Suggestions for attractive clothes wanted

Grammaretto try typing rockabilly followed by your size in eBay.....I spied several dresses of a similar shape to the Palava ones? ?

Mamissimo Hmm I think I may have been thinking of someone who had a waist when I mentioned those!
I have just sent DD a palava dress bought in a sale. They are pretty fabrics.

Bon Marche have really nice clothes in all the colours that are on trend. Easy to order online & if they haven't your size in store they will order it in for you. The prices are really good too so you can get an even bigger wardrobe full!

I like Roman as well , not too expensive and good for grand and they’ve a good online store . They’ve got very easy returns policy as well . Good old m and s is fine for basics jeans t shirts etc .

QVC and Kaleidoscope I buy. Lot from.

I like Gudrun Sjoden but expensive.

I like Toast but it is also expensive (for me) Alexa. I found it because someone watching the making of a dress on a programme I was watching commented on it being like a Toast design. I will keep an eye on the designs I really like and then make something similar for myself. This is not a cheap option (I love natural fabrics and they are rarely cheap) but if you do it right clothes that fit always look good and you end up paying roughly what you would pay for a less expensive choice.

If you take your favourite styles and find patterns that are the same sort of style and make your own (look past the fabric in the pattern) you can look well dressed. Off the peg dressing, where you are expected to fit the dress size rather than the dress fit you has only been around for 60 or 70 years. People are now dressmaking for style rather than savings and some beautiful, well fitted items are being produced.

Where from, Discogran?

I especially appreciate the Gudrun Sjoden website because each garment besides the coloured photos, is drawn in a simple line drawing that shows the garment's basic shape e.g. A-line, smock.

I like Toast too , mainly because I like clothes that look as if the wearer had not dressed for effect and showy-off but for comfort and what my mother used to call "ladylike".

Try Flory day or shein they are good and reasonable❤️??xx

I shall keep an eye on it Alexa - line drawings are very helpful when finding a pattern. I should have added, for anyone tempted to get back to dressmaking, I rarely use one of the big four pattern makers. There are so many indy ones out there now.

Angeleyes58xx

Try Flory day or shein they are good and reasonable❤️??xx

I have read so many bad reports of these companies, based in China, products bearing no resemblance to what was ordered, no returns - a total rip off!
There are members on GN who will attest to this - don’t waste your money!

George at Asda can have some hidden gems. White Stuff lovely and hang nicely, have been lucky to get sale items in past.

Hmm.. don't agree about separates if you're a bit big. They cut you in half across possibly your widest bit. It's more flattering to be divided vertically. But if you are a trousers wearer, floppy linen ones with long flow tops. I never wear trousers so opt for dresses. Zara is quite good but some styles come up bigger than others. Favourite brands are Mama b., and whatever else Walkers Style.com are selling (mostly in their sale!) I also quite like Masai. Sahara is v. expensive and always seems to swamp me.

Also - beware of ads that come up on Facebook. Too many that I know have been scammed, buying something 'linen' from variously named companies. The stuff arrives weeks later from China, is nothing like the fabric advertised and is impossible to return.

Magazines / internet and when possible a visit to any retailer to just wander around and try on what ever takes your fancy.I have learned that because my friend looks great / recommends does not mean I too will 'look great'

M and Co

Paperbackwriter, When I recommended a skirt and tee I meant a long tee that skims over the waist band and may be tunic length. Fine wool jumpers if bought a size too big do the same trick of skimming over fat bits.

As for a skirt, I meant a fine material that can be held into the body by the lower edge of the tee or jumper. I'd never recommend a skirt with the top tucked into the waistband for anyone but the very slim.As a dumpy elderly person I try to look as straight up and down as possible , the curves take ample care of themselves.

Have just treated myself to a lovely dress from Seasalt, bit more expensive than I would normally pay but it is good quality and feels great on

M&S no longer a 'go to' for me. I have found Principal brand at Debenhams to be a good fit for tops,trousers, crops and only yesterday received a lovely jacket for half price. Bon Marche is also a place I try but do prefer to shop in store there as sizing can vary.

Research and Google "Lagenlook" clothing. Have a look at Kit and Kaboodal for ideas (plenty of other suppliers are available). There are lots of lagenlook suppliers online, even on Amazon and eBay.

My original post was written in frustration at not being tempted by anything I was seeing online!
I can't shop in shops .

A) they aren't open
B) we are shielded and not to go out until July 31st

Ofcourse I know how to go shopping. In normal times I would try a few things on before deciding.

I agree about Toast GGumteenth and have only ever bought in their sale but no regrets. Good fabric and cut is classic. (although their current collection is a bit dreary)

How do you choose sewing patterns? I find they are a minefield and then there's fabric.
There are only 3 shops left in the whole city of Edinburgh which sell dressmaking fabric. So it's back to buying online.

Thanks for the suggestions folks. You never fail!

Have you tried Lands' End? I buy from them quite often, and also Kettlewell Colours, not the cheapest but a great range of colours to chose from.

Not knowing your taste so just some ideas for a look. Uniclo - never had to return. Fat Face (the sizing is mad best to ask if online or go to physical shop) but the quality is good. I hate M&S with a pasion but have hit lucky with the jersey dresses in 'Collection'. www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/mands-collection/dresses?filters=Price{[5%20TO%2075]}&OrgPriceRange=5,69&sort=minPrice%20asc

Roman Originals. I get most of my clothes here. Love them.

I’ve found that as I’ve got older I like Boden , Joules and Phase eight they have some great sales too . Very flattering clothes for the older ladies . Good luck