What sorts of things do you over 35s wear?

[slapmeonthepatio]

It might sound a bit of a daft question, but I posted on here recently asking for advice on a dress and it turns out I might have frumpish tendencies.

It's got me thinking I need to revisit my wardrobe - but I have no clue where to start.

I've just turned 38 - I suppose I'm feeling a bit old and I'm fed up with the clothes I wear (generally jeans and boots with shirts or a top seems to be my staple).

I don't have much of a budget for clothes, so I suppose I need to start with a few basics and learn how to accessorise.

Any advice would be welcome.

www.jaeger.co.uk
www.phase-eight.co.uk that's where I shop, I am 38, and I find that both phase eight and jaeger cut clothes really well for real women, quality is wonderful, fabrics they use are top end, and on sale 70% off not a the bad deal at all.
Investing in key pieces coat, boots, handbag, gloves especially at jaeger and you are sorted, fab staff.

Great thread! MrsCB, what style of shirts/blouses do you wear with skinnies to disguise a tricky tummy? Do you wear them 'out'? Any links please?

I, too, have a tricky tummy (love that expression!) and tend to wear skinnies with long boots. On top, I'm in jumpers at the moment or a long-sleeved t but fancy a change from the latter. I tend to move out of skinnies when long boots season is over as I have hideously skinny calves but I wonder what ankle boots would be like? Off to research!

OK - so I've been away from MN for a bit, but what is 'THE MN scarf'?

I just wear shirts tucked in and bagged over slightly if that makes sense. Pure Collection silk nice or Equipment when they come up on the outnet.

What is a MN scarf, here too please?

Phase8 in Debenhams seemed a bit old fashioned but fab online.

An oversized bag, i might treat myself to for my Birthday.

Where did you get your oversized bag from? people :)

I've never hear of 'outnet' either. .

herbaceous - we once randomly recieved a catalogue in the post for Chums trousers. OH is still making up jokes about it a good five years later - mention that your hands are cold and he'll say 'I like to keep my hands warm by putting them in the pockets of my Chums trousers' etc. etc. He's very easily amused.

The outnet sells end of season designer stuff cheaply but the good stuff goes quickly.

I'm 41 and have just bought this www.next.co.uk/x4964s5#824971x49 to wear with skinny jeans but my dh says its frumpy.....! Do I send it back? I thought it looked ok

I might wear it for work :)

Thanks MrsCB!

I'm 37 next but I am a full time student and dress like one. Very short little flippy dress, slouchy cardigan, wooly tights and brogues today.

I wear shorts most days but have branched out into skater dresses. I have a wide range of slouchy cardi's and brogues. I shop in Primark and Topshop.

I have had 3 DC and am an hourglass.

I am 38 and 3DC, have 2 jobs- for one of which I have to wear dreadful clothes. But the rest of the time I wear jeans, both skinnies and a pair of very fitted at the bum, long flares which I love. Lots of printed tops and shirts with the jeans. Usually with a scarf or some sort of jewellery and always, always heels.....ash wedges are my fav dress down day shoes. Again always a fab handbag....I think if you get the accessories it pulls a look together. And for the days when I am really knackered I have a great supply of short tunic dresses that I fling on with thick wolly tights and chunky boots.

I've just started a blog about this as I was so frustrated trying to find good outfit ideas for me as I approach 40. Myself and a growing team of friends will post practical, stylish (or so we think) and workable ideas for different body shapes and budgets. It's early days but I'm posting as fast as I can to build up the archive.
This is a shameless plug but I do genuinely think you'll find it interesting. And for those of you asking, there's a picture of and a link to the famous Mumsnet Scarf thread :)
Hope you like it and if not, don't tell me

im 35 and since losing a lot of weight, ive developed a bit of a funkier look, but not mutton dressed as lamb.
tea dresses although slightly shorter now, usually with a horse or bird print, or flower, from shops like top shop or french connection.
denim skirt with a top, knee high boots.
i don't like jeans so never wear them.
im loving no longer being in a sea of boden and monsoon because thier size 22's would fit my 24/26 body.

Good blog, ding dong!

I don't really wear Chums, but just an assortment of ill-fitting cheap clothes I buy because they're a bargain and then don't flatter me. I'm fatter than I think I am, and my arse has gone flat since having my DS, so always feel shambolic. A nice neat shirtwaister from Chums could in fact be my saviour.

Spiderlight - I like the sound of your DH. He sounds jolly.

I see that Chums sell a wolef fleece.

Early 40s here - I wear mainly skinnies, blouses or long t-shirts, cardigans/woollen jumpers (both chunky and fine), short cord skirts, jumper dresses, woolly tights, biker boots, if I need to be smart - long black boots or ballet pumps. I shop everywhere - GAP, TU, New Look, Clarks, H&M, Boden, M&S, Fat Face etc. I don't do leggings as I hate the look on me.

As well as a decent jacket (I love my velvet one from Boden) that goes with most of my outfits I also have a peacoat and for cold days, a down coat.

As for colours - one of my best investments was getting my colours done, it makes shopping so much easier, quicker and enjoyable.

Great name, Slapme. Guess what - I dreamt about you last night and I fell out of bed twice.

I'm 41 (42 next week - agh) and a size 12 hourglass short arse.

Current favourite casual outfits are -

skinny jeans, heeled ankle boots, longish jumper or shorter top with longish cardigan over, scarf

denim mini, navy or grey opaque tights, tan knee high boots, tops of some sort, scarf

long tube skirt (Topshop - totally rate it), fitted-ish top, biker jacket, scarf

over the knee jersey dress, biker jacket, scarf, knee high boots

on the knee jersey dress, biker jacket, scarf, heeled ankle boots

As you can see, scarves feature a lot for 'dressing up' quite boring and basic clothes!

@Remus - it's always nice to be appreciated :)

And as for heeled ankle boots with skinny jeans - I've never been sure but I think I might actually be (finally) coming round to the idea.

And I'm going to definitely have to get a scarf.

You see, I miss those days when I could just get away with wearing 501s, 8 hole DMs and my Hatful of Hollow t-shirt...

Don't remind me - I miss my 'Meat Is Murder' t-shirt with a kind of physical ache - even now. :)

The same stuff as I wore when I was 34. And 30. And 28. And possibly even 24.

Apart from short skirts without tights.

Me too, I suppose Ariel and that's sort of what I'm worried about. I don't think I want to be wearing the same things I wore then.

And as for wearing what suits my bodyshape. I used to know what my bodyshape was - now? I don't think it really has a name. 'Apple' is the closest. Or perhaps 'Root Ginger' . I don't think Gok's done that one, has he?

I can't wear same things I wore in my late twenties, body is just not the same, I certainly found myself gravitating towards more "polished look shops" in terms of clothing, used to shop in Topshop, River Island, and I can't even remember last time I had peek in.
Same goes for high heals, stopped wearing them years ago, same with hair style, thick long mane is replaced with more forgiving layered bob, and don't even start me on make up, it's hard work in the morning, it takes careful consideration and application depending on what kind of state I wake up each morning
These days compliment is: you look nice, you look fresh, that dress is really flattering, gone is : you look really glamorous, sexy, you legs are mile long in those jeans

I think heeled boots are generally easier to wear than heeled shoes. I also now tend to buy fewer things but generally better quality.