When You're Over 40 and Don't Know Where to Shop Anymore!
What’s changed?
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Have you reached a point in life when you’re wondering where to buy clothes that don’t feel like they’re aimed at either someone much younger or much older than you? If you’re feeing completely bewildered, you’re not alone.
When you’re into your 40’s or 50’s, priorities can change and it’s no longer about scoring fast fashion fixes and buying into every new trend. It’s more about wanting to invest in longer lasting, stylish clothes that feel modern and chic but are easy to wear.
For many of us, the lockdown dress code of wearing nothing smarter than loungewear, gym gear or pyjamas can be a hard habit to kick, and as a result, many of my clients feel that they’ve lost their way and are struggling to get their style act together. In addition to this, as women, there are so many other points in our lives at which we can start to lose confidence in the way we dress – when we’ve had children, when we go back to work, when we divorce or when we have health problems…
What do we want?
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If you’re looking to spend your money on better quality clothes that work for your bodyshape, lifestyle and encapsulate how you want to look, where do you go?
Some of the biggest names on the high street like Warehouse, Oasis and Gap have been bought out and/or moved online, and these were the brands we relied on for quality, on-trend basics. I believe that there always pieces to be found in the stores that might not feel like your natural home, e.g. H&M, River Island and New Look, which are good, inexpensive seasonal wardrobe updates.
Where to find it on the high street
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If you still prefer in-store shopping where you can see and feel the clothes before you buy; Zara, Whistles, Other Stories, Jigsaw, Mango and Cos are always worth a look for modern basics and wardrobe staples. I always find things I love in M&S, and the best pieces often appear in the fashion press so you need to snap them up quick! Likewise, in Zara the really good things that are on the rails at the front of the store sell FAST and aren’t usually re-stocked.
The more expensive brands often have online discounts, especially when you sign up for marketing emails, so if you try a piece on in-store you can can order it online to take advantage of the discount.
I always find things I love in M&S, and the best pieces often appear in the fashion press so you need to snap them up quick! Likewise, in Zara the really good things that are on the rails at the front of the store sell FAST and aren’t usually re-stocked.
John Lewis is always a great destination for browsing clothes. They stock the key brands names like like Whistles, Reiss, Hush and Mint Velvet, and also less well-known names like Ro&Zo, Baukjen and Albaray and their own brand, And/Or.
Where to find it online
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If you like the convenience of online shopping, there are so many brands worth looking at. For casual basics, have Ninety Percent, Boden, Uniqlo, Saint & Sofia and Arket on your radar.
For dressier outfits and occasion wear, check out Aspiga, Anthropologie, Kitri, Never Fully Dressed, Ghost and Omnes.
The advantages of website shopping are the regular online only discounts, a wider size range and often free delivery and return codes that you can take advantage of.
Last word…
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There is still lots of choice and of options to be found, but it’s definitely worth getting comfortable with online shopping. Finally, the golden rule is to not follow the rules, and wear what you like and what you feel good in!