Why are the shops SO disappointing?

[JanisMoplin]

I went to Oxford Street for the first time in 2 years hoping to buy a couple of nice simple tops to go with black or grey trousers. It was like the 7th circle of sartorial hell. I am 50, 5"7 and a size 12 so not Alexa Chung but not massive either. Went to
& Other Stories
Zara
Massimo Dutti
M and S
John Lewis

Hated everything. Everything was recycled polyester, frilly great yokes, oversized, too cropped, see through or with principal boy sleeves. Even Uniqlo has succumbed to huge poufy sleeves and it used to be great for basics. Baukjen and Hush in John Lewis were no better.

There were some nice coats but I wasn't looking for coats. The dresses were horrible too; completely sister wife territory
I returned with a boring black knit top from M and S which was £12. Returning to my athleisure!

I went to a few shops a couple of weeks ago and the fabric was the biggest issue but none of the styles grabbed me either

I've had more fun charity shopping in my local high street

I've felt this since the end of the first lockdown , was so looking forward to a good mooch round the shops but when they opened back up - I was so disappointed

Never enjoyed shopping since and bought very little which isn't a bad thing

There are a lot of really stupid voluminous sleeves around!

I quite liked some of the architectural cuts at Kin in John Lewis but they didn't look right on me when tried on. Did I mention that the colour of the season appears to be an odd green or mustard which I think no one could look good in?

Why are the shops disappointing?

Because even the owners know that all the discerning people abandoned concrete shops years ago. They feel entitled to throw any old rubbish in front of those less well informed …

Ugh completely agree, where I am everything has closed down and the rest is a sea of badly-made, paper-thin polyester. I suppose it's a good way of forcing a sustainable approach to clothes shopping - have nothing worth buying!

Hmmm @TottersBlankly I have been shopping online but I like to try on stuff because I have a massive menopausal tummy and need to pick the right non-clingy fabric. And I get fed up with returns.

There was another thread on this very recently.

Jigsaw is nice right now, but bloody expensive of course

Yes it's awful

John Lewis was so disappointing and
M&S

I hate the billowing sleeves and lack of tailoring and high necks

The fabrics are shocking

High street shops look as if they've got their stock from a jumble sale in the late 70s.
And not in a good way.

It's been increasingly a problem of being harder to find basics because everything has to be so Fashion. And quality going downhill.

I just look at all the racks and racks of awful rubbish and wonder who DOES buy that stuff?

I nearly started this thread yesterday, OP! I am 44, 6ft and a size 18 with big boobs and there is literally NOTHING I like that looks like it might vaguely fit me. Almost everything is high necked, with frilly sleeves or yolks or totally matronly and frumpy. I'm not ready to be matronly! I'd be happy to spend a bit more money but the more expensive shops often only go up to a size 14 or 16 and are not cut for boobs. Maybe I should just stay in lockdown yoga pants for ever more!!!

I hear you. I really could do with a few bits but can't find anything I like. I want some classic capsule wardrobe bits but there's not a lot out there, unless you've got ££££ to spend. Everything is a bit too try hard. I don't where to try anymore.

If anyone knows where to get decent quality cotton t shirts that aren’t box shaped with man made fibres, please let me know!

I’m finding I have to source second hand or outside of U.K.
I’ve just discovered some good 100% cotton basics at Esprit, buying online in the sale. Good value, returns policy, lots of discount codes. Was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the cotton trousers and basic long sleeve tops.

@FlyingGeeseAgain

If anyone knows where to get decent quality cotton t shirts that aren’t box shaped with man made fibres, please let me know!

Rapanui is good.

Regent St and covent Garden is better, cos anthŕopologue. The last jigsaw in London charing Cross is OK but online for everything is better.

@TiddleTaddleTat I have another thread praising Esprit.:) I did buy a couple of tops I liked last week though one had to go back because again the sleeves were poufy.

I may be on S and B too much because I am trying to avoid Ukraine news.

I really like some of the stuff at M&S at the mo! Got three long sleeve t shirts/tops, black, blue and red and white striped. And Sienna straight leg jeans. A couple of cream cropped/button cardigans (one sleeveless.) It's a bit of a mum uniform but fine with black leggings and biker boots. I've also got a white shirt from Boden and a white blouse with a collar from Next to wear with black jersey M&S trousers.

I am trying to go back to basics with workwear and stuff at home (although I care much less for the school run which is my only trip out most days!)

I love clothes but it is much harder when you hit 40 plus and are on a budget.

That’s the really annoying thing. The “ vintage” stuff ( aka the things I’ve had for years from the likes of M&S & shops long gone like Principles, Richards, Anne Brooks) are SO much nicer, far better fabrics, better styled.. Really puts you off wardrobe decluttering as you know there no chance of replacing with anything nearly as good.

I hear you on the fabrics OP. I've always been a fan of second hand but am really going for it now as the quality is so much better!
Helps that I live in London, but you can find amazing pieces online and in shops - wool, cashmere, cotton etc. I've got some great stuff from Joseph , Jaegar, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jigsaw, Whistles etc for a fraction of the price.

Also agree that Covent Garden and Soho is better than regents Street and Oxford street. A bit more creative and more interesting brands.

I hear you on the fabrics OP. I've always been a fan of second hand but am really going for it now as the quality is so much better!

I completely agree. I now shop either from my local charity shop or on ebay. I can't bring myself to pay £20 for a long sleeve cotton t shirt.