Affordable fashion in your 40s

[CornishGem1975]

I'd like to try and be a bit more 'put together' this year and also just liven up my wardrobe a bit, however, the budget is limited.

Where do you shop for affordable bits? I'm not just talking about things like jeans, or plain staples but nice dresses, skirts, tops etc things that are fun and vibrant.

Any hidden gems? Good websites?

@karmakameleon

For those who used to like Oasis, Oliver Bonas might be worth a look.

Thanks, I'll take a look. 😊

I like Fat Face - & if you wait for the sales or shop in their outlet stores you can get dresses for £30-£40 reduced from £60ish.

@karmakameleon

For those who used to like Oasis, Oliver Bonas might be worth a look.

@karmakameleon - Oliver Bonas isn't quite the same as Oasis - but they do do nice florals and prints. One thing I'd say is maybe wait for sales as they can be expensive and size down as they're quite big.

But they do last and wash quite well.

I clicked on this, then remembered that I am 58 and have just started drawing a pension.

I agree OP. Oasis and Warehpuse used to be great for dresses but they have gone to shit. Depending on your style, have you tried Joanie? They have a vintage vibe but even their man-made fibre dresses are much heavier weight than some of the other tat out there. Also try Gap. It is hit and miss and the sizing is on the large side but you can pick and choose.

Another tip is to look on etsy for both vintage stuff and dresses and skirts made by small businesses. Some interesting stuff on there.

Didn't stop me buying this. 😂

@CateCroc

Vinted

Loads of higher end high street clothes like Whistles, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Hobbs etc for bargain prices

Honestly Vinted is my new go to for clothes. I’ve been lucky and all my purchases are as described. I buy things that are still good condition or new.

You can select the condition in your searches and there are really good quality brands too.

I find Massimo Dutti expensive and a bit useless. I always have a look, but never find anything good.

The sale page (all year round) on cos and arket - aka ‘archive’

Uniqlo is worth watching for occasional collaborations with the likes of Jil Sander. M&S has a lot of rubbish, but they have good basics and occasionally have a few nice pieces which look good when paired with shoes and bags from more expensive brands. The same goes for H&M. I shop the sales at Arket and Cos for nice stuff then supplement with M&S, Uniqlo and H&M.

I'd second H&M which is mentioned upthread. I find it easier to buy online (as more choice than stores), try on at home and then return unwanted items to a store. Never any problems with returns/refunds.

Quality is mixed so will be hit and miss - but I've found some real gems. Stock changes quickly so worth checking in regularly (sort by newest)..

I buy a lot from standard retailers, after a while it all starts to look the same. Spent early lockdown endlessly scrolling and discovering small businesses.

DH bought me a few bits and bobs from this London based brand Charli for Christmas. Normally he’s way off (spend a ridiculous amount of time in waiting in shop queues with gift receipts in hand), but I think several years worth of hints have finally paid off.

Might not be your cup of tea - but you can't go wrong with decent prices and gorgeous knits!

www.charli.com/

Anyone here actually shopped there?

I bought some lovely summer dresses from H&M last summer.
I love some Hush items, though often too pricey for me.
My friend finds amazing pieces at Oliver Bonas but I never seem to find any.
I've bought random things at Roman and Izabel.

I third Monki. A lot of it is only for the young but I bought a black cord dress reduced to £30 which is not unlike a Toast one for four times that.

Look at the H&M premium range, especially in the sale, as often great fabrics. Uniqlo is good too, especially U and some of the collaborations. I also second charity shops and the occasional foray to TKMaxx (if you have a good one, the different branches all seem to be very different).

Are you interested is ethical/sustainable fashion. Have a suggestion if so, can DM you if you like

I love Oliver Bonas stuff and agree that their sales are worth waiting for if you can. Also they occasionally do a discount week even on newer stuff which is definitely worth snapping up. Their clothing is really nice quality, I've found it washes well and I think sizing is quite generous. My Christmas tummy can still fit in their size 10. They also have lovely bags, socks, accessories in general (promise I don't work for them!)
Some Oliver Bonas is stocked by NEXT as well so useful if something is not available on OB site; they also do an outlet on eBay.
Ebay is great for quality bits and bobs. You may be pleasantly surprised how many BNWT you can find on things like Other Stories. Just snapped up a really pretty jumper for £20 with tags which I've had my eye on for a while.
I've also bought a BNWT Hush belt off eBay for half the price it was being sold in store (it is genuine) I try to check the feedback & percentage rating of sellers.
Ted Baker have some nice bits but very hit and miss. Also worth an eBay trawl.
The White Company have some fab items but expensive. Wait for sales or second hand.

I second @Genealogy.

Tu by Sainsburys have some excellent stuff. Their in store range can be a bit limited but online their range is massive and they have other brand concessions on their as well - Seasalt, Fat Face etc. I'd say 60-70% of my wardrobe is Tu. I love their needle cord skirts, in different prints, for work. And they do decent knickers. Even better when they have a sale on. I do click and collect from the Sainsburys near me as it's free delivery and returns for orders over £40 that way.

Reporting back on my Oasis sale dress which has just arrived. Sizing is slightly snug, item as expected from the photos but I wouldn't have considered it at full price (£85. It's a cotton midi dress).

Charity shops? If you have the patience it might be worthwhile. I got two dresses in my local British Heart Foundation yesterday.

One Boden and one Phase Eight. Both excellent condition. Cost 18 quid in total so not bargain of the century but worth it.

I love Mango too and buy Boden,Seasalt, Mint Velvet off ebay as well.

I have a few bits from the supermarkets as well.

@mrsnec

Charity shops? If you have the patience it might be worthwhile. I got two dresses in my local British Heart Foundation yesterday.

One Boden and one Phase Eight. Both excellent condition. Cost 18 quid in total so not bargain of the century but worth it.

I love Mango too and buy Boden,Seasalt, Mint Velvet off ebay as well.

I have a few bits from the supermarkets as well.

Do you live in a rich area? If you live in a poor area charity shops tend to only have really old things in bad condition. And then the chance of finding the right thing in the right size and having to sift through so many things... I do have some charity shop clothes, but they are mainly just luck. It would be difficult to decide you needed an x type dress and find it in a charity shop.

M&Co but I just buy what I like today's dress is from peacocks but my leggings leggings are from.mint velvet and cost more than th dress

Has anyone mentioned Monsoon? Especially in the sale. I have some really nice work tops for tucking into trousers from there.

H&M premium, Cos sales, Arket, John Lewis clearance.

I have recently discovered Jumping Ships, they make lots of nice clothes in lovely fabrics and things are made to order so you can specify what colour, sleeve length etc you want. Customer service is great too