A small step up in women's clothing

January 20, 2019 5:42 PM

I am looking for recommendations for well made, semi-inexpensive clothing. I was really surprised by how much nicer amazon essentials t-shirts were than my Target woman's t-shirt staples. I am looking for similar swaps.

Really, I've haven't bought too much clothing in the last almost ten years, so obvious new recommendations are great. I am hoping for casual or business casual women's clothing that is of pretty good quality for a reasonable price. I am hard on my clothes (lab work, young messy child), so a few beautiful pieces would likely get destroyed accidentally in short order. I am average height, size 8ish, open to suggestions. Amazon favorites or real store recommendations are both welcome.

posted by Kalmya to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

Best answer: Uniqlo clothes, in my experience, last years longer than Target. I bought a bunch of Target Brand New Day long sleeved shirts a year ago and they are super pilly. Uniqlo on the other hand really holds up. The downside is that their store locations are more spread out.
posted by k8t at 6:44 PM on January 20, 2019 [9 favorites]

Depending on the quality of the brand you buy... Nordstrom Rack. Since you can get some nice, better quality brands for much less. For example I got some True Religion jeans that lasted for YEARS (and were still okay but didn't fit) for less than half the price. You can shop online or in store. I like the Halogen brand they carry. Keep an eye out for their "clear the rack" extra 25% off clearance.
posted by Crystalinne at 8:49 PM on January 20, 2019

Best answer: I like Everlane for this (though I'd definitely say that not all their offerings are "inexpensive.")
posted by kylej at 9:03 PM on January 20, 2019

Another idea might be Goodwill. I went in last week and post-Marie Kondo, it was full of amazing items. It is one way to get higher quality clothes on a budget.
posted by k8t at 9:39 PM on January 20, 2019 [1 favorite]

Seconding Everlane and thrift stores.
posted by lovableiago at 9:44 PM on January 20, 2019

Depending on what you think "reasonable" price includes, eShakti has a terrific selection of casual-to-business-casual clothing, mostly dresses but some jumpsuits and pants. Their clothes are made to fit (either standard sizes or, for an extra $10, to your exact measurements) and require your height before they make it, so their knee-length skirts are actually knee length.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 11:05 PM on January 20, 2019 [2 favorites]

Best answer: There are a few consignment sites that are picky about quality and feature high-end brands. Usually, the clothes are well-made with good quality materials, and about a third of retail prices.
posted by spandex at 1:27 AM on January 21, 2019

Best answer: I have been appreciating the quality and not-too-expensiveness of Talbots. Their clothing feels well made (even after a few years of regular wear).
posted by jillithd at 6:20 AM on January 21, 2019 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Good recommendations here, but if you're looking on Amazon specifically, I've been pretty impressed with the Amazon Daily Rituals label. I have this dress in a few different colors, and it's as comfy as a nightgown, but can pass for winter business casual with boots, leggings, and a drapey cardigan or pretty scarf. It's not something I expect to have in my wardrobe 5 years from now, but I don't have to think about it and can throw it in the wash with the rest of our stuff when it gets baby spit on it.
posted by figgy_finicky at 12:34 PM on January 21, 2019

Best answer: This is not business casual, but I am sitting here in one of my two pairs of Lands End Active Yoga Pants and realizing how much I wear them and how they are still in fantastic shape. They have a 40% off sale practically every other week. I wash on cold and dry on low and they look as good as they did 3 years ago.
posted by radioamy at 4:18 PM on January 21, 2019 [1 favorite]

For casual - if you're willing to overpay, the quality of Lululemon is fantastic. The Shambala line from Marks (Work Warehouse, formerly) is pretty quality at a reasonable price. The 100-washes yoga pants are fantastic.
posted by porpoise at 11:56 AM on January 22, 2019