Warning- RANT clothes for a 70 year old!!!!

Going back to my post asking if BonMarche is the old ladies shop, I agree with others that there are some good items in BonMarche. I buy very little there but recently bought this skirt, which I think is light and summery for my holiday. I know a lot Gransnetters buy their jeans there although I buy mine from M+S. I buy from a few different sellers but like Phase Eight, Roman Originals, White Stuff, and occasionally M+S or Next. Also the very occasional buy from BonMarche.

I buy my clothes from Seasalt, Fatface, M and S and occasionally Phase eight. I hope I don't look frumpy but to be honest I think they are 'old lady' shops or at least older lady shops. I can't see either of my dils or my granddaughters shopping where I shop except for perhaps M & S. We might wear similar jeans, tops etc but there are differences.

I imagine that you would end up looking ‘old’ if you bought from a shop specifically for ‘older’ women. As others have said, look at different shops - in town or online - and, within reason, if you like the look of something, try it. I often buy second hand, though I know this is not for everyone. I frequent charity shops, and look on eBay and Vinted online.

I'm on a budget so buy my clothes from anywhere I can get a bargain, usually in the sales. I've never specifically dressed for my age but just what I like to wear.

I don't acknowledge that there are - or should be- garments for my age group. I'm now 82 and, of course I don't prance around in mini-skirts, not that I ever did have the legs for them! Recent purchases have included 3 teeshirts and a linen midi skirt. In the winter I bought three new jumpers, any one of which could have appealed to my DiLs and ADGDs; and a new blue down jacket for when the weather gets cold again. I don't wear high heels, but never did find them comfortable. And there's the key - if it catches your eye as attractive and it's comfortable, never mind how old you are, buy it and wear it.

I buy thermals, linen shirts and down coats from Uniqlo, leggings and scarves and some dresses from Gudrun, tops from Forgotten Tribes, vests from H&M, boots from Fly and Camper and dresses from little local designers.. I know their sizings which is necessary with Uniqlo as they don't do free returns

I buy jeans from Bon Marche because they are a good fit on me. I buy their knickers which are like Sloggis but half the price.

In the past Bon Marche used to be a sea of shiny polyester but they seem to be going for more linens and natural fabrics in some things these days.

I also enjoy rummaging in the charity shops. I recently bought a lovely red corduroy dress that looked like it had never been worn.. I am a size 18/20 so there doesn't seem to be be so much choice for me. If you are a smaller size, there are some good bargains to be had. I also donate my unwanted clothes to our local hospice shop.

Aldom

maddyone

Isn’t the ‘old lady’ shop BonMarche?

Has anyone been to Bon Marche in Paris? I was there years ago. It's an elegant, left bank department store. Similar to Harrods. It's the oldest department store in Paris.

Rather different to the UK chain! Mind you, I used to get good jeans from them back in the day.

maddyone

Isn’t the ‘old lady’ shop BonMarche?

Has anyone been to Bon Marche in Paris? I was there years ago. It's an elegant, left bank department store. Similar to Harrods. It's the oldest department store in Paris.

Land's End used to be my favourite supplier. No longer. Quality has disappeared for me.

maddyone

Isn’t the ‘old lady’ shop BonMarche?

It used to be but it’s changed. I’m a fussy shopper and I find their cropped trousers and shorts, in plain colours, are very good value. As in all shops, there’s things you like and those you don’t. My days of Jaeger every day are over. It’s not what I need in retirement. Bon Marche has some good items which I like. For those on a budget it’s not to be sniffed at.

I’ve recently purchase a summer dress and trousers from a company whose main arm is in the USA. I have decided that they are clearly catering for the bigger overall Americans as I have had to take them in and up. Seems daft but I love them and I couldn’t get them in smaller sizes, although the length would still be too long.

I do buy from Seasalt online - I know their sizes and trust the quality - returns are free. Delivery is speedy, ditto any refunds. I recently bought some linen trousers from them, and I have half a dozen of their cotton ‘sailor’ summer tops with elbow length sleeves. I’ve had some for a few years now - they wash and wear very well.

I’ve also bought online from Poetry but not often at all - prices are £££ but quality is good. More than once I’ve nearly ordered something but haven’t because it’s hand wash only - I can’t do with that! A couple of years ago during a heatwave I bought 2 long, loose cotton dresses in a sort of cheesecloth material - brilliant for hot weather - and need no ironing! Just wash and hang up. I lived in them during recent heatwaves - will probably hang on to them for ever.
Like some pps I don’t buy a lot but do keep things I like for ages.

I have just returned two dresses to Sahara, they were lovely, but clearly designed for someone about six foot +
I don’t know what I would class as an old woman’s shop. We used to have a department store which sold a few labels I considered ‘old lady ‘I just wear pretty much what I’ve always worn, with the exception of sleeveless.

Looking at fellow customers of all ages in the supermarket this week, less than perfect shaped bodies are the norm, especially as so many people are overweight, I would say that most of them had the large waists that nature gives us as we age, but for different reasons.

For everyday T shirts, knitwear, jeans and the like Uniqlo seems to be aimed at any age group.

There are so many different styles now and I don't have a problem getting outfits I like. I don't do Internet shopping, I like to feel the fabric and try on and want shops to brouse. I just don't do mini skirts, cut away midriffs etc thats for the young, but theres lots of choice, I like Next, River Island, Roman and there's lots of individual shops not far from me.

I’ve a wardrobe full of lovely clothes from Next and I’m no spring chicken

The only good thing about me having had a stroke 5 yrs ago is that I lost a lot of weight and can fit into many of Next outfits my carers admire my clothes saying they suit me

Have a go at looking on line my friends your going to surprise yourself

I saw one item in M&S online that I thought might be useful, a long-sleeved tunic top in viscose.

It's enormous and I look like a barrage balloon in it, it must be wrongly sized.. Needless to say, it's going back

maddyone

Isn’t the ‘old lady’ shop BonMarche?

I thought it was Edinburgh Woollen Mill. 😉

All joking aside, I admit to buying the odd item from both of them.
We are all different and should develop our own style, regardless of others' opinions.

I don't mind buying online (hate shopping, anyway) and find good brand reductions on Highstreet Outlet - especially the smaller sizes. I might buy three or four dresses and send a couple back - but I get the postman to collect them - OK, I'm a lazy shopper.

Isn’t the ‘old lady’ shop BonMarche?

I had never bought any clothes online, preferring as I do to go into shops to feel the material and look at the actual colour rather than a photo online.
Then in Spring 2020 soon after lockdown started I saw a feature in our paper of a lovely looking Boden dress and I sent off for it.
I was so delighted with it, I ordered it in another colour.

I dread to think what kind of clothes a shop for older ladies would stock.

I tend to buy from shops like Sandwich, White Stuff, Seasalt, Fatface and Weird Fish, because I know the sizes and styles which suit me. These are supplemented by bargains from TU. Their sales are great value.

I certain don't want to wear frumpy, old woman clothes despite being an old woman.

I bought myself a vintage Indian silk coverup/negligee/ housecoat what are they called today.
It was in an antique shop.
I don't like buying online because I prefer to see feel and try on.
I don't like having to return things when they don't fit but sometimes you have little choice
Luckily we still have a few independent shops which have a good buyer and a choice of good quality clothes and shoes
My DD has different taste from me but she liked the cardigan I knitted for her!