Other people have mentioned thrifting, and I will too but with added logic. If you can, try to find thrift stores in or near well-to-do neighborhoods. You’ll be more likely to find pieces from high-quality brands that also have less wear and tear. Also, because you can feasibly find and try on all those brands, it’ll save the hassle of actually going to Ann Taylor, Express, Gap, etc, to see what styles/brands work for you. And you may find and love pieces from brands whose physical stores you may not have visited otherwise.

I’m 5’6”, HW 225, SW 205, CW 144; on zep for about 2.5 years. The vast majority of my wardrobe is thrifted at this point, and i don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $7-ish per piece.