Help for everyday smart casual

[MrsDrudge]

I’m 61 newly retired and struggling for everyday smart casuals. I have a few “out out” clothes, and jeans/leggings and jumpers around the house. Because I wore a uniform for work I struggle to look smart/cas for everyday - eg pub lunches, shopping, trips to theatre and cinema etc. How do I look smart and put together without looking overdone, or mutton dressed as lamb? I’d like views from the young elegant women (and men!) on here rather than the similar site for older women. Thank you to everyone who might be able to make suggestions.

Have a look at some style vloggers on YouTube there’s bound to be some who’s style you like. I’d also say don’t just look at the 50 plus ones, I find they can be a bit more safe.

I’d like views from the young elegant women (and men!) on here rather than the similar site for older women.

Still. Offended.

You’ve received some excellent advice here OP - I hope you’re enjoying your re-education. And that you’ll never, ever use the ‘mutton’ phrase again.

I would only add that you might find it instructive to regularly browse a selection of the larger high end multi-brand shopping sites, to see the origins of the styles you’ll find in your high street. Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion are good places to start. They are mostly expensive, but regularly highlight new, cutting edge designers - and as their outfit presentation is very mainstream you’ll soon get an idea of current shapes and proportions.

But do bear in mind - it’s not compulsory to look exactly like everyone else.

Could you give a link to the coat please @DianaT1969 ?

@MrsDrudge, if you're near Oxford, do please bear in mind that there are some very upmarket smaller towns not too far distant, and some high disposable incomes. Which makes local charity shops worth regular attention: those supporting hospices seem to receive cast-offs of exceptionally good quality. What you are looking for is the one where it's easy to drop stuff off by car! (Dress agencies for occasion-wear.) If you can sew, great but if not a seamstress can often tailor the fit of a garment you love otherwise; bear in mind that it's easier to alter something slightly too big than too small.

And the poster suggesting browsing high-end stuff is also right about helping you understand the what, how and why of "contemporary" and "elegant". It's a moving target. The Guardian's fashion pages often take a single garment and style it three ways for young, mature and older people. And you probably grew up on magazines: now is not the time to stop reading them, even if the models are skinnier and more beautiful than most of us have ever been.

@mike here's the link if it works.
www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/outerwear/coats-jackets?quickView=427570

I honestly love it. Feels so light to wear.

Uniqglo Women Bloctech Soutien Coat.
Known as car coats I believe.
OP - also look at Massimo Dutti.

Thanks @DianaT1969, that's nice. I'd prefer a parka but I'd like a hip/top of thigh length, but a smart raincoat like that might look more elegant.

Charity shops often have quality bargains. The downside is that you end up with odd items. I find that ones in posh rural villages tend to be good, but I live in an urban area and they get stock from posh area - in a sea of washed out primani there will be the odd top end of high street gem.

@Gabrielle thank you! I’m planning a try on of black/charcoal jeans, I do agree more versatile for smart cas than blue.
All too often I have bought clothes that “will do” rather than things I love, so I will take your advice on that too.

I’ve started watching videos on the Busbee Style YouTube channel and it is transforming my wardrobe, with me buying very little. It’s an American channel, so a lot of the clothes she links are only available in the US, but I’ve been finding lots of looks I can create with what I already have. There are also some good tips on the basics of an outfit - may seem no-brainier but surprisingly helpful.

@mummybunny thanks for this - I shall give it a watch. Sounds like you’ve found it really helpful.

This coat in navy has made a huge difference to how smart I look. I can put it on over any jeans or trousers and go anywhere. It's well made, the fabric feels great, it's lightweight but keeps out the wind and rain. Perfect now with a jumper.
My advice would be to sort out your coats, shoes/boots/bags first.

I totally agree with DianaT1969 about coats. I have a similar one, from JL funnily enough. It's a bit shorter I think and is available more colours. The video on the website shows it better than the pictures.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-a-line-mac/red/p3910217?size=18

(The coat comes up very big BTW)

@DianaT1969 that is a beautiful mac, just my sort of style. Thank you for posting - and I am sorting my shoes/coats/boots/bags atm.
I am dumping the dross, and actually have a few nice things (which I never wear as I save for “best” - something I hope to change)

@StCharlotte this is absolutely lovely too, it must look really chic in navy - although I actually like the red too x

I have the red and I love it. I also have a similar one in navy but with a hood.

Hi OP we may live in the same town 🤫, my mum went to John Lewis in Oxford and had the male personal shopper can't remember his name but he was very helpful.

@sickoffamilydrama - that’s really helpful, I’m going to investigate next week and see if I can book with him.

I’m a bit lacking in confidence (a lot of huge life changes/events) recently so hearing of a positive experience gives me a bit of a push - thank you.

Yes it was great, it was one of the stylists and she got a Boden dress she would never have tried and we had coffee/tea and prosecco

@StCharlottte, thanks for posting the JL one. I really like it in red and I don't have any coats or jackets in bright colours, so I might be able to justify it as part of my annual planned (non-impulse) purchasing.

I struggle with smart casual, but bought this last week in the hope that the shape will make me feel smart, but because it's in denim it comes across as a bit more relaxed. www.marksandspencer.com/denim-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp60386359?extid=ps_ps-pla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK---&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwmKLzBRBeEiwACCVihkvbgAC7gg5jQYoYdoMlxlk5ukbNvEt38Z8nNKqSGeQaHpijlZFEpxoCe5EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I love that @Flowersmakemyday! And the trousers too - great to mix and match and wear separately or dress up or down. Thanks for posting

I wear leather brogues (Clark's hamble oak) or ankle boots. Got a good quality leather cross body bag for every day, large enough for my usual gubbins (half price in the January sale) Black wool peacoat. A drawer full of scarves for cosiness and for livening up a boring outfit. Mostly from fat Face sales. I love fatface sales! Chunky cardi, a couple of over-the-bum jumpers in cotton or wool.
You're not too far from Bicester village, but I'd get your look sorted out before going there, it's a dangerous place

@MrsDrudge, I like the culottes that match Flowers blazer too, better than the trousers.

Bicester is okay, and probably quite reasonable at the moment (possibly the only silver lining to COVID-19) without the coachloads of tourists: it's normally a zoo, and you have to be lucky IME. I normally end up with T-shirts and socks for DS from Paul Smith.