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Style & Beauty

Is Boden really unfashionable

61 replies

Daytona79 · 26/04/2017 11:07

I'm 38 a baby and a toddler and I like some of Boden wrap dresses my friends are almost disowning me saying it's for old wifeys

Is this true am I ageing myself 20 years

OP posts:
BarneyRumbleton · 26/04/2017 11:09

It's popular on here, but I find it quite mumsy. I think it depends on your style.

WhatKatyDidnt · 26/04/2017 11:11

I don't have a clue about Boden and have no idea what marks a dress out as being Bodeny. Nowt wrong with being old or a wifey though. Your friends sound a tad rude.

misscph1973 · 26/04/2017 11:18

I think Boden is becoming unfashionable as I have been able to pick up some lovely Boden dresses and tops in charity shops for very little money.

I'm 44, and I like Boden because it's comfortable and easy, most of it is cotton, doesn't need ironing and washes well - like Polarn O. Pyret for grownups ;)

Regarding the ageing thing, honestly, I expect you are old enough to not care about judgemental comments about what you wear. They are probably just jealous because you are not afraid to wear what you like. Do your friends dress "young"?

Yellowcups · 26/04/2017 11:19

It's cut very well and flatters most figures so I guess its an easy option. Saves putting an outfit together and it's a damn sight better than bulging bits in skinny jeans that really should stayed in the 80's.

Even size 10 friends are forever picking their skinnies up.

piddleypower · 26/04/2017 12:16

Its got a reputation for being mumsy and middle class. You just have to pick the things that don't scream boden! Some of the work wear is great. I always get work dresses in the sale. But I wouldn't get the flowery patterned things, some can be mumsy. Its like everything - just pick carefully and what suits you.

Wtfdoicare · 26/04/2017 12:17

I like some Boden, not all, because the clothes are usually made from cotton, which is increasingly hard to find in high street shops these days. I tend to go for plain t-shirts, trousers or jeans, and knitwear.

SallyGinnamon · 26/04/2017 12:23

I like it and it's made for my shape. Lots of us wore it in our 30s and I still do in my 50s.

I always say it's about style not fashion though!

ArtemisiaGentilleschi · 26/04/2017 12:42

Some of it is classy, timeless and elegant and some of it looks like the bastard child of Per Una and Bon Marche.
The factory near my house makes Per Una, Borden, White Stuff, Fat Face and Monsoon. All of which can be either classic, or look like my nan's cushion covers in 1974.

taybert · 26/04/2017 12:42

Are your friends the sort of people who wouldn't sit next to someone on the school bus if they had clarks school shoes instead of kickers?

Boden have some lovely stuff, they also have some shockers but I think most shops are the same. Don't stop wearing things you love because people are juvenile and rude.

ArtemisiaGentilleschi · 26/04/2017 12:42

Boden.

DubiousCredentials · 26/04/2017 12:42

If you like it, wear it.

And get some more tactful friends.

taybert · 26/04/2017 12:44

I swear Johnnie must love these threads, Boden adverts on all my pages now!

burnishedsilver · 26/04/2017 12:54

Its all down to how you wear it. Any brand can look dowdy or can look fashionable, depending on what you do with it.

ScarlettFreestone · 26/04/2017 12:55

^^What Dubious said. Exactly that.

HolditFinger · 26/04/2017 12:56

I like it a lot. Nice classic styles that you can wear from one year to the next. Like a PP said, it's more about style than fashion.

BusterGonad · 26/04/2017 12:58

I had never heard of Boden until I came on here, and didn't know converse and Brenton tops were so popular either. I don't wear any of these things, I think they are fashion choices for mums, wether that makes them mumsy or not I don't know.

FiddleFigs · 26/04/2017 14:05

I think if you stick to classic styles in classic colours, you can't go wrong. I like Boden for its longer line Breton tops, plain jersey tshirts, linen shirts, skinny jeans and I've also bought an incredibly useful wrap dress (in black and in navy). I tend to steer clear of their seasonal prints and brightly coloured options. I'm 38 and have a toddler.

As PPs have said, it's about style. If you see something that is your style, and you like it, then buy it - doesn't matter what your friends think.

Theycalledmethewildrose · 26/04/2017 14:40

I think the clothes are too 'old' for me (mid forties) and many seem more suited for someone twenty years older. I find the patterns too loud, there is always something about the fit that isn't quite right. I don't dress 'younger' for my age but I enjoy shopping. If I didn't then I'd probably think catalogue clothes with fantastic customer service would be both a safe and good option for me.

WWYDworkwise · 26/04/2017 14:43

If you like it, then get it. What's that saying about fashion is ephemeral but style lasts forever? I'm very rarely in fashion but I like to think I have my own sense of style (the two only really coincided during the vampish 40s femme fatale A/W season about 10 years ago). If that means buying things from Boden/another place which is deemed unfashionable then so be it.

Starduke · 26/04/2017 14:58

I've only recently started buying Boden. I like their simple jersey dresses though I go for plain colours rather than the jazzy patterns.

WeeM · 26/04/2017 15:14

I think it depends what you buy. Some of the stuff is a bit mumsy for me but some of it is lovely. And it washes really well, hangs nice and is flattering. I tend to stick to the plainer stuff rather than patterns.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/04/2017 15:26

If you pick classic styles it's great. I avoid the things labelled "fun".

I do not need fun. I need stylish.

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Judydreamsofhorses · 26/04/2017 15:36

The only thing I have ever bought from Boden is a pair of slim fit black dungarees, which I saw on a blog last year and loved. I was then hounded by their direct marketing to the point that I had to block the emails. It's not my cup of tea in general, and I think it's very expensive (which is probably why there are always discount codes), but I do often like things when I see them on other people even though they're not for me.

OhtoblazeswithElvira · 26/04/2017 15:44

there is always something about the fit that isn't quite right
Agree. I have returned so many clothes that looked great on the catalogue / website but frumpy on me.

Quality is hit and miss these days. With this in mind I would buy only with 40% or 50% discount as everything is so overpriced (NB not expensive) at full price.

You need nicer friends OP!

Ilovewillow · 26/04/2017 15:47

That's an unkind thing to say! I would say I think it depends how you wear it, head to toe and probably I wouldn't but I like some of their plain trousers and plain jumpers! I tend to team them with whistles, Jigsaw, Me and Em and Hush but I like plain rather than fussy! I'm 44!
Wear what you feel good in and sod them!

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