If you’ve nailed classic, understated dressing, where do you shop?

[LaSourciereEfrontee]

I’m swanning into my late forties, size 12, healthy, not looking too shabby (now I’m over treatment for a serious illness). But the kinds of clothes I love is changing.

Today I wore a black waisted linen dress, tan sandals and a big gold bangle and felt so much more me than I have in floral midis.

I am craving simple, understated, beautiful clothes. Rich, undazzling classic colours, gorgeous natural fabrics. Cashmere, silk, wool, leather, linen. Nothing shapeless or extreme. Comfortable, flattering, feminine cuts. This sort of thing:

https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-RF53-POECA/colour-c-fawn/cashmere-collection/hemp-cotton-yak-straightleg-trousers.htm

If you’ve nailed this look, where do you shop?

It also would be worth following Invest in style on Instagram. She posts a lot of simple neutral clothes that are typically high street but of good quality.

I like this aesthetic too, and I'm getting better at it by asking myself "could you bit it in Toast?". Some of the clothes that fit me best come from Sainsbury's - I don't know if this is a good thing or not!

Plumo is worth a look too.

@PassTheWineAndCrispsPlease that is actually a really useful site! Thanks

Definitely White Company. Some good stuff in Reiss but not all. Good t shirts. Arket, Poetry

Uniqlo comes to mind. Although size up as they are cut for tiny tiny people.

I am 54, and tend to shop in Mint Velvet, Reiss and The White Company, with a few items from Zara and H&M. I have recently started to shop for these brands on Vinted and have got some lovely clothes at a fraction of the price.

I started dressing this way and felt like I've finally arrived 😅
Just got some black tapered linen trousers (Matalan) which are smart and interesting in shape. I'd choose shape over pattern, unusual scandi/Japanese shapes especially.

Japanese style linen tie waist balloon trousers are amazing with a silk vest or shirt.. I also got some amazing plain black balloon shaped linen/cotton trousers from Lucy&Yak which dress up or down. Cashmere v neck jumpers. Leather backpack. Mens slouchy merino jumpers, in black usually. Plain v neck t shirts with nice short sleeves. Wool dresses. (Cos, White stuff). Mens shirts. Simple small silver hoops and ring. I love Japanese style generally. Linen shift dresses!

My shoes are suede Birkenstock Arizona sandals, birk clogs and black leather Bend Lows. All with chunky wool socks sometimes. Also barefoot black leather tie up minimalist boots (I think they are called Gobi, vivobarefoot)
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I cut my shoes and wardobe down to bugger all and it's so much better! I also wear black cuffed joggers sometimes. My coats are plain and good material (wool, cashmere). As well as a plain waterproof few coats for dog walking. I also like leopard print so there's that sprinkled in!

The White Company, COS, Zara, Maxmara Weekend, Jospeh, Arket, Roksanda Ilinic.

I love this thread! I've been itching for a bit of a style makeover. I always feel better when I'm dressed in this kind of simple style but end up buying too much crap that doesn't fit this aesthetic and just waste money on stuff that doesn't make me feel good.

I'm trying to invest more in good quality pieces that go together. They had a few nice things in Phase Eight today and I'm planning a trip to Cos seen as they have some nice trousers online but only want them if they fit well. M&S had some nice bits of knitwear too.

I was coming on to say Tu from Sainsbury’s, just picked up large click & collect order from them earlier this week after previously only ever buying kids clothes. Genuinely blown away with the quality and cut of items I purchased.
Ashamed to say I was a total supermarket clothes snob and wouldn’t have ever considered buying from there.
Lots of great quality basics, great barrel leg jeans, beautiful trench coat that looks about 5 times the price, great tailoring and some lovely luxe joggers/ sweatshirts.
In answer to the Op, love this aesthetic and other than stripes I never buy pattern, always self coloured good fabrics in colours that suit me and work well together so have lots of outfit options.
Main stay was always REISS but looking at other brands so love this thread for inspiration.

Muji, if nobody has mentioned it.

Reiss, M&S, Jigsaw, Uniqlo, Arket, a bit from Mint Velvet.

I have never gotten along with COS or Toast.

M&S has been excellent the last 2 seasons.

Very rarely Hobbs but you have to work hard to avoid the senior accountant in a regional office or Mother of the Bride look. They do the odd excellent winter coat.

Not sure why everyone is so keen on linen. 99% of people look crumpled and dumpy in it.

For coats it's hard to beat Max Mara.

Yes.I bought a BNWT MaxMara cashmere coat on eBay about 20 years ago it had been £1500 originally buyer got it in the sale but it was too small for her. I got it for £150. Still going strong. I don’t wear it a huge amount but it still looks brand new and its style is still on point.

Me and Em, Margaret Howell, Cos, Arkett?

Thank you! I have so many ideas from this thread. Can’t wait for Autumn clothes shopping!

Theory

Max Mara, Celine, Ralph Lauren, Joseph, Cos, Arket, Theory, The White Company; some pieces from Uniqlo or M&S.

It isn't a difficult look to nail- she looks as if she is wearing lounge wear

Buy some clothes that look like pajamas

Great site

Thanks so much for the ideas. They are great. I’ve made a little shopping list with some ideas for autumn. Will head to Regent Street and Marylebone High Street for some ideas and to try to pick up some items. Most shops I’d heard of (but not shopped in) and a few I’ve not looked at before, so that’s great. I’ve not bought much at all this summer, so have a decent budget.

I fancy;

Treating myself to trousers and a cashmere jumper as my ‘nice’ (lunch in town, concerts, supper at friends’) outfit in Poetry. I find the staff really helpful. Something like this: https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-RF15-POECA/colour-b-charcoal/cashmere-collection/silk-linen-wide-tapered-trousers.htm?_gl=1ifmskz_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgN_qh_iHiAMV3JZQBh2OPg_4EAAYASAAEgKpjPD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD_X_JwttOMRN1hHRlFJkS3BimVKY

An oversized cashmere knit from The White Company

A pair of really well fitting jeans (I’ve got a fitting at John Lewis booked)

Maybe some wide leg cords.

Cashmere snood and hat from JL to go with my good coat. Maybe in a wine shade.

A couple of knitted dresses (any ideas welcome!)

A pair of brown knee high riding boots and oxblood brogues or loafers.

Day to day bits (merino jumper etc.) from Uniqlo.

A couple of knitted dresses (any ideas welcome!)

https://www.celticandco.com/

Do them in lots of colours.

I’ve just had a brief look and what a great idea.

Yes this! Most of my wardrobe is now Uniqlo. I think the quality for price is superb, the colours mean it's easy to mix and match, and I like the modern, simple styling.