Do we consider some brands too young

I had always considered Topshop to be more suitable for the young and lithe than us more mature women. I think I might have been wrong.

I had a good internet browse the other day and to my surprise found several items that I liked very much. So in the spirit of exploration and trying new looks out on your behalf I ordered a couple of coats that I consider would suit any age.

I am wearing the Topshop pink coat (Can’t believe this is also now sold out. They do have similar styles in a brighter pink). I also found one at Boden. I am wearing it with my Winserlondon cream sweater from last season similar (reduced) and Winserlondon straight black trousers. Grey felt hat some years old similar at Nordstrom and John Lewis.

As you know I love the current pink trend and especially pink coats as featured in my post How I wear pink this Spring The Mango one shown in the post is now sold out. I am finding that the popular items are selling out very fast these day (see above). I can understand this can be very frustrating for my readers when they click on a link only to find “sold out”. I think this may be due to the current financial climate. Stores do not seem to be carrying large stocks preferring to make more profit from quick turnover. This is posing a problem for many bloggers as it can sometimes take up to a week or more from photography to blog post. On this occasion I thought I would look for an alternative pink coat you might like.

Photos taken outside our local theatre in Richmond by my talented photographer Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram.

Are there any stores or bands that you don’t even consider as you think that they only stock styles suitable for the young?

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

WendyB says:

13th March 2017 at 14:14

Love that! It makes me want to have some marshmallows or macarons. I never look at Top Shop or H & M. Will definitely have a look now.
Sarah says:

13th March 2017 at 14:21

I swear my heart rate rises when I enter TopShop because I know I'll find something to fit.
I'm 54, 5'1'' and petite, and clothes from most 'grown up' shops drown me. Chosen carefully and mixed with sensible neutrals, my TopShop finds enliven my wardrobe. Never too old for TopShop!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  13th March 2017 at 16:30
  
  Thanks Sarah. I will remember that they are good for Petites. I am writing a post specially for petites so will keep Topshop in mind.
Barbara MCGOVERN says:

13th March 2017 at 16:03

I used to buy quite a bit in Zara but I've found over the past 6 months or so there has been nothing that has caught my eye. It seems to have gone more than ever over to the young side. I mean REALLY young !!! Is this just me? What do you think ?
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  13th March 2017 at 16:27
  
  Hi Barbara
  I totally agree with you about Zara. I have some lovely pieces from a couple of years ago. Their jackets work for me as they have narrow shoulders but have not bought anything recently as the quality has gone down and the styles are way too young looking!!
  - lagatta à montréal says:
    
    25th May 2017 at 22:55
    
    My problem with Zara is the woeful quality. I have the odd combination of narrow shoulders and a full bust, hard to fit.
    - Chicatanyage says:
      
      26th May 2017 at 08:40
      
      Hi Lagatta
      I agree I have found that the quality of Zara has deteriorated compared with a few years ago. I still have some items from then which I continue to wear. I have narrow shoulders but not a full bust and their jacket shapes work for me. They do not cater for the fuller figure.
- Ariss says:
  
  16th March 2017 at 07:44
  
  Agreed. The quality has gone down too.
Anne says:

13th March 2017 at 16:29

That is one gorgeous coat! I must admit, I haven't bought in TopShop since I was in my 20s on a student budget (£5 a dress in those days) but quite coincidentally, just after I read your blog today, I read an email from net-a-porter featuring a stunning link and navy striped shirt dress from TopShop! Maybe I should also think about TopShop again and look again!
Eleni says:

13th March 2017 at 16:38

Love the first picture, nice expression, looking very professional. Pink suits you very well.
Libby Wilkie says:

13th March 2017 at 17:48

Another source I actually discovered when in London..and have since been in NYC..is Cos. It's the higher price point of H&M. Aside from having tiny buttons on many things (!) I love the look. It's definitely more classic than H&M although I love that store. Being almost a Petite and small build, the more junior looks can work well for me.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  13th March 2017 at 17:54
  
  Hi Libby
  Yes I know Cos well. I have a few tops from them. They do great plain trapeze style T-shirts. I loved the at the beginning but have not bought anything for the past few season. Don't know Wrap. Looks interesting.
Caroline Enfissi says:

13th March 2017 at 20:55

I find that a lot of Top Shop stuff is over priced and rather poor quality fabrics. Also I can't bring myself to buy anything that might support the loathsome Phillip Green. I often find nice things in New Look though.
Wendy in York says:

13th March 2017 at 21:18

Got to agree with Caroline - Mr Green doesn't deserve our custom . I like good quality fabrics now & don't think I will find them there . Many of the 'young' shops are cut too small for my square shouldered frame but I often find things I like in our local Toast . I can't wear pink but it really suits you.
Sue Lewellen says:

14th March 2017 at 02:38

I had never shopped Top Shop, but took some time to check it out. I found most items too tucked, ripped, or ruffled for me. There was a cute gingham trench coat that I liked, but won't need it here in TX.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  14th March 2017 at 13:55
  
  Hi Sue
  I popped into the Topshop store in Oxford street this morning on my way to the dentist and I would agree there was nothing I liked or thought was suitable in there except they did have a good petite department. I find that the website is better. It does take some searching but there are one or two items I liked.
Laurie says:

16th March 2017 at 14:16

This Pink and Baby Blue are also my favorites this year. This coat that you are wearing is gorgeous. I'm often in Richmond too. We might bump into each other! Great photo's Josephine. I could do with a photographer too!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  19th March 2017 at 12:12
  
  Hi Laurie
  
  Thanks for your comment.
  If you are going to Richmond give me a shout and maybe we could meet for coffee.