Affordable tops for work - help!

[Lagirl20]

I need a couple of new tops for work. I’m in the office once a week, and I already have a pail of grey wool trousers from Jigsaw and a pair of navy barrel leg trousers from Uniqlo. I’m totally broke, can’t spend more than £20 ish on each top, and light colours suit me best - cream / beige / light marl grey etc. I usually like Uniqlo and &Other Stories, Arket, etc. please help mumsnet fashionistas! Btw I do shop on Vinted but for work I need these asap and would like them to be brand new.

ive done well in Zara but you have to be prepared to go to a store or be willing to do returns.

same with H&M. I’ve got some fab bits but I probably return at least half of my orders

Thanks! Bumping in the hopes of more replies and some links 🙏

I’ve bought some stuff from Tu and Sainsbury’s for work and it’s been good. Next sometimes have some good value bits as well. I’ve bought a few pieces from Friends Like These which is one of their brands for work before although they might be slightly out of your budget.

I got these three short sleeve fine knit jumpers in Next for £30, not exciting but nice with wide leg trousers for work.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su637604/f44750#f44750

I’ve got some bits from TU and also Zara. I’m in a new look top today

These are perfect! Thanks!

Vinted. Filter by brand, colour etc and you can also filter by condition and choose only new with tags.

@FlyingontheGround can you tell me what the sizing like in these jumpers please? I'm usually a 12/14 but have found that sometimes next knits can shrink a little.

Hi @TitaniasAss I’m about the same, I got medium and they’re not tight, I think you’d be fine in medium x

Fab, thanks!

I was going to put a vote in for Ssinsbury Tu also. Surprisingly well made.

Also look on the Next clearance site online. I think m and s has a sale on (instore?).

Off topic but I don't get the point of short sleeve jumpers.

Either my arms will be cold or my chest/neck will be too hot.

I like plain t- shirts from Sainsbury's or Matalan and jazz them up with a scarf from a charity shop. I have quite a collection of scarves🧣

I have these in a few different colours, they go with pretty much any style of trousers/skirts. I usually wear them tucked in, with wide leg trousers or chinos.

I picked them all up from Vinted for £2-£4 each! (and despite being New Look, they are actually really nice quality) -

New Look Top

They also come in long sleeve (again via Vinted) if you prefer that.

The JW Anderson at Uniqlo boxy shirts are really lovely & well made. They do seem to be in & out of stock at the moment though.

I would recommend Tu (Sainsbury's) too.

If you live near one choose " click and collect" for no postage costs and also no return cost should they be unsuitable.

You don't want to waste your budget on postage costs.

M&S actually has some very affordable basics. Not sure they are pieces that you will cherish for years but they are reasonable quality

Have a rummage in your local charity shop. Lots of shirts and tops.

Matalan does affordable and usually well made tops
https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/pink-ribbed-henley-top/15929260.html?switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&variation=15929264&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organicshopping&srsltid=AfmBOor0DeSRZueqXQarM6cJ4tm_MXMZJT-Xox-r-4mDo4XurAc7flJeLlw

I'd be looking for a couple of plain black t shirt tops. No one will notice how often you wear them. They can look stylish if you wear/carry them well. Sounds like they'll go with your trousers.
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-crew-neck-t-shirt/p5740718 and https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-organic-cotton-long-sleeve-crew-neck-t-shirt/p6420683

Another vote for sainsburys. I was in there this morning and noticed that they are getting the autumn season stuff in. Not that I was looking for specifics, just as I walked past.

Yup, Tu from Sainsbos or F&F from Tescos do nice tops.

If you are just in once a week, just get 1-2 for spring/summer and 1-2 for autumn/winter (or perhaps wait a bit to get those). No one will notice or remember someone else wearing just a couple of items on rotation

Have you tried TKMaxx? I was in there today and they had some nice tops, they also have the odd Zara item . Just have to try them on when you are in there

Mango do great v neck tops that are a kind of silky material on front and tshirt material on the back, ideal for under a blazer or cardi.