Where can I buy decent quality clothes?

[Udford]

I’ve lost 2 stone since Christmas and after having my second baby in November. I’m in desperate need of a whole new wardrobe. I’m currently wearing clothes two sizes too big for me!

It’s been so long since I’ve bought clothes that I don’t really know where to shop anymore. I’m 29, size 10 and looking for decent quality items. I don’t like or have the body type to wear skimpy crop tops (think mum pouch and stretch marks 🙈) which is all that I seem to be stumbling across at the moment.

Where can I shop as a young person looking for normal clothes that aren’t going to fall apart within a month and that make me feel good? I’ve had a pretty awful 6 months and I just want to treat myself before I go on holiday in the Summer. Please help 😭

budget?

@bbqsalt Flexible on budget, I don’t mind spending money if items have some longevity to them.

what shops do you buy from usually? have you ever bought something that you’ve been impressed with the quality? if so, where from?

so you have no max in mind at all?!

We just had a new catalogue from JoeBrowns
Good colours, lot of 'afro' inspired patterns, some are fussy styles tiered sleeves or cuffs. Midi dresses in strong plain shades.
I had some floral midi dresses 3 summers ago. I still wear them for office. or very comfortable for wfh.
It might give you some ideas.
Good Luck, wish I was a 10!

Im similar age, I have a few good quality pieces from fatface, not all of it is patterned! But I always wait for their sales or discounts, they do alot of them so would be silly to pay full price…
Also, another company with good quality is hush.

@bbqsalt In the past I’ve bought from FatFace, Phase Eight, Ted Baker, Oliver Bonas, M&S and was pretty happy with how long those clothes lasted. This was years ago though so I’ve no idea if quality is still the same.

No not really! I’ve never been one for buying ‘premium brands’ so what I’ve spent has always been mid range limited anyway. In the past I would usually spend between £40 - £130 on a dress for example. I really don’t mind on cost, I just want a decent wardrobe of clothes and I know I need to spend some money. I haven’t bought clothes in a very long time.

ok so i was going to recommend sezanne and some other but much more than £40-£130, which was why i asked

Hi OP, I'm 40 (so might not be what you're looking for) and here are my current go to shops:

Arket
Cos
Massimo Dutti
& Other Stories
Abercrombie
Reformation
Reiss
Sezane

This list might be a good starting point (more brands are recommended):

https://www.whowhatwear.com/uk/best-basics-for-women

I've seen some lovely dresses on the M&S website.

I think this fashion influencer is about your age, and has a spring capsule roundup:

https://www.shopltk.com/explore/kateehutchins/collections/11eeedbea13c068bbf4f0242ac110013

@MalibuBarbieDreamHouse I’ve never heard of Hush. Thank you!

@stardust777 This is so helpful. Thank you.

I am 35 but recently worked with a personal stylist and have been very impressed with Hush and Cos. M&S also have some lovely bits in and the quality seems good.

Over the last 2 years I have bought from John Lewis, especially underwear.
J L is a bit of a faff to get there, but I have a Sainsbury quite close; 3 bus routes so easy. Have bought nice everyday undies there, that look rather nice and do the job.

Colourful Standard do high quality basics that wash really well. I’m also a fan of Arket and Hush.

You can sometimes get Hush sweatshirts or bits on EBay.

Near Goodge Street tube down one of the side streets is a designer sale shop (can’t think of the name) but they often have Hush in there.

OP, just came across this video that has a list of brands like Sezane - wanted to share in case of interest:

I’m a similar size and age to you, and I also value good quality items. I buy from:

Whistles- tops, cashmere, jackets

Jeans - varied but currently loving Mango and Hush

Dresses - smaller independent places, Jigsaw, Whistles, Zara, old Hush, some Mint Velvet, Reiss, bits of H&M. My most admired dresses are actually usually cheap ones from France.

Best quality T-shirts: Reiss or Whistles.

I find John Lewis is good for a decent selection of mainstream stuff, and easy to order / return.

I then top up with independent or vintage, and mix in some Zara and H&M.

I’ve started to hone in on a colour pallet that I like and am strict on natural fabrics and fit.

Free People
& Other Stories
Beyond Nine (obsessed with their dungarees in pregnancy but will wear them after)
Oliver Bonas
Lululemon for active wear basics, their align leggings are the best and have stayed with me during pregnancy which I was surprised at. Not even stretched out of shape

I like FreePeople , Anthropologie , Spoiled Brat , John lewis 😍