advice please for 51 year old

[lu9months]

not yet ready to get too frumpy but dont think the things I wore in my 30s and 40s look right. where should I look for clothes that suit me . im short and size 10. help!!

I’m 51 and not frumpy. I shop at White Company, Jigsaw, Russell and Bromley, Baukjen. More occasionally, Hobbs, Brora and Whistles. My trainers and plimsolls are Superga and Veja. So nothing ground breaking, but I think I look okay!

I am a couple of years older than you OP. I totally get what you mean. I see some things on here that women younger than me wear and am astonished at how frumpy they are. But I don't want to look desperate or ridiculous either.

I used to buy from M&S and Next almost exclusively but I signed up for a one off Stitch Fix box delivery after seeing it recommended on here, so I could try different brands and styles than what I would chose over and over for myself. I loved it and it has helped me to branch out and try all kinds of different colours, styles and brands. Here is my £15 off discount code if anyone wants to try it for free

www.stitchfix.co.uk/invite/ffztmxfkwh?sod=w&som=c

You do have to spend a while on the site being prescriptive about what you do and don't like and how far you want to be pushed out of your comfort zone, if you want to avoid polyester or jewellery and don't like checks or Brown clothes etc.

I set mine to the cheapest for each item type (blush) and send back anything I don't want (delivery and returns easy and free)

I’m 52. Had my colours done a few years ago, then realised style of clothes matters too. I’m tending to go for clothes that I feel are classic - I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb!
I’m making sure my clothes are quite fitted and don’t overwhelm me. I’m 5ft 4/ size 10.
I shop in different places for different clothes. Agree about Hobbs, have bought from Jigsaw - but think their clothes can be baggier than suits me.
I now quite often use the John Lewis wish list - set my search to what I think I want to buy (tops/ dresses etc), then click on things I think I like and review it again before I buy. It’s useful because they let you know if prices go down.
I think patterns are often (not always) too much for me - so I usually search on plain colour. I think v necks suit me best - so I set most dresses/ tops to that.
I think you have to be open to different ideas. But age doesn’t stop you from being stylish - just can’t be too frivolous!

I'm another quite surprised at the things some of the S&B posters wear too because they sound like the clothes my mother likes. I suppose it depends how you style the clothes.

Difficult to know what would suit you without knowing your shape. Also what kind of clothes do you like - classic? Hippy? Edgy? Retro?

Also, don’t get hung up on the label. There’s a lot of snobbery on mn with some clothes being considered cool, whilst others are frumpy. I got complimented on a dress I wore the other day, it was from Next. If you like Fatface, wear it.

I think to avoid being frumpy, you need to get two basic elements right. Firstly, wear clothes that fit your shape, and secondly, colours that suit you.

I would review your underwear first, especially if you've hit the menopause.

What is it about your clothes that you think no longer works for you? I’m the same age and love clothes/fashion and am not a bit frumpy. I keep an eye on changing looks and try new styles that will work with my body shape and lifestyle etc. If you’re on Instagram, find people to follow whose style you like. And then hey presto, you’ll have endless fashion labels appearing on your feed!

I'm 51 and still look stylish (well, when not housebound in my trackies!) but I'm much fussier now about fabrics - cashmere, silk, linen - and spend more on better quality basics like t-shirts. Whistles, Jigsaw, Arket, ME+EM are my staples. You need properly fitted bras too.

Another Stitch Fix convert here. It's like a little box of happiness arrives.

I have had some lovely Mango pieces from there, and French Connection as well as Scandi brands I had never heard of. Being a busty size 12/14 I often struggle with looking matronly and that has definitely got harder to deal with as I have got older.

I also rate Monki, Stories and Arket, but there was something on here about their ethics being a bit dodgy which has put me off a bit I have to admit.

The last things I bought from Jigsaw were really underwhelming and over priced for the quality.

What would you say your style is - classic, casual, boho, retro, sporty etc? Depending what you like will depend where is good to shop.

I am 60, 5’ 0 and hourglass with big boobs and buy from Uniqlo, Esprit, Muji, Hush, John Lewis,Cos. I’ve just bought a sleeveless jumpsuit from Lucy & Yak that is absolutely perfect for a v small person and I love it.

Depends on your body type and style. I think slim people often can get away with wearing younger clothes - I know 70 year olds who like to wear latest fashions and rock them because they have the confidence.

In your position I would start with self care. Review your Skincare, diet, and exercise routines. Make sure you are confident in your body then worry about replacing what sounds like a perfectly serviceable wardrobe of clothes!

I think knowing your body shape is really hard in your 50s because it can change. No real tips other than be aware that it can happen and that, if your favourite clothes suddenly aren't working for you, then that's probably why.

If it helps, it does seem to calm down once you're through the menopause - well for me it has, although I'm sure there's more change ahead.

By the way, I don't always stick to the 'dress to suit your body shape' rule, but I do think it helps to know what that shape is so that, if you do 'transgress' you do it knowingly.

Instagram is your friend (says a fellow 51 year old short size 10 ☺️)

People I like include
40plusnotgivingupyet
Stealmystyle40
Midlifechic
Avrilkeysblog