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Original poster

Where do you buying “going out” clothes at 40?

55 replies

Minimap · 20/07/2018 20:52

I’ve come out of a long term relationship, recovered and off out for a date....I’m nearly 40 (can pass for younger) and no idea what to wear. I went for a personal shopping appointment at the weekend and the young lad I was allocated to had no idea what to do with me.....he dressed me like my Mum..

I’m thinking jeans, heels and a top - but wondering where I start looking for a suitable top? No budget restrictions and so far have looked at:
Ted Baker
French Connection
Next
Borden
Whistles

Plus younger high street places like TopShop (that was a mistake)

OP posts:
Original poster
Minimap · 20/07/2018 21:56

That’s definitely the issue. The last time I dated was early 20s and gravitating towards what I used to wear.

OP posts:
toomanyeastereggsurghh · 20/07/2018 21:58

Mint Velvet is my absolute favourite shop at the mo. Really stylish clothes with great details. I particularly love the tops they do with detailing on the backs (bows, zips etc) I also like the floaty white or silver tops.

Lookingforspace · 20/07/2018 21:59

The outfit you’ve linked to would look great if you’re slim and have a dark or tanned skin tone. My wobbly milk bottle arms would not look good in that. But it’s pretty and if you suit it, go for it.

Lookingforspace · 20/07/2018 22:00

As 2good says, my friends and I often opt for funky or sparkly top, shoes and handbag combo with jeans now rather than the more flashy image we’d have opted for 25yrs ago.

Shortyshortcake1 · 20/07/2018 22:05

&otherstories is fab, French connection (bit patchy but some classics), AllSaints, Topshop’a limited collection, maje, lovemoschino, jigsaw (tops). I find Vivienne Westwood anglomania the best and she knows how to create a silhouette and look for her stuff in the matches/ netaporter sale. Yoox and the outnet also great for designer sales.

Lookingforspace · 20/07/2018 22:15

this is nice and rose gold is popular this summer.

MissTulipan · 20/07/2018 22:18

I quite like Warehouse.

Almondio · 20/07/2018 22:20

Some of the bloggers on Instagram have some great ideas, and you could look on Pinterest for different styles, create a board and take it into a big department store for an appt with a personal shopper.

I love Reiss for a splurge and &Other Stories, then Zara and Warehouse/Oasis for lower priced end of the high street.

I also really like Great Plains which is part of French Connection I think; really unusual prints and colours, and I don't tend to see anyone wearing it (hmm, just realised, maybe that's because I have hideous taste!!Grin)

2gorgeousboys · 21/07/2018 09:16

I'm a similar age and size to you and wear a lot of Mint Velvet, Zara and Warehouse. As a change from jeans, heels and a nice top, I've been wearing culottes or a jumpsuit.

I quite like House of Fraser for shopping, lots of concessions and good delivery and returns.

katienana · 21/07/2018 09:26

Call me crazy but for dressy clothes have a look in river island. Look.past the mini shirts and crop tops! I got a gorgeous silky wrap blouse from there last winter to wear with black coated jeans (jeans with a sort of coating on them that gives almost a leather, slightly shiny effect) and heels.
I would look at slightly cropped trousers and camisole tops for a summer dressy outfit.

Fatted · 21/07/2018 09:49

I'm 38 I do find If it's an odd age to dress for. I don't want to look too young, but also find lots of places old fashioned.

It it's just a casual meal out or drinks in the pub, I'd wear a smartish top with jeans and heels. Along with a statement necklace. If it's any thing else, I'd usually wear a dress.

I like Oasis for tops and actually really like New Looks website. They have lots of dresses from different brands and lots of choice. The last few dresses I've bought are from Apricot.

lindyloo57 · 21/07/2018 11:38

my dd is 41 she shop for going out stuff at quiz, sometimes the dresses look a bit to young for her, but i cant tell her, because i don't want to hurt her feelings.

Bourgainvillia · 21/07/2018 11:49

Depends where you are going out to, how formal/informal it is etc. For me its Zara, Mango for clothes, XY London or Simm for shoes.

LadyLapsang · 21/07/2018 12:05

I am quite a lot older than you, but would suggest a look at the Outnet and Massimo Dutti.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/07/2018 12:10

I'd rather not have to have separate outfits for going out so all my clothes are a variation on casual or workwear. I shop at Zara and in Oasis and Warehouse only in the sales. H&M sometimes, but your budget is obviously different to mine. I do have a nice jacket from Top Shop. It's fine for things that are not for a particular age group.

Gwenhwyfar · 21/07/2018 12:12

"Warehouse/Oasis for lower priced end of the high street."

You think Warehouse/Oasis are the lower priced end of the high street???

timeisnotaline · 21/07/2018 12:19

Scan some instagrams - I can’t believe my bum is 40 is one. Comptoir des cotonniers - French,more simple classic than les kooples.

TSSDNCOP · 21/07/2018 13:47

French connection
Whistles
River island
Warehouse
Autograph (white shirts)
Uniqlo
All Saints
Ted
Karen millen
Hush

I'm nearly 50, so these might be too old for that personal shopper Grin

If I want to look a bit more formal I'd include Hobbs.

If I want to age 10 years I'd go to jigsaw, phase8 or mint velvet. I see other people in their stuff, and love it though so it must be me.

XingMing · 21/07/2018 19:58

Beautifully fitting plain stuff in good fabric, and great accessories, carefully chosen. They can be cheap as chips; the cost is in the time you spend looking for the right/perfect one. Sometimes it will be expensive, but freshness and modernity you'll find in the shops your 12 year old picks.

If you buy everything in one place, it looks too safe, and not like your choice.

I've just come back from a wedding and, except me and one other, EVERY woman not in the bridal party was wearing a floral frock. Every single one...

bluebeck · 21/07/2018 20:11

I love & Other Stories

Also Whistles.

High heels are pretty dated - agree with PP about a flippy dress. I am fifty and wear tea dresses with (good) trainers Grin

Jonbb · 21/07/2018 20:32

Jeans and high heels, yuk, trying to hard . . .

LassWiADelicateAir · 21/07/2018 20:39

Dresses are easier as don't have to match two or three pieces. Also it gives the impression that you've "dressed up" even if you've quite literally pulled on a clean, casual dress

Agreed. I literally have no idea what a "nice top" would be.

On the high street definitely Cos and may be try independent non high street shops.

WeeM · 21/07/2018 20:41

I think it’s hard I go wrong in Oasis and Warehouse. Also love Ted Baker If splashing out

LassWiADelicateAir · 21/07/2018 20:41

If I want to look a bit more formal I'd include Hobbs.

Yes although it has a very distinct look. You can tell a Hobbs dress at 50 paces. I like Hobbs but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

AllPizzasGreatAndSmall · 21/07/2018 21:30

You think Warehouse/Oasis are the lower priced end of the high street???

Compared to Reiss, OtherStories, Cos, Whistles etc. they are. Obviously they are not at the cheapest end like Primark or New Look.