40 - what now?

[itstheyearzero]

I went into town yesterday with the intention of buying myself something nice, preferably a new dress. I pretty much walked in and straight back out of all the shops because I just thought 'I'm too old to wear any of this!'. Our town centre isn't the greatest, but it has all the usual supsects (Next/Top Shop/ H& M etc). I ended up coming home with a tube of Metanium for my DS . I really don't know where to shop any more. Im 40, size 12, figure not too bad, but all the shops just seem to cater for size 6 20 year olds. Please help, I really don't know what I am supposed to do. Not massively keen on online shopping because I like to try stuff on, but am prepared to give it a go. Anything to stop me from going into BonMarche!!!

Wear what you like!

I'm 40 too and age is never something that occurs to me when buying clothes, more my bodyshape and the cut and fit etc.

Good heavens 40 is not old. On the high street I like Zara, Phase 8, H&M (great for cheap t shirts), monsoon, Laura Ashley, River Island(shoes and bags), Hobbs and Jigsaw. If all the teenagers and twenty somethings in the shops put you off then give online shopping a go. Trying thing on in your own home is great and a lot of places offer free returns. You are never too old to enjoy fashion.

I agree - don't let the sight of lithe 20 yos in a shop put you off - in fact, I'm more put off if I find myself surrounded by white hair!

It's a matter of finding basics that suit you and flatter your figure.

I used to wear lots of Next but these days I tend to wear lots of Wallis clothing.

I am 46, I really like their colours.

I am sure you would find lots in Wallis that appealed.

I am 40 and today I am wearing a skirt from Full Circle in Selfridges, a t-shirt from M&S and a cardigan from Gap.

The shops I tend to buy most from are: Warehouse (but not all the horrible frilly stuff), Gap (but gone v downhill recently), M&S Limited Collection - and I have recently treated myself to some Vivienne Westwood which was worth every penny.

I do most of my shopping online now for convenience (but not the PITA hassle of returns).

I'm also 40 and like to dress for my (mental) age of 30 to prevent mutton and deter frumpsville.
Works quite well doing the same as BG mixing from diff shops.
Great Plains, Oasis, Monsoon, Gap, Fat Face, Reiss, White company.

It has ceased to bother me that I'm the oldest person in Topshop.

I agree, don't be put off going in those stores! Maybe it's best to stay away from the more risky trends and like WWWY said, stick to getting basics that suit your body shape and that you can wear regardless of what's 'in'.

Amy

Is it that you don't like them or you thinkyou are to old?

I am 55 and wear things from Boden (of course but nothing patterned), White Company ( prob too old for you and mine is the odd bit of knitwear), White Stuff ( occasional T and top/cardi) Jigsaw ( fave), Kew, and few casual bits from Gap.

I wouldn't touch the classic makes my age- ie Country Casuals, Alexon, Hobbs and laura Ashley. Dire.

Try Gap comptoir des cotonniers, White Company,Kew/Jigsaw,

I am the same as you Moragb.I have had success also with Great plains,White stuff,M&S,La Redoute,Part Two[sold in a local shop] and often order jewellery and accessories off Brandalley and Secretsales.But i think if you understand your body shape and work out the styles that suit you it's easy to shop anywhere.The only thing i would say as you hit 40 invest in very good quality coats and shoes[especially boots].I buy mine in Tk maxx and at Duo.

I am 43 and shop for my shape, not age too.. have lots of stuff from River Island at the moment. White Stuff for basic stuff. Monsoon, Kew, french Connection, Zara and quite like Mantaray at Debenhams.

Brand alley/secret sales is great for gifts, home stuff,clothes etc although there's a load of stuff you're not interested in quite often.
I've prob seen most of it in store before and know what it's like before i buy it.
The John Smedley knitwear is a bargain when it's in there and lovely quality

I've been having a bit of a spree lately as I've just lost weight, and I've found stuff in Mango, Miss Selfridge, H&M, Zara (fantastic sales bargains atm), Ted Baker, Jigsaw, Dotty P's, Esprit, Great Plains, TopShop, New Look, Mint Velvet.

I'd got into the habit of avoiding a lot of these places because of my age (47), but since seeing a fab image consultant who took me round all the 'young' shops, I can see that I don't have to stick to Phase 8, White Stuff etc.

Once you know what suits you can filter out the dross quite quickly.

I think you just need to broaden your shopping habits and your mind set.

My DD shops in the places you mention and she is 21. If I bought anything in Top S, Next or H&M it would only be a top of some kind.
IMHO they are full of tat, and aimed at the teen market.

John Lewis have recently revamped their women's fashions and stock Jigsaw, Kew, Great Plains, Ted Baker, Whistles, White Stuff, Phase *,....and more. In fact I think the only brand missing is Boden!

Yes, exactly, Purple - I certainly wouldn't go out in top-to-toe H&M or New Look, but as you say, you can find the odd useful top for layering, or try out a new skirt shape without feeling you might be wasting a fortune.

And, of course, the type of work you do dictates what you're likely to wear, to some extent.

< SAHM >

I'm 40 next month (eek) and buy stuff in all the cheapo high street places - with the odd charity shop/ebay treat. I take pleasure in colour and pattern, sparkle and texture - it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to give you a lift.

I think you can look good at any age, as long as you wear your clothes with confidence and stop worrying whether your clothes are age appropriate (ok - exposed thongs/crop tops/hot pants on anyone over 18 are probably a bit scary )

I bought a Boden dress in the sale in the winter (sign of spending too much time on mn). It wasn't that special and the fit was very peculiar - incredibly tight round the chest/armpits and I'm a smallish size 10. White Stuff is nice but sooo expensive - I've seen tops in New Look or even M&S that are nicer and a whole lot cheaper.

I think the secret to looking good is basically to enjoy yourself. Yes, you will make the odd fashion mistake, but that's all part of the fun.

I agree that it's all about confidence and looking like you are meant to wear what you are wearing. I do get quite a lot from Gap but think Uniqlo is great value and manages to cross that young/older line well Agrre that John Lewis' revamp means there is new stuff in there worth looking at.

So, buy what *you like, that suits your body shape and colouring and then wear it with confidence. 40 is young.