Dressing too old for my age I think

[wizzywig]

Im 40 and in an attempt to look classy, i think i actually dress way older than my age. Eg, I look at Carole Middletons clithes and think "ooh that looks nice". I get clothes from monsoon, banana republic, oliver bonas, white stuff. Are these shops for 40 yr old working mothers?

[Corialanusburt]

Yes I would ditch all of those, too mumsy, especially White Stuff.

[wizzywig]

Where do young 40 yr olds shop when they want quality clothes? Ive also got way too many stripy breton tshirts.

[TooTweeOrNotTooTwee]

I recommend Oasis. I tend to get tops and skinny trousers from there, and then boyfriend jersey jackets from Topshop. Not saying I'm very fashionable but I think I look my age (36).

[wizzywig]

Didnt think topshop sold clothes for grown ups. I remember shopping there as a teenager. Ill have a little look. Ta

[TooTweeOrNotTooTwee]

This sort of thing: https://m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/jersey-boyfriend-blazer-5763568?geoip=noredirect&cmpid=ppcplaaUKip&utmmmedium=cpc&tsrc=vdna&istCompanyId=38aa0d7f-6514-4cb3-bbdc-df0d32d48b7f&istItemId=xxxxrpitix&istBid=tztx&gclid=CO6bipmiiM8CFcKfGwodFOcC6A&gclsrc=aw.ds

Although not with the groovy jeans the model is wearing

[sooperdooper]

I'm 38 and I shop in Zara, Oasis, Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins.... I've never stepped foot in Banana Republic or White Stuff and think monsoon is a bit Munster - I do quite like Oliver Bonas but there isn't a shop near me

[sooperdooper]

Munster???? Mumsy!!

[sooperdooper]

That top shop jacket is lovely!

[eurochick]

I'm 40 and don't think I dress older than my age. I buy quite a bit of my work stuff from banana republic but never use the other shops you listed. I tend to look in reiss, BR and Zara for work stuff; Zara, mango, oasis and gap for casual wear. Sometimes also massimo dutti and ted baker. I love Zara styles but wish the fabrics and workmanship was a bit better. I also use online flash sales quite a bit. I have two bargain cashmere jumpers on their way and a few months ago got two dvf dresses for work half price.

[BettyCrystal]

It's tough. I'm 40 & like to wear dresses. I've always rocked an Oxfam chic look, now I just look Oxfam shabby. I've binned the mini skirts, but I'm not in classic lady territory either.
I'd love to streamline my wardrobe. I find the quality of high street stores has gone downhill in the last 10 years, so I've held on to some of my good stuff. Has anyone tried &Other Stories? Opening near me soon.

[wizzywig]

I need to hire you all for a style intervention. To defrump me.

[leccybill]

I'm 36 and I mainly buy from Dorothy Perkins and Oasis, with a bit of New Look and Primark thrown in.

I like skinny jeans with blouses and drapey thin jumpers but I'm also partial to a breton tee (or 20).

[PNGirl]

I reckon Zara, Reiss, maybe Whistles? I don't think there's anything wrong with Banana Republic though, but you are basically paying for GAP designs and quality with a different label.

Avoiding looking mumsy is mainly about the whole look and not where the individual items are from, I think. Your top can be from anywhere if the jeans/trousers are a funky modern cut and your shoes aren't shapeless things you've had years. If you put on a blazer with anything it immediately sharpens it up - I've got a black one from Aquascutum.

[PNGirl]

Meant to say - Uniqlo! It looks good on everyone.

[phoolani]

I'd have to recommend cos for a 'classic with a modern twist' look, supplemented with a bit of jigsaw and French connection basics range.

[DogsAndCatsAndThings]

Yes to:
Zara
Topshop
Jigsaw
Warehouse
Ted Baker
French Connection

No to:
Dorothy Perkins (polyester cheap ugly clothes)
Oasis (unless you love girly girly polyester floral prints, very "mumsy")
Next (as bland and style-less as it gets)
Monsoon (for old hippies)

I don't mind some things from White Stuff.

At 40 you should not be dressing like Carol Middleton although she does always very look good for her age group. Think more Lisa Snowden, Victoria Beckham, Louise Redknapp.

[polyhymnia]

Im near Carole Muddleton's age and even I think her clothes, while immaculate, are a bit too 'safe'.
Of stores you mention I'd have thought only Banana Republic is a good place for 40 yr olds. And also Whistles, as PPs have suggested.

[wizzywig]

Oh dear lord. Today i saw a woman in her 50s wear a top i have. Shit.

[burnishedsilver]

If you like your clothes stick with them. You can probably tweet the accessories to shake things up a bit.

[Floisme]

I was about to try and post something helpful but after seeing that comment about women in their 50s I'm not going to bother.

[Kr1stina]

I'm with Flo

[YvaineStormhold]

I had this realisation yesterday. I got dressed for work, looked in the mirror and saw a lovely, comfy Nanna.

I'm 42

[ChippyDucks]

Wizzy I came over here from my thread you were on about student type clothes.
I'll raise you the 50 year old wearing your top and give you a 70 year old wearing a floral top I bought from m&s when I was 34
Loving the blazer btw. Great thread.

[wizzywig]

Sorry flo and kr1 i didnt mean to offend you or anyone.

[Doobigetta]

I'm the same age as you and like to think I'm not frumpy. The last couple of years I've mostly bought from Mint Velvet, Gap, Zara, Warehouse, Oasis, Mango and Boden. I used to get a lot from TK Maxx but find you have to look harder for less reward these days. I think as others have said, the key is keeping it simple and clean- look for decent quality fabric and avoid fussy details, which can look cheap and show up bulges you never used to have (if the clothes were made for 20 year olds) or frumpy and aging if they were made for 60 year olds.