Recommendations of high quality winter wardrobe staples

[Wanttobefrugalchic]

I have recently lost about 3 stone and need to buy new clothes for my winter and future wardrobes. I have no idea where to start though. I am size 12 UK, Apple shape and cool winter. I want to buy good quality items that will last me years and then supplement my wardrobe with some cheaper items to keep up with "trends". Any tips for what materials to look for? Any recommendations of actual items would also be gratefully received too. Thanks

Should have said I'm a mum of two and work as a preschool teacher so largely wear casual clothes daily rather than office wear.

Jigsaw is brilliant this year. I bought some beautiful soft leather wide leg cropped trousers that I know I’ll wear forever, a cream silk shirt and a rust coloured cashmere short sleeved jumper.

Then I went to Zara and got a couple of nice tops, a bomber jacket and amazing checked coat for about 135 quid - DS works there so I get his staff discount 😀

I like Uniqlo for their good quality basics, decent cotton t-shirts, wool and cashmere jumpers. I also like Cos and Arket for the same natural fabrics. Equally more expensive brands will have pre Xmas offers or there are some great quality items on Vinted if you look around.

Thanks, I will have a look at Jigsaw now!

I have just bought Uniqlo cotton white tshirt so that's a start! Will look at the wool/cashmere jumpers too. I hadn't thought about vinted so I'll check that out.
Would it be 100% cotton, wool, cashmere I would be mainly going for as quality?

Wow - this post makes me want to go to Jigsaw.

I agree that a cashmere sweater in a classic cut and colour (no patterns or embellishments) would be a brilliant investment. As would a silk blouse. Personally, I wouldn't go for leather trousers, but some velvet-cord ones again in a classic colour: black, charcoal, navy, rust or a dark green or burgundy would be a good investment. Good, dark straightleg jeans. Maybe a satin bias cut midi skirt in burgundy or navy.

@BlueEyedBogWitch Just seen that rust cashmere jumper. It is beautiful.

Yes. merino wool is a really good bet if there's not much cashmere around. It is soft and durable.

I’m really pleased with it.

I could have easily bankrupted myself in there. I had to leave before I did any more damage!

I've been buying bits off vinted and saved a fortune, I generally choose brand new with tags. I have picked up some lovely Hobbs and Monsoon items. And also cleared about 60% of my wardrobe selling stuff 😁

I second Jigsaw, the quality is usually excellent. Other places I shop are Sezane for knitwear and M&S cashmere. Just put through gentle machine wash on wool setting

All that cashmere and silk sounds lovely - but for your working day, if you want good simple clothes of excellent quality I’d start with:

Community Clothing

Natural fibres, ethically made, everything will go with everything else and last for ages. Can’t think of anything more suitable for a pre-school teacher who can afford better than Uniqlo.

For jeans/denim, have a look at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers and Hiut. Both British independents that offer free repairs for life. Obviously it’s an expensive initial outlay but the quality is outstanding and they last forever. They also do denim shirts and chore jackets etc.

Well done on losing 3 stone. I'm similar colouring to you ie cool-toned. I need casual, practical clothes too. I have several things from uniqlo that have lasted years, today I'm in one of their navy, cotton long-sleeved t-shirts with a uniqlo x Lemaire forest green jumper in a space-dye pattern (they often have good collaborations). I also rate their ultrafine merino jumpers. I have a few bits from Bam, who had a sale on, including an underlayer dark green top and a few joggers in different styles, as I am quite active. I buy a lot of stuff from Vinted or local charity shops over the years, eg Levi jeans, Diesel denim, Harris Tweed.