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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask where over 40s buy clothes

89 replies

dinodino27 · 02/03/2014 21:25

I have had most of my clothes since before kids and upwards of 10 years. Since kids I just don't get time to look around the shops.

I have a night out coming up soon (rare). I feel my skinny jeans look good (could be wrong!) So thinking those and nice top.

But where does one buy a suitable top. I have looked online at oasis, boden, french connection but really struggling and wondering where other women my age shop.

I am 42 and a size 12-14 (fairly slim bit with a belly! - that I'd like to hide) and i'd say my style is fairly casual - but obviously for night out i want something a bit fancy.

Any suggestions would be appreciated as i really do not want to look like 'mutton dressed and lamb' but also don't want to look 'mumsy'.

Thanks

OP posts:
Jazzicatz · 02/03/2014 21:50

French Connection mainly, Oasis, Warehouse sometimes.

Blu · 02/03/2014 21:52

COS, Jigsaw, Uniqlo, I have several Sandwich and Great Plains things,

TeaMakesItAllPossible · 02/03/2014 21:52

In my 40s and 60 percent of clothes are topshop. Love Whistles, gap's ok for some basics, banana republic is ok for sale and Zara can be good. Also go to Oasis. I agree with all the others who say tis ok to be 40 and shop across the high street and labels.

rideyourbike · 02/03/2014 21:54

White stuff is my fav, but next, primark, supermarkets....

MadAsFish · 02/03/2014 21:55

Like Blu, COS, Uniqlo, some & Other Stories. But mostly COS.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/03/2014 21:59

44 and most of my clothes are from Topshop, M&S, Hobbs and Whistles sales, and I really like Vivienne Westwood (but only in the sales and I've not got much of it!).

Silverfoxballs · 02/03/2014 22:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

emsyj · 02/03/2014 22:00

Mint Velvet is nice, I have started buying the odd thing in Dorothy Perkins lately - I really like their jeans and yesterday I got a nice top too. I'm trying to avoid Boden and Joules, I like the styles on the screen but I always seem to look really frumpy in the stuff when it arrives and end up sending everything back.

Never looked at Cos, going to have a look as am quite intrigued...

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/03/2014 22:00

Oh and Warehouse, but it's got a bit rubbish in the last couple of years.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/03/2014 22:01

And Cos / White Company sales (but WC not had a good run lately).

WallyBantersJunkBox · 02/03/2014 22:02

I think in terms of high street type retailers the percentage make up of my wardrobe would go in ascending order:

COS
H&M
Vero Moda
GAP
Next
Primark
Banana Republic
Old Navy
Espirit
Mint Velvet
Great Plains
ASOS

I also have some Michael Kors tops, a few Mary Portas Dresses and assorted bits from The Kooples, ACME, Joseph which were kind of the next price range up.

I am 43.

Original poster
dinodino27 · 02/03/2014 22:07

Hi
thanks for the tips - just looked at cos(never heard of before) - their web site does them no favours with miserable skinny model !!

I am going to have a look at the ones i have not heard of from Wally's list - i really appreciate the ideas.

OP posts:
MamaPain · 02/03/2014 22:07

COS, Zara, Jaeger, Whistles, Reiss and I treat myself to bits and bobs from My Wardrobe.

I have found some ok things in Monsoon and Next, but these are sort of ageless, generic pieces or for knocking around at home.

I online shop in the majority as I think for our age group you have to sift through masses of shit. Much easier if you can just scroll.

I regularly check Karen Millen, Hobbs, The White Company, Jigsaw, French Connection, Ted Baker, Topshop, All Saints, Gap as those are places where I may get a 'find'. It's hard though.

MamaPain · 02/03/2014 22:10

Joseph and J.Crew are also good, always feel I have to visit the store though.

Weathergames · 02/03/2014 22:10

Love Phase Eight.

Corygal · 02/03/2014 22:12

If I were limited to online and had no time, I'd start with Whistles and Cos, if only to get my eye in, then go to Asos because it's cheap and lovely.

Instead of buying a top, I'd buy a jacket - you'll get more wear out of it and thus inject grooviness into more outfits. I was hopelessly skint recently and paid 19 quid for a soft cocoon jersey blazer in TK maxx - bliss, it costs 200 quid everywhere else and I've worn it four days a week since on all going-out occasions. It looks smart enough and goes with skirts and dresses as well as jeans.

FreudiansSlipper · 02/03/2014 22:20

zara and H&M is where I get most of my clothes from and jeans, shirts and odd jumper from gap and ASOS

avoid next or boden unless you want the next/boden look which can be a little on the oldish side of you are not careful

i often get nice little tops in little independent shops and have quite a bit of vintage stuff

FreudiansSlipper · 02/03/2014 22:21

French Connection and Biba in House of Fraser for lovely evening tops dresses are beautiful but seem to be made for those of are 6ft plus

thegreylady · 02/03/2014 22:23

Monsoon, East, Next, M&S mostly with odd supermarket stuff for slopping around in. I am 69 and size 16/18.

eeetheygrowupsofast · 02/03/2014 22:24

Topshop
Reiss
Whistles
Primark

SelectAUserName · 02/03/2014 22:30

Monsoon, Phase 8, M&S, White Stuff, Fat Face, Next, BHS, Planet, M&Co.

I am not in the least bit trendy though.

justmyview · 02/03/2014 22:33

White Stuff, Fat Face, Next

LoonvanBoon · 02/03/2014 22:37

I'm the same age, size & shape as you, OP! Going to read through with interest.

muppet1969 · 02/03/2014 22:37

44 here - love Urban outfitters.....

Only1scoop · 02/03/2014 22:38

Ooo I'm going to have a wardrobe revamp after reading this thread I feel Smile