Traditionally, fashion has catered to specific age groups. We’ve been told these shops are for the younger people, these labels are for older ones. However, the categories don’t suit us all. We use our clothes to represent our personality and this gets harder as we are designated certain clothes. The fashion rules get even more rigid as we get older.
This is why today here at Carelink24 we are sharing the top 5 fashion brands that cater to the older fashionista while still breaking some of the tired rules.
The main aim of this list was to find brands that provide sophisticated styles while avoiding typical ‘granny’ styles. We also took sizing options and sustainability into consideration.
1. Seasalt
Seasalt began in 1981 as a small independent shop in Penzance. Since then it has opened 70 shops across the UK and Ireland. However, you can still see their South Western roots in their clothing designs. They say themselves that they take a lot of inspiration from traditional fishing wear from the area. This means their style is very nautical with stripes, reds, blues, and whites. However, they stock a range of designs including lovely florals, darks greens, and mustards.
Seasalt‘s apparel suits the younger and older woman. You can find an elegant floral dress and a fun stripy tee from Seasalt at the same time. Their sizes go from 6 to 28. Seasalt prices are mid-tier but you can grab a basic tee for around £15 and they do excellent sales. They also offer an NHS discount.
The brand prides itself on its sustainability and philanthropy. They have adopted practices to reduce their carbon footprint and pledge to have a carbon footprint of net zero by 2040. They have also committed to donating £1 million to charity and providing 20,000 hours of community volunteering by 2025.
2. Jigsaw
Jigsaw’s origins go back to the owner’s holiday to Turkey in 1970. He brought a sheepskin coat back with him and people wanted one for themselves. This led to him traveling back to Istanbul and filling an old Post Office van with sixty coats and selling them back in the UK. They now have over 80 stores in the UK and Ireland.
Jigsaw boasts designer quality at high-street prices. They carry bohemian couture and their vintage inspired tea dresses are to die for. According to their website, Jigsaw believes fashion is temporary but style is forever. They stock sizes 6 to 18. Jigsaw is on the higher end of high-street prices with the average dress setting you back around £100.
They state they use the best fabrics from the best factories and do everything they can to make sure that the materials and products are sourced responsibly.
3. Boden
Boden was started in 1991 as a mail-order business. It is still largely online only, with just two physical stores located in London. However, Boden is known for its catalogue, which is a staple of many British homes. In 2020, Boden made profits of £14.7m despite the pandemic.
Like Seasalt, Boden is most recognisable for its range of summer and beach clothes. However, they carry apparel for all seasons and occasions. Boden clothes are bright and fun with pastel and primary colours, stripes, and polka dots. They carry sizes 6 to 22 and cater to all age groups. Boden‘s prices differ dramatically with a top costing you anywhere from £15 to £200.
Boden pride themselves on producing long-lasting clothes with, “fabrics that don’t shrink, buttons that stay buttoned and threads that stay threaded”. The items are made all over the world, but some fabric is made in woollen mills in Leeds. They are Responsible Sourcing Commitment certified and have many policies in place to reduce their environmental impact.
4. White Stuff
White Stuff takes inspiration from the French Alpines. In 1985, two friends decided to fund their passion by selling T-shirts with abstract motifs that would appeal to skiers. Boys from the White Stuff, as it was originally known, did well in the inaugural year. By 2004, White Stuff had stepped further away from its winter apparel and adopted a boho/urban style – the style it is famous for today.
Think paisley patterns and earthy tones. White Stuff is ideal for the bohemian queen, although they have styles to suit everyone’s style and needs. They stock sizes from 6-22 and have reasonable prices for a high-street brand. You will be able to feel the quality of your White Stuff clothes, without breaking the bank.
In celebration of the company’s 25th Anniversary, in 2010 they founded The White Stuff Foundation. They donate 1% of their profits to charity and have given £3.5 million to local charities around the UK since 2010. Much of this has gone to charities that work with disadvantaged young people. White Stuff has committed to using only sustainably sourced cotton by 2024.
5. Monsoon
Monsoon was created in 1973 by a market-stall trader. As of 2018, they have 181 stores in the UK, alongside their sister company Accessorize. In 2009, the company moved to a building designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in Notting Dale. The company’s collection of some 300 works of modern and contemporary art is housed there.
Monsoon is known for its range of occasion dresses, especially those for bridesmaids and wedding guests, however they have a full range of casual apparel too. Monsoon has a bohemian image too and stocks a lot of paisley and their namesake, monsoon skirts. The price of their clothes is mid-tier for the high-street, but you can always grab a bargain in their sales. Monsoon stock sizes 6 to 24.
The brand has stated that sustainability has always been at the heart of the business and they are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. In 1994 they opened the Monsoon Accessorize Trust, which was set up to help under-privileged women and children in Asia.
Even More Brands
We acknowledge the brands listed here are a tad pricey. While this is due to the quality, sustainability, and specialism of the clothes, we understand they are out of reach for some. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives that stock lovely apparel for the older style icon, such as:
- Primark – They provide a good bargain, styles that suit every age group, and go up to size 22. Note: You cannot purchase clothes through Primark’s website. Instead, you must make purchases in-store.
- Dorothy Perkins – A very chic mid-tier pricing brand, and they also stock sizes up to 22.
- Tu – Sainsbury’s in-house clothing brand. While it takes a little rummage, supermarkets often have some gems and cater to all ages and body types. Some other brilliant supermarket brands are Nutmeg at Morrison’s and George at Asda.
Peace of Mind from Carelink24
Confidence in your wardrobe is important. What’s even more important, however, is feeling confident in your own home. At Carelink24 our aim is to provide this confidence with our Emergency Alarms. Our systems give people throughout the UK the confidence to continue living independently.
For more information, read our guide to the Carelink alarm service or give us a call on 0800 0076 247. You can also order an alarm online.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 13th March 2023 to reflect current information.
