Welcome to Leigh's List . A weekly column, a bit like an agony aunt, but for your shopping woes. A self confessed shopping addict, Leigh Campbell enjoys nothing more than hunting down the *thing* you've been searching for but haven't been able to find.

Listen to Leigh talk more about the pieces below on the Nothing To Wear podcast.

Yvette asked:

"I think I need help with finding some timeless fashion pieces. I don't quite want a capsule wardrobe, but something like it I can use to get more wear out of the clothes I have. I get distracted by new trends and I just realised I don't have many essentials in my wardrobe. Leigh, where do you suggest I get some basic items that are good quality and will last me a few years?"

Leigh answered:

"I LOVE good basics. For so long I couldn't work out why my clothes were hard to make outfits from, and it wasn't until I realised I was shopping for an imaginary life (fancy dresses, lots of high heels) and not my 'real' life that things changed. I then started to invest in versatile basics and all of a sudden mixing and matching to create new outfits was easy, and also fun. Comfort was also an added bonus.

"Think of your basics (t-shirts, jeans, blazers, flats) as the foundation of your wardrobe on which you build. They're the architecture. Then you can add the fun stuff - statement pieces, pops of colours and trend-based items. They're the interior decoration. The main hitters like Cotton On, Kmart, Target, Zara, Witchery and Country Road always have something, but here’s where else I hunt for the best basics, and what’s good from each store or brand."

Uniqlo

Japan’s most popular store for classics first hit Australian shores almost a decade ago, in 2014. Their whole schtick is casual, great quality clothes for men, women and kids. I love their linen (I size up for an oversized look), the excellent quality cashmere, and the only invisible socks I have ever tried that don't slip off and end up bunched up in your shoe.

TRY THESE:

Uniqlo Premium Linen Striped Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.90.

Uniqlo Ines de la Fressange Cotton Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater, $59.90.

Uniqlo Footsies 3 pack, $14.90.

COS

COS is H&M's more mature, grown up sister. They come from the same company, but COS is all about offering wardrobe essentials with innovative design and a strong sustainability focus. Australia also got COS in 2014, and since then I've collected a decent amount of their pieces to be able to vouch for the quality. It’s equally as good for workwear as it is for more casual items.

TRY THESE:

COS Regular Fit T-Shirt, $35.

COS High Waisted Tapered Pants, $135.

Belted Linen Shirt Dress, $150.

Vinnies or Red Cross

You have to be in the right mood (or even be the right personality), but if you’re into it, rummaging at these stores can unearth treasures. A recent example - I’d been eyeing off an Anine Bing oversized striped shirt (with a price tag of $320). I then popped into my local Red Cross shop and found a men's Nautica business shirt that was almost identical. It was $7. I’ve also found great jeans (and jeans I’ve then cut into shorts) and, classic white men’s shirts and excellent quality knits, often unworn, for no more than the cost of a fancy toastie.

Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer is the UK’s most loved and trusted department store for its quality affordable clothing, homewares and accessories. They have a dedicated Australian website that shows items more suited to our current season and climate, in AUD. Items are shipped from the UK, but only take about a week. I have several pairs of their jeans, knits and handbags, all of which I love and use often.

TRY THESE:

M&S Collection Lyocell Blend Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans, $85.99.

M&S Recycled Blend V-Neck Button Front Cardigan, $59.99.

Leather Top Handle Cross Body Bag, $195.

Decjuba

Decjuba is one of the Australian brands I used to shop when it first launched back in 2008, then moved on as I preferred other retailers. I recently started revisiting the brand over the past few years and have been consistently impressed by the offering of quality basics at a good price point. I love their denim, t-shirts and blazers.

TRY THESE:

Decjuba Carys Boyfriend Blazer, $179.95.

Decjuba Chloe Crew Tee, $44.95.

Decjuba Stevie High Rise Cuffed Short, $79.95.

Staple Superior

Staple Superior is a men’s basics brand all about good quality stapes, as the name would suggest. I often opt for men’s tees because I like an oversized fit, and sometimes they’re cheaper than women’s - go figure. I like an oversized bomber jacket and denim jacket, too. This label does great tees, which you can also purchase in a pack of three, and excellent shirts. Stock up for yourself, or gift a man in your life, then borrow it back.

TRY THESE:

Staple Superior Organic Basic Slim Fit Tee 3-Pack, $59.99.

Staple Superior Hamilton Linen Blend LS Shirt, $59.99.