AIBU to think

I couldn't agree more - the high street is a sea of porridge, beige and hideous taupe right now - it's awful, ageing unflattering and dull as ditchwater

maddyone

I agree with you Poppyred, I’ve seen some that I really hate, all floral patterns, big flounces, puff sleeves. Horrible.

Me too. I've always hated flounces, puff sleeves, big florals. I always feel they make me look like a drag queen - and I've seen many women looking like just that!

Pop up ads online ate a rip off!
Online shopping" is fraught with disappointment " my wise friend says.

If anyone is looking for good quality flattering pure wool sweaters that wash like a dream in the machine and don’t ever bobble, have a look at Celtic. Most are made in Britain. They are quite expensive but last for ever. I buy one a year. Also brilliant customer service.

I haven’t found this to be the case, I’m 66 and still loving my rejigged but more classical hippy look. I use a lot of the online Chinese garment companies, I’ve been thrilled with most, I always order a size larger though.

I don't like the idea of 'fashion' but obviously there are trends which you can follow but adapt to your own style. Having your own style lets you avoid becoming a fashion victim. I can waste a lot of time looking at clothes but there are always moments when I know straight away that something is right for me.

Thanks for this thread OldHag. I don't shop for clothes very often and then generally from somewhere I can try them on, so finding out different companies which are reliable is a Godsend.

I did once send for a couple of scarves - and a packet of buttons - from one of those pop up banner adverts which appear on GN and various other places. Rose Lily or some name similar. Not an expensive order, £20 or thereabouts as I didn't know them. The buttons priced at £1.50 arrived but, despite encouraging emails, I never saw hide nor hair of the scarves. It turned out to be a Chinese company and the reviews, when I found them, too late, weren't good. It's put me off on-line fashions!

Really ? It’s far from boring I fav for all about bonkers at the moment - it can be what you want it to be as there are no rules anymore - you can clash colours mix up prints layer up outfits -or you can be minimal and neutral and understated - go to Zara and other stories and whistles and get some inspiration- all ages are catered for - fashion is no longer ageist
Look online at fashion magazine websites

As far as I can see fashion in any country is designed for the young.

If you are somewhere between 16 and 30 you probably find it fun, but at my age (approaching 70) well!

I would love to find something in my size (UK size 10) that isn't designed for a 14 year old and pink, frilly, super short, or candy striped, but not a hope!

So no, I don't think you are unreasonable at all

Some Fat Face is OK

My trouble is I'm picky (and smaller than average). I want clothes without silly motifs and decorations, that fit well, wash well and wear with pilling and other damage for a reasonable time. - Last thing I bought I'd recommend was a Petit Bateau tee shirt.

I like Joe Browns.I was wearing a swan print dress from there ,and a young woman on the bus said how nice my dress was.I was looking in Sainsbury's today,they have some nice clothes in,lovely colours,I have a shirt from there with dalmations on. I like any animal,bird or butterfly prints.

Thank you all for your suggestions and input. I've had a look at most of the recommendations, and have found one or two items that I've liked. Joe Browns style seems like the sort of thing I might like, although I need to lose a bit more weight to buy from them, but at least I've found a little inspiration, and have also come to the conclusion that as I knit and sew, maybe I should just have a look for fabrics and yarns in colours I like and perhaps commit to making my own style.

What’s wrong with Primarni (Primark)?
Cheap and cheerful ?

I browse the colour magazines at the weekend and wonder who buys some of the clothes - yesterday I saw a simple top that was over £1,000.

MayBeMaw

For colours I love Gudrun Sjoden (I buy online) but recognise they are not everybody’s taste.
If you like bright colours and slightly quirky styling do have a look!

My daughter loves that site. I do too. Fabulous stuff

I used to wear boden clothes a lot. But the fit just isn't right. The models they use are probably 6ft tall and very skinny. On me ,the clothes just make me look like an old sofa. Yumi clothes are nice. Very inexpensive and bright. The trousers are a bit long but that's easily solved. And ( whisper this one) M& S. Yes good old Marks. Well made,stylish, and a very good price.

GraceQuirrel

Joe Browns is awful. On these fashion posts why does their name always come up?

Needed to add *in my opinion to your post ...

I like Joe Browns, have several of their tunics which I wear at work. I have some of their cardigans, which I don't think will date.

MayBeMaw

For colours I love Gudrun Sjoden (I buy online) but recognise they are not everybody’s taste.
If you like bright colours and slightly quirky styling do have a look!

I like Gudruns Sjorgen too but stopped buying when I finally cottoned on to the fact that to achieve the “look” you had to shell out for four or five very expensive items to get the same layered effect. I don’t think her stuff is particularly good quality either. Unlined, thin fabric etc. Having said that I do still have quite a few if her things that are many years old and as the style never changes they haven’t gone out of fashion, if they were ever in.

Joe Browns is awful. On these fashion posts why does their name always come up?

I have been very interested in fashion since the early 60s as a young teenager. I went on to develop my own style. I made my own clothes and probably stood out with my flowing skirts. Now, my style is rather bohemian. I say do not follow fashion. Dress as you want to...develop a style that is right for you. Go through your wardrobe picking out your favourites and work with these. Separates always work best as you can mix and match. If you have an everyday dress you really love that suits you look at finding it in different colours. Do the same with trousers. Pinafore styles are also good as you can put different coloured tops under with matching tights. Fashion should be fun and personal to you.

Check out Erica Davies on Insta she comes up with some good styles.
I like most of her selection, worth a look.

I so miss Debenhams

I have recently been recommended to silkfred. I have also bought sosander but you have to be careful as rather long for us vertically challenged. M&S ghost also seem to have some nice bits

How about Desigual for those, like me, who like a bit of brightness in their lives? I've got a couple of their bags and scarves which I first saw in France (or Spain - can't remember) and have loved their stuff ever since. www.desigual.com/en_GB/