I'm 56 and my favourite clothes shop of the moment appears to be. ...

[Janesput]

River Island

I can't imagine their target demographic would be thrilled about that and I'm certainly not a young or edgy dresser, but atm I'm finding they're OK quality for the price and and have wearable items that are a bit more interesting than e.g. M&S or Next.

I'm definitely no style expert but I've had a few nice things from them, from a long dress for a black tie do at Christmas to jeans, a nice suede look bomber jacket, and now some summer shell tops and light trousers.

I thought I got too old for River Island in about 1993 🤣

I’m 55 and just placed a massive Rivers order for holiday next week. If you avoid the stuff with little metal tags on with ‘RI’ I find their clothes to be pretty classic and well made, my favourite outfit of last year was their denim jumpsuit. I also like their bikinis

I am a decade behind you and also recently reconverted to River Island. Their trousers are so flattering and reasonably priced too. I'm just disappointed that their bags are not the same as in their 1990s heyday. I remember they were practically a collectors item when I was at school!

Based on this I'm going to take a look.

How do you feel about Mango? I occasionally go in store and I'm always surprised that they're still going

mango always looks amazing but in reality it’s a bit shit
sort of like H&M
another RI plus is proper petite range for serious short arses like me

Yep, similar age here and love their relaxed straight jeans. New Look has some nice bits online as well.

Yes! Me too. Got some great jeans last week.

Ooh I had RI firmly in the H+M category ie a bit flimsy and cheap but may have to reevaluate

I’ve never looked at their stuff and am a similar age to you.
I’d rather assumed they were the modern version of Chelsea Girl? Maybe I’m wrong then.

Im easy 50s and been buying RI for tgebpast 4 or 5 years. I love it.

Chelsea Girl became River Island in about 1988

Ah! That will be why I thought this.

I love River Island, I’m 51. I’ve also had some good buys from Bershka (trousers) and Stradivarius recently. I tried on some clothes in M&S and everything was really unflattering.

I bought a couple of Tshirts from RI recently, and they shrunk weirdly in the wash ... sort of went wider and shorter.

I'm late 40s and I was very impressed when I went in just before Christmas. I'm going back to get some more jeans (previously wore Next).

oooh I’ve been looking for some new outlets for my looking at shite I don’t need hobby, and M&S was not inspiring me. Shall take a look at Bershka

They are in administration aren't they?

No they are not. They are ok

O no I didn’t know that. Will be gutted f they shut

Oh I’m going to have a look now I didn’t know they even still existed! Our store closed years ago.

I could never afford their stuff as a poor teenager so had to use cheaper shops and charity shops. So I might treat myself now I’m in my 50s.

They were in trouble last year and closed over 30 branches.

I would go into the local branch if they didn't insist on playing electronic dance music at high volume. It's so loud that I cannot stay for even five minutes.

I normally buy a few things every year from River Island, more Summer than Winter though, I like all their broderie anglais co ords and kimono beachy stuff. I’m 60 so it’s been over 35 years I’ve been buying from them 😱

If you avoid some of the tackier stuff with the huge gold RI logo somewhere on the item, the rest of the stuff is often really good. I've had a few basic tops from there that wash well and are flattering. Their online sale is often really good too.

Are their clothes true to size? I've seen some nice bits but not sure what size to order

Lots of nice stuff thanks OP!
what’s the sizing like? If I’m 12-14 am I L? And I’m short , how are the trousers length wise?

New Look’s pleather jeans are chef’s kiss.