This older lady on the train..

[KibbeMe]

I loved what she wore, and she looked so comfortable!
I wouldn't call it a style, or remotely fashion conscious, but she was obviously interested in clothes, if that makes sense?

She was 65+ or thereabouts, medium height, slim, with bushy hair in a lovely twist. She was wearing a long tweed, flecked coat, with a sort of jersey tunic under it with a modest pattern. She wore dark wool tights with socks and clumpy brown boots, with a cotton tote and gorgeous mustard coloured wool scarf.

I remember thinking that I rarely saw older women in shorter skirts/tunics, and she looked fantastic. What struck me most was how at ease this all looked, so kind of interesting but comfy. It did not scream money, but wasn't cheap at all, it is hard to describe it, as it wasn't on trend for any age group, but reminded me a little of a dance tutor I had in my 20's who was vaguely bohemian in a neater, relaxed sort of way (not trendy or frilly).

If any of this makes sense, I would love some recommendations. It all looked great quality but not in popular styles. The tunic looked like basic jersey with a scoop neck, wasn't baggy or tight. Colours were mixed but not obvious.
This was in March this year and I still haven't forgotten her!

It sounds lovely and the colours sound like Seasalt ,they do soft muted colours and a few tunic dresses/ tops

Just what I was thinking

Maybe House of Bruar? Caught one of their catalogues a couple of years ago (had always thought it was for the 'older person' ... ☺️)But oh my goodness what quality and style. Have purchased 2 pairs of top quality leather boots, handbags, socks, scarves, jersey dresses... love them all! Husband practically wrestled me to the floor when this year's catalogue came through as he's been eyeing up a new suit and a pair of boots for himself 😁 and I've fallen in love with a beautiful tartan long coat, which I have hinted will make the perfect Christmas present for me!

For tweed coats, especially the wonderful Harris Tweed, go to Ebay. There are always vintage Harris Tweed coats. You have to be a bit careful with moth holes so always ask plenty of questions before buying. Also, ask for measurements.
The shoulders and sleeves on 50's 60's coats tend to be smaller/shorter than modern bodies. Although a lot of the 50's coats don't have shoulder seams.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266966971047?_skw=harris+tweed+coat&itmmeta=01J8DD31ZDVNC2XH9E04EWC8GG&hash=item3e2878b2a7:g:KQkAAOSwSYdkA4J~&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlzshqy%2Fe2Y7eOl%2F7lCzbsYt2KpcZOgoql3sxP0xR%2FBNFDxNdbpMBXIJl0y6zEETzOFg1zQHPkkYRheBajMaly4cx87mQd0gooOkAG%2F49Ipjc2Gcv%2BBWIU9O5Uc1FS8rDUnQkv2QBLLSEvflv%2BqLsvuBWbK72vYIj3cyvjDHh1w%2Bp3IoS8XVCA2K2eaDUkNHN2qUl5Kkj0v8PABTxr6OHopivI9nxNdqPTbzOR5mPiEuKf3iG9w8Q8LmOaVpUFljEKVAtfPWwZMaZ9Mcrhvfr2JkKkp42JnR92zY2U7fPj5VQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-afjK3DZA

Seasalt for the tunic maybe?

She probably assembled that via charity shops, retro/vintage and some M&S. I sometimes wear similar (though not into boots) and that's where I get things from. Also Primart (aka Primardo) which does shifts etc which flatter - though I expect you would categorise that as cheap. Daughter does similar things (much younger) but teams it with (real) Gucchi bags, preferably with any ID undisplayed.

Where is that first photo from please? Love that outfit!

I am nearing that age so would have been in my 20s in the 80s . A lot of that style is coming back . My DD in her 20s now and I found a pic of me wearing a checked kilt skirt , Dr Martens and short leather jacket almost exactly the same as am outfit she appeared in .
I think of shift dresses as a foundation garment. So might wear one with a sleeveless vest/ gilet type thing on top. And always accessorise with jewellery ,necklaces, earrings , scarfs , hat , bag hairband . And really good quality boots brown and black.

It is nice to compliment people especially if it is genuine. Costs nothing and it can really brighten someone's day . We in the UK need to be more open to talking to strangers we meet .

I am late 70's and wear those sort of clothes but leggings rather than tights and tunics/loose t shirts all the year round. However, I'm aware I don't look anything special and people tend to look at the dog rather than me.

Confidence, ladies! I think that's what makes the difference. From the looks on my kids' faces at times, maybe I have a little too much - but am happy!

I'd love this pure wool one.
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5077654149-house-of-bruar-harris-tweed-wool-coat-size-10?referrer=catalog

Is there a shop you can buy it from please? I dpn't mind paying full price.

It's the look I'm aiming for
Sort of faded art school
I thrift almost everything...vintage fairs, dress agencies, charity shops.
I go for soft, tactile fabrics - velvet, cashmere, silk, soft cottons.
Brands such as Toast, Poetry, Ghost, Odd Molly, Oska, Plumo.
Lovely quality and I rarely pay more than £25 for anything, often much less.
Muted colours.
I don't buy on line any more as I've never had much success with fit and have wasted money doing this.
Dress agencies are great, as you can often sell your unwanted items through them too and build up a relationship so they let you know when they have pieces in they know you'd like.

To those who mentioned Joe Brown's..I love Joe Brown. Though it's gone a bit too main stream for me the last few years there are some pieces I will still wear from there.

So the lady quite probably was wearing some older style JB's as the JB club do keep pieces of clothing years.

I do like JBs punk look this season so I've treated myself to the dress and the trousers. The bag will be ordered next month on payday. No I won't be wearing them all at the same time. Ha

I have my own style of punk-boho type and being an older lady it takes some finding punk styles that I can wear now. Boho is far easier to find

@eggplant16 Oh bless you!
Age helps.. I don't think we're ever so terrified of being 'uncool' as we are in our teens. I wear what makes me happy - if something is a little tight, for example, I'm never going to feel confident. On the other hand, if I want to wear a short skirt, I will, but will team it with chunky tights so it looks fun rather than desperately trying to look younger.
I never wear leggings or skinny jeans. Awful. Some bits of our bodies are best skimmed past, rather than emphasising! Those voluminous dresses that I guess are dreamed up by a misogynist designer - nope!
I've actually looked at links to shops that other ladies have posted, (I promise I'm not getting at anyone who likes them) but find them awful. Jumble sale chic! I mix & match, Roman, Next, Joanie, Disturbia, anything but BIG, bland pieces..

@keffie12 Agreed!

I really enjoy seeing this style too!

I agree with PP who've mentioned Dark Academia, Vintage & French influences.

My thoughts based on what it's not:

Not corporate (black) but still just smart enough & versatile - wears almost anywhere

Not convenient (difficult to source) but not expensive or flashy & is easy to wear

Not sexy or uncomfortable but flatters the body with a fitted silhouette & practical warmth

Not dressy / formal / glam but feminine, tactile, sensual & groomed

Not associated with one brand but more of an approach to choosing clothes

Not formulaic but varied & detailed

Not high maintenance but requires a degree of care

Not exclusively associated with older people but also has positive connotations of ageing (artists, academics & social workers get better with experience, maturity & wisdom & vintage wardrobes develop with time!)

Not based on sex m/f (activity based see above / inner life / cerebral) but does not reject the female body & is practical & comfortable

Not fashionable but softly counter cultural - modern tendency to casual athleisure & jeans vs. skirts & dresses generally being placed in a more formal dress code category

Not Sloane ranger / English country casual / BCBG / urban Chanel chic but good quality fabrics & natural fibres - more hard wearing & downmarket

Someone suggested watching old Inspector Morse for inspo on the Dark Academia thread...

I think the Claudia Winkleman mood board is close but cut & fit too intentionally oversized, masculine & boxy?

Great post @DuskyBlueDepartingLight !

Sorry I'm late, it was from a very old Toast catalogue that I love. Their aesthetic has changed a good deal since. Much looser, oversized stuff now. Still lovely quality though!

Thank you so much for some fantastic tips and ideas!

Someone asked what I meant by modest print.
I mean a small geo or abstract pattern as opposed to a large floral or zany pattern.
I see we have to be excessively careful how we express words here!

Thanks for the Universal Works recommendation PP.

Sahara autumn range, Mama B, Olivia May

Thank you for taking time to make such a well thought out, wonderful post!

So much here that I can relate to, it is exactly as I'd describe it, especially the old inspector morse (for a more elegant, urban option) and 'softly counter culture' - which nails it really, as whilst it isn't on trend at all, and you won't find it in a local high street, it still manages to fit and look great. It doesn't stand up and yell, it kind of nestles, happily alongside..

This woman was not much older than myself, and it made me excited to lean in my own direction more as I grow older. To trust what I love, rather than trying to make do with whatever is current. I have a similar build and look, with my bushy hair and whatnot, so I probably recognised myself in her, the self I don't give enough credit to.

I have had some beautiful geometric patterned tunics from Adini in the past. A lot of their stuff is a bit "mother of the bride" for my tastes but there are some understated designs that crop up in their range also.

As an aside I think Claudia W looked horribly thin on Strictly ( watched 2 minutes). Also Davina M, sinewy.

Possibly jealously. No I don't think so.

Thanks for the Mama B recommendation, but I hated their range! Good job we don't all like the same. :-)
Going to look at Olivia May now.