A little moan...women of a certain age...

[howtotellmum]

I am a reasonably trim, fashionable late 40s- look a bit younger so I am told- but am so depressed at lack of suitable summer clothes this year.

Everything is either sleeveless and very young, empire line and smocky ( don't want to look PG), or floral like curtains.

I am not old enough for Kalico, or CCs, don't like Hobbs ( all those spots), Phase 8 and Fenn Wright Manson are all to floral and droppy, and mother-of-the-bride, Monsoon looks garish, White Stuff and Fat Face are aging hippy...

Jesire and Whistles are drab this season...I could go on!

used to love Jigsaw and Kew, but Jigsaw is now silly prices, and everything this year is purple, navy or black ( not my colours), and the dresses are either too formal or too floaty.

Have bought one colour block dress from Boden, and one skirt Jigsaw and one skirt from Kew.

Anyone else in the same boat?

Yes. I am (a lot) older than you are. I have had a (very) few nice things from fifty plus - (mostly evening wear), but the sleeveless thing really annoys me. I have given up this year, and decided the only thing to do is buy some shrugs in various colours... and just cover up my arms.

Gap have a few nice dresses in at the moment, with short sleeves. Unfortunately I can't link to them as their website doesn't show the same things they have in store in the UK.

Linea at House Of Fraser? Reiss?

I'm of a certain age and don't want to descend into wearing what I call "cruise wear". Went into CC some time ago and was amused to hear the assistants discussing the high heeled shoes on offer, pointing out that their clientele were too old to be able to stand without the use of a stick!
I tend to buy stuff from East, but yes, I know it isn't very fashionable.

oh it is hard. I have opted for ageing hippy
But I am not quite 40 yet...

Why do ALL tops, jumpers and cardis have sleeves that finish half up your arm - like you've grown out of it ? Bugs me that does!

I am early 40's

I buy my clothes from Zara, Fat Face, River Island (jeans and t-shirts, not the nasty dresses), Gap, Warehouse, Oasis and even Republic (hmm] for casual stuff

Mind you, I only do casual really, so that might skew my choices

Casual stuff is okay-ish- I do White Stuff but don't go for florals, lots of Kew ( last year not this), bits from JIgsaw.

Reiss always seems very "partyish"- silky and fitted not every day??

I have resorted to a few plain skirts- Kew and Jigsaw- and T shirts ,plus short cropped cardis and wrap-over cardis.

There just seems to be not much in between mother of the bride floral chiffon, and Top Shop smocky dresses!!!

At work my glamorous colleagues of all ages are wearing see through patterned blouses with a plain vest underneath, which looks very of the moment. And also conceals the upper arms!

Yup, this pisses me off no end. What's the point in shops endlessly chasing the teeny market, when us quality seekers have more pounds in our pocket to spend?

I'm totally 'White Stuff' and can still rock the look no problem (I'm 38) but am not looking forward to a future in Hobbs ffs.

My mum has never even bothered to try - she still wears jeans and t-shirts in her 60's, though not always with great success (sorry mum).

God save us from 'classic' and 'cruise' collections. I see the future, and it is taupe

I am 42 and do
White Stuff tunic tops over jeans/linen trousers,always with long necklace and with cropped cardigan over the top if chilly.
Occasional Boden.
Occasional Fat Face dress/tunic.
Noa Noa,Avoca,Sandwich type stuff,usually bought in sales or off ebay.
Jersey Warehouse/Oasis dresses(knee length) with ballet pumps,wedges or Birkies.
Agree re lack of shops for our age group though.
I do venture into Topshop and New Look with DDS sometimes!

Oh,forgot Great Plains,I buy summer dresses and skirts from there quite often.

Monsoon puts all their garish stuff in the window, inside it's much more tasteful

Currently wearing navy trousers and stripy v-neck top, both from Monsoon this season.

However I am quite boring

I am incredibly old and do

Kaliko (hadn't realised this was a faux pas )
White Stuff dresses
Monsoon
Designers at Debenhams
Occasionally Boden
Very occasionally H&M

My secret shame is that I bought a dress in CC last year, which has been much admired by my friends.

I am now sitting here with pencil and paper poised, waiting for other suggestions.

Oh and forgot to say I like the three-quarter sleeve cardigans as (in my view) they provide upper arm coverage without looking as out of place as long-sleeved cardigans in summer.

what is CC? as a woman of a certain age I thought I should ask

am with you really what is it with the sleeveless and lack of decent V neck semi fitted nice long lasting T shirt in decent colours (not pastel hues)

Have you tried IKKS?

CC is Country Casuals, having had a makeover (or possibly Botox or hip replacement, given the demographic)

(No disrespect intended towards those who need hip replacements)

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Comptoir des Cotonniers

A big French Connection store? Sometimes worth a browse - although I've had some visits where I could buy loads and others where nothing appeals.

I am 47 and I am mostly going with Day Birger Mickelson,Mango, a few bits from Gap, Comptoire de cotonnier,French Connection and Top shop .
But I have realised that I am better buying less and buying Designer things as they are not stupidly short, they are lined, and they fit me...
Milly, Max mara, See by Chloe, Joseph, Cacharel etc. I buy waaayyy less but they last. I am old

Lovely cardigan/top

oh I see madbadperson you

actually there is a Comptoir in town never look ed in

Loving that site Anna. What's French for coats and jackets? I can't see any.