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’ve worn two RI tops this week for my work - compliments all round from very young colleagues!

Full marks to Mango’s display team. Last time I went in one, they were beautifully laid out.

I'd forgotten that. My teenage self shopping there in late 70s would never have guessed I'd still be in there at 62!

Yes I remember Chelsea girl

Agreed, I can always find something nice in there. Even their basic vests are just nicer and their denim is brilliant

Well I might have to have a look online as I went into store last week and it was all hideous

I agree it washes well. I’ve had some river island tops for >10 years

i I love Mango, it’s a better quality Zara rather than the cheapness of H&M / new look

Hey, I'm 76 & shop at Next. Have done so for as long as I can remember...

What is River island like for returns?

Really good. If you take to the shop it’s immediate, never had a problem

All my jeans are from RI I particularly like the Molly range (58 year old here)

I’ve not been clothes shopping for ages but I walk past a RI weekly and nothing ever grabs my eye so I don’t go inside.

However, Mango, not been inside either but I’ve got a dress from 2019/2020 that I got compliments on yesterday.

their tucked under suedette jacket for £40 is fab, and I like a look of their other new pieces too

i also found apricot are worth a look. Lots of nice embroidered floaty summer shirts (although you would need a bralette underneath but that doesn’t bother me) and some simple summer dresses in knee and lower calf length that will pack and wear well for the summer. No it’s not 100% cotton, but neither are very expensive brands anymore

I remember back in the early 90s I thought of RI as somewhere to go for naice wedding attire. Then it seemed to become cheap and nasty and I’ve not been in since. I’m 51 so maybe it’s time for another look as Next is not currently inspiring me at all

Funnily enough I ordered a RI v neck cardigan the other day - yet to pick it up in store. I’m 54 and haven’t bought from RI in years. Maybe they’ve got new buyers /stylists in the last few years

All my v neck cardigan searches came up with nothing special for £££ but this RI one looks nice and not too pricey (🤞)

Also Emma Bunton had a lovely RI blouse on for her 50th birthday (daytime) - sadly sold out

I agree re River Island. IF you go in though and just do a quick look you don’t see anything/much but I find if I take my time, I find loads. I’m 55 and it’s one of my favourite stores.

There’s one in my town, popped in recently while waiting for bf - not impressed with quality, everything looked really cheap (while not being), and the big RI logo all over so many things just looks awful (just imo).

The men's t shirts are excellent quality - really thick cotton. My DS loves them.

Had a look at the site because of this thread. Most of it is too young for me but I love this and I love their little summer fun bags!

Let me tell you - I love a bit of River Island. It's just on the right side of mutton dressed as lamb.

Just had a look at their petite range and dresses in particular - am I missing something, because they only had 25 petite dresses and none that I'd wear at 57

I've got a blouse in my wardrobe that I bought from river island in 1996 it's still one of my favourites. Ive not shopped there for years I might have to take a look again.

Their clothes are great but after sales is the absolute worst I’ve come across.
It took so long to get anyone to deal with my faulty goods. It only got resolved when I escalated to a formal complaint and took weeks to receive a full refund
It’s put me off ever buying there again

Congratulations, RI Marketing Team 🎉

You think? I don't get that vibe in the slightest.
My review up there is an honest one regardless- it's worth a look and the quality is better than expected.