I'm shopping for new clothes. I want to cry. Where to go?!

[PeakAchoo]

I need some new clothes. I especially need some new trousers/jeans. I want these basics but I'm also in the market for a few statement pieces (bottoms or tops).

I decided to hit up New Look (my favourite shop) online and buy absolutely anything that took my fancy.

That has turned out to be basically nothing because everything is shit. I've found a few pairs of wide leg trousers and that's about it.

Everything is just awful. There are no statement tops or trousers that I can find, everything is so safe and same-y. The jumpers are all box-y, shapeless, and look bobbly already. The T-shirts are all slouchy and trying to be quirky with logos of old bands on them.
Even the models are making me feel depressed - they're beautiful young women but all slumped shoulders and concave midriffs.

Is everywhere equally as awful? Where shall I try to give my wardrobe a bit of a boost, where I could get some good basic stuff and a few statement pieces?

I'm not a fan of Uniqlo. I don't particularly like Yumi or Joe Browns. I'm boycotting M&S. I've never been able to get on with sizing at H&M.

Help me, MN!

Oh, and cropped. So many cropped tops. Why, oh why? I don't want a bloody perma-draught around my belly button!

Other Stories is good

Can you go into to H&M and try the clothes on for sizing? Or Top Shop?

I love AE jeans.

Go to John Lewis or similar, which stocks loads of brands. There isn't one shop that does reliably decent clothes, and cropped/boxy is very much the current trend.

If you're looking online maybe try ASOS? They stock all different brands so might have something.

TK Maxx. Good variety of alsorts of clothes

Try Cider. Many crop tops, but lots of good stuff too.

Cider is basically SHEIN. Shit quality and horrific working conditions.

I often find shopping for any clothes dispiriting now. I'm in London and as a plus sized person I have to shop online because there's bugger all out there for me.

@PeakAchoo Monki?
www.monki.com/en_gbp/sale/view-all-sale.html

French connection sale is good

How old are you? It might be time to ditch new look and other fast fashiony places. Mango, some h&m if you shop carefully, baujken, john lewis for nicer tops, invest in some nice knitwear - finisterre, bam can find good things in the sale. Also good for basics. Uniqlo for basics

Just find some shapes/fabrics that work well for you and go from there! I know that a-line midi skirts with a bit of stiffness in the fabric and flared leggings and leather trousers suit me, so I live in them. Ditto fine knit wool jumpers and trench coats. I buy most of my clothes from Zara these days, I’m a 12-14 and 5’8”. It’s taken me a couple of years to find what suits me though as I used to be a 6-8.

I agree that a trip to John Lewis (or a good look at their website) is a good idea. They have a really good selection of brands.
How old are you? What kind of thing are you looking for?
I'm late forties and really like Hush, Other Stories, and then John Lewis / ASOS if I'm looking for for something more none-specific.
I also love a root around in TKMaxx when I'm in the mood.
I now prefer Zara over H&M but you have to search through the "fashion" stuff.
Uniqlo for basics.
I also spend FAR too much time on Vinted, usually for "vintage" things.

When I said I couldn't get on with H&M sizing, I meant that I can never find anything that fits right even if I'm in store. I do like their stuff but I always end up looking like I'm wearing a bin bag 😂

I'm 38 with quite an eclectic style. I don't really have one "look" I go for so I'm not looking for anything on particular- I just buy whatever takes my fancy which is sometimes classic, well-cut, muted colours stuff and other times is bright, nosiy mad shit.

I hate boxy, shapeless clothes which I think might be a key part of the issue here. I need to wait for this trend to pass 😐

. I actually popped in to Zara a couple of days ago but I found it all quite same-y and dull as well.

I'll have a look at Monki again but I've always found their clothes come up super big.

I'll check out the other suggestions too - not sure why I completely forgot about ASOS!

I actually ordered a few things for New Look which I'm picking up next week. Will be sure to update - hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised!

& Other Stories
American Vintage
Community Clothing
Cos
Massimo Dutti
Sister Jane
YBD

Each has something to recommend them. All more contemporary than New Look.

A second vote for John Lewis. I had a great couple of hours in there last Saturday - I could have bought loads!

Have a look at Sezane for knitwear. They are a little expensive, but nice quality.

Someone on here recommended What to Wear For on instagram - it's brilliant and has some great inspiration.

I have had so many tantrums-in-my-head over clothes recently. I just despair. Everything is horrible. I don’t like any of the current or popular styles. ANY.

Fucking hate wide legged trousers, looser cuts of jeans, boxy tops, cut-out bits in clothing, crop tops, clumpy boots, clumpy trainers, shapeless midi dresses, shapeless maxi dresses, anything 90s or ‘Y2K’, stupid florals and spot prints. Argh!

People always recommend Cos on MN but it’s foul on me. The materials they use don’t wash well and everything makes me look like a big, matronly lump who has given up trying to look nice.

<stamps feet and channels Verucca Salt)

This is the mistake you've made op: 'buy absolutely anything that took my fancy'. The second you let the fashion/retail gods know you can have whatever you like, you won't find a thing you actually want! Go shopping the day before payday and you'll find hundreds of things you'd love! :)

Debenham on line?
TK Maxx l love in store.
Next is always good.

&Other Stories
All Saints
Cos

recently watched last seasons balenciaga show (on YouTube)... just pop to asda buy a few packs of bin bags (for dresses/tops) and small buckets (to turn into shoes) then a bag for life (last I checked balenciaga are selling their versions of bags for life for 300 quid) as your accessory. and done.

you are right. it is ridiculous out there. had a look online for winter sales. didn't see much I liked. and I feel quality has really gone down as well