Decent clothes for we middle aged folk ... where oh where can you find 'em?

[bizzylizzy]

OK I admit it, I'm 50 and my husband is 47. Now we've never been fashion gurus, on the other hand we're not quite ready to hit the M&S clothing departments. Where can we find stylish clothes for our age group. We work in advertising and design and in our youths always wore tee shirts, jeans etc. but we're maybe getting a bit old for that on a regular basis. We're to old to wear 'fashion' clothes but don't want to wear what seems to be on offer for our age group either as neither of us particularly likes the more traditional look ie tweed jackets, or twin set and pearls (and that's just my husband)!! Can anyone come up with some store names or websites that sell more interesting (but not silly) clothes. There must be loads of us out there surely. Thanks folks. bizzylizzy

[woofgang]

I get some nice (female) things at nightingales mail order unfortunately they have no website, they do have some shops AB ed. Can I post the company phone number here? Have you looked at Cotton Traders for nice cazzy stuff for both you and himself? Landsend is nice too but a bit pricier

[5029]

I know you say you are not old enough to hit M+S, but have you seen the new Per Una range? It is designed by women in their early 20s and is increasing M+S's popularity within that age group.

[Graciela]

Hi Lizzy, I don't really have an answer for you, but I'm researching this very question for an article and I'd be interested to know what you in particular are looking for. My article is about the need for "Menopause clothing" - garments that reflect the new horizons opening up, rather than the apparent view of society at large that middle-aged women should be neither seen nor heard. I am 51 and have been undertaking exatly the kind of search you describe (although M&S has now closed in Canada - due, I suppose, for a decrease in demand for beige crimplene in this part of the world. In any case, if you and any of your 50+friends would care to e-mail me your thoughts on clothing, and on what midlife means to you in general in terms of how you'd like to be seen and how you see yourselves, I'd be most grateful. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Thanks! Graciela.

[jridgeback]

Hi, Go to your local House of Fraser and have a look at Kaliko - it is a younger version of Alexon, they have really nice suits and tailoring with a twist. Also try principles and monsoon for sophisticated eviningwear and suits, they aren't cheap but it is worth every penny.

[debbie1857]

I have recently acquired a digital box, and I have to say that the womens fashion at the QVC shopping channel is very good, and also if you don't like it, doesn't fit etc you can return it within 30 days with money back. A lot of the clothes are trendy, but not over the top, and some unusual designs that you don't see on the high street, and reasonably priced as well. Give it a go, see what you think.