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'Old Lady shops'

(220 Posts)
Rocketstop2 Sat 02-May-26 19:02:42

I made myself laugh today as I saw something I liked in a leaflet for what I used to term 'An old lady shop' ! It kind of put me off, although I have sent for the clothing to try.
It got me thinking, even though we are older now, are there still shops you feel you might be too young to buy from? I aim this at all ages too, as we are all only a certain age in our own heads.
I can remember as a young girl wearing Marks and Spencer stuff that My Mum had bought and vowing 'When I'm grown up I shall NEVER shop at Marks and Spencer.' (I did !!)
So, anyone else??

M0nica Thu 07-May-26 16:12:44

Wyllow3

I feel sad at the supermarket seeing women my age (75) who have sort of given up and wear shapeless beige or whatever - and its not the money - the stuff they wear is reasonable up market at this particular one and they have a large TU that caters at low price for all ages.

I'm not a bright red hair person but secretly applaud those who go for it. ☺️

My grandmother used to say that if you are ging to spend money on clothes, you might as well choose something you look nice in as something you don't.

Dodo43 Wed 06-May-26 17:45:38

Two Christmases ago, DH bought me, amongst other gifts, an 'old lady's nightie '.....full length, long sleeved, buttons up to the chin, and made of flannelette. I put it away thinking I would never be seen dead in such a thing.....of course I didn't say that.
Anyway, guess what! When the next cold snap arrived I put it on and simply fell in love with just how comfortable it was. Now I love it and wear it a lot

Wyllow3 Wed 06-May-26 12:33:49

I feel sad at the supermarket seeing women my age (75) who have sort of given up and wear shapeless beige or whatever - and its not the money - the stuff they wear is reasonable up market at this particular one and they have a large TU that caters at low price for all ages.

I'm not a bright red hair person but secretly applaud those who go for it. ☺️

Moth62 Wed 06-May-26 12:14:19

I’ve been quite surprised by the number of folk who think Bonmarche is just for old ladies! As a thirty something, I bought a lot of clothes from there for my everyday/workwear wardrobe. We didn’t have one locally so I used to stock up when I went to my mums. I might add that I think I have always looked smart when out (as opposed to scruffy when I’m in…) and still don’t feel I dress like an old lady in my late sixties.

phantom12 Wed 06-May-26 11:05:42

When I was a teenager I remember the old lady next door to us talking about shopping in Bonmarche. I used to think that it was an old ladies shop and I was never going to shop there. Now I order from them online. Lots of the shops that I liked are no more and I find it difficult to find clothes that I like these days.

Musicgirl Wed 06-May-26 09:15:24

In common with many others here, I buy most of my clothes from Vinted. My favourite brand is Joe Browns, although I also like Seasalt and the have some lovely St. Michael, 1990s era, vintage clothes. I buy elasticated waist (flat) trousers from M and S and their leggings, too, as I have lipodoema and am out of proportion and they fit me best. My favourite shoes are vintage Red or Dead or T-bar Kickers. I have recently bought some lovely Joanie shoes on Vinted. I also have some pairs of Hotter shoes. They are not all “old lady” styles and they are very comfortable. The best pair of sandals I have ever worn are Hotter Sol as they are both pretty and comfortable, especially my red pair. Sorry, but I cannot bring myself to buy from Damart or Bon Marché. I have had the occasional gem fr from EWM. My mother, who is in her eighties, likes a company called Carr and Westley; a traditional clothing company with British made clothes. I bought her a top for her birthday and they have sent me advertising since. The clothes are very good quality, aimed at a mature demographic and are photographed on models aged sixty plus, which gives more of an idea of how they look on an older person. They are classic rather than frumpy.
My friend went to Aldeborough a little while ago and said that there was an unspoken uniform of ladies aged fifty-plus in Joules and Seasalt.

keepcalmandcavachon Wed 06-May-26 08:43:31

I tend not to browse clothes shops unless I need something and I do need somethings today so, reluctantly off I go. I don't enjoy it at all, it all seems so much to choose from confused so am happy to go, grab and get out. Old Lady, Young Lady if it looks pretty - job done!
Yes, I do realise that this is 'man shopping', possibly without the pretty...

Jenthehen Wed 06-May-26 08:20:54

I couldn't survive without my thermals Damart M&S & whoever makes them. Vests, leggings gloves & socks.

Jenthehen Wed 06-May-26 08:15:35

Never shop there.

Maggiemaybe Wed 06-May-26 01:06:16

AuntieE

I would happpily buy in any shop, old lady or not, if they only sold clothes in MY SIZE. I am a continental size 38 or 40, sorry I cannot remember the British equivalent and clothes in those two sizes are now deemed to be for teenagers, so not at all suitable for a woman coming up for 75.

The smallest size I can find in anything remotely suitable is four sizes too big!

Are you sure you mean 38/40, AuntieE? That’s a UK 10/12, which is often labelled as medium, so there should be plenty on offer. I’ve been that size all my adult life, and have never had a problem finding clothes to fit. The sizing has changed over the years though, presumably to flatter the buyer. I was a size 10 when I was an 8 stone teenager, and can still often get into a 10 now that I’m 2 stone heavier. smile

Shanksy Wed 06-May-26 00:25:54

Wear what you want.

Peaseblossom Tue 05-May-26 23:12:02

Damma. Seriously? My daughter goes to them as there is a play area for children and we have been quite a few times. I go to the same one, Squires, with a friend to buy plants and have a coffee.

Peaseblossom Tue 05-May-26 22:59:40

Yes Damart and Hotter! Probably more, but that's what I can think of at the moment.

Primrose53 Tue 05-May-26 20:23:01

Silvertwigs

I buy everything I wear from Vinted, I’m 70

Maybe you’re buying my stuff! I had a sort out recently. My friend told me to try Vinted as she sells loads on there. I have sold a few items in vgc but people don’t want to pay much so you can get bargains.

Mojack26 Tue 05-May-26 20:04:17

I go into all shops none are off limits.I certainly don't buy 'old lady' clothes and neither did my mother. Appropriate, classy and fashionable. I was a teen in 70's and I still dress in jeans/ trackie bottoms and t shirts and trainers. Occassionaly a dress....nice shoes...my mum would be pleased as she used to despair!🤣 I am a retired PE teacher, still active so still dressing in 'my normal clothes' 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Thisismyname1953 Tue 05-May-26 19:24:37

I’m over 70 and have gone down nearly 5 dress sizes since January last year. I have had to buy all new . Most dresses are from Finery London as they do natural fabrics . Most of my t shirts/tops are from Lands End as they use good cotton and they are excellent . I’ve jeans and trousers from various other shops and my underwear is from M and S . One of the shops I consider “old lady’ is Seasalt but it’s a favourite of lots of people . Each to their own .

Silvertwigs Tue 05-May-26 18:30:36

I buy everything I wear from Vinted, I’m 70

AuntieE Tue 05-May-26 17:52:00

I would happpily buy in any shop, old lady or not, if they only sold clothes in MY SIZE. I am a continental size 38 or 40, sorry I cannot remember the British equivalent and clothes in those two sizes are now deemed to be for teenagers, so not at all suitable for a woman coming up for 75.

The smallest size I can find in anything remotely suitable is four sizes too big!

Doodledog Tue 05-May-26 17:38:56

I think it’s more the fabrics than the brands that are ageing. Manmade fibres, on the whole, can be old ladyish, as can trousers just a little too short, particularly when worn with popsox.

Otherwise, there are brands that fit the post-menopausal shape better than others and IMO it’s better to wear clothes that fit, whatever the label. Elasticated waists are undetectable under a top that covers them, and longer tops often suit older women anyway, as most don’t have the shapely derrières they may once have had.

annab275 Tue 05-May-26 16:56:49

I get jumpers from Olive and I am wearing Chums jeans. I have also bought stuff from Tu and EWM. I don’t consider any particular shop is for old ladies (I think I am an old lady at nearly 73) . I have also bought from Cotton Traders. I am not sure what the alternatives are for every day clothes. I quite like Masai (from ebay) . Couldn’t find anything I liked in Primark last time I looked and Roman is a bit hit and miss. Bonmarche has just closed near me. I have decided flowery clothes can be quite ageing so try and avoid these days.

Juicylucy Tue 05-May-26 15:58:09

I shop in Zara mango HM MS Next John Lewis. If I like something I’m not bothered where it’s from as long as it’s nice and it fits.

ROMILO Tue 05-May-26 14:59:16

My outfit of choice is leather trainers (the kind with laces and a zip) from Hotter. No socks. Jersey pull on trousers and a supima v neck t shirt from Lands End and an interesting bit of knitwear from Roman. Edge to edge cardigan with nordic/ ethnic pattern or a baggy sweater. I own just one dress, no skirts and my idea of 'dressed up' is smart trousers,a silk shirt and a proper coat.
I have glaucoma and am very light sensitive and I use mobility scooter. Horror of horrors the only thing that stays on my head is a baseball cap, I haven't quite 'gritted my teeth' yet..... grin

MissAdventure Tue 05-May-26 14:44:41

Shoes are probably the only thing i will spend a bit more on.
After a teliing off from my daughter "You complain your feet hurt, then buy £2 shoes!"

HevH Tue 05-May-26 14:42:23

I wouldn’t worry about the brand. As long as it fits and you’re happy with the way it looks, it’s fine. I rely on Hotter shoes for my difficult feet, along with sketchers.

MissAdventure Tue 05-May-26 14:39:22

grin poetic justice i think, as i took the mick out of another grans teeth. I made it up to her though.
Gave her some hay.