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'd need an 8 top and 10 bottom in M&S and Next and that equates to S and M in RI.

I have never looked there but it does make sense as DD won’t go near the place!

I’m 57 and Mango works well for me.

My friend is 55 and loves RI.

OK was going to look but that would make my size 16 be xxxl?!!

Went into a huge Mango recently & was surprised at how shite it all was… Not even any nice accessories. I don’t shop in Zara either, but would see something if I went in.

Will give River Island a go now, though! Haven’t been in since my 20s… I like Benetton but it’s too pricey for the current quality, like everywhere on the High Street.

I hadn't been in years until I went shopping with my 18 year old son. He likes their style and so do I.

I have found the odd nice thing in Joules

I think I’ll have to go to a shop. I had a browse but the only stuff I saw on the website the mini skirts and matching top sort of sets my (future) MIL wears in her late 60s. So I won’t be buying that as no plans to start dressing identical.

thanks I’ll go for large then

Must have a look. I am similar age and just discovered Peacocks for casual outfits, they really suit me and great prices

I’m 55 and really like RI too. Found it again last year. Lots of nice draped tops which suit me after going flat after breast cancer. Really like their jeans too and I find them true to size.

You had me at trousers…

Sometimes I just want a reasonably priced pair of navy trousers for work, and M&S trousers are made for a narrower body than mine. I always find myself in Uniqlo which I love but occasionally I want a more classically feminine look. River Island here I come.

I buy clothes from the weirdest places now. I've had some nice pieces from Sainsbury's and even Morrisons recently, so I don't doubt you that you've found some nice things in River Island. I struggle to find anything on the High Street these days ( which is why I justify having spent so much in Spain when I was there recently as the clothes were so nice! )

I actually got a really nice jacket in Bonmarche today! 😂

M&S trousers are made for a narrower body than mine

Try the next size up. Or do you refer to waist-hip ratio?

I'm 46 and I have bought quite a few things in RI lately after not really shopping there for over a decade. They do have some nice clothes which seem to wash well too without fading or losing shape.

The latter. I think I’m between sizes there so nothing quite fits everywhere and also the crotch to waist length is not kind.

Where are you finding the nice clothes? I’ve just had a look at the tops online and they’re all hideous (and mainly seem to be polyester). Obviously I’m missing something,

They do all the jeans in short. I want proper menopausal mid life crisis and bought the boot leg flares, surprisingly brilliant

Yes that’s my rule, it’s a shame because lots of nice shoes and bags ruined by that addition

Things like this. 100% cotton plain tshirt, but just a buy nicer/more interesting than other people's basics.

www.riverisland.com/p/green-short-sleeve-t-shirt-932197

The shell tops and trousers I've bought for summer (when it looked like it was here!) are also 100% cotton.

If youre going to avoid because of a lot of polyester in a shop, I don't know where you go because they all do it, even really expensive brands.

I agree 100% with PPs. Absolutely no visible logos.

Since I took then 13yo DD shopping in London a few years ago and so going into RI, H&M, Mango (& Mango teen!) for the first time in years and discovering places like Stradivarius, I’m now as likely to go along that bit of Oxford St as I am to turn down into Regent St and go to &OtherStories and similar places. Yes, you have to hunt a bit and it’s worth comparing the individual items in each size rather than just grabbing one (and, yes, in my I have to go for one of the larger sizes) but some of the items are cut really well and just add something a bit different to my usual items. I’m a slightly awkward shape so have always shopped according to what fits rather than a particular brand but just hadn’t looked in these shops for years.

I love the look of their clothes but I find they don't wash well and bobble very quickly.

I think the materials generally feel quite nice in RI, they do a good wide leg trouser, and the sizes are TTS/ slightly generous, where most younger brands tend to run smaller.

The shoes are worth looking at too, I've got leather/ suede boots in the sale for £20-30. Oh, and if you like large bags, their shopper bags are a great size if you can find them without logos. Again, I got a silver leather one, perfect for summer, in the winter sale for £20 down from £60.

...... on my way to River Island....t'internet site 💅