To hate all clothes... too young or too mumsy

[gwincath]

Having a mare picking clothes for a few special occasions coming up over the next few months... I'm late 40s and clothes just either seem too young or too mumsy, I just wanna look nice
Any store/brand suggestion appreciated

I am 44 and my problem is my mum tum... like a PP I have significantly thickened around the waist so cannot wear anything too fitted or with a belt/tie in this area.
I also don't like my legs or upper arms... and so I seem to end up in clothes that swamp me and make me look bigger than the size 14 I actually am

What I want is a store that sells gently fitted clothes... so I get to look like I have some sort of figure but nothing too tight on all the lumps and bumps.

Does anyone know a store that sells these sort of clothes? And sells the basics for a capsule wardrobe, black and white is fine but also some lovely colours that aren't sludge brown or salmon pink.

And in soft, slightly floaty, flattering material rather than stiff, unyielding sort of clothes.

Definitely try uniqlo

@Middleoftheroad I'd never usually pay 65 for a top but it's for a (casual) evening wedding do and I'm panicking now
So glad it's not just me that can't find anything to wear... it's obvious there's a real market for this problem

I'm astonished at the criticism of Cos. I love it and I'm 5ft 2in and far from stick like. As I no longer have a waist their pull on trousers are perfect, the dresses look good over trousers and the jewellery is fab.

I really like Monki and Kin at John Lewis too. I reckon part of the problem is that what's fashionable now is what would have once been frumpy. For example I think high heels look really old fashioned now, whereas the cool flats almost everyone wears now were once frumpy.

The blog That’s Not My Age is well worth a look, specifically on this theme. Also I make clothes which helps with getting what I really want rather than what the high street things I should be wearing - I’m far from expert but it’s fun.

Just marking for some much needed inspiration

I think a sharp haircut, a well coloured manicure to suit your skin tone and fresh make up also do wonders.

I find Cos a bit shapeless. I have massive boobs and anything that isn’t nipped in makes me look like a fatty-mc-fatso. I’ve tecently rediscovered Esprit and have found loads of lovely things there.

Boden are good for coloured jeans, and are decent quality (just ignore the crazy prints - when they make plain things, they are fabulous).

Agree Oasis is very good for the late 30's/early 40's and want a nod to fashion type!

I’m just less than 45 and really feel like I’ve found my style mojo. I’m tall and a 10 so appreciate it’s easoer for me but I buy pretty much everything in primark H&M and Zara but splash out on accessories. Casual I wear lots of straight and skinny jeans rolled up with boots in winter (animal print / studded) and white leather trainers, espadrilles or metallic flats in summer. Lots of print blouses or block colour unstructured tops. I also currently love culottes with white trainers, leather jacket and a baggy tshirt tucked in.

For work I usually wear slim cropped trousers in various neutral colours with funky boots in winter and a short blouse. Over the last couple of years I’ve also invested in cashmere cardigans in all the neutrals, navy / cream / grey and tan. Just need a black one now. I also wear some plain tunic dresses for work with thick tights, a long necklace and ankle boots with a leather jacket or a fun fur in winter.

Going out. For really smart I love a jumpsuit or for more casual, fake leather skinnies with mid heeled boots and a nice top.

Key for me is to always wear a bit of makeup, blow dry hair and have a shellac manicure every 3 weeks.

gwincath Ah I'd pay that for a wedding though so don't stress. Lovely top btw.

@seawitchly honestly blogs and Instagram have totally changed my approach to clothes and provide endless inspiration. The key is finding people with similar body shape and lifestyle

Whoever said a great haircut is key is spot on. Bright lipstick is my signature and instantly ups anything I wear a couple of notches.

@Middleoftheroad lol.. I was trying to justify it to myself more than anything else

I'm astonished at the criticism of Cos. I love it and I'm 5ft 2in and far from stick like.

I'm 5'10" and a size 10 and wouldn't dare wear Cos, for fear of looking like a potato.

'Pull on' trousers. Jaysus. Just the thought of them makes me want to run screaming from a changing room. Or indeed anywhere that people might see me.

Try -

• Cabi - American brand that does home parties but you can buy it online, really flattering cut to bums and boobs, the basics are amazing and the summer stuff is really nice. Winter was a bit weird so it does vary.

• Joanie clothing - slightly vintage so some is old lady but the odd bit is nice

Pull on trousers would once have made me run screaming too. However, Mother fucking Nature stole my waist at the same time as she had my libido away and nothing with a rigid waist fits any more. My body shape has changed completely, from being an hourglass when everything was too big in the waist if it fitted my hips, I'm now an apple. I hate it but you have to work with what you've got. Mother Nature is an evil old crone.

Some of the nicest stuff I have is men's clothing - the fabric tends to be better and the shape is often simple and easy to wear. I'm currently wearing a Tesco menswear jumper that always gets compliments. I also have a lovely wool M&S man's jumper, a couple of men's shirts and even a few pairs of men's jeans - nice straight style (no pinching in the waist/bum), huge pockets, very smart. Give it a try.

I'm early 30s and totally agree !! I went shopping yesterday and got a few bit but honestly most the normal high street chains ( we're I can currently afford to shop ) are either - sporty cropped ripped every thing or floral floaty sacks . There is no in between !!

I've just lost loads of weight and got the clothes down from the loft from the last time I was this weight, about 10 years ago. Hardly anything fits as I'm such a different shape at 50 than I was at 40.

I think having fitted clothes makes such a difference and there are so many boxy shapes around at the moment that do me no favours.

I've got a blazer on today and I feel that often pulls an outfit together. Makes it instantly smarter. Wearing it with skinny jeans, a silk shirt and converse today but I think I look reasonably funky but age appropriate (I hope!!)

Next have some good summer bits in, especially holiday items and are not expensive. I also like House of Fraser and there is always a sale on especially on bank holidays.

I would also start with a good coat, shoes and boots.

I would also try jersey dresses which are flattering, fit and mov with you. They are also no bother to launder. I love Issa st the moment and Biba

I also prefer dresses, much easier than separates.

I hardly ever wear separates. I wear dresses a lot.