Are boden clothes worn as a status symbol?

[babyt2020]

I’d never heard of it until Mumsnet and I’m flabbergasted how ugly the clothes are and the prices are INSANE! Look how ugly this cardo is for £149!!

I see it as a bit mumsy, a bit Kate Middleton-y. Small-c Conservative Waitrose mums. It’s not for me. I’d spend £150 on a cardi happily, but not from there.

I'm in my 40's and definitely don't know anybody that would wear anything from Boden. We're all still in Vans and band tee's 😂

£150 for a cardi?!

I used to buy all my sons clothes from Boden up until he was about 8. They were quality clothes, bright and fun. Never bought anything for myself because I think their women's clothes are, in my personal opinion, quite dowdy. Yes, they’re expensive but I’d sooner pay money for a well made item instead of buying it multiple times in Next or New Look because it’s worn out, lost shape or gone bobbly.

However, all clothes are a symbol. Of ourselves, our style, what we want to portray ourselves as. I wear only 4 brands. Adidas originals, Fred Perry, Dr Marten and Levi’s - they appeal to my style and help me to convey that! Fashion is a status symbol!

Boden has recently fallen into the bad habit of thin unlined jersey, which always looks bad on anyone who isn't a model (and some who are). They do lots of good stuff in better fabrics and it's easy to dodge the busy patterns and appliques. The trousers and ponte dresses are excellent for work and I like the (plain coloured) corduroy and velvet stuff too. Not a status symbol though!

lol no

More frumpy/mum sack than a status of wealth.

Definitely not a status symbol just one of many shops in that price range. I like their basics like the double layered jersey tops and a few striped ones etc but fewer available now and they always have a discount code available.

Children’s clothes are still great and worth the money.

They do have a reputation for being a bit 'posh mum', I suppose, but their clothes are really good quality and they last really well. I have Joules in the same 'posh mum' bracket in my mind, but a level up! And Seasalt a bit, too.

I only ever purchase Boden from the sale or from Vinted but I have a few T-shirts and a jumper that are still in very good condition after years tucked in my drawer. The navy T-shirts I own are my go-to, quick, easy, good quality, always looks good with jeans, shorts of skirt staple wardrobe item.

I don’t think they’re worn as a status symbol. The adult clothes aren’t for me, but people have different tastes, and I imagine there are plenty of people who like the fact they’re quite classic designs but that last a long time, so, they likely appeal to shoppers who are more concerned with quality than being on trend.

I’m wearing a lovely Boden jumper, I bought on Vinted for £10!

Surely Boden just suits a certain aesthetic rather than status. It’s adjacent to Joules in my view, and neither brand appeals to my taste but I can see why others like them. £150 cardi is a lot but assuming it’s real wool I can see how the price could be so high. I think fast fashion and Shein etc have stopped us understanding the true cost of quality fabrics, designs and garments that last for many years. Not saying Boden necessarily are that level of quality or craftsmanship and they may have 75% margins for all I know but of course they charge what their audience is willing to pay.

I think it used to be a specific look that some people aspired to.

Status of what exactly? Having dowdy, old fashioned taste?
I'm mid 50's and consider Boden too old fashioned for me. The clothes all fit it a weird unflattering way that make me feel like I'm trying on my mums clothes as a child.

Boden is what used to be called Parish Prada.

Not a status symbol, I buy second hand as the quality is normally better than next etc and affordable on Vinted for some pieces,

They do a great petite range so that’s why I like it.

Tbh I wouldn't recognise if anyone was wearing Boden. Nobody I know buys it but it seems to be a go to brand on MN.
It's definitely not my style.

I find their stuff very frumpy. Wouldn't be seen dead in most of it.

I doubt it, Boden is mid priced high st,

No idea i wouldn't recognise it but yes i hear the label mentioned al lot

I'd say about 15 years ago it was stereotypically "upper middle class mum from the South East". It had a distinct look, as did Mini Boden, so you had "Boden families". But there are a lot more players in the market now, and Boden has lost its way a bit. The clothes used to be much better quality and had great second hand value for the kids stuff.

I wouldn't know where anyone's outfit was from so no i don't think people do.
Sunglasses etc with visible designer logos yes.

For the sake of taste, I hope not.

I’ve just bought two dresses and a pair of trousers for work with a discount code, they have lots of these. I’d say it’s pretty mid range in terms of price and the quality is pretty good. It’s all relative- I don’t buy cheap clothes because I don’t like shopping and I like my stuff to last. It’s expensive compared to Primark and H and M but not to Margaret Howell!

Yes - their ponte is great and so is their petite range.