I've got a tight budget. Which few pieces give me the most outfits for the money?

Prioritise pieces that combine in the most ways: a dark pair of jeans, a pair of neutral chinos, two plain tees and one collared shirt or golfer already make several work and casual outfits. Keep them to black, navy, grey and stone so everything matches everything, and add colour only once the mix-and-match base is covered. This stretches a small budget much further than buying standout single pieces.

I need one outfit that works for a job interview, church and a family function — what should I buy?

A plain collared shirt in white or light blue with neutral chinos and clean closed shoes covers all three without looking over-dressed. It reads smart for an interview or church and still fits in at a function, and you can dress it down afterwards with the sleeves rolled and jeans. Sticking to solid colours means it works across every occasion rather than just one.

Which everyday pieces last longest before they wear out or look tired?

Heavier cotton tees, comfort-stretch denim and cotton-blend chinos outlast very thin, soft fabrics that thin out or pill after a few months. On tops, check the seams and collar; on bottoms, the knees, seat and hems take the most strain. Darker colours also stay looking presentable for longer between washes, so they feel newer for more of their life.

I've picked up a bit of weight around the middle — which cuts are most comfortable and flattering?

A regular or straight fit with a mid-rise sits on the waist without digging in or clinging, and darker, plain colours skim the middle rather than drawing the eye to it. Avoid very slim or low-rise cuts and busy prints across the stomach. Tops that end around the hip, rather than short cropped ones, are also more comfortable and forgiving.

I need hard-wearing clothes for a physical job. What holds up to daily wear and washing?

Choose heavier fabrics and roomier cuts: comfort-stretch or rigid denim, sturdy cotton-blend work-style pants and thicker tees take strain at the seams far better than thin, tight pieces. A regular or straight fit puts less stress on the knees, seat and shoulders when you're moving all day. Darker colours also hide marks so they stay presentable between washes.

What actually makes a 'smart-casual' outfit here versus just casual — I don't want to be over- or under-dressed?

Smart-casual comes down to a collar and neat bottoms: a shirt or golfer with chinos or dark, clean jeans and closed shoes reads smart-casual, while a printed tee, distressed jeans or sports shoes read casual. The quickest lift is swapping a tee for a collared top and sneakers for cleaner shoes. Keep colours plain and you'll land in the middle rather than too formal or too relaxed.

If something doesn't fit once I try it at home, can I bring it back?

PEP accepts returns and exchanges in line with its current returns policy, so you can bring an item back if the fit isn't right — check the latest policy and time frame in-store or on the website before you buy, and keep it unworn with tags on where required. Keep your till slip or proof of purchase, as you'll usually need it to return or exchange.