Help: what do young, trendy people wear?!

[Thedogshow]

I got a new job a few months ago, and have rarely been in to the office (nearly everyone has been WFH).

Went in last week, and feel SO out of touch. I’m over 40 and the majority of my colleagues are much younger. It’s fairly casual but sometimes requires smarter outfits for client meetings etc.

My usuals for work are skinny jeans and a t shirt or blouse, with superga style trainers, but this feels so passé with this lot.

Lots of them seem to wear 1990s style clothes (and I don’t want to go back there- I can’t do it!) so I need style that’s classic but not out of date.

Where do I start? I’d prefer to buy a few good quality outfits, eg 1 pair jeans, 1 smart trousers, a couple of tops and a couple of jumpers, plus one or two pairs of shoes.

Can anyone guide me? Brands? People to look at on Instagram (is Instagram also out of date?! I don’t know).

It’s partly vanity but also I need to look current in the industry that I work in. Thanks.

Budget?

If this was me, I'd worry less about being like the young film, and focus on buying things that I loved. If I was building a work wardrobe in this scenario I'd go to COS as that's a style I like, that would make me feel good.

film = folks !!!

Budget is mid range, flexible. Was thinking maybe Cos as mentioned, a bit of Uniqlo.
I’m probably feeling a bit tired, under-confident and frumpy- have had 3 mat leaves, couple of job changes, and have put on 2 stone in the past 5 years after kids.

The three places I always suggest first for grown up luxe-casual workwear are:

Margaret Howell
Raey @ Matches Fashion
Studio Nicholson (Even though I can find hardly anything in the current collection that I like.)

They all embrace the contemporary, without making one feel silly - and, depending on your own preferences re shape and proportion, provide plenty of room for individualisation. A few pieces from any of these would make you look modern but not try-hard.

Ah, sorry, missed your update.

Browse the places I suggest, then emulate at a more realistic price. Or wait for their constantly appearing sales.

They wear joggers and vests with trainers. Almost exclusively!

90s are back, I love it! Very much a refined 90s look for me (36) - slip dress with t-shirt, I've dug out my doc martins from when I was in my tweens (lots of compliments from the youth in my team ha), I love a cropped top with pleated skirt and heels (wear skirt high as no one needs to see my stomach at this age), shirt and shorts matched set with stockings and boots, etc.

The only thing I hate is mom jeans - I swear they add 20 kilos. I am however in love with wearing a denim midi skirt.

I do find what works for me in incorporating one "trendy" items into more of my classic looks. I hope keeps me modern without looking silly.

If you're over 40 you're gonna look a right twit trying to dress like a 20 year old.
I like Cos, Ganni, some Maje, Me&Em, Hush, Kin at John Lewis.

(I'm nearly 40 and also want to look good but we're too old to exactly emulate the same 90s look the kids are doing!)

The OP did say she did not want to dress like her colleagues. She just wants a re-boot.

Hopefully my brand suggestions will help, sorry op.

Try The Outnet too

Thanks. This is all very helpful. Don’t worry, not thinking of trying to pull off the 90s look. It may work for some over 40s, but I would just look very silly. And a crop top and mom jeans with my stretch-marked tummy is not going to be nice for anyone, as much as I’m all for body confidence!