I'm older, wiser and have a bit of cash but feel a bit lost with clothes- would love your advice and ideas

[Saucisses]

I still love looking at clothes and dressing nicely, but I feel like I have lost my way a little bit. In my 20s and 30s I very much had my own style, Neat but feminine shapes, printed fabrics, classic English, maybe a little bit rural.

Over the last few years I have struggled to find clothes that both changes in fashion but also the type of clothes I feel are more 'me' now.

The clothes I see so many women of my age in, either leisure wear or floral mid length dresses with puffs and pleats are just not me at all. Nor is the edgy, leather jacket and band t-shirt look that lots of friends look good in.

I'm hoping that some stylish folk might be able to give me a few more ideas or a lead on where to look for clothes. I have enough money for upper end High Street, like Poetry or Hobbs. I rarely go shopping so don't know what brands are out there now.

The things I know I do love are lightweight loose knits, a less fitted but more tailored style, natural and plain fabrics, deep but not bright colours, cashmere, leather and dresses that have shape to them. I am a size 12, 5 foot four with brown hair and blue eyes. I am a doctor, and wear my 'home clothes' to work.

Any ideas welcomed!

Baukjen? I have some lovely classic pieces from there. Like Boden without the silly prints.

Another way to start on this is to search Vinted for clothes not only by brands (some of which have been mentioned) but by fabric- so cotton, linen, leather. This way you filter out the polyester monstrosities and get some good basics. Wool coats also, again, the current polyester ones in the shops not all of which have great linings don't compare.

I also think good socks, tights, all-in-one body suits, thermal vests for winter help, I still like M and S for those basics, even if they aren't quite what they used to be on that front.

You can then buy from shops some more current pieces. I also buy good suede and leather shoes.

No need to wear puffed midi-dresses whatsoever, I don't own one and neither do any of my friends.

Agree with posters above who mentioned Toast and Plumo. I also really like Uniqlo for every day bits. I also really like Olive Clothing & Aligne have some god bits too. Cos and Arket also have some good affordable pieces.

While we're on subject of Sezane, agree with posters who say it's very hit and miss for quality.

Oh and Folk have some great bits too.

Thanks so much to everyone. This thread has been very helpful and reassuring to know there are others interested in these sorts of clothes. I've had a bit of a spree and bought these things. Hopefully some might work.

I'm also following the advice of stocking up on good socks, tights, vests etc.

https://www.toa.st/products/annie-organic-denim-side-button-jeans-indigo?utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=19799594337&gaddsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADntuojaV7XBKz9pmsihKDbLiAwX&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkLaatOPgiAMVg0VBAh2XqhT9EAQYASABEgLCafDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-RE73/colour-b-damson/fine-cotton-cord-pleatfront-dress.htm

https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Cashmere-Oversized-Roll-Neck-Jumper/p/A11654?swatch=Alabaster

https://www.celticandco.com/womens/clothing/dresses/v-neck-cocoon-dress?colourid=59&glCountry=GB&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADDhgT8wxzkMqpe1jQZdu3jLpHjvJ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIML8-OPgiAMVIpJoCR2-cQBzEAQYASABEgKwBBD_BwE

Oh, and I've also decoded that I really need a chocolate suede mini skirt. No idea if that's in keeping with this aesthetic and not for work, but I'm on the lookout!

Good luck with the chocolate suede mini skirt and small children. Have you considered a miniskirt fashioned out of a tarpaulin as an alternative @Saucisses?

I know you've done your shop and I realise this is probably a time consuming idea so a bit tricky with demanding work and small children, but I got so fed up with high street shops (on and offline) recently that I identified a few local/localish contemporary independent boutique type shops who were really good at suggesting styles I hadn't thought about, presenting lots of coordinating items and brands that are a bit different, good quality and fairly timeless.

Finding these shops got me out of a bit of a style rut having spent ages just not liking anything from high street brands. I really struggled with the floral, frilled, tiered, puffed sleeve thing which makes me look like a menopausal Little Bo Peep. Depends what's in your area I guess.

Have you tried Seasalt? They have some really good quality stuff. My fave shop at the minute is Boden and do also like Reiss. Reiss has a really suede mini, also love the midi from Bodens

Sezane is good quality, I have loads and wash it carefully. I have similar taste to you o think and also buy lots at Reiss, White Company and Wyse

I second Wyse and Me & Em suggestions - also there's usually a lot of both on Vinted and I've picked up some lovely bargains there. In fact Vinted, or other re-sale sites like Vestiaire Collective, are great for refreshing wardrobe with quality items for high street (or less) prices.

You might also like NRBY, a mainly online brand (though they are in John Lewis too).

Also Cefinn has some nice separates - silk blouses, well cut trousers, etc.

Don't discount the high st - Whistles and Reiss have some nice stuff and often have reductions.

I like things from:
Arket
Maxmara Weekend
Toast
Cos (mostly knitwear)
Sometimes John Lewis/M&S own brands for eg silk shirts
Massimo Dutti