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Where to shop beyond Next for workwear and relaxed clothes?

9 replies

FallenNight · 01/07/2026 11:24

I'm lazy, I buy everything from next as I live rurally but there is a next nearby that I can pickup and return online orders to. I am in a rut.

I work in an office in a senior position, but in a science tech company, in the middle of nowhere. I walk about a mile to work and back every day, down country roads and a bypass. So no city style needed.

In my spare time I run around with the kids, half the family is active, walking, cycling, gardening, sports, watersports and the other half creative and musical. So go to the theatre and concerts a few times a year as a family.

Most of my clothes pre-date my secondary school aged children.

I'm short - but I wouldn't say petite, as in genuinely short (under 5ft) but built strong rather than a lovely delicate petite. Curvy and a size 12.

My favorite work clothes have structure and are from Hobbs (lucky second hand eBay finds mostly). My favorite home clothes are a from Jo Browns. So work is formal, home is more boho, florals, patterns and a bit floaty. Or denim shorts/jeans a t-shirt and a hoodie.

But basically I look for all my clothes on the next website. I would like to branch out. Which shops should I be looking at similar to Hobbs for work and more relaxed for home, that wont necessarily be on the next website? My budget is Up to Hobbs prices. I only go more expensive than that for weddings or coats.

Where are your favorite places to shop if your tastes are similar to mine. Thanks

OP posts:
abitbloodybrighteroverthere · 01/07/2026 11:46

Sorry - could you clarify your actual height?

OhBotherSaidPoo · 01/07/2026 11:52

Warehouse, whistles, French connection and Ralph Lauren.

All on vinted.

FallenNight · 01/07/2026 12:06

@abitbloodybrighteroverthere under 5ft. But square!

OP posts:
FullLondonEye · 01/07/2026 12:24

Zara.

abitbloodybrighteroverthere · 01/07/2026 12:29

You’re definitely going to have to experiment with petite brands - and see which work best for your proportions. This article should help:

https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/best-petite-fashion

Best petite clothing brands

As a 4ft11" Fashion Editor, These are the Best Petite Clothing Brands I Turn to Time and Time Again

The results of a lifetime of research...

https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/best-petite-fashion

FallenNight · 01/07/2026 12:30

Thanks everyone, particularly aintibloodybrightoverthere that article looks really useful for me.

OP posts:
OneNewEagle · 01/07/2026 22:27

One of my relations who is a similar height buys kids clothes, fit her perfectly.

OneNewEagle · 01/07/2026 22:29

Try looking on some of the (were once) mail order sites. I find things from next but but from one of them as cheaper as delivery snd returns are free and they are far more reliable.

OneNewEagle · 01/07/2026 22:30

Maybe seasalt as they do a petite range.

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