Alternatives to M & S any suggestions?

[Viviennemary]

I'm a boring conservative dresser, but even I can't find anything remotely nice in M & S and I was going to treat myself to a few new things. So has anybody got any recommendations for other shops or mail order. I have got into a real rut this past few years. I'm really short of everyday wear what you'd call smart casual items I suppose! Any ideas. Thanks.

Zara.

How old are you?
I used to like M&S, but it has been dire recently...
I also like Gap, J Crew, White Stuff (only plain items, not garish).

I'm not young let's put it that way. but M & S is just too frumpy for even me. I've never tried Zara or J Crew and those others so will have a look at these. Thanks very much.

Oh OP, I'm the same. I'm not sayng how old I am, but let's say the wrong side of 45 and I have today realised that M&S and I are OVER. But I have no clue where a woman of my age can shop for clothes...I looked at Zara online but it looks too young for me. Same with Boden...I don't know where to start.

I'm wrong side of 45 too. I love Zara, but go to a shop and try on anything and everything. The website doesn't show stuff off at its best.

i am 43 and like french connection at the moment alot, asos is good for ideas too - zara def has something for the 'older' lady tons in there!

Jigsaw and Toast?

I'm in my forties and have just started shopping at White Stuff, nice casual tops etc.

Thanks for all these suggestions. Sorry I did not get back sooner on the thread. There's some really nice things on those websites.

Phew, thought I'd killed the thread

Laura Ashley has some nice clothes at the moment. Also Brora, White Company, Kew and Woman at M&S can have the odd thing. However this season has been dire in general. Anyone else traipsed from one futile shopping trip to another ending up with a lipstick?

I love Dunnes