What is your basic item of clothing that is almost impossible to buy?

[peaceanddove]

For me it has to be a flattering t-shirt. The absolute unicorn of clothing items, in my book. Caught so many glimpses of one over the years, only to find the neckline was wrong, or it was too boxy, or the sleeves cut too high, or the fabric too thin etc.

But today, I not only glimpsed a unicorn t-shirt, but I actually managed to trap it, try it on and it is actually really flattering. Honestly. So, I bought it in every colour they had, and bought 2 in black.

I feel totally elated and strangely drained. I never thought I would live to see this day.

[quote Didyousaynutella]I think I found my perfect t-shirt. I bought loads and wore over the summer with joggers/ pallzo pants and little skirts. It’s high neck which I like, sort of capped type sleeves which are v flattering, skims over my mum tum and I think the cut is modern and doesn’t give they frumpy mom t-shirt look.
You need to size down. It comes up pretty big. I have the x small and small and am a 10/12 with big boobs.

www.weekday.com/en_gbp/women/tops/product.prime-t-shirt-black.0361973007.html[/quote]
I bought that T-shirt on your recommendation, thank you. I’m a 12-14, bought it in S.

@SirVixofVixHall - have you looked at Lands End swimsuits? They come in various lengths and sizes.

@StarlightLady Have you looked up vintage or retro suspender belts? They are much better - more substantial, more comfortable, metal clips rather than plastic and you can get ones with more than 6 straps if desired.

@trulyconfuseddotcom - I’m stocked for now and l certainly wouldn’t want more than 4 straps to be practical. My post was more about the pain that such a hunt involves.

Dresses.
I want simple, flowing lines, not wide peasant styles or overly fitted waists. I want a midi that is actually calf length (im average height) and subtle to no pattern. Impossible!
I also want them in natural fabrics like cotton, silk or wool. Nest to impossible unless you are willing to pay Brora over £300.
Summer is easier as a lot of cotton about, but the shapes still suck.

And before the trend for midi's came back, I spent years having to source on Ebay thanks to the shops only stocking bodycon, clubwear or overly office-y dresses (Hobbs depresses me).

But over all I would say 'simple shapes'.
Nothing has a fucking simple design anymore. There's always some ludicrous element such as mad puff sleeves, trailing ties, multiple tiers, etc.

White shirt.

I want a white shirt. That is white.
That isn't seethru
Or thin
Or silk/satin
That's tailored for a woman's shape
That isn't too short
Has long sleeves to roll up.

I thought I'd found it.

Nope, see thru and too short.

But it does have an inside button across the chest to keep the boobs away

www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?PID=15245&qclr=4550344368114&qsiz=1543&qsel=

White shirt

@NoToLandfill

https://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?PID=15245&qclr=4550344368114&qsiz=1543&qsel=

White shirt

Too boxy, otherwise perfect.

@ThreeKneeRepeater

Plain black v necked jumper that doesn’t cost the earth. M and S don’t seem to do basics any more.

Try uniqlo. They have lightweight merino wool v necks - mine is black. Fab & about £25

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-100pct-extra-fine-merino-wool-v-neck-jumper-443413.html

@IcyWinterWonderland

A good quality pair of black leggings. All of the ones I buy always get holes in after a few washes or they are just really see through.

A good sized handbag with a zip which is reasonably priced. I can't stand those handbags with no zip as I am paranoid about getting pickpocketed.

Size 9 wide fit women's shoes which are good quality. I found some in primark and new look but the quality was just dire.

I'm size 9 and feel your pain. I have several pairs of Wolkys. They are £££ but super quality, hard wearing & last many years.

Also many of the Fit Flops go to a 43

Spaghetti strap vest tops that are loose, floaty and hip length.
If anyone ever makes such a thing I'll buy 10 in each colour.

Tights. All either too short, or too long, spend all day pulling them up, instantly loose their shape even if you hand wash them with total care and attentiveness, ladder when you so much as look at them.

I had a walk around a few stores today

Are you living in a box summed up most of the jumpers and tops

Too short and boxy without any tailoring and not liking the fashion

@NoToLandfill Dare I ask, is it truly non-see thru?? I'm very tempted to try it...

Skirts or dresses for work that are the exact right length on me. I want above knee but not mini.

Everything is way too short or hits my leg at the wrong point if it’s midi, as I’m tall.

Tall ranges have limited selections. I very, very rarely find anything exactly right.

Hobbs is the only brand that sometimes gets it right. I scour ebay for secondhand dresses regularly as I can’t afford Hobbs full price. It’s a lifelong mission!

There are very few skirts around it seems

I want to find a ‘going out’ top to wear with skinny jeans (I still like them!) and boots but am really struggling!

I want something…

black/silver, or mainly black with tiny flowers or stars or something pretty on.
Either long sleeved or 3/4 sleeved but with arms that fit a normal arm, not giant balloon bell sleeves!
Not cropped

Where have all the nice tops gone?! The sleeves thing seems to be the biggest difficulty!