40 year old ex-indie kid- what the hell do I wear??

[WottingerAndWottingerAreDead]

Really need some kind of wardrobe/fashion revamp please ladies!

In my head the only kind of look that works is still doc martens/ black tights/ flowery dress/ cardigan and crimped hair. Not sure really this is the most flattering for a 40 plus mother with 40 plus body to boot. But don't know how to update it, or really have a clue about what I would like? (I don't dress like this still, rather have cheapo jeans and top from Asda etc.. while I am on my quest for this 'ex indie kid new look'..)

I have alright light brown hair, 12-14 post baby body, 5 foot 3.

What shops should I go to, and what should I buy in them????

Any help VERY gratefully received!

I'm an ex indie 41 year old. I don't dress that differently to the way I did 20 years ago really, although I wear more skinny jeans these days (back in the day I was more black tights and short skirts).

I also spend a lot of time on the beach now so tend to wear quite a lot of beachy stuff, vest tops, hoodies, cropped legged trousers etc.

I don't dress remotely like a boden-esque mother tbh and I can't imagine I ever will. Although I do like some of their tunics.

I have spent the last few years living in some cowboy boots I got from the States (Sheplers - amazing, prices in £'s and they reached me within 5 days), and in the summer as I'm on the beach all the time in crocs or strappy flip flops

I work from home so don't have work outfits, and if i need something smart head to Desigual (have to be a bit careful as some of the stuff is a bit too busy, but some is fab).

Might have to dig out Sonic Youth for the car.....

Only just picked up this thread. Just smiled at the Darling Buds reference - Andrea runs a theatre school my daughter goes to. Ex indie kid here. I too miss my old style. There are still glimpses of it when I'm not in work clothes or in 'mum' mode - jewellery, flowery patterns occasionally, love maxi dresses. My DMs have been replaced with a superb pair of caterpillar boots.

I remember the bruises I had from the mosh pit watching Sonic Youth & Pavement at Rock City in Nottingham.

I saw Sonic Youth and Pavement at the Brixton Academy.

I mainly shop in Fat Face because it is the only clothes near me and I am lazy

I was listening to Throwing Muses the other day - still fantastic.

I have a Pop Kid t-shirt. It's one of my favourites for lounging about the house.

ToastieTeacakes - i liked your little essay

Aboutlastnight I went to see Throwing Muses last November at the Academy in Manchester.

Still great!!

What bags do you all have ? I have had the same White stuff one for about 8 years and am very fussy. I like Eleanor's Attic bags for the summer but I am tempted by Flys Annie satchel bag but it is a bit expensive. Any one recommend any nice bags ?

Watching with interest - nearly started a thread like this a while back. Am 40 but can't stand the look I'm supposed to be going for, but also don't want to look like mutton.

I love all saints (boobs a bit too big to fit though) and that whole slightly gothic look. I want to get some black skinny jeans and would LOVE some black leather skinnies - a step too far?

My work clothes are a different matter - conservative.

Fabulous thread! I'm 38 and live in skinnies and various t shirts, lots of black still! Live in trainers or biker type boots and I'm very tempted to get dm boots for this winter. Just can't bring myself to go all 'mature mummy' On a night out i might stick some heals on and a fancier top.

Wierdly noone seems to think I'm as old as I am, so I must be doing something strangely right.

I just go to places like outfit - you can normally dig out something in there...or mint velvet has some nice stuff if i feeling like spending a bit more - they do nice shades of grey etc

beatenbyayellowteacup I have black leather skinnies, used to just wear them going out at night with heels etc. Actually wore them on school run Friday with a long jumper and biker boots, probably inspired a bit by this thread. It felt good! This is me, alright I am 42 (same here probably look a bit younger), but I can't wear trackies and trainers or mum boots and bootcuts its just not me. I sometimes wonder what I am worried about? Mums in track suit bottoms and pretend Ugg boots not approving?

Do any of the ex-indie kids wear heels now no a night out? I feel like I should because everyone else does, but I can't walk in them and feel like my mum! I wear DMs (the grown up ones!) or Rocket Dogs throughout the winter and Birkies or Fly London sandals in the summer.

Are there any funky high heels that you can walk in that don't make you look like all the townies did when you were drinking snakebite and black and moshing... ;)

katykoo well exactly.

I like your style. I love biker boots too. Might have to treat myself to a pair of leather skinnies next payday. Where do I buy them? And how much should they be?

letseatgrandma, I wore heels as an indie kid to be honest, but more clunky, boot style under non skinny jeans and with opaque tights. Must admit the heels have become somewhat more ladylike as I've grown older, although I have still never been able to get my head around actual stilettos. Mostly wear a block heel or a low wedge in summer, and Topshop ankle boots, similar to the Acne Pistol's.

Fly are ok, too! I have a decent pair of black heeled brogues by them (lace up) which are super comfy and have lasted me years. Really good for wearing with shorter length skirts in winter.

Perhaps just avoid the more 'officey' styles with super slim heels? A rounder, almond toe as opposed to pointy. There are many high heel styles that the townies would shudder to consider, you just have to find them! If you have cash to throw about, check out the French label APC. Heeled loafers are also a decent option.

I currently wear these sandals for special occasions in the summer (great with skinnies and my current fave straight skirts) :www.johnlewis.com/316114/Product.aspx?source=63258&sku=231483035

Also a decent leather sandal option for the summer at an ok price:www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5567854&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=20

I love the Acne style ankle boots with jeans and for winter, also calf height boots. I have a couple of pairs by Dr Martens from yrs ago which are visible in a pic in my profile photo page (where I'm wearing a Joules parka thing).

Ok here are the links again

Carvela sandals from john lewis

www.johnlewis.com/316114/Product.aspx?source=63258&sku=231483035

Topshop sandals

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5567854&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=20

Not an indie, BUT I still have 2 pairs on DM. I wear my knee high docs with skinny combats/jeans & tight long sleeved black t-shirts. I'm 40 this year...and refuse to give up my DM's.

I can do 'mummsy' look....but prefer the 'kick ass' one

In my more glam moments, I go for wiggle / 50's style with leopard print flats. I'm not orginal in the slightest....but I'm happy!

Actually answering the original question though... I am tall so jeans/ combats usually come from Top Shop Tall or Fat Face (long length).
Nearly all my tops come from H&M.

I wear some really pointy, I mean pointy, stiletto type heels with ankle grazer skinnies on a night out. I tend to wear highish wedge sandals in the summer, as well as ballet pumps and converse, I even wear them with opaques during the winter. I have these
topshop
I got my leather skinny trousers in Toppers too, well, pleather trousers they were about £45. I have seen them in H & M and River Island too.

Great - thanks katykoo

Love this post - can I be cheeky and add an extra filter? What if said ex-indie chick is only 5ft tall? Any ideas? Tried kids stuff but usually struggle to get the right style...

'kick ass' style...LOL. Love it.

Once an indie kid, always an indie kid I reckon
I still find myself drawn to a good pattern, slightly retro looking things, chunky boots and, probably some nice corduroy if I spot any! Surely there is nothing wrong with this?
I only have one pair of flares now though and stick to skinny jeans and trousers most of the time, with a variety of tops, dresses, tunics, cardigans and lots of layers. I have DMs, but the Becca engineer ones which are great and go with everything as well as being very comfortable.

I draw the line at badges and bunches now though!

Haha, bunches yes! I was doing the occasional Meg White hairdo in my late twenties. Glad to have got that out of my system tho...It did suit me, I think, and only two children pointed at me and laughed in all that time, as far as I know.

Curious: what do you guys do with your hair these days? This was sort of integral to the look, wasn't it?
I had long blonde hair parted in the middle, kind of wispy side bits framing face. The blonde was paler then, though, it has gone a bit more ashy as I've grown older. Not much has changed really, it is still a mess, but I am determined to master the not-too-blogger-inspired topknot.

My hair is a Claudia Winklemen fringe and is shoulder length.