Where do you buy wardrobe staples?

[Fairislesweater]

I have a fairly minimalist, casual style. I’ve been overweight for several years and ended up using inclusive brands which are sustainable and environmentally friendly, but expensive. I need a few items for work. Think basics like fine knit jumpers, trousers etc. I’m petite (5ft) around a size 14 shrinking to a 12 currently and the high street seems to have disappeared. Plus I’m older now and I just don’t know where to start. I’d like to just have some ‘go to’ shops that don’t cost lots and not spend hours overthinking and trawling the web looking for items. Where do folk recommend? Would a personal shopping appointment help maybe?

Following

Well done on the weight loss op. A masaive uniqlo that sticks the whole range? If your shrinking dresses would work well. Do you have anyone you can shop with?

I find with most shops their quality comes and goes depending on their suppliers, sometimes they have a dud year.
for quality tailoring items I tend to get jaegar/hobbs/coast from Vinted so its cheaper.
cashmere and wool I tend to get m and s ones from local charity shops in a posh town nearby.

seasalt cotton and linen stuff is good but jumpers are rubbish, I tend to use them for casual dresses.

plain t shirts I still haven’t found the dream ones. Fat face and white stuff shrink a lot/go misshapen.

I love whitestuff organic cotton leggings, they are worth paying more as last really well in my opinion.

so, in short, a lot of trial and error.

Would a personal shopping appointment help maybe?
Give John - Lewis a go. It doesn't cost anything and you don't have to buy.

Go to is hard I think if you don't find the One. Closest is John Lewis as you can at least look at or order from lots of brands. I find their website infuriating for lack of trouser/jean length information though.

Maybe M&S? I don't really shop there but it's had a revival and I think they have a fair bit of choice on basic stuff. Uniqlo have nice merino wool jumpers in, I also saw some nice ones in Massimo Dutti at the weekend

I'd love the find the One but I don't think I fit any particular shop's style. I have to pick and mix.

Rapanui do good quality basic t shirts etc

For work trousers I like the sloane trousers from Abercrombie. For jumpers I like the merino ones from Uniqlo and the super soft ones from M&S. Blouses, H&M, Zara and Mango have nice ones and in different styles.
Blazers, tweed style jackets, also H&M, Zara and Mango.
Jeans: abercrombie, M&S and Zara
Check also mango outlet online as they have good offers.
Boden, Reiss and Mint Velvet when in the sales for tops, dresses and jumpers (more of a statement ones)

Uniqlo would be a good bet. I'm 5 ft 3 & I've gone from hating it to loving it this year.
Tk Maxx for knitwear online and in-person.
A large M&S?
I find J Lewis ultimately disappointing but a personal shopping experience there would be fun to do.
Or you could do a styling session with one of the Melissa Murrell stylists. It seems to be very reasonably priced. You can follow her account on Instagram/you tube to get an idea of her styling.

Thanks, it’s good to know it’s free!