Clothing retailers

square_bear · 22 May 2015 at 12:45PM

Hello all

My Mum who's in in her 70's often complains that it's getting harder and harder for her to buy suitable clothing that she likes.
The popular High Street shops (including M&S) often cater for the younger market of shopper.
She never wears trousers and often prefers the on piece style dress. Often the items available are too short, too thin material, low cut or have thin straps.
I'm thinking there must be a company or two online that caters for her and others. Or, are there catalogue companies that send items by post?

Does anyone here have any tips?

Thanks

chesky · 22 May 2015 at 9:34PM

I'm in my 70s too. How about East or Cos? I get a lot of stuff from the mail order company Wall clothing, but it's a bit more expensive.

hostertlady · 22 May 2015 at 9:45PM

have you got a Bon marche shop nearby?
I often get some nice things for my mum from there
x

Newly_retired · 23 May 2015 at 8:26AM

Bon marche is good, found in many towns.
Boundary stores, If there's one nearby, has vast choice. It is out of town.
Also Klass, Roman for more dressy occasions. In some cities, also at retail parks.
Double Two factory shop has a big range, including Klass and a Roman, all at very reasonable prices.
I agree it is not easy to find suitable clothes on the High Street, especially with sleeves, and/or a collar, and long enough too.

pollypenny · 23 May 2015 at 2:53PM

Damart, the mail order firm, would probably suit her.

square_bear · 26 May 2015 at 1:00PM

Thanks for the replies.
There are some things in Bon Marche she likes, but it depends on seasons, I think.
I will take her out to have a look at some of the suggestions mentioned and show her the websites, too.

Eenymeeny · 1 June 2015 at 9:05AM

square_bear wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
There are some things in Bon Marche she likes, but it depends on seasons, I think.
I will take her out to have a look at some of the suggestions mentioned and show her the websites, too.

Bon Marche send postal brochures with vouchers and discounts if you sign up for their card. Might be useful for Mum to preview before taking her there?;)

lessonlearned · 19 June 2015 at 2:34PM

I am 64 and like your mum I like to dress in a fairly formal way, although I do wear trousers and jeans. I find I can dress them up with a smart tailored jacket or or for a more casual look with a nice sweater or cardi.

And of course a trouser suit can look very chic.

A good idea is to look at pictures of older actresses etc and get your mum to talk about which ones she thinks look nice and what styles she would like to emulate.

Actors like Judi Dench and Jane Fonda, are in their 70's, Honour Blackman in her 80s. They all look great and definitely not "mutton dressed as lamb".

A lot will depend on her budget of course and her size.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill do nice smart separates and arent too expensive. CC (used to be Country Casuals) might appeal although they are a bit more pricey..Then there is Alexon, Windsmoor, Jaegar, Jules Vert., Planet, Klass. None of them are cheap but they all have good sales, and they do tend to use good fabrics and they do "timeless Classic" styles which might appeal to your mum.

Do you live near any of the Outlet Villages, they make a good day out because they have all the brands that I have mentioned, usually quite heavily discounted, and they usually have a food court so you can have lunch and make a day of it.

Tbh I find Bon Marche very disappointing, they are not particularly cheap and they use a lot of of nasty synthetic flimsy fabrics and garish colours.

I agree that the high street doesn't really cater for an older clientele - they chase youth. I think that's a big mistake and they are missing a trick because it's often older women who have the most money to spend......

I agree you are probably much better off looking at the retail parks and the outlet villages.

Ps just had another thought. A lot of garden centres now have clothing concessions, I often buy bits from them, usually when they are on sale.

Murphybear · 13 July 2015 at 6:15PM

There's a catalogue/online shop called Fifty Plus. I've not bought anything but some of the clothes look really good and not at all old fashioned.

Since I stopped working I don't spend a lot of money on clothes, I trail round charity shops and have found some real bargains. Eg Ann Harvey silk/linen jacket never worn - £7.50, M & S merino cardigan never worn - £5. The money I save goes to pay for decent underwear and shoes from Clarks Village or Atlantic Village. I also bought a beautiful soft leather handbag from Clarks for £20.:j

JayneABC · 15 July 2015 at 1:34PM

Hello Square Bear, I like Bon Marche like the other ladies. Have you tried your high street for little shops with nice items? Sometimes the smaller places have better clothes than the big chain shops

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