Where can I go to buy clothes?

[frumpster40]

Husband gave me £300 for Christmas solely to buy clothes as apparently I'm always moaning I've got nothing to wear.

I'm 40 and I'm ashamed to admit I've become a bit of a frump and rely on hand me downs, which I'm happy with to be honest.

My husband is now getting annoyed I haven't spent this money and is pushing for me to go and buy some.

I went for a quick look in Next & Matalan today but didn't see anything I like. I'm not that confident in buying new clothes to be honest.

I've got a Mum's night out on Friday at a local pub so I need a new top to wear really.

Can anyone suggest where to go or suggest items for me?

I'm struggling.

What sort of things do you like? Which shops do you usually go to?

M&S is very good at the moment.

Or you could really push the boat out and book a style appointment at John Lewis (or try Stitchfix which is an online styling company).

All Saints
Mango
H&M
&Other Stories

Hush has some lovely shirt dresses x

www.hush-uk.com/kensington-shirt-dress-star-geo-blue/005627-4298.html

Just for an idea , I've just got one for myself and lovely fit . Best to go a size down though.
What shops do you have in your town ?

I highly doubt that Next or Matalan deserve your Christmas money.

As you haven’t spent it yet, you could wait a few more hours while you peruse these two excellent and highly useful threads -

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4753001-can-we-talk-about-clothing-brands-and-target-demographics?reply=124266319

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4747927-les-parisiennes-des-mamansnet-jesusflo-superstar-in-a-back-lit-kaftan-toyboy-not-included?reply=125729566

I’d be very surprised if you don’t find some inspiration in each of them. £300 is enough to buy something really lovely - worth going out of your comfort zone for.

If you aren't that confident, what about booking an hour with a personal shopper at a dept store? You can be very clear that your maximum spend will be £300, and of course you don't have to spend anything if you don't like what they pick out. I've never used them but John Lewis are often mentioned on here as worth a try,

Also, have you thought about click and collect? I live a long way from shops and its really useful for me. I either do John Lewis to my nearish Waitrose, and then return anything I don't want back to Waitrose, or I have used M and S where I order stuff to store, try it on in the changing room and return the stuff I don't want at the counter.

I’m going to say John Lewis. Fab stuff especially their own stuff. I love the style of Mango but hated the fit.

I'd say either a personal shopper or go with a good friend whose style you admire. You sound like you aren't sure what suits you and lack confidence so you need someone to push you to try different things and tell you when you look great 😊

Five brands worth spending money on. (Click photos for info.)

This probably won't help in time for Friday, but why don't you ask your husband to shop with you? I like to try on clothes in front of my partner because he feels comfortable enough with me to be completely honest - in a polite way! - and isn't influenced at all by what is on trend (as a friend or personal shopper might be), he's only really looking at whether or not something suits me. He is pretty much always able to give a snap 'yes/no' answer, which is really helpful when I'm dithering over something. I also send him things I'm looking at online to see what he thinks. As for which shops to look in, it would be helpful to know a bit more about what your style is/what you would like it to be :)

I've heard good things about John Lewis personal shoppers - you tell them what you like and then they bring stuff to you rather than you looking round at the millions of choices and being overwhelmed.

But - I would say it also depends what size you are. I don't find John Lewis is great at catering in store for much above an 18, which may not be an issue for you.