather than an aging student?

OP posts:
NCbecauseitspersonal · 04/08/2020 12:22

Depends on what you want to wear the clothes for, activity-wise, but I like Hobbs and Cos.

MorrisZapp · 04/08/2020 12:25

If you can go to any decent sized John Lewis they have loads of brands for post fast fashion women who still want to look cool or whatever.

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 12:58

Toast, Cos, Hobbs, Arket, Margaret Howell, John Lewis Kin

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 12:58

Basics - Uniqlo.

Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 13:06

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I'm an academic, so i don't really have a separate 'work' wardrobe - so i'm looking for everyday clothes, but ones that look 'put together' IYSWIM.

Toast and Kin are very much the 'oversized aesthetic' that I was talking about, they just hang on me and make me look like a sack!

I tried John Lewis, but with so much there to look through, I tried a few things on but gave up. I did try their stylist service and they were good for workwear (as I needed in my previous job) they didn't seem to get what I was looking for for everyday clothes.

I will have a look at the other recommendations.

OP posts:
Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 13:11

Does anyone have a recommendations of instagrammers to follow to get ideas of how to dress? I've searched and instagram just confuses me!!

OP posts:
MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 13:23

Can you think of the sort of clothes you like or someone well-known who you think gets the look you want right?

Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 13:37

I guess sometimes Kate Middleton (but sometimes not), Amal Clooney, Michelle Obama (but without the sleeveless - i don't have her arms!)

I'm rubbish with fashion!! I need someone who can go through my current wardrobe, tell me what to chuck away, tell me what to buy and how to wear it.....basically a fashion fairy godmother

OP posts:
Katrinawaves · 04/08/2020 13:43

Jigsaw, Phase Eight and Mint Velvet would be worth a look. Hobbs is good for basic structured stuff but maybe a bit officey. If you have a J Crew or a Banana Republic they are also great for a smart casual look in a Michelle Obama vibe.

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 13:46

Are you roughly the same shape as Amal and Kate, or Michelle?

All dress very well, but they are all tall and very slim, and not curvy. I'd suggest Samantha C. too, as she always manages to look right.

They tend to wear clothes that fit fairly closely.

Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 13:51

Unfortunately not their shape (although trying) - i'm medium height (5'7) size 10-12 but I have a tummy that won't disappear.

I have found that structured, reasonably close fitting clothes suit me better than more buggy stuff, but i don't want to look like i'm going to the office when i'm taking my kids to the park

OP posts:
MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 13:52

I would also suggest Katrina's recommendations.
Is there anywhere near you with the short of shops you like?

I'm thinking of fairly near me there's Richmond, and it's the sort of town that has shops like Anthropologie, Comptoir de Cotonier and so on. Not been for a while.

You could look at capsule wardrobes.

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 13:56

Boden, Seasalt etc but avoid things that look obviously their brand. Finisterre. Reiss.

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 13:57

white stuff and fat face, but can be frumpy (see seasalt)

Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 13:57

Unfortunately not in my local towns, but I will try further afield - i'm North West based so might have to brave the big city

(Sorry to sound negative all the time!)

OP posts:
Duchessofealing · 04/08/2020 13:59

Look at Reiss, Jigsaw, LK Bennett - pretty decent quality if you get the right piece.

SymphonieFantastique · 04/08/2020 14:00

Bethgoodrham.stylist is great on Instagram.

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 14:03

I'd try to assemble a pinboard of looks that work for Kate, as she does manage to get her 'casual' look just right.

I suspect that she would look swamped in Toast, but would probably look great in high street (zara, top shop etc)

MikeUniformMike · 04/08/2020 14:25

Is there a posh small town near you @Holyforkingshirtball? I'm thinking somewhere like Wilmslow but appreciate the NW is vast. Somewhere where there is a few upmarket shops. (I've not been to Wilmslow since the 1980s and it's probably not the same now)

Original poster
Holyforkingshirtball · 04/08/2020 14:28

Yes, Wilmslow isn't too far away - I might have to brave Hoopers!

OP posts:
Katrinawaves · 04/08/2020 15:41

You could try some internet shopping and try on at home?

I like to use Brand Alley for discounted clothes when I’m not sure what I’m after but J Crew has a good online service too and I’m sure some of the others will too.

At size 10/12 and 5’7” your tummy is probably only big in your own head btw 😝

LesLavandes · 04/08/2020 15:58

Me&Em sale

If you have megabucks - Max Mara sale

Lilypink · 04/08/2020 18:02

For instagram inspiration try @clubforty.claire focuses on fashion for 40+ shes got a good eye for styling x

XiCi · 04/08/2020 18:10

Whistles, Jigsaw, Arket, Massimo Dutti, Baukjen.

Places like Zara, ASOS, French Connection also worth a mooch