Too old for Topshop, too young for Boden. What to wear?

[Peppin]

I have owned everything in my wardrobe for about a million years, wear the same 8 items out of it on repeat, hate all my clothes and cannot find anything to wear in the shops. This summer I have 2 weddings to go to and have no idea what I will wear.

I am age 36, size 10, slim hips, good legs and bum, big bust, slightly fat tops of arms that remind me of a side of ham, and a horrible pot belly (in reality not too bad but I am very self-conscious about it).

I like relatively structured clothing, or alternatively ruching/draping in order to conceal the tummy. I like a scoop or boat neckline as round necks make my bust look v v matronly. I really, really need to find:

1. a couple of work outfits - would like dress + jacket/cardi but not black

1. some nice smart casual tops for going out in

1. a dress for the weddings

This week I have depressed myself by going in Karen Millen, French Connection, Topshop, Warehouse, Oasis, Reiss and Zara and finding absolutely nothing that suits me. I used to buy clothes in all these shops but now everything in them is too tight/young/"edgy". But I am not ready for Boden and M&S yet.

Would prefer to spend a bit more on three or four items than buy lots of cheap stuff. Would I find nicer stuff online? What labels do mid-30s mums with wobbly bits who want to look stylish buy?

Oh Peppin you could be me! Mid 30s, size 8/10, good legs, OK bum, conscious of upper arms.

I've been stuck in a rut for a while - I know what suits me, I just really struggle to find it! I love Reiss for dresses and tops (both work and weekend), but am not a huge fan of their bottoms - trousers are either too formal or dressy for what I need, their skirts are either too long or too short.

I've recently rediscovered Jigsaw for skirts and dresses though - good for work where I need smart casual.

I go to Gap for casual / weekend trousers and Warehouse for casual tops and some going out things.

Zara is also good but agree with an earlier poster that you need to go to a big one and be prepared to rummage and try everything on. I've had some real gems from there though - jackets, trousers and the odd top/dress.

Banana Republic is also good for tops and dresses - it's hit and miss but if you keep an eye out on a regular basis you find some good things - their sizes can be all over the place though, so ordering online can be hit and miss.

I find it hardest to find nice 'going out' clothes, that don't make me look like I'm a teen on the pull or have raided my mum's wardrobe.

I like The White Company, Autograph and Betty Jackson Black.

I like plain clothes with minimal details but cut well.

It is an absolute nightmare at the moment finding anything I like. All the materials seem flimsy and the colours are just hideous. Too much pattern and embellishment.

Colours I like are black, deep grey,pewter, taupe, navy, tan and blue red. I like geometric shapes and bold silver jewellery.

Any pointers anyone?

I went to Jigsaw at lunchtime today and bought the blue cowl neck dress. But on trying on at home this evening I found it too big and sort of "flappy" round the arms (could see the side of my bra through arm holes). I got size S as a size 10. Am going to take it back. Was going to try an XS but then went on Great Plains website this evening and found loads of stuff I like, including this which is not dissimilar to the Jigsaw dress (but cheaper) and this dress for work as well as skirt which will be great for work and home. In my mind, it was OK to order all 3 because at least 1 will not fit/be horrible on, but I am going to keep them all we will have to see.

I shop for the most part in pretty much the same places as I did when younger, I just 'do it' differently. I'm 38. Although I do tend to lean more towards Selfridges than Topshop these days, if funds allow.

To be honest, as we get older, I think it's more a matter of noticing quality, and the shitty designs we used to accept don't cut it for us anymore. This, surely, is a reason to celebrate. I don't know why so many thirtysomethings are so hung up about it. It's one of the most repeated themes on S&B, which is somewhat depressing - no offence to anyone, of course, I am in the same boat!

Ignore me, I buy my socks and silk scarves from Jack Wills

I usually find something in:
All Saints
Whistles
Anthropologie
Urban Outfitters
Hush

Sara Berman has some lovely dresses. More expensive than high st but well worth it for something special. Not crazy prices. Think it is in maybe Liberty or Fenwick Bond st but definitely online.

French connection - the dresses with the waist ties that Hells mentions are great. There's a colour and pattern to suit all.
Hobbs NW3 for some quirky tops and nice accessories.
Boden for plain cashmere or merino knits only
I have also just ordered the DP stripe maxi that georgina mentioned. High hopes now.
Topshop for jeans and jersey basics only

I don't think we're too young or too old for either topshop or boden. As others have said we probably do become more discerning as we get older and avoid anything too tight/short/on trend/looks cheap but I find there's usually something in most shops that catch my eye (I'm 38).

I get most of my clothes from gap just as I have done for years but on the whole their styles fit me really well. Going out tops I normally get from oasis or warehouse and I've also got a few things from Dorothy Perkins this summer. Wedding type dresses I normally go for coast or browse around John Lewis.

I'm mid-30's too and haven't changed shops yet. But maybe I was old before my time, because I've found Top Shop etc... a bit weird/edgy for many years now
I've got being slightly taller thrown in the mix to and so for me Zara & DP are a nono due to this. I also tend to get dissapointed by the quality of those 2, loosening seams & buttons falling off seem very comon.
I mainly shop in Next or H&M because their sleeve length is guaranteed to be right. I also often buy supermarket clothes, but my budget is much smaller than most. And tbh, I often get compliments on them too. I could never part with whatever they ask for a dress in Boden/Monsoon.
I do have bits of Monsoon too, always from their sales.
And lastly, all my mid-30's friends seem to live in Boden or Joules, so I wouldn't say you're too young for Boden

I'm 40, size 12 and can't afford to spend that much on clothes and like things that are fashionable but not ridiculous. I get most of my clothes from DP or New Look and the quality is good, especially DP. H&M is also good but their quality isn't great.