Where do you shop if you are 48, overweight and don't want to look like an old frump

[smartiecake]

I have completely lost any sense of my own style or even what looks nice now. I'm not a fan of trying things on in shops. I'm a size 16/18. I think lockdown has made me worse as i have been living in jeans for months. At work i usually wear dresses which i like.
When not at work i have no idea what to wear, and dislike most things in my wardrobe.
Where do i begin? Help needed please. I think i look young, people tell me i do. I dont want to look like an old frumpy mum.

Nat thanks for the info

@lockdownalli I just used your referral code for Stitchfix , so thank you!

Here is my referral code if anyone would like to use it:

https://www.stitchfix.co.uk/invite/qpsgqbbcz7?sod=m&som=c

How does Shein sizing match up with UK high street places, then?

I mean, Chinese women tend to be of a different build to brick shithouse me

Hello, goodness the average size for years now has been size 16 and of course height must be taken into consideration. I have been in the fashion business on and off for years. My best advice at the moment would be to simply find someone, maybe even famous, that has a style you like and simply copy her accordingly. I don't think you can try on in shops at the moment but a smaller boutique would probably help you more if they stock the style you think you like. You must be strong and only buy clothes that fit you well and that you feel special in. Choose that icon with style and go for it !! Clothes are mainly on sale now so be adventurous !! 48 and size 16 ain't so bad, love yourself xx

Hi maybe a new hairstyle would be good too, you sound as if you need a whole new you. Always look after your nails and makeup. xx

I always look after my make-up. I put it carefully away in the drawer and never get it out except at Christmas

Im a similar size bit not as tall. Landsend for jeans and trousers - they have different t lengths on some and often great offers in the sales.
Thought for work clothing.i find their dresses that tie at the front really flayyeri g which I would ne er have imagined.
Mountain warehouse for slightly longer t shirts - their UV ones are a much better length than most and have enough sleeve to cover the top of the arm

Before you start worrying about where to shop you need to take an objective view of your body shape. What suits, what doesn't.

Once you have that and know what shapes suit you and don't look old/frumpy, then you will know what to start looking for shapewise. What colours suit you? You might look amazing in beige. I look fecking awful in it. Cool colours suit me and i look best in simple shapes. Uniqlo, Next, M&S, Primark and H&M have been great for me recently. i get ideas from magazines eg Grazia and You. Also I look at Anthropologie for inspo.

I am in my fifties and it’s never occurred to me that I look frumpy. I wear leggings all the time because they’re comfortable and wear nice tops and tunics. At least, I think so! I buy from whoever is selling the garment I like, Next, George, Simplicity Be, Bonprix, occasionally Fat Face. I do love bright colours though, maybe that’s why!

Agree, I can't get in Zara clothes at all. They never do sizes big enough.

I have a couple of dresses from Patra , they're not for teenagers but they are made for proper women with boobs , waist and hips. They also have some lovely tops and trousers but I've not tried them but I have a couple of things lined up for the sales.

I second Shein. I discovered them by accident & but from their Curve range. The clothes (imo) are good quality, true to size & good value for money. I'm 52, size 20 & short everywhere (arms, legs, torso) which makes clothes hard to buy for. I love the boho range of dresses from Shein & in the winter team them up with brightly coloured tights from Snag.

Sorry I'm late to this, it only came up in daily email today. I got in a habit of dressing safe and hated wearing same styles all the time. It was definitely time for me to take action when I went to visit my 93 year old Nanna and the staff told her her daughter was here... I'm 37 almost and my Mum is 70! I started getting stitch fix boxes and I'm so glad I did! I've been sent things that look so nice on but I wouldn't have picked it in the shop! I have a £15 off first order code if you would like to try it? I'll post in a new comment so it can be deleted if its not allowed x

stitchfix.co.uk/invite/kwzpv9snxq

Try Ruby and Daisy, online and walk in store. Gorgeous and very comfortable clothes in amazing styles. Have a look ( great price tags). Quality fabric, check out the magic trousers and joggers in loads of colours and prints, dresses that really flatter... I’ve bought far too much from them over lock down 😊😊

@BikeRunSki wow how rude of her!

No thanks to grey, sludge, greige or similar; enough of that on body already. Ditto wrinkled fabrics - coals to Newcastle. love the tips!

Shein is where my teen DD and SDs shop, I have just ordered myself a jumpsuit off there but was a bit worried i was too old for it! Good others are recommending it

I've ordered a few things from SHEIN and was very impressed by the quality for the price.

Well I look great in jeans and a top!
But I agree that dresses can sometimes just look more put together..

Uniqlo

Following this with interest as I am in the same boat! 47 and a size 14.

Thanks for the ideas for shops to try, some there I haven’t looked at before.

I agree on sizing in Zara - had a traumatic experience last time when I thought I was stuck in a dress! Everything looked awful on my curvy shape.

I don’t want to look frumpy but neither do I want to dress like i did in my 20s & 30s..... I want stylish, modern, flattering and made for curves!

I bought 2 nice dresses this week from Nancy Mac.
I have bought yet another jumpsuit from Silk Fred
My final splurge was a pair of cropped wide leg trousers from Saint and sophia.
I was hoping to send something back but they all look great so my bank account has took a hit!

Great thread OP. Makes me think the big retailers are missing a trick here. We are all looking for clothes and are prepared to pay for them but so many of the big chains look to the younger (20s) age groups as their target audience. Thanks for your great ideas - I've never come across some of these suggestions.