to wonder where exaclty IS suitable for 40'somethings to shop for clothes?

[MilliONaire]

So. If Boden, Joules, jigsaw, Whistles etc are too 'boring & middle class', H&M, topsho, primark are too cheapy and 'trendy' (for the most part) & designers are too expensive - then where is left for a 40yr old to buy clothes?

Just wondering......

I'd like to know this too.

No idea! This 40 year old is obviously just 'boring & middle class'.

this 40+ shops at next, new look etc

what's wrong with being trendy?

Surely it's gotta be M&S?

We are not wanted by the fashion industry.

Hurrah!

So we can shop wherever we like! Lately I have found Kew quite good.

Karen miller, all saints, river island, fatface, people tree, moo boutique or local trendy store, and topshop selectively.

bollocks to it all - shop where you want to

must take a look at kew.
Maddy- nothing wrong witu being stylish at all, but I personally don't want to dress like my 21yr sil now that I am almost 41. Plus, it's a bit 'try too hard' and more aging really.

I like to think I am stylish - I look after myself, am tall and slim but there is a bit of a fashion black hole out there when you hit late 30's / early 40's I think! At the moment I buy a bit in Jigsaw, whistles, just had my first ever delivery of Boden in the sale, and I like Noa Noa too....but it can be hard to find things I really like, that suit me and my shape etc...

yes your shape changes unless you really work at it after 40 (I found anyway)

phase8 is lovely.

Oh I like Jesire too, they often have nice bits and pieces.

I find it really difficult to find skirts - hate wearing trousers (big fat bum). I'm not quite ready for the Eastex corner of Debenhams yet, and it's really really frustrating!!

Mind you, got 2 perfect skirts from charity shops recently. I was well chuffed!

Yay for all the 40'somethings on here tonight!

Did you all find that your style changed as you left your 20's/30's?

I find myself being drawn to more glamorous stuff (despite the fact that as a sahm to a 5yr old I have little need for this type of thing!) but I am developing a desite to be more polished and put together then casual recently. It is such a tricky age to dress for I think. I want to look sophosticated and grown up but I can't run about in heels etc...hmmm...

I am also drawn to dresses which is a whole new thing for me!

It is hard Milli, if you want to be looking nice and only have limited funds. I have given up, jeans and Woolovers jumpers do me for every day and I never go out so go into a blind panic every time I need to dress up!

That should read 'desire'..apologies for all the typos - must be the 'sophisticated red wine I have been swilling, oops, sipping all evening!'

YANBU- I agree. We've got money to spend on clothes and nobody wants our money! Whilst we're at it- dresses with sleeves? Where are they?

Hear hear Nesta. I'd love a dress with sleeves.

yes floweryblue, indeed! I have limited funds as a sahm but I am really pushing for a new wardrobe even if it is jumper by jumper! I lived in jeans and tops for 4yrs as a sahm but since I turned 40 in feb I have felt a change and want to make more of an effort on a daily basis iykwim? I was always fine for special occassions but it's the day to day stuff I want to look at.

another vote for Kew

I also like Hobbs and there are 2 small independent shops close to me (one sells danish designs and the other several brands but nice quality) I find many independent shops like that are great..

Nesta you need to wear a trendy cardie over.

I think us 40 somethings can buy trendy stuff, it's how you wear it.

I'm skint so have to do cheap stuff, just make sure not too much is ever showing [gfrin]

Yes it is worth actually going in some of those little expensive looking shops in your local town that you normally never go in!

I got some great trousers in one recently, and I would never have chosen them in a high street shop, but the shop owner went and got them and said try these. And they were just right.

I am lucky enough to be able to wear the same for work as casual - I work in an agency. My faves are Kew, Phase 8, east, white stuff, fat face and lk bennett for posher gear. M&S is ok if you check out the really big stores. Also have a couple of hobbs suits but a lot of their stuff is a bit square. I also know a few little independent stores who are spot on trend.

Boden is far too mumsy for me. Love the catalogue but never find anything in it I would actually wear

Seasalt is nice for a few casual bits and pieces. Plus it appeals to my more ethical side.

My wardrobe is mostly filled with Kaliko, Precis Petite, Boden, Joules, Seasalt, M&S and Designers at Debenhams.

Agree Nesta, dresses with sleeves, where are they?

I work in a freezing cold shop so I want a long sleeve t-shirt (or ten) to wear under jumpers, I hate 3/4 length sleeves but that seems all you can get.

And why does everything have to have polyester/polyamide in it? Men's 'cotton rich' fine socks are 90% cotton, ladies 'cotton rich' socks are only about 70%. What's that all about?