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.

True xingming, it's not for the fainthearted and you do need to be lucky. Maybe not such a great idea for the OP.

@pickingdaisies and @XingMing - I have been going to Bicester for a number of years with little success. Found it very crowded, and full of clothing either for very petite sizes, or obviously garments so awful it’s obvious why they haven’t sold in mainstream stores. Rather like a designer jumble sale but with staff who are not the most helpful. Like you @XingMing I end up buying socks and undies for the men in the family.

Sorry a few too mainly obviouslys there. Obviously a few too many glasses of wine tonight 😂

Despite have lived / worked in or around Oxford intermittently over decades I’ve never found my way to Bicester - so I’m pleased to hear it doesn’t merit a special journey.

TK Maxx on the other hand often makes me very happy indeed. I do, admittedly, have infinite patience when it comes to clothes browsing - and know what to look for. The Gold Label section can be great fun, OP. (I don’t bother with the rest, except maybe for scarves and gloves.) I’ve often found magnificent things that upgrade the rest of my wardrobe.

Oooh @SurpriseSpaDay that sounds a nice way to spend a rainy couple of hours - it’s on my list!

I saw someone wearing what I thought were just right jeans yesterday. I wish I'd stopped to ask her where she got them. They were probably quite boring, but they were narrow but not skinny, with a medium rise, and no rips or anything, and they weren't cropped.

I haven't been to Bicester Village for a long time. It used to be brilliant, but I didn't go for a while and when I went it seemed much bigger and flashier. I didn't stay long and haven't been back since.

TK Maxx is great for some things but I don't know if it is the shops near me but I never seem to buy clothes or shoes there any more.