I can't find anything that I like!

[SingingKettles]

This might look a bit bonkers but for the past 10 years or so I really haven't liked any of the current styles out there, not the trousers styles, dresses or anything else.
I'm not really looking for brands or stores here, or any recommendations really - more how to keep myself dressed decently in a sea of what seems to me like ..bizarre shit

I didn't like the skinny trouser trend and don't like the wide leg or other variations either. Dresses are ok in theory but too flimsy for my lifestyle and I don't like the styles or patterns currently. I tried leisure wear for a while but you can grow really tired of that. I loved the idea and vibe of the Monty Don style thread, but nothing like that works for me either, it's all too blocky and stiff. Nothing out there measures up, quality-wise, in terms of the cost and it seems almost impossible to find anything well made that isn't 'crusty', or chunky (only my opinion!) now

I miss longer length tops and cardi's, slip style dresses and jeans that were soft and fit well and didn't have a stupid shape. There are a myriad of styles to choose from now but the average or normal has seemingly disappeared. The last time I liked clothes styles was in the 90's or early 2000's. I see people on here often complain about quality, but I can sift through John Lewis, Toast, and many higher priced brands and still can't find anything of value - just very odd shapes or terrible seams.

At this point I just want to look presentable and vaguely current. I am average height, decent weight and look ok so shouldn't (technically) be struggling. I know we can't all get along with current styles, that's just the luck of the draw, but it never seems to end! I have been waiting for at least something I like to evolve for years but it just seems to get worse.

If this was/is you, how would you bridge the gap? Does anyone else feel this way? I don't want to spend another £100 or so on shapeless linen wide-legs or scratchy artisanal knitwear. I want something to flow over me, gently, in nice fabrics that aren't rigid of overtly patterned and are easy to wear. I have a casual, often outdoorsy lifestyle but don't want to feel trapped in sweaty betty through summer!
If you hate current trends, what do you settle with?

I like the clothes I used to wear too. I either wear things I've kept or I trawl ebay. If I find something new that fits the bill I snap it up.

What@Mairzydotes says for me too really. I have a number of brands from decades back that I keep an eye on on eBay. Marilyn Anselm, English Eccentrics, Jeanne Englehart, Joyce Ridings, the odd bit of Laura Ashley. I also find a fair bit of M&S St Michael that I like - wool trousers and silk knits.

I am doing similar and buying dresses from Vinted. I loved Oasis dresses when it was old 'proper' High St Oasis and before fabric went shit and shapeless so I'm just buying lovely Oasis skater style dresses in beautiful thick fabrics!
Some have been brand new with tags!

Ah! Sorry I am late to reply, I didn't think this had garnered any responses.

I have tried ebay on and off, found a few decent things, but nothing that I could call coherent.

I had been trying on wide leg black trousers, casual (linen, cotton) and came to the conclusion that the quality was dire, no matter the price point - and I have tried some fairly expensive stuff!
The quality is no better than what I used to find at our tatty local market in the late 80's, elastic waists, puckered seams and a horrid sheen to the fabric. Some of these are over £100.

Just stumped really. I love clothes but have fallen out of love with buying any. I have been searching for fine knits and a tee that even vaguely covers my arse for years. Everything, everywhere is short and square :(

And I loathe linen. After you've worn it for 5 minutes, it stretches and has more creases than a witch's face.

I'm trying to get a handle on what you actually like and on whether it's current trends you dislike, or the poor quality and fit of high street clothes (and some high end ones too), or a mix of both?

If you could wear anything you liked, and if price, quality and fit weren't an issue, what kind of clothes would they be?

I have the same problem, and the answer I think is just to keep a look out for the rare items that I like and buy them when I do. I recently found I like M&S's women's straight leg chinos so bought another two pairs. Apart from that I save a lot of money! There are a few places I keep an eye on: Kettlewell for plainer tops, men's departments in M&S/John Lewis.

The current fashion for puffy ruffled clothing in Andy Pandy colours seems to have been around for ever, so I'm hoping there will be a shift away from it soon and then I'll stock up!

PS I loathe linen too and companies seem to be all over it ATM, presumably because it's meant to be environmentally "better" than cotton🙄

It is massively environmentally better than cotton

I just wish it didn't crease so much!

Linen is seasonal, it's a summer thing.

Glad this thread popped back up! I was only thinking about it the other night.

It's hard to put into words, and since most S&B posts seem happy with current clothes I felt maybe no one would relate. I have always loved buying stuff but it has drastically reduced in the past 5 years.

There's no specific style that I love, but I was fond of fine (good quality) knits in linen, more sleek than chunky. Can't even find stuff like this on Ebay now. I prefer flat waist bands with a mid rise, which are only in charity shops now (and they're shit around here).
I would love trousers or skirts with a flat waist with no chunky elastic or ruched bits.

Even tees, which are great in summer, are short and boxy. My last one from Seasalt was half way up my back and I am only 5'4! Just something decent to cover my arse would be so nice. Even shops for older women like Poetry and Toast don't make anything longer now.

I suppose, to sum it up, I don't like the short, boxy trend. Everything is somewhat chunky as opposed to sleek. I spend most of my days now in sweaty betty gary crops and some older linen vests. All skirts and dresses are voluminous or with insipid florals. AAgh!

As for teeshirts, my issue is the necks. I can find decent cotton ones in H&M and COS but the necklines are like those muscle men wear, really high and tight. It makes my throat itch

I liked the slouchy outlines of Jane Birkin's clothes over the years - nice low necks and slouchy knits (not her Columbo phase, much as i love her).