This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
The shops are open but I know many of my friends, who are 50+, are still not sure about going to town for a wander down the high street and then having to follow all the government’s guidelines for entering a shop. Online fashion has really blossomed during lockdown and I have found some new brands, new to me, that are fitting this new dress down look that we have all embraced.
EVERLANE
If you want modern basics at great value prices then look no further than Everlane. They are not big on trends. They want you to wear their pieces for years, even decades, to come. That’s why they source the finest materials and factories for their timeless products— like their Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Italian shoes, and Peruvian Pima tees.
Some of their knitwear is extraordinarily good value for money e.g. this Soft Cotton Square Crew. It is an oversized cotton crop with an elegant drape and the best part is that it is £59.
However if you prefer something more fitted they have a Soft Cotton Crew in 8 colours for £40.
If you don’t believe me then read some of the customer reviews for their knitwear which are all 4 & 5 star.
The Everlane cotton shirts are also beautifully made using high quality fabrics. This Silky Cotton Split-neck Blouse is a must for every wardrobe as it combines classic styling with a modern look.
SHOES: they are US sizes so check the size guide e.g. size 39 = 8.5
I love their Espadrilles at £78 . Made of premium, buttery-soft leather and real jute, the Espadrille features a slight wedge and square toe for a modern look. Each pair is handcrafted in Alicante, Spain – the heart of artisanal espadrilles.
Or their Glove Mule made from recycled plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills and lessening dependency on fossil fuels. It has a walkable heel and a cushioned insole which is all important as you get older.
This is a fashion company that style, quality and good value are all at the forefront of their collections. One to bookmark and keep having a little look when you want that classic piece in an updated style.
GOOD NEWS TRAINERS
Long before lockdown I chose to wear trainers or sneakers whenever I could. Heels did not have wardrobe space. They were pain-inducing and whilst they might make your legs look longer, slimmer and sexier I do not doubt but my lifestyle meant I had no need for them anymore.
Nowadays there is a style to go with every outfit. I also love the thicker soled sneakers as they are truly comfortable and give me a little more height. So I was delighted to find an online fashion shoe store that caters for me perfectly – Good News – and the name says it all.
Good News is a London based brand that donates residual stock and samples to the homeless and people in need. Their range includes plain canvas as well as some eye-catching checks. Right now they are a little low in stock but stick with them and I am sure they will have more on offer very soon.
The Good News motto is – Choose well, buy less and make it last.
DAVID NIEPER
This is not a new fashion brand but it is new to me in that I knew the name but have never looked at the website. However one of our readers contacted us and said, “David Nieper makes such fine quality and good value clothing for older women – why don’t you ever feature them?”
So of course we followed her advice and had a look and to be honest they deserve a place in our collection of online fashion brands.
Their sizes run from 10 – 24 and whilst they wouldn’t sit on the same rail as Me+Em or & Other Stories they do deserve a mention. Their USP is:
“We are a British fashion business committed to being world class in everything we do. We design and make premium quality clothes for women over 50, right here in Derbyshire – the traditional home of British textiles.
We use time-honoured techniques and put loving care into every stitch, and we offer a wide range of sizes – all expertly designed and cut to fit and flatter.“
This pretty jersey top with a plain pair of trousers is so feminine and uplifting. As I was once told by a top model, it is how you wear it. If you put this with some Capri pants and canvas trainers the look would be quite contemporary.
The light and comfortable stretch jersey is a favourite with women, because it’s smart, comfortable and so easy to wear.
Some stretch denim shorts again if you teamed it with a boxy shaped top and some FitFlops the shorts would look as cool as designer brands.
These stylish shorts have a sophisticated look and are made in a wonderfully soft fabric with a touch of gentle stretch.
They are also available in a pink colour.
I am not going to mention the ‘H’ word as this summer will more likely see us on staycations but these silk palazzo pants in this gorgeous print are perfect summer’s evening loungewear. And next year will look equally as good in any resort when we are back in holidays abroad. Whoops I mentioned the ‘H’ word!
The fabric is a fabulous combination of luxurious silk with a bold pop of colour.
ROTHY’S UK – shoes & bags
Rothy’s are all about transforming eco-friendly materials into stylish, wear-everywhere shoes and bags that I love. They are continually striving for zero waste, combining the best of 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create a contemporary and stylish shoes and bags. They are an exclusive online fashion brand and are not available elsewhere.
For me the shoes are classic, feminine and colourful. A pop of colour on my feet always brings a smile to people’s faces. (Again they are US sizes so check the size guide).
Their bags are crafted with ocean-bound plastic collected within 30 miles of coastlines.
Whenever your Rothy bag is in need of a quick clean up, simply pop it right into your washing machine.
I love the reversible tote – perfect holiday bag though who is going on one of those this year? However it would look just as good in the city or on a British beach.
For the more formal occasions the classic handbag comes in a variety of colours but this one, in Peach Madras, is the most eye-catching however a little out of my budget but still one to lust after.
We are always interested to hear from our readers on other online fashion brands that you think we should feature. Do leave us a note in the comment section below this post.
Go to Rothy’s website HERE
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