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Original poster

What on earth am I meant to wear?

61 replies

SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 16:53

I've been shopping today on the high street and at an outlet village and for the first time come home with nothing. Nothing fits, the fabrics are nasty, the designs are awful. I'm looking across the price board from Primark to John Lewis and designer brands at the outlet village.

Please can someone direct me towards something nice and wearable for both home and work for a woman in her 40s. I'm tearing my hair out here.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
LoserWinner · 28/10/2023 17:00

I usually find something that work in Zara or Monsoon.

Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 17:01

Thanks, Zara never fits me across the bust so I don't even look there now. I'd forgotten about monsoon (ours disappeared years ago!)

OP posts:
heldinadream · 28/10/2023 17:05

Dress? Separates? Plain colour or prints? Colour pallete? Smart or casual? Price range? Size?

Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 17:07

heldinadream · 28/10/2023 17:05

Dress? Separates? Plain colour or prints? Colour pallete? Smart or casual? Price range? Size?

Dresses and separates
Size 14/16 large bust though
Colour palette - jewel stone tones
Smart and casual
Price range flexible. I'd prefer a few choice pieces that work well over a lot of shein style tat.

OP posts:
Britpopbaby · 28/10/2023 17:09

Mango

TheHorneSection · 28/10/2023 17:10

I’ve given up with the high street now and have bought everything for the past year on Vinted or in charity shops, supplemented by the odd pair of decent jeans or trousers. For dresses I know I fit/suit a Closet and Emily & Fin medium so I just buy a lot of them.

Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 17:40

heldinadream · 28/10/2023 17:33

Thank you! Not a fan of the uniqlo items but love the first seasalt and the teal white stuff dress.

OP posts:
Lesina · 28/10/2023 17:49

Levi’s and a black long sleeved tee shirt :)

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 28/10/2023 18:15

Lesina · 28/10/2023 17:49

Levi’s and a black long sleeved tee shirt :)

Add a black merino turtle neck and you're good to go pretty much anywhere!

Clarinet1 · 28/10/2023 18:28

If you’re thinking work, what do you do?
At home do you have any particular hobbies, responsibilities like care etc that might mean you need very practical things that are easy to care for? Or need to look presentable there?

Campingandwine · 28/10/2023 18:29

Yep. It’s bad out there. Following

CheapHouse · 28/10/2023 18:59

Wtf is jewel stone tones?

Twattergy · 28/10/2023 19:16

High Street doesn't offer much for us 40 pluses IMO. What about looking online at Sezane, Cos, And other stories, Whistles, Albaray. M and S is actually pretty good at the moment if you choose carefully.

Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 19:17

CheapHouse · 28/10/2023 18:59

Wtf is jewel stone tones?

Emerald, sapphire, ruby.... Rich colours not fluorescent or pastel or monochrome or shades of baby poo...

OP posts:
Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 19:18

Twattergy · 28/10/2023 19:16

High Street doesn't offer much for us 40 pluses IMO. What about looking online at Sezane, Cos, And other stories, Whistles, Albaray. M and S is actually pretty good at the moment if you choose carefully.

Thanks I'll have a look, I've not heard of some of those brands!

OP posts:
Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 19:19

Mariandel · 28/10/2023 18:56

Oska

Oska

Yikes, just because I'm in my 40s doesn't mean I have to wear a sack. Sorry if you like it but the first page has put me off venturing further into the site. Thank you though.

OP posts:
Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 19:20

Clarinet1 · 28/10/2023 18:28

If you’re thinking work, what do you do?
At home do you have any particular hobbies, responsibilities like care etc that might mean you need very practical things that are easy to care for? Or need to look presentable there?

Bog standard office job smart casual so items that can cross over home to office would be handy so I can spend less!

I'm quite outdoorsy in my spare time, but otherwise I don't like being a slob.

OP posts:
Original poster
SeventhIdiot · 28/10/2023 19:20

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 28/10/2023 18:15

Add a black merino turtle neck and you're good to go pretty much anywhere!

Show quote history

And a gold chain? That's giving The Rock c.1990s to me 😆

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 28/10/2023 19:41

This sit has stuff suitable for work, and cruises
I have a shorter version of this dress
https://patra.com/product/dkt/womens-knit-fit-and-flare-dress

Women’s Knit Fit and Flare Dress | DKT | Patra

https://patra.com/product/dkt/womens-knit-fit-and-flare-dress

KirstenBlest · 28/10/2023 20:27

The last time I went to an outlet village I was disappointed. There were lovely clothes but they weren't right. For example, beautiful linen dresses in the right colour but sleeveless or without pockets.