Which shops/brands for my style & shape are on the high st?

[easypeeler]

5'6" size 12 top 10 bottom, hourglass, neat, classic

Want to break out of frumpy/formal and get a bit more 'fitted/sassy' but bear in mind I'm 50 very soon and I'm having a mid-life style crisis. Prefer quality to quantity price-wise but not toooo pricey and am an autumn - dark hair & eyes pale but warm skin.

Currently checking out CC and Viyella but they're adding to my frumpy-feeling :(

Hate shopping online a I'm all about the 'feel' and 'fit'

can you help? Pleeeeease?

[polyhymnia]

I'd avoid those two as really frumpy.
What about Hobbs LK Bennett or Whistles?

[duvetheaven]

Phase Eight, Zara?

[Spookey80]

I'm sorry if I sound rude(don't mean to), but those shops are where groans shop surely.
I think you need to broaden your horizons, my mum is 60+ and buys slim fit jeans from m&s and will quite happily team it with knitwear from topshop, h&m, hobbs or whistles.
Don't think "that shops not for my age" just be selective about what you pick. So maybe cc and Viyella have 'ok' stuff but just don't wear it all together.?
....but I'd still avoid them if your trying to move away from frumpy.

[Spookey80]

*grans,,,not groans!

[easypeeler]

ROTFL - I think groans is better - very Freudian

Thanks for the advice :)

[Flo56]

Put that Viyella down right now. I’m older than you and my three favourite shops are:
TK Maxx
TK Maxx
TK Maxx
Some days everything I am wearing is from there. Like you, I prefer a bit more quality these days and this is the only way I can afford it. Lately I’ve found Ghost, Damsel in a Dress, Ganni and DKNY.

I supplement with bits and pieces from:
Uniqlo – for knitwear and Ts
Boden – they get a bashing on here and some of it is deserved but I like their knitwear.
Me & Em – for treats. Their ruched jersey gives you a fabulous shape without being too revealing. Unfortunately they’re also ££££s but the sales are good.
M&S - for Limited Collection and Autograph.
I still look in H&M, Top Shop etc. I’m just very selective. I do buy jewelry here though.
Hobbs can be good, though a bit formal. Other people have recommended Whistles, Cos and Banana Republic although I’ve never seen anything there myself. Oh and White Company – but you have to love beige.

[LittleSiouxieSue]

A visit to the new J Crew in London would be a treat. I love them in the USA. Also a new grown up store from H & M is Stories.com. They have mail order and a London store too. Nothing wrong with Zara or Mango either. I am older than you and like Zara. Banana Republic is Gap for grown ups. Have fun!

[GeorginaWorsley]

Am similar shape to you and 46.
I like
Phase eight
Boden
Mint velvet
Some Cos,but nothing too shapeless
Some marks and Spencer,great boots atm.
Some Warehouse,esp knitwear
I know you said high street but i like independent boutiques and brands such as
Sandwich
Noa Noa
Avoca

[GeorginaWorsley]

Am similar shape to you and 46.
I like
Phase eight
Boden
Mint velvet
Some Cos,but nothing too shapeless
Some marks and Spencer,great boots atm.
Some Warehouse,esp knitwear
I know you said high street but i like independent boutiques and brands such as
Sandwich
Noa Noa
Avoca

[GeorginaWorsley]

Sorry for double post!

[easypeeler]

I bought CC's cord jacket in cognac and it looks amazing!

I think what you're all saying is be selective but shop where you like. I buy Next jeans and M&S footwear at the moment.

Thanks for the other shop ideas - I'll check out TKmaxx when I have time to rummage.

[easypeeler]

Meant to add a link to CC jacket!

The fitted shape is really good and the colour is perfect on me,
www.ccfashion.co.uk/fcp/product/countrycasuals/Modern-Navajo/Cognac-Cord-Trim-Jacket/7537

Not sure what to wear it with - black trousers probably but will wear it with jeans to maximise cost per wear.