If you are in your forties/ fifties, what outfits make you feel good?

[SnoopLabbyLab]

I’m in my forties, and the outfits that made me look and feel good ten years ago, just don’t any more. I’m a little rounder ( size 12), a little tireder looking, a little more clueless about nowadays styles, a little less confident about my body and style.

There seem to be loads of women of my age who have nailed their style and look great, and I would love some ideas of looks and shops to try. Can’t bear Instagram or similar, as it makes me feel even less confident.

What types of outfits make you feel great? Any shops you’d recommend?

My pyjamas mainly. They are the only items I really like wearing. Everything else just looks wrong.

Boyfriend jeans
short boxy blouse
cardi (short, boxy)
Puma or Adidas trainers

Why, @lancashirebornandbred ?

How would you like to dress?

Look on Pinterest for stuff like "winter outfits", "style over 40" etc. Pin your favourite outfits. Soon you'll see a theme emerging. That's your starting point. Then try to create those outfits from your existing clothes. See how it feels.

And take loads of photos in different outfits, every morning it each time you go out. Look through the photos after a week and you'll be amazed how different you look in different stuff. For example, I thought I loved polo necks but I realised I looked and felt better in v necks.

There's a brilliant book on finding your style. (Sorry - I've totally messed up this link and can't edit it now!) Curated Closet Workbook: Discover Your Personal Style and Build Your Dream Wardrobe amzn.eu/d/aEgaTl8 The Curated Closet. It's amazing.

@alloalloallo Would you mind putting a link to the New Look jumper dress? Thank you!

Those of you wearing the M&S wide legged trousers.. are they the jersey ones and do the knees go baggy?

I'm 51, 5'7" and a 10/12, quite up and down figure. I had quite a style crisis at about 40, with small dcs. At the time, I used a lot of bloggers and an image consultant who was a friend of a friend. I think I kind of rediscovered my style.

I think wearing clothes that feel 'me' make me feel good, but personal style is very personal! I do have outfit formulas, today I am in grey, wool harems, knot twist top and green cardigan; yesterday, I was in a tulip denim skirt, long sleeved tee and purply cardigan with blundstones. Very classic styles look a bit boring on me, so I usually need some kind of twist.

Trinny Woodall very good for inspiration. She does lots of good videos, goes shopping in zara, m & s etc

Short blonde hair, and black clothes that hug the right bits and skim the others. I like black body con dresses, black slim jeans with an off shoulder jumper in pastels or a deep v teeshirt and high boots.Shirtdresses.

i love whitestuff dresses, especially the ones that have pockets, the stretchy materials are forgiving and I love to team them with their soft sparkly tights, I like sea salt clothes too.

Are there certain things that do work, op? Can you work out why that is and apply that to other clothes. I try to make a note of things that really work for me, so I can replicate them eg drapey tops.

I think it’s this one www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-ribbed-knit-long-sleeve-bodycon-midi-dress/p/828100501

I sized up so it’s a little bit looser, but doesn’t drown me.

I’d like to look a bit more put together. Somehow the clothes I like don’t seem to go with my lifestyle.

I feel my best in a shortish dress, black tights, heeled boots and a leather jacket - basically what I wore 30 years ago, but I'm several sizes bigger now.

I'm 51, 5 foot and 7 stone. Wide legged trousers are horrendous on me - they make me look cuboid.

I like pencil skirts and neat cashmere jumpers with kitten heel ankle or knee boots. Not cool or trendy, but they suit my shape and size. I've also got a couple of Boden jumper dresses from years ago which work for me (tightish bodice and flared skirt). I'm an odd shape as I have a very short body and am all arms and legs despite being short. I like fitted single-breasted coats (I am swamped by double breasted). These all make me feel good, because I know they suit me. But it really is a case of not caring about fashion etc and sticking to what you know looks good on you.

I've also got some old leggings, an ancient long hooded cashmere cardy, and some even more ancient Ugg slippers. I look rubbish but I'm wearing them now as I'm not putting the heating on and nobody can see me.

@meateatingveggie I have a pair of the jersey ones. They're really thick and hold their shape well, no baggy knees.

My style, such as it is, never changes!

So: t shirt or thin jumper (always with a V neck) in bright colours. .
Non-skinny jeans. Lots of bling. Big coat. Chelsea or biker boots. Brogues in summer. I don't own trainers.
Ful slap obligatory😁

@TattiePants thank you. I think im going to give them a try.

I dont follow fashion
Had pretty much the same style for years
wearing black Maxmara long coat from 2021, churches Alexandra boots and a longish black Orla Kiely dress from about 2016.

Wear what make you feel good. Not other peoples style.

No, they have a "set" crease in them which makes them look quite formal and smart. Side pockets, no bag or sag. They're polyester/viscose and elastane.
My favourites are the black with gold stripe which sound foul but are fabulous.

PS, I also have the M&S jersey ones, no bagging and sagging from them either!
M&S nail it with trousers IMO.
My DD is 19 so you'd think wouldn't be seen dead in M&S and gets all her jeans and trousers from there.

I think I have a definite style, but add anything of fashion that I think will fit that style iyswim. This thread really shows the wide variety of style and that some things look great on one person, but not on others. Also, if something isn't "working", sometimes it just needs a tweak eg. buttoning up, untucking etc.

On all your recommendations I’ve ordered the m and s navy
I tried for the gold / black but they are sold out
lots of people looking at those trousers ! Wonder if they are all onMN ?

I have the M&S trousers too. Very thick material and good quality. Definitely no sagging at the knees but sizing is weird. I had to size up.

I have some Saint & Sofia wide leg trousers but can't work out what to wear with them - am too round for a fitted top or even a French tuck.. I have no waist and a saggy stomach that I do not want on display. Has anyone any ideas on what sort of longer top might work?