When you're too old for Topshop

[mumtorobbie]

I started another thread this week about what to wear when working from home but searching online for clothes has made me realise that I just don't know where to shop anymore.

In my glam (ish) media days I used to get everything from Topshop before it decided to aim its stock at size 8 teenagers (bitter me?), and French Connection before the quality deteriorated.

I like a few things from Boden but alot of the time it seems very mumsy and a some of the patterns are dire (although its Breton tops are fabulous).

So that leads me to the question, where do I go now? I'm heading towards 40, I haven't got pots of cash and although I love vintage clothes, especially cute dresses, they're really for special occasions and the summer.

I've bought a few bits from Zara but I don't get wildly excited about their stuff and a few cheap dresses and tops from H&M. It's just all a bit blah out there for women of a 'certain age' and limited rescources!

Of a similar age to you and I agree Zara has some good stuff but not liking H&M.

I do like Monsoon- some items (bank balance doesn't)

Fat Face is quite good although casual but might suit your needs?

I'm not so lucky to work from home so have to wear trousers/skirts quite a bit and find M&S/Next dressed up with bits from Monsoon tend to be handy. The odd dress from Warehouse/Oasis but I do think there is a gap in the market for the 40-odd mum who isn't past it but can't fit into weeny sizes!

If anyone has any ideas I would certainly like to hear them!

I'd like to know too! My problem is I can't really afford the stuff I see and really like. Oh and high necklines really do nothing for me (I am generously endowed) which writes off most current fashion trends it would seem.

Have you tried Mango, OP? I've had a few nice pieces from there.

Gap can be good and seems to have got its act together recently but I find its skirts are too short (I'm only 5ft 4) and its sizing is bonkers. I did get a nice dress and shirt in there before Xmas and I do find Gap stuff does wash well.

Back in the day, I used to wander into Topshop during my lunchbreak and always come out with something. Alot of the clothes I bought then I have now and still wear but in the last 5 years it seems to have altered its demographic, which certainly doesn't include 40 somethings but fair enough, it's a 'young person's' shop after all.

DewDr0p I'm a 32E, so feel your pain re necklines! However, I have found some nice basics in Uniqlo, especially the heat-tech scoop neck tops and cashmere. For "smarter" clothes, I rely on Whistles' sales. They have decent reductions and lovely quality. My stand-by for suits (workwear) is Hobbs, although I am finding the quality of their fabric is more hit and miss these days.

I have got a few bits from Mango but I'm not mad keen on the quality.

Back to Boden..their catalogue popped through the post yesterday and there were a few bits I was ooh about but some if it was just awful.

What about Massimo Dutti or Cos? Reiss also has a good sale atm. Not that cheap but reasonable prices and I have been impressed with the quality from all 3.

Am 40 this year - urgh. Have recently discovered H&M. BUT you have to do it all online - cannot bear the jumblesaleyness of the stores.
And Gap

Dorothy Perkins have really upped their game recently, they have lovely things

I haven't shopped in Top Shop since I was about 19, the quality is awful

Asos? There are teenage things but there are older styles too (I'm 31).