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Hit me with some new ideas I’m so bored on the high street

12 replies

Binkywonky · 08/07/2022 07:08

I used to love shopping and coming home with new stuff to wear but now it’s just a trawl round rarely finding anything I actually love. I’ve lost my way!
My body shape has changed a bit (always a boobless apple with long legs but now add in a menopausal bloat and bad posture) which doesn’t help and I’m later 40s so half the time stuff is just so young but I don’t know where to refind some style.

help!
previous go to places would have been Zara, Whistles, Massimo Dhutti, maybe Gap, banana Republic, and other stories occasionally.
Im not a floaty ditzy print dress person but now I can’t get out of joggers.

any inspiration?

OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 08/07/2022 07:21

What is it about those shops which isn’t working for you? Is it the trends that are around right now are or you just a bit meh about shopping now? I’m a bit older than you and I don’t shop much anymore but I went recently and was incredibly underwhelmed. My favourites Cos and Arket didn’t throw up tons that I loved and I didn’t really have a third option that I can afford. (I like Raey and Studio Nicholson) I don’t know if I didn’t change a bit during lock down or whether I’m becoming a slightly grumpy old woman. I thought a lot of brands in House of Fraser were terrifically overpriced and John Lewis a bit pedestrian. Im not helping am I but I think taking a step up in price point and buying less might be an option.

Divebar2021 · 08/07/2022 07:25

Not a cheap option but it might be that a stylist could help you go through your wardrobe and put together some new outfits from your current wardrobe or steer you to some new styles. It might just be a fresh perspective you need.

Yodaisawally · 08/07/2022 07:36

I've started getting stitch fix for precisely this reason.

Binkywonky · 08/07/2022 09:43

That’s spot on divebar. I just feel overwhelmed and never pick up something and think ooh I love that or more accurately ooh I would love ME in that!
i don’t know what I’m trying to achieve anymore or where to find it.
I also loved Arket and Me&Em and thought they were my new price point but I just can’t find the love when I shop there lately.
i don’t like my new shape and so am drawn to shapeless clothes which isn’t helping because I will never then think they look good.

OP posts:
Binkywonky · 08/07/2022 09:45

I’m sure a stylist could help but also sure I would never have the confidence to go ahead with it. I’m cringing just thinking about it. I couldn’t even contemplate a John Lewis personal shop. It’s a definite no for me I’m really self conscious.

OP posts:
ConfusedParticle · 08/07/2022 13:10

you dont need a stylist, it's all a bit much isnt it? Grin That's the very definition of floundering in middle age!

I have been in this situation, and a similar body type to you, OP. What I would strongly recommend is not conforming to any perceived ideas about 'menopause'. It doesn't define you and affects us all so differently that using it as a reason to deride yourself or change style isn't always a great idea.

The shops you mention are just fine for all ages, especially Massimo Dutti. I got over this hurdle by dressing for my actual lifestyle rather than a fantasy idea of how i ought to dress in my late 40's.
Work out what suits you but also works for your daily life, and don't exclude anything because another menopausal woman on the internet says she can't wear it! What do you identify with? And what type of clothes make you feel really good when wearing them?
Once you can answer those questions, make a plan to try out different brands to see which work best for you. I was surprised after many years of considering Superdry a teen brand that they made excellent tees and trousers, of which I have many now (linen, cotton, slouchy tops, etc), all in much better quality fabric than anything i'd seen at Jigsaw or Whistles.

Of course you don't have to like what I do, but do try to get out there and try new things. If something is 'too young' you will naturally feel like an imposter in it (hot pants and a hello kitty bum bag perhaps, but hey, you never know!)

No individual shop caters to a particular body type, although many of course sadly exclude plus sizes.
I tried wearing 'older clothes' for years and it simply didn't work for me. I don't dress 'young' now, but I am a lot easier on myself and have more fun. Please don't think you have to start purchasing silk shirts, trench coats and boot cut jeans.

wobbleinprogress · 08/07/2022 13:39

Charity shop. Much better for the environment, giving to good causes and cheaper- mistakes can be donated back

TheOGCCL · 08/07/2022 14:04

I don’t think it’s just you, the high street hasn’t recovered from the pandemic. Oxford Street in London is full of candy shops.

I was in Uniqlo earlier and although it’s not somewhere I normally shop thought they had a good range of simple, classic clothing with a trendy edge. Particularly good for smart casual stuff. I think the sizing is a bit mad. Not sure if you’ve tried there? I think you have to root about as at first glance it’s all puffer vests.

I agree it’s a good idea to have an idea of what you are looking for, eg mid rise mid blue jeans or loose cream shirt as otherwise it gets overwhelming. Looking at influencers can give you ideas. I like Lydia Jane Tomlinson. I don’t aim to look like her (never could as am twenty years older for a start), she’s just a good benchmark for me (what would Lydia think of this)

HelenHywater · 09/07/2022 07:27

I feel similar to you OP. I'm a similar age, but not shape - in fact my shape hasn't changed at all, but I'm still floundering about what to wear right now. It feels as though all of the things I would have worn previously are just wrong.

I've switched to longer dresses and feel much better - but this is a temporary fix as I don't know what I'll wear in the autumn.

For me I do like Raey, have just bought a couple of Me&Em dresses in the sale and quite like Cos this season. Haven't shopped in Whistles for ages, Jigsaw looks frumpy on me and I can never find anything in Arket.

HelenHywater · 09/07/2022 07:29

If you've got long legs, maybe you should wear shorter things? Accentuate your good points? A short co-ord would probably look good?

Littlemiss74 · 09/07/2022 08:52

Following as feeling exactly the same OP, some good suggestions here

tinselvestsparklepants · 10/07/2022 19:01

Try the brands you like on the Vinted and Thrift apps. Much cheaper, better for the environment and you'll be shopping "various seasons" if you see what I mean. I'm going for 100% second hand this year and I've found some gorgeous stuff.

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