Which brands do you think are aimed at cool, smart (maybe slightly older) women?

[JAdoreMonPetitLabradorDodu]

Inspired by the phone-in on Woman’s Hour(that probably says all you need to know about my demographic.) I’m wondering which brands nowadays are aimed at women like this in the UK.

I feel I’ve been through my quirky mum of toddlers, vintage 50s dresses and casual work from home phases and I’m a bit stuck as to where to go next.

I guess I’m like a lot of you (although obviously we won’t all share the same tastes.) Professional job, older kids, richer, but not as slim as I was, reasonably urbane interests and way past wanting to look cute and sexy.

Which brands do you think cater for those of us who want to look cool, clever and, on a good (or bad) day, maybe a little intimidating?

I actually don't think Mary Beard looks smart at all. She looks a creased and crumpled mess, the way most older academics look (the younger ones seem to have a bit more style about them).

All baggy, shapeless linen with messy hair doesn't equate to anything but a mess in my eyes.

Agree with @MonikerBing By 50, you know what works for you. Finding decent quality/natural fibres/cut is the challenge.

I'm in my 50s and buy well cut items that work for my lifestyle. I'm a size 10 and 5'8" so can still wear most long and lean. I like colour but work in a professional role. I work from home a few days a week, so in the winter I need warm clothes if I am to avoid a huge heating bill. I commute by train so need a waterproof city coat or two, and boots.

I shop everywhere from Sezane & Me&EM to House of Bruar (ignore the ghastly tartan and look for well tailored trousers in very fine wool, that actually fit around the waist).

Finding clothes I like can take months. This year I've bought 4 sweaters, one shirt, office trousers, jeans and loafers. I'm still looking for an evening top.

By 50, you know what works for you.
OK, and then you get to 60 and either
a) your body has changed again
b) your life has changed again
c) you want to try something different
d) the shops you used to like have either closed or turned to shite
e) all of the above .

This doesn't end because you've hit an age with a zero. You don't stop being interested, wanting to hear about what's new, wanting to talk about it.

I'm more fascinated by getting dressed than ever I was and, if anything, the fact that it's more of a challenge than it was 20 or 30 years ago makes it more satisfying.

I’m 46 and still don’t know what works for me!

It changes. My style has changed with my changing body, roles and lifestyle.

And I want to try our new things. Getting dressed is a bit of a game isn’t it?

£300 for a pair of slip on loafers?
Wow. I think maybe these threads aren't for me.

@JAdoreMonPetitLabradorDodu
I love the look of the Fold dresses but they are a little pricey for me.

let us know please how you find them

I’m 56 and tend to put most of my stuff together from charity shops, eBay and the odd high street store

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/new-arrivals-c12/new-arrivals-c14/the-pretty-dress-company-penelope-pencil-dress-p601#attribute%5B1%5D=84

I’m thinking of trying this out though.

Oh goodness, this thread is taking a very wrong turn …

🤷🏽‍♀️

thanks i was looking for something like this for quite a long

Not Toast. I always think of Toast as too slouchy and self conscious. 😀

Sézane, WYSE and that sort of thing.

Does nobody wear Boden any more? Mid 50s, a tall 14 and still love their stuff!

I have a pair of trousers from The Fold, they were not cheap, but I wear them constantly. The quality is excellent, they are comfortable and easy to care for. I must have a look to see what else they have.

It has only just occurred to me that if I list the sources of purchases over the past few years I can consider whether they’ve been bought at places ‘aimed at me’ as one within the OP’s stated demographic.

🤔🤔🤔

Well, I did that (deleted as a bit exposing!). Interesting … Mostly, but not invariably, where clothes / shoes are modelled on an actual person, it’s the more expensive brands that celebrate middle aged or elderly women. (Margaret Howell is a slightly irritating outlier.) And apart from Zara, (intermittently) the cheaper places put everything on girls. I do notice - but it doesn’t really affect my buying.

And no - Boden doesn’t feature! I’ve only ever bought children’s clothes there - a long time ago.

Poetry, Wrap, Sahara (but rarely natural fibres) OSKA, TOAST. Mainly from Vinted because I can't afford them otherwise.

Aren’t those aimed at ‘boho’-leaning rather than self-identifying cool / smart mature women, @Pliudev? (I try to avoid labelling myself, but they’re all brands I just wouldn’t wear. I have bought a bit of Toast in the past but it’s not really my style.)

From a potentially long list, the sort of names that spring to mind would include Bite Studios, Christian Wijnants, Raey, Petar Petrov, Studio Nicholson … (New or pre-owned.) Mixed with any assortment of old school Designers (with a capital D) and a bit of Zara.

b) wear the same colours as those with power - and that's usually black, navy or dark grey

@RoseAndRose I hate this idea that women must wear masculine colours to be 'powerful' at work.

Thanks for the link to the other thread re where to buy clothes.

I tried on the Adeline dress recently and it's brilliant. Slightly different but not shouting about it and just effortlessly elegant.

I haven't rtft but would add Joseph and occasionally Toteme to the brands mentioned.

@JAdoreMonPetitLabradorDodu The Fold is my favourite power brand. Incredible quality and very well cut. I do buy a lot second hand, but had a very lovely time last year being styled by them which gave me a great mix and match group of clothes in colours I'd never have put together.

I’m 55. In my heart I am Stevie Nicks. In my real world I am work trousers and button down shirts. The minute I retire I am going full on Stevie Nicks.

Agnes b for stylish clothes that are generally well made. It can be a challenge finding sizes bigger than 10-12 though. Personally I can only afford it in the sales but I love her stuff.

@CMOTDibbler sorry to say this but can’t resist. I found a hoard of The Fold dresses in a charity shop off Marylebone road about a year ago. Didn’t buy any as it’s not my professional vibe ( middling NHS worker) but I must admit they were well tailored.
@Floisme pithy and to the point as always 💐

I love Agnes b, have done since forever and treated myself to a few items that I wore and wore when I was younger. The brand is still cool and sophisticated, and hasn’t sold out.

The cuts don’t really work for me now. Which is annoying as I’m half bloody French. Sadly, not the half that includes my tummy, hips and arse. I’ve gone full-on Baltic peasant folk (thanks, paternal genes) in that department.

I just had a quick look- £425 on a pair of shoes????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@JAdoreMonPetitLabradorDodu glad to see a fellow Agnes b groupie. I find I’m more successfull now with her dresses and jackets. Hard to squeeze in to her trousers 😢. Should probably get real and eBay those I have, but parting with them is so hard.