Being 42 is cr*p for shopping

[noddyholder]

I have decided old is rubbish Everything looks like it is for teenagers or old biddies I think I'm having a mid life crisis!Sick of smocky boxy shapes amd leggings everywhere!Is it time to give up and start wearing clothes like my mum

I am rapidly approaching 39 and feel the same. Did get a nice smocky jumper the other day but it is rare to find something I like. Aim to hit the shops before Brighton meet up this Sat so will probably arrive depressed and in need of a glass or three of wine. (Are you coming?)

Well, this 42 year old just goes to the local charity top and roots out the odd top that goes with jeans. I haven't been proper clothes shopping in years. I'm not sure it's an age thing .. for me. It's a lack of style thing!

I may pop in for a quick drink.We have a big do in the evening and a mn meet and a do at night don't mix!I saw a few things in zara so may go back tomorrow!I didn't realise you lived in Brighton Look forward to meeting you xx

Also out Sat night so will be taking it easy. Don't live in Brighton, we are near Arundel but only half an hour on the train. Hope you make it for a quickie.

Desi - I found a really nice big collared cardi in my size in charity shop today (as well as a cooker, big toy storage thing and a wooden bus full of people for DS4 )

White Stuff is good for 40s - nice characterful stuff which doesn't need you to have a teenage shape - bound to be one in Brighton.

Fabtastic, Mega

One opened in my village about six weeks ago, and I'm a complete addict now. ds has had so many cheap toys and books from there!

With regards to clothes, I find the problem with big stores is the choice. There's just too much of it .. and even when you do find something you like, you tend to wonder off promising to go back later .. but you never do.

And I must agree with you noddy ... smock tops and leggings aren't my cup of tea, either.

Noddy - I totally agree!

I've been shopping twice this week and come home empty-handed. And all the little girls and womens clothes are teenage style imo. And every shop is the same - just as you say smock tops and leggings everyhwere plus pantomime style boots.

I have been looking forward to H&M opening here for ages and went along on the day it opened. I tried on lot's of stuff but I couldn't work out how to wear most of it. Big cowl neck jumpers with short sleeves, what do put underneath? Lots of puffy stuff and leggings

Agree re White Stuff.Have a few tops from Fat Face too,and what about Principles and Monsoon?
The likes of Dorothy Perkins,River Island,TopShop etc do seem to be very 'teenagery' at the moment.

Zara is good but couldn't make a decision after the horror of the other shops.Massive new primarl opened today in brighton and it had security and everything!I popped in and straight back out Full of tat.I have a lovely pair of black trousers and am going to buy a top from zara Saw a boat neck minl coloured slash neck top with black sash Sounds awful but did look ok.I am too busty for smocks and just look pregnant

Yes, yes, yes - completely agree noddyholder. I don't like shopping for clothes, and buy for myself only when absolutely necessary. I no longer need smart/expensive work/social clothes that were the norm pre-dd, and haven't found an appealing place to shop that suits my current lifestyle and budget.

I have just gone on a diet, and aim to lose 2 stone. Will be interesting to see if I regain my enthusiasm for shopping when I feel happier with my figure....or maybe will become more frustrated with what is in the shops for those of us who are no longer clubbing but not yet ready for the retirment home!

Have I killed the thread? Seem to be doing alot of that lately....

ime go to kew fro 42 tyear old clothes
jeasn from gap
proper k wool jumpers not viscose crap

not zara - makes oyu feel freaky
acessories from h and m

I don't like kew sorry!Or monsoon or east too old which I suppose I am I am going back to town today to try again!

Ah Silentterror - I am sorry - they have not gone teenagery at the moment. It will forever seem this way to you now. That is how it happens. One day you walk in and think 'blimey, this all looks a bit young - I'll try again next time'.
But it hasn't changed - you have. You have tipped through an invisible barrier and you can't come back .
One of these days you'll stop and find you are looking in Jaeger ( and not at the bags).
(sigh) It just happens slowly like that.

I like H&M, Whistles, Zara, some Hobbs ( but a bit granny), some Gap, some Coast.

I like all those bar Hobbs Maybe it is me as I like the look of the clothes but they look wrong on me!Zara is ok though still stylish if you pick properly.I have a 4-th sat pm and need something!

i think the issue is that the really fashionable stuff is invariably cheap so looks shit as i think older owmen need better made clothes so htey hangwell( not being blessed wiht tiw like frames)

so you want fashion but wuality.

i agree rekew that a lto of their stuff is flouncy and bodeny

BUT

i find a lot of their knitwear( sparkly cardigans excapeted) is good if you can ignroe the overlal branding iykwim

an i reiterate that imo getting plainish clothes ofrm wherever goroved uup wiht "of hte moment" acessories is the best option.

Agree quality classic shapes with groovy accesories and a great bag and hair!Why don't I take my own advice and stay away from grey box shaped tunics!

yes yous ee noddy i knwo what suits me now
i knwo polo necs no
roun high necks - no
long skrits no
flares skrits no
wide legged trousrs - no

i dot try and wear em anymore

a pair of wool mix smrt cas trews ina style that suits ad a plainsih v neck cna get you most places

then groove accordingly

I am 42 and spent a fortune in M&S last week.

Shall I leave now?

nope
i am sadder as i have a pri of patent mary janes( new look) as yet unworn and saw ont eh marsk webstie fab lurex balck and sliver glitter knee hights to wear under jeans/trews wiht said shoes

Can I gatecrash and ask you fellow oldies for ideas for me?

I am going to a reunion from Uni soon - drinks and buffet at a hotel I think, needs something smarter than jeans and nice top...

I am determined to make a big effort - I am probably one of the few people from my class who is not currently working, even part-time and I don't want to look like a "mum" - 90% of class are male (but the geeky sort), rest of women still working and/or have far more money than me....

Any ideas for what sort of stuff I should look out for? (Should also add that I was a bit of an alternative dresser at Uni so have a rep to keep up!)

give us ideas of events nad you