Help Me Build A Simple Wardrobe!

[Hunter's Moon]

I usually shop at Savers, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and will go to Target or Walmart on occasion. However, I find the clothing stretches out far too quickly and just tends to be poor quality. There is the occasional shirt or pair of pants that don't stretch and that are of good quality, but I am sick of having to shop so frequently for poor quality clothing. I would probably save more money by spending more money but not having to shop as frequently.

 

I need help looking for some basics that are higher quality.

 

- Black tank top. I have a heavy top if you know what I mean, and I need coverage. I hate wearing a tank and worrying about having to continually adjust my shirt all day.

 

- Jeans that have some stretch to them. I am a rectangular shape and am sick of trying to fit into pants made for a hour glass figure and are low rise.

 

- Good quality skirts: Pencil, pleated, and flowey.

 

Those are the only things I can think of off the top of my head, but I am sure I will add more later.

 

Thanks :)

[TechWife]

Do you have access to consignment stores? If we can help you identify some brands, that might be an option for you if you have the time to visit them semi-regularly to look for what you need.

 

As far as tank tops go, I have found that Coldwater Creek tank tops have good at the neckline and they don't gape under my arms.

[Rosie_0801]

Try mens jeans. They worked well for me until I had kids.

[OrganicAnn]

I think you will just need to go to stores in your area and try things out. I think it really helps to have a short list of 'wants' like you do. I would definitely shop at some of the more expensive stores. I know people who had Pendleton jackets that they wore for over 40 years. The key is to be very picky, which unfortunately takes time. But if you go to a store and nothing fits, then scratch it off your list and don't go back.

[LostSurprise]

For rectangular/H-shapes/thinner apples, Target and Levis both have lines now for less curvy women in a variety of rises. I've bought my jeans in the men's department for many years, but I can fit Target's mid-rise, straight jeans. They're in the $20-30 range.

[Chris in VA]

JCPenney outlets seem to have nice skirts and blouses of "medium" quality--better than Walmart or Target.

Dh gave me some $ for clothes two years ago, and I was able to get a good bit for under $200--I think something like 3 blouses, a skirt (still wear that, the blouses are too big now), some casual clothes like T's and shorts...Anyway, if you find a good consignment shop, you may be able to stretch your dollar, but be aware you have to look carefully.

[2squared]

I spent the past two days shopping for my work wardrobe, so I am hot off the "new wardrobe" trail. Since I was buying everything in one shot, I stayed with medium priced stores. My favorite go-to spots were Dress Barn and Christopher and Banks with a little Macy's thrown in. I don't know what size you are, but Dress Barn was half woman's sizes, and CJ Banks is C&B's woman-sized counterpart.

 

I usually feel uncomfortable at Christopher and Banks b/c their clientelle are generally older than me, but I do like some of their looks. Some are clearly old lady looks, but I just ignore those. :)

 

If I was buying for myself at home and had time to build a wardrobe, I would have spent some time at JJill.

 

Either way, I love having some cute clothes to pair with jeans too.

[Starr]

My dd in college finds clothes she likes at TJMax, Loft, JCrew. We get prices under most Target prices. Sign up online and check the sales. Don't buy what you don't love or can't afford. You are on track in thinking through the pieces you are looking for. Then when the 40% off of sale price comes up look for it. Prices move around a lot online. TJMax is hit or miss. Good luck.

[rwjx2khsmj]

Kohl's is my go to place for wardrobe stocking. They have a variety of brands that cover a range of sizes and quality. Their prices are usually pretty good and they are always having a sale.

 

They always have my staples, good jeans, solid color tee shirts, great shoes. Plus they have trendy things at reasonable prices.

[moonlight]

I agree. TJ Maxx or Marshalls are usually a good bet.

[Blessed Mommy]

Kohl's is my top choice. Not only do they have great sales, but I ALWAYS find great pieces on the clearance rack for everyone in my family! If you get a store credit card, they send you coupons for up to 30% off (12 times a year), including clearance! (Of course I always make sure to pay my card off in full!) Just this past weekend I bought about $150.00 worth of clothing items for a grand total of $31.09! Woot, woot!