Where can I shop?

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Ladies...I need help.

I'm in my late 30s and I just don't know where to shop for everyday clothes ie not work clothes. I generally wear t-shirts, shirts, jeans and converse.

Before having children, I had a better figure and tended to wear tighter fitting clothes, lots of Spanish labels and the clothes were a bit more interesting and patterned and very very rarely plain tops. These days I find myself wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans and I never feel trendy. Before any of my tops could have taken me to a bar at night (albeit a casual/music bar and not a cocktail bar!).

I don't know where to shop anymore. Please don't suggest Boden, Dorothy Perkins, M&S, White Stuff, Fat Face etc. I find their clothes very aging, shapeless and plain. I don't have lots of money to spend and if the clothes have to be plain then at least I'd like a twisted back or a v neck on the back of the tops etc. I like e.g. Desigual clothing but for some reason they always add that one bright colour which ruins an otherwise nice piece of clothing.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me please?

Have you tried Zara? The shopping experience is a bit of a nightmare but if you're able to go during the day on a weekday you can hole up in a changing room and try on a mountain of stuff until you find things that make you feel good. You probably think Jigsaw is too ageing but there are good things there if you look carefully and the staff are always incredibly helpful. Cos is excellent for well-cut basics too.

Thank you for replying. I tend to buy in Zara all the time. Mostly online and I return a lot of it due to the colours being so neutral - they don't suit my pasty white skintone.

Book a free stylist session at John Lewis, they will give you ideas which suit your shape & colouring.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service

Whistles can be a but more interesting than the shops you've listed.

Have a look at French store Promod They have some bits that are nice

When I was in my late 30s (now mid-40s) I used to sometimes get good stuff in Top Shop. I had to be feeling brave to go in amongst all the teenagers, and most of it I would never have worn, but I regularly got trousers, teeshirts and knitwear there. The last few times I've been in I've felt way too old though - I don't know whether that's changing fashions or me ageing.

Warehouse? Red Herring? Super Dry?

I wear a lot of French Connection, Cos and And other stories... (Both H&M related). They seem to do the odd really good unusual piece that doesn't go out of fashion. I also quite like Mango for similar and cheaper bits.

Zara and Hush are my staples as well as White Co and often get told am trendy (delights an old bag like me!)

Oh yes actually Warehouse do some nice bits

What about Comptoir des Cotonniers?