Good quality, mid priced classic women’s clothing?

[Anonymous]

Years ago I shopped mostly at Gap and J Crew. Lately it’s been a hodge podge.

I want to look tidy and put together and not frumpy but don’t need to look cutting edge. I like classic and comfortable. I’d love it if I could buy all my stuff at just a few stores - I don’t like looking all around.

Any ideas? I’m thinking of maybe trying LL Bean? It’s a little outdoorsy but maybe it could work selectively. Where else? I’m 40 and a size 4-6 if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Do you live in rural Vermont? If so, LL Bean could work. If you live in an urban area, I wouldn't recommend that.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Boden? I dislike most of their prints, but the quality is generally decent so a good source for basic tees, cashmere sweaters, slacks.

[Anonymous]

I'm a few years older than you, around size 6, and have been liking Talbots. I know it has a reputation as an old-lady store, but they have good basics and what I really like is a lot of their stuff is all-cotton (polyester doesn't work for my skin which is one reason I no longer go to a former staple, Ann Taylor/Loft). There's no doubt some of their stuff is super frumpy but there are also good classic, fitted pieces.

[Anonymous]

I get a lot of my clothes at J. McLaughlin on sale. Right now they have an additional 30% off sale prices (although it's final sale so you need to know the fit of their stuff). Talbots is good for basics. Banana Republic can be okay some seasons.

[Anonymous]

Take a look at Everlane. Some of their items are boxier/frumpier, but definitely not all. They have some good basics.

[Anonymous]

I just received my first Boden order this week. Really great. The quality and cut was better for me than everlane.

[Anonymous]

Everlane is hit or miss.

Bowen’s quality is pretty good, but the fit is sometimes off for me. Worth a try for you OP

Jcrew is terrible now so is BR and Gap.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you were thinking Land's end? I think that most of their stuff is classic, and I *think* the quality is good, though its been 6 months or so since I've bought anything (SIP is 100% PJ time for me hahaha)

[Anonymous]

+1 for Boden. I’m a seamstress and I’ve been very impressed by their craftsmanship. They don’t take the cheap way out. They’re a big cut above others at their price point in terms of quality.

[Anonymous]

Brooks Brothers. I wouldn’t call them mid-priced (depending on what we’re comparing to) but they have frequent sales. Quality is excellent.

Uniqlo quality is also very good, but their style range is narrow. If you like Japanese style (clean lines, loose fit) you’ll love it.

People say Theory is great. I don’t know, never found anything there to suit me.

It’s so hard to find affordable quality these days. Everything is race-to-the-bottom fast fashion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just received my first Boden order this week. Really great. The quality and cut was better for me than everlane.

How is their sizing? Is it comparable to US sizes? I’d like to purchase some of their clothes, but am not sure what size to order.

[Anonymous]

Llbean has some capris and shorts I like for everyday summer errands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just received my first Boden order this week. Really great. The quality and cut was better for me than everlane.

How is their sizing? Is it comparable to US sizes? I’d like to purchase some of their clothes, but am not sure what size to order.

They give you the US size...plus they also give you the actual garment measurements at each size. Their sizing is super easy to get correct. Free returns if it doesn’t work out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried Boden? I dislike most of their prints, but the quality is generally decent so a good source for basic tees, cashmere sweaters, slacks.

Don’t take fashion advice from anyone who uses the word “slacks.”