AIBU not to know how to dress in my 40s any more?

[whippetwoman]

I’ve had a self-imposed clothes-buying ban for a good few months now so I am definitely out of the loop. Because of this I haven’t been clothes shopping for a while but I have also realised I’m not too happy with my existing clothes because they just don’t look right. I don’t know where to shop or what to buy!
Having a baby at 40 didn’t help as before I did look a tad younger than I was, but now at 44, I absolutely look 44, maybe older with the often-interrupted sleep, older children, dog, cats, work….

I am taking my older two to see Muse on Friday night and have literally no idea what to wear and this has sparked the feeling that I genuinely don’t know what to wear in any situation.

This isn’t a judgey thing. I don’t care what others wear and have never been into fashion, and I haven’t really cared about myself either until I thought, oh hang on, I have no idea what to wear. I normally wear dresses from Oasis over skinny jeans/leggings but I think I’m too old to pull it off now. Or not?!

Apologies if this is better off in Style and Beauty. I had a nose there but couldn't find anything. AIBU unreasonable to find this difficult? Where do people shop?

You sound far more stylish than I do I am rubbish at buying clothes and hardly buy a thing these days my default is black trousers and a top

Don't just think about style, but maybe think about colour too. When I hit 44 my best friend treated me to getting my colours done with Colour Me Beautiful and it really lifted what I was choosing to wear. Now I can pick bright corals, pistachio, turquoise & yellow and know they look good on me, rather than lurking in sensible navy! Once you know your colour palette, Kettlewell is a nice place to try for a good colour range. www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk

Thanks Brainrack, a colleague had it done and said it was brilliant but it was expensive so I might hint around my birthday/Xmas time.

EponasWildDaughter - I think it was you with the boobs? Have you tried Pepperberry? It's Bravissimo's clothing line - cut for boobs in three different sizes of Curvy. Fantastic for the well-endowed.

Oh and for outerwear Whippet, I recently bought this from cos which I'm delighted with. I'd definitely wear it to a gig.

Love that wilting! You know about books AND fashion

Love a long blazer !

It's such a personal thing.

I'm amazed at the amount of Zara love on here - everything in there always seems a combination of androgynous, asymmetric & various shades of bleurgh neutrals to me.

But I like Joe Brown's, so what do I know ?

Delighted to assist whippet

Black makes me look sallow but its the only colour I love, with a splash of something bright. I had my colours done and can wear it if I put something else in between it and my face, even a scarf or necklace.

I've started to dress like Mary from Gogglebox. I'm hoping I look eclectic in a just-chucked-it-on kind of way

lurking in sensible navy

Oh God, that's me.

I'm a bit lost in style too. Thing is, living abroad in Asia, people like to dress conservatively. Greys, black, Browns and navy are the thing here. One might assume it's all wafting around in kaftans, slugging back sipping g&ts in the club. For me it's more about racing around with school run and work in a climate that's hates hair and style.

Zara is here, but I've tried on loads of stuff here and it just doesn't work. At 45 I think I need to start investing in some more pricey attire. But it's hot, humid and clothes eventually end up eaten by damp.

I don't get the Zara love, either.

Nowadays it's Gap and accessories. Including a decent handbag. That's never a chore!

Still, reading with interest for better ideas!

My partners mum is 70 she shops at Zara, H&M, New Look, wears that kind of look now she does have a great figure probably due to only having one child and can pull off that look, never thought about her shopping choice though why should she stop you from being yourself dressing how you like as long as you look good who cares

Sorry why should age stop you!