If you're in your 30s, where do you normally shop?

[Lostinbooksandcoffee]

I need to buy some new clothes as I have nothing that fits except for jumpers.

I'm 33 and a mother of two toddlers so needs to be practical. My default is jeans and tops/jumpers but looking to trying something new.

Next are usually overpriced, New Look is too young, M&S to old.
I hate the likes of River Island with the horrible, man-made fibres. I prefer natural/cotton. Also has to be on a budget.

So, where can I find decent quality clothes without selling a kidney for a 30-odd mother of 2?

The best cashmere I have ever got was from Cos in the sale. Also rate the Pure Collection sale for good quality fabrics (silk, wool, cashmere). Perhaps have a look on eBay once you have figured out size for a real bargain?

Uniqlo also considered to be good value by many on here for tops in decent fabrics.

I rate J Brand for jeans. Pricey new but again, figure out your size and there are amazing deals on eBay.

Reformation also great for natural fabrics - again, loads on eBay. Similarly with Sweaty Betty for loungewear and sportswear.

I'm 32 and a have a dd4. I tend to get a few bits from Next (the odd dress or top), same for M&S (I personally often like the autograph stuff), TK Max if there is time to search. I think H&M is my best all rounder though, and if I could have only one shop that covers most of my bases. I also look on eBay for second hand bits from Cos and &otherstories, and Zara sometimes, as I live in the middle of no where and those stores aren't for hundreds of miles.

I’m 31 and I shop in H&M (good basics, jersey, summer dresses in non-disgusting fabrics) Hush, Zara, Uniqlo, Topshop (mainly for Jeans) and Reiss for work wear or smart outfits and ASOS can be good quite a lot of the time if you know what you’re looking for.

Uniqlo, new look, Topshop, m&s, asos, and other stories, monki, matalan, h&m.

No where is "too young".

Older thirties but I like M and S, mint velvet, white company. Lots of neutral type things.

I also say H&M and Uniqlo. I love everything I have from these shops and after a good few years they're still in great condition. If you don't mind having a rummage, try TK Maxx. I've found some absolute gems in there.

I'll have a look at H&M. Never heard of Uniqlo so will check that out, as the other suggestions. Didn't think of eBay so I'll give that a go.

@ItMustBeBedtimeSurely
Whenever I pass the shop, the mannequins are usually dressed with crop top style clothes. After two kids and losing 3 stone, no one wants to see my saggy stomach

Yeah ok, but obviously they sell other things. I just think it pays to be open minded, I've bought some gems from there recently.

I also don't like arbitrary clothes rules based purely on age. Some of the best dressed people I know aren't afraid to wear very on trend things from 'young' shops.

I'm 36 and shop in H&M, Topshop, & Other Stories, Asos, Oliver Bonas and less frequently Zara (mainly because the shop nearest me always looked like a jumble sale, but the website is better), New Look, Primark.

John Lewis brands in the sale.

Kin, White Stuff, JL own brand is also good.

Zara, H&M, Gap outlet, supermarkets

I'm 36 and mostly shop on Zalando now. I live in a small town in mid Norway so our selection is limited! I use H&M for vest tops etc, but I love Zalando. I've found all sorts of new (to me) brands. I'm slightly plus size on my legs but not on top and the Mango plus size jeans are fantastic, lots of different styles too. Wolf &Whistle do great gym gear too. I feel that in the last 12 months since shopping on Zalando (I first tried it as I needed maternity clothes), my style has really changed and I feel more "hip" than ever.
But probably not as I've just used the word hip.

New look markets itself to a younger audience but I get loads from there. It's not all skimpy garments, nice tee shirts, I love jumpsuits and maxi dresses etc.

I like cos, &otherstories, monki, whistles, kin at John Lewis and h&m.

You should try Boden

34 and my day to day clothes are usually from-
Wallis
Dorothy perkins
French connection
Boden
Next
Primark

H&M for all your basics
Next for jeans that fit beautifully and don't stretch/fade
Zara for "fashionable" bits - blouses, sandals etc
And Other Stories (premium H&M) for dresses, special occasions and the odd luxury Cashmere purchase

I saw Mango recommended on here for natural fabrics and they do have some nice things in at the moment

I like playful/interesting but well made clothes and mostly shop online. I find the things in many of the high street stores can be a bit uninspiring and often not great quality. My favourite shops are Sezane and Rouje. I really like Ganni and just bought a gorgeous blouse from The Outnet (which sells designer brands at a discount). I recently found Kitri Studio and Musier Paris too.

I agree with PPs that Other Stories/Arket/Cos Are worth looking at - sometimes get the odd item from there I really like - they seem to all be good for knitwear. I also have a couple of items from Whistles (although sizing and quality can be hit and miss!) and sometimes work stuff from Jigsaw although find their non-workwear too conservative generally for me. Jigsaw have a great eBay outlet which I go to for workwear.

What’s your style? I guess that’s the first thing to think about - other people can recommend things but might not be to your taste. What items do you want/need? I actually think some shops do certain things really well - like you may find that you love the jumpers from Other Stories but the jeans from Topshop and the tees from Uniqlo.

Cos, Arket, Oliver Bonas. Also Weekday for basic T-shirts etc (often in the sale).

Cos has a 30% discount on dresses at the moment - some nice summery things there (and they are generally quite practical too).

I used to like Finery but it's got expensive and frumpy over the past few years.

@swiftier

I will definitely have a look at those. Sounds up my street.
Honestly, I don't know what my style is anymore. I've lost confidence in clothes since having kids and haven't got time to shop much. I also need everything, especially the summer. I lost weight last year to have hardly anything nice that fits.

Definitely going to look at those you mentioned though.

I'm 37 and I felt like you. Too old for Topshop and too young for M&S (although I do have quite a lot from there)

My BFF dragged me into JL for a Wardrobe Refresh with a personal stylist and it was the best thing I ever did.

The stylist was excellent and encouraged me to go for brighter, bolder pieces but with better quality materials and tailoring so they didn't look cheap. I feel like this is the first time that I can express my personality through my clothes but also feel polished and put together.

I fell in love with Damsel in a Dress which is cut beautifully for the curvier lady (I am an 18)
Something to think about after lockdown?

Cos, Arket, M&S and Monki are my main go to's. H&M but only online as I'm an 18 and not all shops stock plus size.

Nowadays, generally: Arket and Uniqlo for basics (t-shirts, camis) and trousers. &otherstories, mango, vintage shops for blouses and dresses. Very occasionally, Anthropologie for a treat (but only on sale!). I love the style of Sezane for inspiration but haven’t got around to ordering anything yet (quite spendy!)

Nowhere is really off limits or “too young” but I’ve become more picky about cut, material, and how something “feels”, than when I was younger!

I swear by new look. Doesn’t break the bank and the age range spans from skimpy crop tops(n thanks!) to a bit frumpy(also not for me). They do nice floaty summer dresses, jeans are a good fit and last well. Love their T-shirt’s too. I’m 38 but dress a bit younger than my age. No twin sets and pearls here!