If you shop in Boden..

[onetwothreefour5]

What did you buy, did you keep it? Is it nice? I had vowed to give up on Boden but I'm struggling so much with the (lack of) quality and styles on the rest of the high street (I'm a sahm, age 40) that I wonder if Boden is (about) my only option..

[Bodicea]

I only tend to buy their winter stuff. Nice good quality lightweight jumpers to wear with skinny jeans. I also love the jacquard stuff - that sort of heavier almost quilted material that makes for flattering tops and dresses.
Their summer stuff is too frumpy.
Also buy a fair bit for the kids.

[WeeM]

Their jeans are great, I have a couple of skirts too. Also got a few tops and I really love the swimsuits and shorts. The shorts come in 4 different lengths which I think is a great idea.
A lot of I find overpriced but I only ever buy with a voucher code.

[LaCerbiatta]

I've just bought this for spring and I'm definitely keeping it. Flattering and good quality.

[LaCerbiatta]

Link fail! This!

[Greenteandchives]

There is a new Boden concession in John Lewis if anyone is interested. Bristol branch, so not sure if it is countrywide.

[Gillybobs]

I agree winter wear much better than summer. For me it's the jeans, Richmond trousers, plain knitwear, silk mix blouses and occasionally the footwear.

[misscph1973]

I have some tops, the sort of A-line style/wrap tops and a halter neck dress summer dress, and I like them very much, they wash well and suit my figure. I got them second hand, so I thought I would try the jeans and trousers in the Boden summer sale. They (3 different pairs) were all wrong for my figure, I was very disappointed, too tight on the thighs and too loose in the waist (I am 176 tall and I weigh 58 kg, low-ish weight due to AA bust). The quality felt cheap and thin as well. So they all went back (returning was easy).

[ilovecherries]

I have a fair bit from there. I tend to buy plain jersey dresses, trousers, plain Ravello tops and cashmere. People say their cashmere is shit, but I have never found it so. I like their patterns less, but any item of clothing that has 'fun' in the descriptor tends to put me off. But I have Ravello tops that will easily be 15 years old and are still going strong. I tend only ever to wear one item of their clothing at a time though, as I feel if you put one of their tops with one of their trousers, then some of their knitwear etc you fo start to gave a boden 'look'. But I would say that about any store. (ignores fact I was a walking hush billboard this winter).

[ilovecherries]

And I bought what I think was a seriously nice pair of lepoard ankle boots from them in December. Worn them loads and they are holding up well.

[MaudlinMews]

Their shoes are too small and narrow for me - size 8. shame as theyre nice. Their dresses always look like maternity wear on me too (size 10-12). I think its great if you’re young thin and preppy but not if youre not iyswim.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I like their ruched dresses - have got three.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

And Ravello tops.

[onetwothreefour5]

I want to like their ravello tops but they just look too prim on me. I wish they would do them in cotton.

[LilaoftheGreenwood]

Basics in knitwear and tops. I am wearing a cuddly black jumper now which is 5 years old, has been worn loads and only just starting to bobble. Their plain double-layered vests in the summer are excellent, hold me in a bit without looking tight and have proper wide straps.

[tarheelbaby]

I have bought quite a bit of Boden over the years. It's variable. I find the sizing much less reliable than it used to be. Usually I avoid the trousers b/c these don't fit me well but I bought a great pair of linen shorts last summer and I have some linen trousers from years ago (before all the clothes had names). I have some dresses for work - throw on and go - also from several years ago. The first and last cashmere I bought is as scratchy as wool. I have several lightweight V neck tees although they're a bit low cut. I avoid the crazy patterns.

I also buy some kids' clothes: zip front fleeces are a must and sometimes pj's. Plus, for the price, the quality is not that much better than anywhere else.

[GoatPavlova]

I love some Borden and think other items look like dishcloths. Velvet coats are brilliant for lightweight cover ups, commuting and travel. Rainmacs are warm and excellent for dog walking.
I like their jersey wrap tops over a simple black skirt for work.
I like the knitted colour-block dresses.

[senoritachiquita]

I also have and love the leopard skin ankle boots.

[Hazza000]

Sea Salt clothing is comparable to boden if you're looking for an alternative.

[LizzieSiddal]

I always buy from Biden but find it very hit and miss. I have to order a lot and I send most of it back but am usually really pleased with the bits I keep.

I buy dresses, blouses, jumpers, coats and shoes from there. I will say, it’s all plain as patterns don’t suit suit me.

[PaperdollCartoon]

I’m a 30 year old, childless, professional and I wear quite a lot of Boden. Mostly their plain coloured dresses for work, which I find are cut well to flatter a curvier shape (I’m a booby and bummy size 12) I generally steer away from the overly patterned things, but the plain colours are nice and wash well.

[Mamia15]

Try TU sainsburys if you like the Boden look

[BlueEyedWonder]

I’m 41 and I still buy a few bits from Boden. Their petite range fits me well.
I stick to the plainer, neutral colour items. Although I do like their quirky print shirts for work.
I also get the odd pair of shoes.

I avoid the bright stuff and anything with a fun lining or contrast trim. So many of their items are ruined by a contrast trim which I really dislike. I’ve given Johnnie feedback on this but he takes no notice.

[DozyDoates]

Most of my work clothing is from Boden, I like their smarter jersey dresses and the fact they do a long length (for my weirdly long torso). I'm thinking of trying a pair of the Richmond trousers next (when I get a decent discount code). I bought a swimsuit in the summer which is lovely - lots of hidden structure which is most appreciated post baby.
I bought my son a winter coat which is absolutely brilliant; warm, waterproof, and in bright colours. The size is such that I think it'll still fit next year and it still looks like new.

[Helpmeltb]

I only ever buy workwear dresses. I try to buy with discount codes/vouchers. Although they seem pricey, they do last really well.

[Vestly]

I needed flat yet slightly glamorous shoes for a wedding and got Boden studded strappy ones new off ebay. Perfect.
I got some of the trousers like Richmond which are now discontinued. They fit well and are a great alternative to jeans, which I hate. Would like to try Richmond and see if they are as good a fit on me but they are too expensive full price.
I have a knot front jersey dress from several years ago which is my go to occasion dress. It is well made, double layer jersey and has lasted really well.
Also a jersey sleeveless summer dress which is so easy to just fling on and was in a sale.
I've bought loads over the years. I think too many of their dresses look too tight now which would never suit my middle age spread.