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DigitalBlue's avatar

Is it possible to shop for clothing that isn't trendy or geared toward the older generations?

Asked by DigitalBlue (7105points) April 7th, 2013

I’m 30, and in the last few years I’ve noticed that I’m really struggling to find stores that I like to buy clothing from. The current fashion trends really don’t do anything for me, I feel like I’ve stepped back into the 80s (and I also would be more than happy to pretend that the styles from that decade never existed in the first place, I certainly don’t want to wear them again.)
The popular cuts of clothing right now aren’t working for me, either. If I find something that isn’t lacy or neon, it still seems that tops right now are cut very wide and boxy, and bottoms are all cut slim and close to the legs. That’s fine, and all, but I happen to be tall and busty, with broad shoulders and a lot of leg, while I’m somewhat narrow through my hips and thighs, and the cut of most things in the store make me feel like a big square with skinny little legs. I don’t like it.

On the contrary, I know where to find less “trendy” items, but they all seem to be geared toward older women. I can’t seem to find a happy medium between neon Aztec print leggings and knitted sweaters with cardinals on them.

I can’t be the only one. Where do you shop?

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9 Answers

dontmindme's avatar

I also have a hard time finding clothes I like. I’ve become fond of the Ruff Hewn collection at Bergner’s. Kohl’s also has a few collections that aren’t too trendy.

Imadethisupwithnoforethought's avatar

I am not a lady but I just searched “little black dress”, and oddly, it came back with Macy’s which is where I shop.

After that all you need to do is pick shoes.

zenvelo's avatar

Try looking at clothing lines meant for a range women’s ages. You’re not saying what kind of clothes you like to wear (for work? for dating? for going to the movies?) but some lines like Patagonia, or Athleta also have casual and travel clothes. Or maybe Lands End or LLBean. They have a range of clothes which are appropriate for women in their twenties and thirties.

Or, if you can afford it, try Nordstrom.

RandomGirl's avatar

I have this problem, too. I’m 16, but I generally don’t wear “trendy” clothes. I obviously don’t want to turn to old-lady clothes, either. It’s amazing how this works out, but I shop at thrift shops! All the stuff from the last fad gets donated, just in time for me to pick out my style! It also has its benefits of being “green” and “giving back to the community”. Seems like a win-win for everyone involved! How all the good stuff ends up there when it was never in the department stores, I don’t know. But it’s definitely worth checking out!

Plus, a day spent thrift shopping feels like a day spent hunting for treasure!

DigitalBlue's avatar

@dontmindme aw, shame, they don’t appear to sell that anywhere near me. I really like the link you gave.

@zenvelo I guess because I am not really looking for answers about where to shop for myself, I shop on a budget and I rarely buy myself new clothing. For the most part, I keep it simple. I like plain slacks, skirts, classic cardigans, plain shirts. I just went shopping today and it got me to thinking that I can’t be the only person who feels this way when looking for new clothes.

I meant for this to be more of a discussion than an advice question, I think.

DigitalBlue's avatar

@RandomGirl I agree, I’ve always been a fan of thrift shopping. We don’t have thrift stores near my home, anymore. It’s kind of sad. :\

augustlan's avatar

I was going to say Lands End, too, for classics. Eddie Bauer is a bit more fashion forward, but still cut well.

Fly's avatar

The first place that came to my mind is Old Navy, and I think that would be your best bet. It’s a pretty great place for simple, classic styles that have been modernized/updated, and it’s pretty affordable, too. They offer everything from work slacks to summer dresses, and they also have a great range of sizes. Its partner store, The Gap, would probably suit your tastes as well; it is a little pricier, but good quality.

A couple of other suggestions:

JCPenney has really upped its game in the last couple of years. They definitely have their fair share of trendy and matronly/ugly selections, but if you’re willing to look through all of those, you can find the pieces you describe. The prices are also great (especially on clearance- just bought a nice button-up for $4!) and they offer a huge range of sizes.

Target also has a pretty good selection that’s pretty affordable and isn’t bad quality. I’ve found that the women’s section takes trends and incorporates them in small doses to their clothes, so that they still remain classic, just updated. And don’t count out the teen section- while predominantly trendy, it also has tons of simple tees, camisoles, sweaters, cardigans, etc. that may fit the bill.

You might be a little skeptical when I say this, but another place I would recommend is American Eagle. Yes, it is geared towards a younger crowd, and yes, some of the pieces will read young/trendy. But for things like sweaters, cardigans, and jeans/pants, they have very classic pieces in simple patterns and colors, and they are pretty good quality. It’s a little on the pricier side, but if you wait long enough, they have excellent sales on off-season clothes.

Department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom will have what you are looking for, but be prepared to sift through a lot of matronly clothes. Keep in mind, though, that they are a little more expensive, too, and I have found that the price doesn’t always match the quality/lasting power (Macy’s is a big offender of this).

DigitalBlue's avatar

@Fly “matronly,” thank you. Good adjective.

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