Do you think Boden is expensive? Where to shop?

[Azuresky68]

Looking for a few wardrobe items to update my wardrobe - mainly jumpers. I have plenty of coats, boots, trousers and jeans. I tend to look at H&M, Zara, Vinted, Primark, and sometimes Roman. I dontcrate Next anymore. Some basics from M&S too, and I love Uniqlo but like to try on my clothes and I don't live near a Uniqlo store. I am short and age 68 and love to look casually smart. Dresses don't really suit me. Sadly, high heels kill me. When I was younger, I wore them all the time. I saw a couple of jumpers online from Boden that appealed but was shocked at the prices - over £100! I am interested to know where people shop for clothes these day. I miss Wallis, but again, they are only online these days. I don't mind buying from Vinted as it's so cheap if it's a brand I know, eg, White Stuff. Look forward to hearing from you!

Keen to see what responses you get, I’ve all but given up buying clothes because it’s either overpriced for too poor quality or there isn’t a local store for me to try sizes/see the quality.

In case you didn’t know, Whitestuff have an official outlet on eBay that has good prices, limited sizes in things though, but some bargains to be had.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/whitestuffofficial?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lvymxmhcsbi&sssrc=3418065&ssuid=I4fKI_I0QFi&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I’m over 60 (though retirement age seems ages away still). To be honest I can’t comment on Boden as I’ve never bought anything but children’s clothes there, and that was years ago.

While it wouldn’t be true to say I never shop on the High Street (because I do run into Primark about twice a year, and approach any unfamiliar Zara with boundless anticipation) it’s not really where I go for 99% of my wardrobe. I shop online and take advantage of the many ways to access the best of what’s available without always paying a fortune. (In truth I don’t think £100 is expensive for decent woollen items - but clothes are fun for me, in the same way art or holidays or cars are for other people.)

I’ve just been out for coffee and a stroll wearing, pertinently, two pieces of knitwear: the first a huge cable knit cardigan from Marni, bought massively discounted a couple of years ago from The Outnet. The second a Shetland jumper bought with a pre-season reduction from La Fetiche, about four years ago. Other clothes from Cos, Avavav, boots from Grenson.

Tomorrow I have a meeting for which I’ll either wear a newish You Must Create (YMC) sweatshirt over an old Budd London shirt and Margaret Howell skirt (pre-owned from Vestiaire) + same boots, or an ancient Margaret Howell cardigan, a shirt borrowed from my mother and some three years old Raey @ Matches heavy cotton chinos. Probably with some T bar shoes also from Grenson.

Rather the opposite to you I have plenty of knitwear but not enough winter weight trousers. Or dresses. (I spend an entirely disproportionate amount of time window shopping online, relative to what I actually buy.) But I do want more everyday stuff, so will be making an effort to order more than just beanies from

Community Clothing

this season. I know their knitwear is outstanding for the price.

If you’d like something not dull but don’t want to spend too much, you might enjoy the

American Vintage outlet

The wool / wool mixes aren’t as pure and serious as from any traditional Scottish knitwear brand - but they really will brighten up a dull October.

@BlanklyMyDear I'd love to rummage through your wardrobe, sounds amazing 😍

@NeverRunAfterAManOrABus thanks for the White Stuff tip!
@BlanklyMyDear great advice. I am happy to pay the price for something that's a classic one off or something a bit different. I also pay a decent amount for shoes and boots. I remember 38 years ago buying a black wool and cashmere mid-length coat from Jigsaw and still have it today but rarely worn it in last 10 years as my life style now is more casual. Nowadays I resist buying too many clothes and just add an odd item here and there. I am lucky to travel frequently so prefer to spend money on those trips. I will have a look at your suggestions with interest. At the moment, I am only looking for a nice mulberry colour crew neck and maybe a leopard skin cardi or jumper. Thanks again to both of you.

I know it's not popular on here but I absolutely love boden! I have some cashmere that has lasted years from there (and always machine wash). I just ordered a cashmere cardigan in conker (I think) it was £130 and I got 15% off. But there are always discount codes of 30% and beyond if you sign up to their mailing list. I buy lots of the dresses for work as again they wash so well, last for years, and are 100% cotton (the ones I buy). I also have a cream silk shirt that is just incredibly hardy!! So to me the prices are high but it reflects the quality.

I'm nearly 30 years younger than you, but I also shop in Sézane, Levi, Superdry, M&S, H&M, mint velvet and Zara.

I go for Boden in the sale, preferably with a discount code on top. I agree full price is eye watering but their clothes do seem well made from what I have bought.

M&S cashmere is great for the price, I was mine in the machine on a gentle wool wash and always size up. I also love Sexane for knitwear. Would pay £100 for a Boden jumper if mostly wool

@BlanklyMyDear i i don’t suppose you want to adopt a 37 year old woman? 😁and let her steal your clothes?