38 yrs old - which shops should i be buying my clothes from

[DietDiva]

Sometimes I feel this is a funny age when buying clothes. Don't want to wear clothes which are too young for me but also don't want to look frumpy either. Any ideas of the best shops I should be looking in?

Anywhere! (Apart from jane Norman)

its WHAt you buy, not WHERE you buy

Whats your style?

What is your size, build and general style? I agree with NannyPats (who is Gok in disguise) - its what you buy and how you wear it that counts. FWIW, I think if something is well cut it looks tonnes better on - so I'd advise giving the really cheap places a miss (apart from for basics like vest tops, socks etc.) if you're trying to put together a capsule wardrobe.

Sometimes I don't know what my style is anymore. I usually just wear jeans and boots with a trendy top. Work clothes are usually just suits from Next. I'm going shopping and would like to start to get some new clothes which are more flattering. I'm 5'4" and size 12. Some of my clothes make me look really slim and others make me look like I've gained a stone!

Try some dresses- plain with tights and boots. Add a scarf or belt

have a look on ASos website for some ideas on how to put stuff together, or Kew,

thanks - think I should start wearing dresses more. Love wearing dresses with boots but for some reason always end up wearing jeans again. Will check out that website for ideas.

Snap diet diva (re height and dress size). Are you an apple, pear or hourglass? Bin the clothes that make you feel fat/frumpy and assess the ones that look great on you and look for more of the same sort of style.

ATM I'm living in sweater dresses (got some lovely ones from Warehouse a month or two ago, no idea if they're still selling them though as the xmas tat is coming in to all stores) and picked up some dark blue flare jeans from Topshop which are v flattering with a trendy top. I hate Next suits - terrible cut - Oasis suits are generally better cut and much trendier.

Work clothes can be so much more interesting than Next. Throw them out now! I would invest in some good accessories (statement necklaces/scarves etc) and shoes.

How smart do you have to be for work?

I'm the same age as you Dietdiva, and a size 14. I do buy stuff from River Island (tops)and I have shoes from Top Shop (pumps). I've come to the conclusion it is a good idea to have a hint of trendyness rather than a whole outfit. Because I'm very untoned/dimply this limits what I'll wear so hopefully I don't look like mutton or frumpy. I think too much make-up can be dodgy too - trying too hard to look young.

I used to be an hourglass but slowly gaining weight around middle! Will checkout those dresses next week. Sometimes I just think I spend loads on clothes but could spend half the amount on more flattering stuff.

Missbeehiving - usually just wear suits for work mainly because everyone else does. will check out some different styles of suits but its more casual clothes that I want to change. I like the tops in River Island but always feel like I'm the oldest person in the shop.

Wherecanihide - I also try to have a hint of trendiness rather than the whole outfit. When I was younger could buy anything and it would fit but now with more untoned/dimply bits I have to find clothes to hide these.

Suits are the school uniform of the work world. I used to wear them everyday and almost bored myself rigid. I keep some for very boring stuffy formal occasions but try not to wear them unless I have to.

I have bought quite a lot from here in the past few months. I know it's mostly grey but I like the styling. Also have a look on this blog for ideas.

thanks missbeehiving like the Mint Velvet website. Think I might have to order a few things. Will check out the blog later.

LOOK may still give 10% off. Grey slouch trousers are great btw I wear them with heels for work with the Angora knit they have styled it with on the website plus white tee and statement necklace.

Thanks getting loads of ideas now. DH wont recognise me by the end of the week!

dinkystinky - just been looking at dresses on the warehouse website and might order a couple. Just hope they look as good on me.