Quality Basics - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Quality Basics

justine17

Hello
Can anyone recommend some clothing stores that sell quality casual pieces for women over 40? I work from home so jeans and tops are the norm. But I am having a really hard time finding tops and other basics that don't fall apart after several washes.

Thanks so much
Justine

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from abc

deb

Veteran

What style? Zara is good and I have found items at H& M that I have had for years. I find there is no one store any longer and I really have to search.

Liz

Veteran

Where have you been shopping that hasn't worked, and what are you looking for -- basic t-shirts? Stylish t-shirts? Blouses?

justine17

I haven't tried H&M because I assumed I was too old (-: But I might give it a try. I don't have a Zara near me . I have been on their website but it's hard to tell from their photos.

justine17

I am looking for pretty t-shirts,tunics, casual blouses. I work from home but there are times when I need to meet a client or a vendor so jeans and tops usually work for what I do

justine17

I've tried Banana Republic,Loft, Anthro. Loft was awful . I bought alot of pieces there in the Fall and I have maybe two left. They all either fell apart (holes) or no longer look presentable

abc

Veteran

Really depends on your style. I have a similar lifestyle and have had luck with:
Lucy - skews casual MOTG / wfh
athleta - skews casual MOTG / wfh also
Chicos (have to sort through the bedazzled things but can find some items)
Gap (good jeans)
Nordstrom (good jeans, tops - can recommend NYDJ Henley blouse)

Anonymous

Try tops that are woven, not knit. They last longer and are less likely to lose their shape.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Lands End? Casual, well made basics that could work for your lifestyle.

Anne-Marie

You could try White House/Black Market. Some of their merchandise is stunning and it's always very well made. I love the detailing on their jackets and their blouses and tops always have a little something extra going on detail-wise, too. Many of their garments are not my thing but others are spot on. If you like florals/patterns and don't mind wearing poly occasionally as opposed to natural fibers, you might fare especially well there. Their point of view is a bit less boho and more streamlined than Chico's, I'd say, and more frilly/feminine than Banana.

My very favorite place for items like you're describing is Club Monaco, but I simply cannot afford it.

ETA: If you eBay, you'll find lots of WH/BM garments there. They wear like iron, so you'll probably find them in really good shape.

abc

Veteran

I agree but to me whbm skews a bit dressy at least for my lifestyle. Chicos is a sister company for those who didn't know.

Anne-Marie

I completely understand that reply, abc. There's lots of dressy at WH/BM. I've gotten some lovely silks there. And I didn't know they were sister companies with Chico's!

I work from home, too -- 3 days a week home, 2 days at a business casual office. For at home days that incorporate a workout at night, or for breezy active dresses, I agree with your Athleta recommendation!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Justine --

You've gotten some great suggestions above. I've definitely noticed the drop in quality the last couple of years, and I notice it on items that started off QUITE pricey (bought on deep sale).

It sounds ridiculous but I wash on low agitation and barely dry anything.
Ts shirts, blouses, underwear -- all on flipping hangers! [the knits don't stretch, but you could lay flat for even higher maintenance]

Meanwhile I have ancient lounge wear or exercise wear that's lived a hard life, gets dried on hot, and has no holes at all....

Anonymous

Tee shirts especially these day seem to me to not last long. Maybe Joy is right and I should be looking for woven items.

Maureen

It sounds like Talbots would work for you! Overall very good quality. Especially their tees and blouses (and denim).

Meow

Veteran

I live in Jeans and T shirts. In fact, I HAVE to wear cotton or natural fibers for safety around fire. I also wear a work/shop apron...ack..this is so frustrating to my inner fashionista! So, i just plan to renew my cotton/linen/natural fibers wardrobe regularly. Fortunately, these items are not too expensive. AND...I change clothes before I go out in public.

justine17

Thanks everyone! I'll let you know what I find! Justine

abc

Veteran

Hi Anne-marie! Just chiming back in to say I didn't mean at all to be snippy if I came across that way!! And yes, did you know...Soma intimates, WHBM and Chicos are all sister companies??!!

Good luck Justine, keep us posted.

abc

Veteran

Also Justine see a blog post by Wardrobe Oxygen today, she gives her Talbots favorites for spring. I was just in the store and walked back out due to floral overload, but Alison has really highlighted some nice options. Good luck.