Dressing to look sophisticated

whitelillies

I want to look smart and sophisticated but without overdoing it. Im a size 8 to 10 and in my mid 40s. I want to look done up without looking like mutton or like ive taken all day to do it. Ive got a few dresses and skirts but i always seem to wear jeans. What would you call sophisticated. I see a few women of a certain age and most look dowdy or frumpy which im definately not. So what would you start with in your wardrobe :question: Oh i forgot to add on budget, ie high street prices.

glowgirl_2

I'm about the same size and age as you and like you I see a lot of women in our age group looking on the frumpy side, I was shocked when I read in the paper the other day that Bon Marche is Peacocks for the over 40s:eek:now I'm not really a Peacocks fan anyway but Bon Marche?

Anyway back to your original question, I dont think you can beat Maxi dresses/skirts for sophistication and still being on trend, Next is good (if you have a Choice shop near you all the better) and heels always add style, wedges are comfy and look good, I'm a huge accessories fan which can totally change the look of an outfit, also I think plain block colours look more sophisticated than prints.

I wear jeans a lot too but some days its heels and lots of jewellry and a nice shirt and other days its jeans with Uggs, a plain top and a nice oversized scarf, if it helps my fav shops atm are H&M (loads and loads I could buy!), River Island (again loads I want) and Boohoo.com have a few nice things in - good luck hth:)

VfM4meplse

I would suggest a good wrap dress (good option as you are slim) plus boots, this involves no effort whatsoever and can be glamourised with a necklace and earrings. I think Debenhams have one at £36, there are bound to be other bargains. If I could see you girlfriend I would Gok you!

VfM

PS Bon Marche will never be in fashion. Cheap synthetic material and dreadful frumpy cuts don't look good on anyone.

VfM4meplse

Some great bargains here :T

And don't forget your extra discount :money:

whitelillies

Thanks, and thats what i was thinking. Ive got a couple of wrap dresses and i have boots too. Ive got a couple of skirts but always find it difficult to team tops with them. Im just fed up with wearing jeans and i also dont shop at Bon Marche either. I like New Look, Debenhams and i used to love Principles (where did they go?). I definately need a jacket and coat. Ive got a couple of vintage leather jackets but there not dressy enough. Ive just looked at the dark grey shirt dress and i hane one of those too. So maybe i should be looking in my wardrobe more lol

Vaila

maybe some colourful shift dresses with a low heel or boots, some well tailored trousers with a pretty shirt and chunky necklace

jenniewb

I think when it comes to looking chic, how something fits matters more then anything else.

Try a few stores, see what fits you best, look for simple cut dresses, jackets which fit well and can be ironed, bewary of fabrics such as linen which flow well when you first put them on but can crease very easily- not so good for a desk job but great for a family day out to a country mansion.

Black seems to be the colour of choice for most trying to be chic but beware as it doesn't suit everyone. It really depends on the tone and colour of your skin, some will suit navy, charcole or maroon better. Best advice on that is to see a stylist who can work with what colours suit.

I think also being minimal can help with looking more chic too- just keep to one detail, either a powerful bag or a necklace or a nail coloured pedicure but keep the rest pared down and simple. If you have a colour you really think works well, use that colour in your accessory and keep the rest muted, tidy and fitted properly. But avoid matchy-matchy at all costs- then you will look old!

whitelillies

Ive got a few dresses and skirts but i always have difficulty in finding something to go over the top. Like a nice jacket or cardi. i do get cold easily and at the moment im going to try some of those long flowing cardis that have come out. I dont really have chance to dress up, im going out in a few weeks but its a casual thing, but i dont want to go in jeans, dont want to look too dressy but want to look like i said spohisticated. Im going to Debenhams so im definately going to look at those dresses. I have boots, so its mainly, tops, cardies and jackets i need. Im very lucky ive been told i dont look my age, i look about 8years younger, but i dont want to look like mutton or trashy but at the same time dont want to dress too old as theres plenty of time for that lol

hot.chick

Defo try debenhams personal shopper...

but get some ideas of people who you think look sophisticated and try to copy..

I think max's new lady friend off east enders is VERY sophisticated, but you might like the look of someone else.

Good luck - you always feelmore confident if you think you have a nice outfit on!

Mags30

whitelillies wrote: »

i used to love Principles (where did they go?).

Principles is back, it's now known as Principles designed by Ben De Lisi. Find it in Debenhams.

pink_warrior

I think the number one rule is to either show your legs or cleavage....never both!! It looks trashy and cheap at any age.

I would recommend investing in a few items that can easily be mixed and matched to suit occasions and seasons, items such as:

• High Waisted Pencil Skirt
• Embroidered tunic
• Shrug (great over dresses)
• Bright Mac
• Tailored jacket in Navy blue or charcoal (dress up jeans for smart casual)
• Skinny jeans
• Shawl Cardigan

For a classic look, a black satin pencil skirt with a coloured fitted top tucked in and heels
Casual, skinny jeans with a fitted top, jacket and flats.

I would be cautious with accessories too, think less is more!
I dont think it matters where you shop, Tesco's and Asda have some great pieces, I's make a list of all the things you have already in your wardrobe and another list of what you would need to get the look you desire