How would you “dress smart” at 38?

[Anonymous]

I suggest starting with basics and not falling for prints or loud patterns then build a bit from there
Skip jeans or only wear trouser style

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suggest starting with basics and not falling for prints or loud patterns then build a bit from there
Skip jeans or only wear trouser style

STRONG disagree about jeans

Jeans are a staple

[Anonymous]

I disagree with the Talbots hate I often read here.

They have some good items at a reasonable cost and other items I wouldn't be caught dead in. I agree that it is wise to tread carefully with their prints; I have made a few carefully considered non-solid color purchases. I am also picky about fabrics and return items I have ordered because the fabric does not stand up to expectations. They do have broad offerings of all cotton or high wool content items.

The range of sizes is a godsend for getting a good fit, which can be more than half the battle. I wear petite in jackets and blouses and regular in pants and dresses; skirts can go either way so I choose whichever has a better length for me. Almost every style they sell is available in both regular and petite. And that is in addition to plus, plus petite, and curvy.

Talbots is one of the few sources of lined pants, though admittedly the range is limited. Still, they at least have them.

[Anonymous]

Boden

[Anonymous]

I am a firm believer in great outerwear in the cooler months. A smart, well-fitting coat is a must.

Invest in a few silk blouses: white/ivory, black/navy, fun cut or color.

We are too old to wear cheap, uncomfortable shoes. Buy high quality shoes that will last and will allow you to walk for miles. Make sure your winter boots are waterproof and warm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a firm believer in great outerwear in the cooler months. A smart, well-fitting coat is a must.

Invest in a few silk blouses: white/ivory, black/navy, fun cut or color.

We are too old to wear cheap, uncomfortable shoes. Buy high quality shoes that will last and will allow you to walk for miles. Make sure your winter boots are waterproof and warm.

Recommended brands: La Canadienne, Aquitalia for boots. BR looks like it has some nice silk blouses. L’Agence, Reformation, Lilysilk, Paige, etc. definitely have nice blouses.

Coats are (IMO) where you can get creative with styles and prints. I like to have a handsome wool/cashmere coat, a warm waterproof coat, a trench, a leather jacket, and lighter weight coats. I might have a coat fetish. I am also a fan of blazers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Boden. Their target market is moms around 35 years old.

But under 5’7”, I think. I’m tall and I love boden for kids stuff but I can’t buy any of the adult stuff.

[Anonymous]

Never go to Chico's again. My sister once was given a gift card to there from work and she was really offended.

[Anonymous]

Revolve. I'm still too hot to dress like a quaker.

[Anonymous]

I'm 44 and get clothes from Anthro, but if this is for a workplace you need to tell us what the vibe is.

[Anonymous]

Uniqlo
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suggest starting with basics and not falling for prints or loud patterns then build a bit from there
Skip jeans or only wear trouser style

STRONG disagree about jeans

Jeans are a staple

Totally! Just not for dressing smart for work

[Anonymous]

Hobbs London, Theory, Reiss, Sandro

[Anonymous]

Agree with a lot of the suggestions so far. 38 is way too young to wear Talbot's and Chico's! Aritzia is good for workwear basics, Madewell and Everlane for casualwear, Reformation and Anthropologie for dresses. Splurge on a nice blazer from Veronica Beard if you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a firm believer in great outerwear in the cooler months. A smart, well-fitting coat is a must.

Invest in a few silk blouses: white/ivory, black/navy, fun cut or color.

We are too old to wear cheap, uncomfortable shoes. Buy high quality shoes that will last and will allow you to walk for miles. Make sure your winter boots are waterproof and warm.

Recommended brands: La Canadienne, Aquitalia for boots. BR looks like it has some nice silk blouses. L’Agence, Reformation, Lilysilk, Paige, etc. definitely have nice blouses.

Coats are (IMO) where you can get creative with styles and prints. I like to have a handsome wool/cashmere coat, a warm waterproof coat, a trench, a leather jacket, and lighter weight coats. I might have a coat fetish. I am also a fan of blazers.

I love the La Canadienne for boots. They are pricy for me but will last decades and are really well made.