Where do you buy clothes from in your forties?

[NoEffingWay]

I am in my early forties, and recently have struggled to buy clothing that isn't reminiscent of something my Mum would wear, or doesn't make me look like I am trying to be 20 again. The closure of loads of clothing shops hasn't helped my cause here!
I don't like Joules/Boden/Fat Face or White stuff typically-I am not a fan of floral tunics!
For reference I am a size 16, short but hopefully not frumpy woman. I wear gym stuff to exercise in, but like to look well put together outside of the gym!

I shop mostly in Cos, which might interest you (it's mostly tailored, plain coloured stuff) and Seasalt, which almost certainly won't (wall to wall detailed print tunics). I've just landed a new job after a few years out so I'm watching with interest!

I like Cos, Arket, Other Stories, Hush, The Outnet, Warehouse, By Marlene Birger, H&M.

Next
Gap
Dorothy Perkins
H&M for basics, not the fashion stuff
Vinted for all of the above too

I love Mint Velvet. I have some really lovely flattering tops from a few years so that have lasted really well . It's hard to find non frumpy clothes at our age

Toast, People Tree, various Scandinavian brands or make my own.
Solid colour basics from Boden, Gap, H&M, or supermarkets at a push.

I get mine from either next, F&F or H&M. I wear mainly dresses, maxi or midi, I find these two places have the best choice.

I’m similar age and size to you and find the brands you mentioned just aren’t my style. I tend to shop Next and M&S for basics (jeans & simple work tops etc). After that i struggle, get the odd thing in George or F&F and H&M or TK Max but otherwise it’s very slim pickings- monsoon has had some good summery tops this year but I don’t have anything ‘nice’ to wear out at the moment.

I’m 41 and size 16/18 and I shop at asos, h and m and marks and spacers (for basics / jumpers and jeans). I like asos because I can sort by what’s new in and see what’s fashionable, so I pick a few things from there and add stuff from other places. I’m not ready for Seasalt or Boden.

I have a basic casual style, work is very casual too, so mainly basics from Uniqlo and H&M, jeans and chinos from Gap. Used to buy smart going out tops from Oasis, but that's gone now

@Afonavon

Next Gap Dorothy Perkins H&M for basics, not the fashion stuff Vinted for all of the above too

Dorothy Perkins doesn’t exist anymore

There're hardly any shops to go to in my huge town-I miss DP's, Warehouse, Debenhams, Rackhams, Fenwicks and there are no independents left.

There's John Lewis, Next, River Island, Zara, TK Maxx and New Look to pick from. It's all a bit crap really. JL has a few nice pieces, but some of it requires the sort of money I just don't have.

DP is online.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor

DP is online.

It’s BooHoo, no DP. BooHoo purchased the website and the clothes are 100% BooHoo.

www.dorothyperkins.com/

Yeah ASOS, H&M, Primark are my staples. Very rare I find anything in Zara as they sizing is so odd. I do also get a lot of stuff from charity shops and ebay.
I'm 40 and my look is definitely verging on mutton...very short skirts, lots of leopard print, orange Air Force 1s, camo print, puffa jackets, gold jewellery. I really don't care though. I don't want to look 40!

Following! I’m so bored of my clothes

General high street? Next. River Island. Hobbs. Karen Millen. Tommy Hilfiger for comfies.

I'm not quite 40, but I can't see my tastes changing dramatically in the next few years.

KIN at John Lewis is worth a look.

Hey OP, get yourself over to Style and Beauty and get yourself acquainted with shopping online.

I'm amazed when women your age still do the majority of your shopping in person.

You are really minimising your options.

ASOS,, EMP, New Look, Superdry, Hollister.

I love H&M a lot. I also like Weird Fish, Asos, and Espirit. I’m not a big fan of Joules other than for basics. Hobbs for formal workwear. I do like Cos’ trousers but they are vanity sized so if you have a defined waist you may need to buy several sizes to try on which pisses me off.

ASOS is a horror-show if you're not sure what you want.

I comment on these threads quite a bit @NoEffingWay, not to advise people where to shop , but to ask them,

'What do you want to look like?'

That's your first question really. No point asking where to shop if you don't know what you're trying to achieve.

So.

What do YOU want to look like?

Are there women you see that you want to emulate or who inspire you when it comes to style?

Women your size and shape.

Forget age.

Otherwise you're just going to get a list of a billion places that sell clothes.

It's not going to help you.

You need to focus on what you want, who you are, who you WANT TO BE.

Do that first.