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What's going on with clothes?

63 replies

LetSophieGo · 22/05/2021 23:57

I don't buy often, used to, but lost interest in it years ago and spend most of my time now in practical, weather related stuff and leggings/yoga stuff, haha.

However, I am in dire need of a couple of light frocks for summer. To wear with my birks and my old superga.

Problem is, no matter where I look, everything looks shit.
John Lewis, Hush, White Co, places I once kind of gravitated to. Stuff looks thin of not well cut, and either too voluminous or shiny - which is nothing new these days, but you used to be able to get something if you paid a bit extra.

The only place ive seen decent looking dresses is toast, which is extortionate, but since I don't buy often, I don't mind. That said, ive seen the threads on here saying they are performing badly with deliveries and returns.

Where can I find decent stuff that isn't too trend oriented, but will last a few years?
Ive tried Plumo (too arty), COS (too structured and not really me), fat face (bland) and M&S and so on. I kind of like Poetry but nothing is in stock until July (sod that).
Nothing!

I just keep returning to outdoor stuff, which is always good - like Fjallraven and Arc'teryx. But they don't do frocks!

Any ideas?

OP posts:
junebirthdaygirl · 23/05/2021 16:33

I have got great dresses from Boden. Really rely on them now and buy some in their sales too

justawoman · 23/05/2021 16:56

Yes I had a gorgeous dress I really loved from Thought. Then I post a lot of weight and sadly it no longer fits. Do check their fabrics though: in my experience their quality has also declined slightly in recent times, though they’re still generally good and their bamboo socks are the only ones I wear.

Catslovepies · 23/05/2021 17:44

Try J. Crew, Madewell, or &Other Stories.

nickEcave · 23/05/2021 17:52

For tops and t-shirt take a look at Kettlewell (online only). I've been buying knitwear and t-shirts from them for 10 years and some items are still going strong. Not cheap or the height of fashion but great basics well-made, and good customer service on returns.

theorangesisters · 23/05/2021 17:58

For secondhand clothes Vinted, Depop, Ebay and Vestiare Collective are very good. There are also excellent online charity shops such as refashion and Thrift+.

BendyBusBuggy · 23/05/2021 18:09

www.brora.co.uk/

Excellent quality, but pricey

QuestionableMouse · 23/05/2021 18:11

Land's End has some pretty dresses. They also tend towards natural fibres and they quality is good.

goose1964 · 23/05/2021 19:06

Weird fish have some nice stuff, you can sort by fabric too

PraiseBee · 23/05/2021 22:58

I really like Jigsaw personally. Esprit?

TableNiner · 23/05/2021 23:03

Interesting article today re the drabness of the British High Street
amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/23/shops-open-high-street-fashion-drab-chains

Verbena87 · 23/05/2021 23:17

Came to mention thought but see I’ve been beaten to it.

My mum has a couple of Toast dresses and they really are beautiful. We’re the same size (slightly different shapes) and they look gorgeous on her in her 60s and me in my 30s (when I’ve tried them on in hopes of subtly stealing them). They’re not especially trendy so will still look not-especially-trendy but gorgeous in 10 years. Worth a look on eBay maybe?

Sancho’s carry a load of different ethical brands and have some lovely stuff.

mathanxiety · 24/05/2021 01:40

Would you consider renting clothes? That way you could give brands and individual items a trial run.

www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/womens-clothing/best-fashion-rental-service-womens-wardrobe-online-subscription-dress-designer-a9586991.html

Other than that, Lands End UK offer dresses that will likely stand the test of time. Their clothing isn't very fashionable.

VenusClapTrap · 24/05/2021 08:48

Another vote for second hand. I bought a gorgeous cotton Vivian Westwood dress on eBay the other day, for the same price you’d pay for a badly made polyester horror show in Zara.

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