New job, need to streamline - where are your go to places for inexpensive basics?

[Fairislesweater]

I’m starting a new job in March - primary school so most people are casual, but in a leadership position I’m thinking a smart casual look. I’ve got a few items but need some tops/trousers that I can mix and match. Looking at cheap places because frankly I’ve learned the hard way that I’m useless at looking after clothing, and this role could be hands on. I like sustainable brands but really can’t afford at the moment although I’ll look on Vinted if anyone can suggest some good brands. I’m looking for non iron, easy to wash without special treatment, petite length items. I only wear flats so anything that needs heels is out. Any suggestions?

Tesco do some pull on letting type trousers for around £16 I think they are. They are usually checked designs but really nice, comfy and don't need ironing. I think I have every design now. They wash and wash
Congrats on the new job

Thank you, what are the trouser lengths like? I’m so short I may have to alter them!

M&S - they have really stepped up their game in recent years. Go to one of the larger stores and take some time trying on different outfits.

Uniqlo

I've just bought some really lovely trousers from Uniqlo...fit well, nice fabric and not too expensive.

Agree totally and Next. Can find some great basics in the sales too.

One tip someone said to me once - decide if you are a black or brown (clothing) person - it helps to stick to one of these so more goes together.

A jacket (blazer) fancies up everything. Try and look for jackets in stretch fabric for comfort. Good luck!

Surely non-iron means synthetic or otherwise treated fabrics - which cannot possibly be sustainable?

Why not buy some decent clothes in hard wearing, natural fabrics that will last you for years even with very little care?

Community Clothing would be the best place to start - whether new or pre-owned:

https://communityclothing.co.uk/

They make pretty much everything one might need for smart casual workwear.

when I downloaded the Uniqlo app I got a money off voucher when you spend a certain amount. It’s worth investigating.

This is my dilemma, despite liking the more eco friendly brands and natural fibres, I need low maintenance items because I’m terrible for trashing clothes. Bamboo I find is a good compromise as is easy to maintain. I love community clothing but their trousers are far too long for me. Uniqlo and Marks are good places to start, I’d forgotten about Marks

Community clothing don’t do short lengths which the op needs and generally seem to be very boxy cuts. My experience is that if you are short, even if you get the length altered, boxy cuts in stiffer fabrics can swamp. Others may have a different experience of course and it could work well or suit the ops style preference but sadly (because I think it’s great) it’s not a slam dunk.

i find Uniqlo a bit similar - I want to love it but I am not a petite short person, I am a curvy busty one so I have got the odd gem but a lot doesn’t work. I don’t have an actual store near me though so it’s all on line and iirc it’s tricky to send trousers back if they have been altered. If I could get to one in person I suspect I’d have better luck.

OP, I would agree M&S given the variety of trouser styles there. Maybe vinted for stuff like Whistles (jersey blazers). Seasalt possibly - I find it really hit and miss in terms of style but they are worth a look because you can find some bits and they do petite.

I recommend Hobbs, via Vinted or EBay

@myladyjane you’ve summarised perfectly, I want to love community clothing so but it just doesn’t work for me. I will have a good look at Marks. Our local clothes shop has shut down but we’re near London so maybe a field trip in order

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E479284-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003

I live in these trousers for work. They look smart without any ironing and are very comfy. Uniqlo will also take the hems up for an extra £3 if needed (but I'm 5'4 with short legs and find the length is fine). I tend to pair with a more fitted cardigan from somewhere like M&S or a linen shirt - appreciate that won't fit your non-ironing hopes!.

Next has an excellent pack of 4 sweaters for like 20£ which you could mix and match with 2 pairs of trousers (agree marks excellent for these. The single pleat trousers I got in olive and black, look a lot more expensive and don’t need ironing if you take them out of the washing machine straight away . I think worth doing these cheaper options first and any look you really live upgrading to better fabrics etc

Sorry, just seen this. I am 5'2" and they are just below ankle length on me

Buy a couple of pairs of black trousers , and a couple of navy pairs, wear neutral tops and coloured blazers with them. Easy!

M&S and TU at Sainsbury’s

M&S all the way. They have good basic T-shirts for £9, trousers for £25.