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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I have just turned 40. Where am I supposed to be buying my clothes?

97 replies

spad · 02/06/2016 21:39

I like Monsoon but can't really afford it. And I like Marks and Spencers but apparently I am ten years too young for that? And I like NEXT but it is getting harder to find things that suit me there.

Can anyone help?

OP posts:
OhSoggyBiscuit · 03/06/2016 17:32

My rules for buying clothing:
Do I like it?
Does it suit me?
Will I wear it? (if something like skirts or something I only wear occasionally)
Can I afford it?

If yes to most of those questions, sold! If not, I put it back.

scaryteacher · 03/06/2016 18:06

I buy from East, Lands End, Monsoon, Boden, Orvis, Betty Barclay, Joules, Artigiano and basics from M&S, as I wear their long sleeve T shirts a lot. I was doing this in my 30s, and I am now 50.

Floisme · 03/06/2016 18:13

I'm 59 and my favourite shops at the moment are H&M, TK Maxx and Whistles. I also like bits from Unlqlo, Boden, Zara, All Saints and yes even M&S (mostly Autograph).

I think it's silly to rule out shops just because of your age - it depends on your style, body shape, budget, lifestyle etc.

3madkids · 05/06/2016 20:51

I'm 43 shop at Zara and Allsaints and H&M do some good Allsaints-alike stuff. Primark for layering vests etc don't think I've bought anything from Next since the early 90's before they went very frumpy and over priced. Have a couple of dresses from Boden sale for work but find some of their more busy prints quite mumsy and EVERYONE at the school gates had one of their macs about 5 years ago!

3madkids · 05/06/2016 20:52

Oh and m&s autograph for work skirts and trousers which I put with a funky top from the above shops

Thisisfourty · 05/06/2016 21:02

I don't think it matters where you shop but what you buy. I buy from m&s, top shop, H&m, when in sale. But love monsoon, mango, Zara and gap as they are normally expensive I scrounge charity shops snd Ebay Smile

ZippyNeedsFeeding · 05/06/2016 21:04

I make most of my own clothes because I'm picky, but if I really must buy them, then I tend to go for Monsoon- usually second hand on eBay.

MadameDePomPom · 05/06/2016 21:05

Damart for everyday wear. Marisota for jazzy items.
Hotter for your shoes. Sloggi for your underwear.

FurryLittleTwerp · 05/06/2016 21:15

I'm 51 - I like dresses & tunics from Adini, dresses & tops from Phase 8, some tops from Boden

Truckwell · 05/06/2016 21:24

I don't get this thread either. I'm 48 and today wearing a Primark T-shirt and Fat Face dungarees. I think I look acceptable, I don't care what anyone else thinks. I go into the local shopping centre and shop where ever i see clothes i like, although Debenhams and John Lewis are usually winners cause there're loads of brands in one place.

Woolyheads · 05/06/2016 21:24

Currently loving BHS's fire sale. I'm 44.

Voiceoffstage · 05/06/2016 21:39

WHERE YOU DARN WELL LIKE GIRLFRIEND!

EllsTeeth · 05/06/2016 22:03

I am 40 and I have a few pairs of expensive jeans (mostly bought in the sale or on the Outnet) that fit me really well, a few expensive wrap/ long cardigans/ cashmere jumpers that last for years, and the rest (t shirts, tops etc) I tend to get from Gap sale. Never buy anything full price in Gap, sign up for the offers which are very frequent! So basically I have a few really good quality pieces which I buy very infrequently but they last well, and I buy cheap basics to go with them. I think by 40 you find a style that suits you - at least I have - and I stick to it! I bought a few jumpers I liked from Zara recently and they didn't wash well/ last so I think it was false economy. I spend a lot less on clothes than some of my friends who buy cheaper brands but need to replace items more frequently. But if the question is where "should" you shop at 40 the answer is "anywhere you bloody well like"!!

SkyWasMadeOfAmethyst · 05/06/2016 23:00

I like Feather and Bone. It's the same designer from Baby Ceylon. I buy all my post baby clothes from them as they really know how to flatter a womanly body and the stuff lasts forever and is machine washable! www.featherandbone.co.uk

katemiddletonsothermum · 05/06/2016 23:21

💫

Loquaciousd · 06/06/2016 11:21

Asos.com. My favourite!

Barrso · 06/06/2016 13:06

I'm 42 and love Zara, Topshop, Mango, Warehouse and Oasis.

Hurryhurryhurry · 06/06/2016 13:39

I mainly buy off ebay, the brands I like are Howies, Patagonia, Gap, White Stuff & Fat Face. Although gone off White Stuff recently and it's gone quite frumpy.
I'm 32

NotCitrus · 06/06/2016 14:47

Am I the only one who has acquired middle age spread at 40 and can't fit into the clothes I wore in my 30s or those stores?

Zara only goes up to a size 16 for shortarses and their trousers won't fit me. River Island, FCUK ditto. Monsoon has turned into hippy polyester. So I need to go to different shops to avoid wasting my limited shopping time!

So far Ebay is my best bet, with DKNY for trousers.

Helbelle75 · 06/06/2016 15:04

I like Peacocks, charity shops, and independent clothes shops (read alternative!).
I wear a lot of floaty dresses and leggings. I definitely don't dress for '40' though, just what suits me and what is comfortable.

namechangeparents · 06/06/2016 15:06

I've not RTFT but I get my stuff in Monsoon, Fatface, White Stuff and occasionally Crew or Phase Eight when there's a sale on.

M&S is good for knickers and I buy expensive bras from Figleaves.

Next used to be good but I've not bought anything in there for about 10 years now.

TWOBANANAS · 06/06/2016 16:11

Next and Weird Fish.

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