Where do 44 year olds buy nice clothes?

[HowBadIsThisPlease]

I am not looking for specific recommendations, just brands / shops. I haven't a clue and I never have time to go shopping. I tried to buy a few things online and they look awful, I can't even be arsed to try them on.

I've been wearing the same 3 or 4 wool jumpers all winter, with knee length skirts and opaques. I need to face up to seasons changing and get something else.

I'm short and fat, can't wear trousers (at the moment) or anything too slinky or figure hugging. I really far prefer natural fibres. I like dresses / skirts / tops / jackets / cardigans but haven't a clue where to get anything from.

I know this is not a very interesting post as most of you are far more skilled and knowledgeable than this sort of pathetic question but if anyone can throw a one or two word answer my way I would be very grateful.

I'm 45 and mostly wear Boden, Monsoon or Joules atm.

Uniqlo, Cos.

I think you will have to overcome your dislike of Internet shopping. The only decent shops are mainly online. I can't remember the last time I walked into your average high street shop and bought something.

But orange that assumes you are a standard shape and size and can buy online. I HAVE to try stuff on. Small waist. Bigger hips and butt. Wide shoulders and norks. Oh Lordy the norks!

I have to try stuff on too! And I used to have K cup norks, until I was crippled with back pain and had them reduced to a smaller size. Cos go up to a 16, and Uniqlo XL. I used to but clothes from both these places which fitted over my enormonorks

Phase Eight, Mint Velvet although you need to be careful, some of it can be mumsy (and therefore ageing) but I like the cut. Ted Baker suits my figure too but it's pricey - sales and Ebay! I also like H&M but sometimes can't be bothered to search through it all!

Dumpy 46 year old who also prefers natural fibres.

Fatface, Landsend, Laura Ashley and (very selectively ) M&S (mostly Indigo, though this season is dire) and even more selectively Next (though a lovely linen shirt I got from there has been a disappointment - poor quality linen).

I do like internet shopping! - in fact it is the only kind I can logistically do. The problem is that I'm bad at it and sending back everything in my last haul! I just want some pointers on where to look.

thank you for the tips, I'll try these places (not uniqlo, I can't wear uniqlo, it doesn't suit me at all although I think their stuff looks fab in theory)

God I haven't a clue. Looking at these places now and don't know where to start. Right I am changing my mind: where would you recommend a clueless person go for a session with a personal shopper?

try sandwich- from frasers or Gemini clothing . I also like mint velvet although its very variable

Focus on one thing - eg knitwear or some plain tops. Landsend really excels with that.

John Lewis, and really think about what you like and tell the personal shopper beforehand. Lots of brands there, you see.

Debenhams has personal shoppers, but the quality is always meh. Might help to work out what you really don't like, though!

I am 47 and have recently bought casual clothes from Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Jules B.

For work, I usually buy jersey dresses from John Lewis.

Try Woolovers for jumpers and cardigans.

I have lived in woolovers (love them) and sainsburys skirts for the winter and now I am trying to break out!

thanks for the tips. I think I need to actually go and see someone, will try and line something up at John Lewis

Love Cos but can't imagine any of it on, because their models are so exquisitely angular. I think maybe I just need to order something and try it, I can always send it back

White stuff

I love Uniqlo for bits and pieces but it is cut for a very straight up and down template, rubbish if you have curves. But the things where it doesn't matter eg jumpers and layers are really good.

Try to find on line for your shape
Perhaps find the brands via a try on at a dept store and once you know do orders on line for future buying when you know about sizing and cut .
For eg I more or less know Boden tops and dresses fit me .
White stuff .sea salt ?
Woo lovers .
Gap do good jeans - once you kno yr fit you can repeat order on line ? I often lose my clothes mo Jo - it will be ok ! Good luck .

How about taking a wander around somewhere like John Lewis just to get an idea of what kind of style you would like to consider? I think you might like their own 'Kin' range, and also 'Finery'. Personally my [new and very optimistic] plan is to be very careful about any new clothes that I buy, and try to resist the current fashions, but rather buy significantly less, but better quality. I then plan to ensure I do actually bother getting them properly hemmed and then properly looked after, to ensure the expense is worth it. Good in theory! In some ways I think that is the only thing to do if you want to wear natural fibres, as they do tend to be more expensive. What about People Tree for ethical (and therefore natural fibres!) clothes?

Well ... You can look stylish at any height and in any shape (though admittedly some are easier than others.) How do you want to be dressed and what sort of budget do you have in mind?

It is best if you follow the advice above - try on a wide variety of stuff in shops so you have a proper idea of the shapes that suit you. Then do the actual shopping online from any of the millions of places around the world that will deliver to you.

John Lewis especially Damsel In A Dress & Phase Eight.
Also finding some really good stuff in H&M & Dorothy Perkins.
Plus the odd bit from Primark.

It is hard

White company used to be good, but now only does baggy stuff (fashion is baggy)

Uniqlo looks great online, but in real life is boxy and for straight up and down people

Boden...3 things I bought there last year all fell apart, got holes in them or shrunk. Hopeless IMO

Hush, quite like Hush, great quality cotton basics

Mint Velvet used to be all natural fibres but they have started putting polyester and acrylic in everything

People Tree, hit and miss, but have some lovely stuff from there

Anthropologie, some nice stuff, but pricey, check the sale

Lands End can be surprisgly good

H&M if you have time to root through all the rubbish stuff

It is not easy!

I love cos and buy loads there

But it's almost impossible to shop online as their clothes have no hanger appeal and the website photos are less than helpful

Anyway it sound like you are more of a classic style person or maybe a natural so Cos won't be right for you .

I am having a midlife crisis and like Joe Brown's tops (some of them, some are hideous). But only wear them with very plain skirt and shoes or boots and black tights.