Where can I find nice clothes???

[Ikeameatballs]

I’m really struggling to find clothes that I like, fit and suit my lifestyle.

I’m 47, I work in an executive director role so need to present myself smartly but want to be stylish rather than frumpy/formal. I’m a size 6-8, 5’4”. I often feel I look overwhelmed in long patterned dresss. I hate frills. I prefer neat clothes, either plain or with simple patterns.

Outside of work I tend to wear activewear on weekend days. I love Vinted but nothing on there that I can find that is right. I tend to look at Mint Velvet, Baujken, M&S. I’m dreadful at accessorising. I only like to spend a £100+ if I absolutely love an item.

Where should I look? Any suggestions?

Have a look at Whistles shift dresses on Vinted, I used to wear them when I worked. They wash well and have pockets, look good with opaque tights in the winter too. I’d wear a double faced coat or coatigan over them if it was cold

I tend to find block colours, minimal patterns and classic or simple cuts work best for me and I am only a little bigger than you (used to be your size). I usually stick with good quality basics in a neutral pallet and accessorise with a decent coat, bags and shoes where I can bring in colour without too much effort. Not much else tbh. Too much hassle getting out of the door first thing. I am the ultimate lazy dresser for work.

At the moment I am finding Uniqlo hits the mark, Jaeger and Nobody's Child have some nice bits in. I can't do tiered or flouncy dresses so that rules a lot out. M&S for simple things but their fabrics are hit and miss so tend to go for things in natural fibres. Mint velvet, Jigsaw and Reiss too.

H&M is always worth a look at. Weirdly some of my best cut jackets and trousers have been from them over the years. Similarly Arket (up market H&M).

Boden and Hobbs feel very dated now. Everything is much simpler (which suits my style).

Try the styling service lookerio. It costs £10 and you fill our details in and then what you are looking for. They then choose some clothes for you and went them in the post ( within you agreed budget ) if you keep at least 1 of them you get your £10 discounted, you can keep as many as you like or send them all back. I got some very nice clothes this way

I don't know if we're similar, but I like cropped, plain, dark, slim office trouses. I combine these with loose fit silk blouses in soft blues and pale greens - and I've realised I love them with simple natural patterns

Ooh, I tried this years ago. I’ll have another go!

Also, I read somewhere that keeping your silhouette similar to your casual wear is the best way to feel your best.

So if you wear leggings, maybe think about slim fit tailored trousers. If you wear active wear vests, find tops that are really fitted on your shoulders and arms

I've booked one in for next week because I really struggle to find clothes that fit and look nice . Nothing to lose really but a tenner.

Was thinking uniwlo or cos. As for accessorising, what suits you silver or gold. Studs or hoops, keep it simple.

Cos is a good bet for work if you want to look stylish and smart but not dull. Arket is also worth a look.

If you’re not good at accessorising, stick to classic and good quality with the ‘less is more’ vibe.

Next is pretty good for more formal workwear if you're into blazers. They work well for me at 5'2" and I'm size 6/8. I don't really do the petite range because the regular range blazers hit where I need them to so not an issue.

Shops or brands-

Reiss
Massimo Dutti
Me and Em
and Other Stories
Sezane

I would opt for a work uniform and rotate colours/textures.

Slim fiit trousers, plain silk blouse, wool vest, flat sling back shoes
Slim fit tweedy trousers, cotton poplin shirt, slim jacket, brogue style shoes
Midi length dress, flat heel knee boots
Slim fit trousers, fine knit poloneck jumper, sleeves pushed up

Accessories- small huggie style hoop earrings, good watch, short manicure in a nude/pink or deep plum shade, big leather tote
Coat- invest in a good coat- wool/cashmere blend. Find a shape that suits you. It will never go out of fashion if you stick with a classic shape/colour.

You can also pick up some good quality accessories on Vinted if you bide your time and keep an eye out. I recently bought 2 beautiful Anya Hindmarch leather handbags (that are pretty much briefcase size so perfect for work and laptops etc) for around £80 each. Both are in immaculate condition and would have been over £1k new.

I think your budget needs to increase to get the look you are seeking. The Fold would give you all you are seeking.

The brands @Peclet suggests would be within your budget, but I’m surprised you wouldn’t want your clothes to be a little more upmarket - given your seniority?

You could browse these sites and then consider whether you want to increase your budget or search for them pre-owned:

Co Collections
Lemaire
Margaret Howell
MaxMara
Me & Em
Rohe
Studio Nicholson
The Frankie Shop
Toteme

Cos offers an approximation of all these brands at a much more approachable, High St price.

Cos, &OtherStories, Arket, Massimo Dutti, Uniqlo are all decent bets. I am the same size as you and often sizing can be large in Cos. Bottoms fit pretty well in Stories.