Dressing to look sophisticated

whitelillies

Wow im glad about the Principles in debenhams. Ile have to look in there. I definately need the pencil skirt, i did try one on in H & M but it didnt look right. The mac i have got but in beige/brown hmm! ive seen so many coloured ones but the one i bought last year i havnt worn yet so thatll have to be last on my list. Ive got a beige cardi/shrug from Jane Norman so that will go with the two dresses i bought (one wrap and the other jersey). Jeans i have lots of skinny, bootleg in dark blue, light blue, black and white so there not a problem. I also have a couple of vintage leather jackets in tan and brown with matching boots. I think im pretty much sorted. Ive got to keep away from beige/brown now tho and try greys or blacks as ile end up with too much of one colour. I also like the purple/plum colours so will look out for those to.

babyshoes

Can I just stand up for Bon Marche? While I agree that a lot of their stuff is frumpy tat for old ladies, there are a few gems to be had... Their basic bootcut jeans are perfect for my shape, and come in different leg lengths, which is great when you are both wide and long like me - most large sizes seem to be made for short, round people!

You do need to look carefully though to sort the wheat from the chaff, so not ideal if you don't have the time to browse...

absolutebounder

whitelillies wrote: »

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.

You have seen a potential toyboy havent you:whistle:

whitelillies

Toyboy no way haha. Ive got a man of my own age thanks. Bin there done that, woud rather have an experienced man anyday

ellay864

I agree with what others have already have said but just wanted to add that while you want to watch the budget its worth remembering that if you're buying more sophisticated classic clothing it won't date. Paying a bit more for some stylish black trousers, nice skirts, decent tops will pay off in the long run as they'll form a capsule wardrobe that will last. Get blacks, greys, neutral colours for a base and dress up with colourful jewellery or scarves - those accessories dont need to cost much but will just jazz things up nicely so you keep it fun

MrsE_2

hot.chick wrote: »

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!

She is glamour with a capital G:)

glowgirl_2

This is why I love forums for all the different opinions,when I was watching Eastenders the other night I thought how dated that character looked:oTo me she looks like shes stuck in the 80s and her hair is kind of solid and bleached within an inch of its life and her make up/fake tan adds years, I do understand, especially if you work, that you have to look and project yourself in a certain way but its so hard in the 40s age group not to look like mutton or frumpy/dated, some really good suggestions here for the OP which they can develop into their own style, personal confidence in how you look will shine through:)

MrsE_2

glowgirl wrote: »

This is why I love forums for all the different opinions,when I was watching Eastenders the other night I thought how dated that character looked:oTo me she looks like shes stuck in the 80s and her hair is kind of solid and bleached within an inch of its life and her make up/fake tan adds years, I do understand, especially if you work, that you have to look and project yourself in a certain way but its so hard in the 40s age group not to look like mutton or frumpy/dated, some really good suggestions here for the OP which they can develop into their own style, personal confidence in how you look will shine through:)

It IS a footballers wives (the programme) look, which is very late 90s.
But shes still glamorous. Audrey Hepburn is 50s style but again, very glamorous. Glamour is timeless:)

cattkitt

Unless you have red carpet event, no glittery fabric on clothes before 7pm.

glowgirl_2

cattkitt wrote: »

Unless you have red carpet event, no glittery fabric on clothes before 7pm.

Lol, thats why I dont do sophiscated unless I really have to, I love sparkle at any time:D