Grown-up, contemporary and extremely flattering: The 10 labels that EVERY woman over 30 needs to know about (and you won't look like mutton dressed as lamb) 

  • Do you feel too old for Topshop but too young for Per Una at M&S?
  • FEMAIL rounds up the best designers for women over 30
  • Brands offer elegant clothes for grown-ups, not for youthful fashion victims

Do you feel too old for Topshop but too young for Per Una at M&S? Welcome to the over 30 fashion club.

Anyone who has passed the milestone age will know only too well that styling yourself is no mean feat.

If you're a stylish lady who has outgrown bodycon dresses but isn't quite ready for cashmere cardigans, FEMAIL has compiled the ultimate guide to the designers who offer elegant clothes for grown-ups, rather than styles for youthful fashion victims.

COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS

Founded in 1995, Comptoir des Cotonniers is the go-to brand for the French; and who doesn't want to take style notes from our friends from across the pond?

The brand offers affordable luxury and a full wardrobe for women of all generations. 

Comptoir offers a mix-and-match of trendy and iconic pieces inspired by the French city girl. 

'Our woman is simultaneously spontaneous and smart, upright and feminine, stylish and cheeky, urban and genuine, natural and sensual,' say the brand. 

Think work-appropriate jackets, sleek trousers and the most flattering of coats.

Comptoir offers a mix-and-match of trendy and iconic pieces inspired by the French city girl (Blazer, £210 trousers, £110 , polo neck, £125)

Comptoir offers a mix-and-match of trendy and iconic pieces inspired by the French city girl (Blazer, £210 trousers, £110 , polo neck, £125)

'Our woman is simultaneously spontaneous and smart, upright and feminine, stylish and cheeky, urban and genuine, natural and sensual,' say the brand. Left: Blanket jacket, £210, polo neck, £125, jeans, £80 Right: Jumpsuit, £180, collarless shirt, £80

REISS 

It's the British high-street brand with the Duchess of Cambridge's royal seal of approval, so Reiss must be doing something right. 

With modern tailoring that's a far cry from the boardroom, Reiss has carefully considered fabrication, fit and craftsmanship to offer a thoroughly feminine collection.

There's print shirt-dress, wide-leg trousers and necktie blouses perfect for day-to-night dressing. 

Fabrics and textures are rich in suede and leather, whilst fringing, luxe velvet and feather appliqué added a touch of luxury for the lady who wants her wardrobe to work a little harder.

With modern tailoring that's a far cry from the boardroom, Reiss has carefully considered fabrication, fit and craftsmanship to offer a thoroughly feminine collection
Eclipse Sleeveless printed dress, £170, Hatoo relaxed fit blazer, £190

With modern tailoring that's a far cry from the boardroom, Reiss has carefully considered fabrication, fit and craftsmanship to offer a thoroughly feminine collection. Left: Nilo relaxed tuxedo jacket, £345, Karo Debore shirt, £125, Satine occasion trousers, £110, freestyle curved strap heels, £130. Right: Eclipse Sleeveless printed dress, £170, Hatoo relaxed fit blazer, £190

THE PRETTY DRESS COMPANY

Born in the historic town of Gravesend in Kent, The Pretty Dress Company set out to create garments that fit, flatter and flaunt - and they do just that.

The designers aimed to create simple, comfortable and affordable garments designed to suit every size and shape of the female figure.

Inspired by the glamorous females of the 1940's and 1950's, the brand's dresses have just the right cuts to hold you in, push you up and hug your curves in all the right places. 

With designs complimented by more intricate lace detailing and smaller bursts of blooms adorning chic dresses and midi skirts, the company's focus on prints, in particular, grown-up florals, sets it apart from other brands.

Made and designed in England, the brand has a strong celebrity following of over thirty women including Christine Bleakley, Nigella Lawson and Nicole Scherzinger. www.theprettydresscompany.com .

The Pretty Dress Company set out to create dresses that fit, flatter and flaunt - and they do just that
The designers aimed to create simple, comfortable and affordable garments designed to suit every size and shape of the female figure

The Pretty Dress Company set out to create dresses that fit, flatter and flaunt - and they do just that. The designers aimed to create simple, comfortable and affordable garments designed to suit every size and shape of the female figure


IRIS AND INK 

Iris & Ink, the Outnet.com's private label, is the go-to destination for soft feminine shapes and more directional, tailored pieces.

The brand loves to experiment with texture: think luxurious cashmere knits, silk blouses, suede skirts and butter-soft leather dresses. 

Ideal for women who prefer to take a pared-back approach to dressing, the palette focuses on neutrals and the kind of classic wardrobe staples that really will never go out of fashion.

Iris & Ink, the Outnet.com's private label, is the go-to label for soft feminine shapes and more directional, tailored pieces

Iris & Ink, the Outnet.com's private label, is the go-to label for soft feminine shapes and more directional, tailored pieces

The brand loves to experiment with texture: think silk blouses, suede skirts and wide-leg flowing culottes 

The brand loves to experiment with texture: think silk blouses, suede skirts and wide-leg flowing culottes 

GESTUZ  

Focusing on 'effortless fashion', Danish womenswear and accessories label Gestuz is about to have a huge moment on British turf. 

Inspired by feminine Seventies silhouettes contrasted with androgynous Nineties tailoring, the collection has a retro feel but is undeniably fresh.

Chunky knits, flared denims and sleeveless coats are designed with quality in mind, resulting in timeless pieces that will remain stylish year after year; think of it as your new investment brand. 

Also available on asos.com. 

Focusing on 'effortless fashion', Danish womenswear and accessories label Gestuz is about to have a huge moment on British turf.
Red drape dress, £101 at asos.com

Focusing on 'effortless fashion', Danish womenswear and accessories label Gestuz is about to have a huge moment on British turf. Left: pants with contrast stripe, £59. Right: red drape dress, £101 at asos.com

Inspired by feminine Seventies silhouettes contrasted with androgynous Nineties tailoring, the collection has a retro feel but is undeniably fresh (the AW15 range drops in September)

Inspired by feminine Seventies silhouettes contrasted with androgynous Nineties tailoring, the collection has a retro feel but is undeniably fresh (the AW15 range drops in September)

GAP

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap is the authority on American casual style - and British women over thirty should be embracing it. 

Better-known for their perfectly cut jeans, Gap has proven it can serve up more than just flattering denims.

The brand's collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends for women who prefer to play it safe. 

Better-known for their cleanly cut jeans, Gap has proven it can serve up more than just flattering denims. Left: chambray denim shirt, £34.95, white girlfriend jeans, £44.95, slip on sneakers, £34.95. Right:  modern crew neck tee, £8.95, tailored pencil skirt, £29.95, zip heeled boot, £79.95

The brand's collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes (contrast panel shirt dress, £44.95)

The brand's collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes (contrast panel shirt dress, £44.95)

WALLIS

Not only do Wallis offer great tailoring and wearable separates, but they offer it all at a reasonable price point.

The high street giant, which falls under Sir Philip Green's Arcadia, has a specialism in designing for petite women, too.

With its own in-house pattern cutting room, Wallis designs original prints through its network of designers. The design team paint, draw or sketch prints inspired by key trends from the season and develop them into the original prints that make it to the shop floor.

The result? Beautiful jersey floral dresses and chic floral shifts perfect for those special occasions when you want to stand out from the crowd with something a little different.

High street giant Wallis, which falls under Sir Philip Green's Arcadia, designs original prints through its network of designers (left: £75, right: £48)

The store offers beautiful jersey floral dresses and chic occasionwear (dress, £75)

The store offers beautiful jersey floral dresses and chic occasionwear (dress, £75)

T.M. LEWIN 

Better known as the innovators of the prototype of the modern shirt , T.M Lewin isn't just for the boys.

Offering excellent craftsmanship and quality, the store are gurus when it comes to creating suits, dresses and shirts that are smart enough for work but simultaneously stylish enough for a night out after office hours.

Better known as the innovators of the prototype of the modern shirt worn today, T.M Lewin isn't just for the boys and now offers beautifully tailored officewear (Barcelona suit jacket, £150, trousers, £85, Pamplona pleat neck top, £45)

Better known as the innovators of the prototype of the modern shirt worn today, T.M Lewin isn't just for the boys and now offers beautifully tailored officewear (Barcelona suit jacket, £150, trousers, £85, Pamplona pleat neck top, £45)

Suits, dresses and shirts  are smart enough for work but simultaneously stylish enough for a night out after office hours (Lorca pleat front blouse, £60, Madrid grey skirt, £70)

Suits, dresses and shirts are smart enough for work but simultaneously stylish enough for a night out after office hours (Lorca pleat front blouse, £60, Madrid grey skirt, £70)

ATTERLEY  

If you're looking for thoughtfully designed, well-made and, most importantly, affordable clothing, they're just a click away.

Atterley.com aims to make the aspirational accessible by taking note of the key season's trends and fusing them together with silhouettes that work for the typical (non supermodel) woman.  

Jackets in soft grey wool, which are drawn in at the waist and offset by wide leg trousers, are perfect for the office, whilst tunic style leather shift dresses cinched at the waist to create a slim feminine silhouette are ideal for after-work drinks. 

Atterley is king when it comes to turning every day essentials into hero wardrobe items.

Atterley aims to make the aspirational accessible by taking note of the key season's trends and fusing them together with silhouettes that work for the typical (non supermodel) woman (Left: denim stripe jacket, £48, white lace detail shirt, £50, navy twill culotte £45. Right: Cinnamon tunic top, £75, wide leg jeans, £55)

Tunic style  dresses cinched at the waist to create a slim feminine silhouette are ideal for after-work drinks

Tunic style dresses cinched at the waist to create a slim feminine silhouette are ideal for after-work drinks

GEORGE AT ASDA

Appealing to stylish women on a seriously tight budget is George at Asda, who this season say they've embarked on a new journey by taking inspiration from around the globe.

The collection embraces a sophisticated yet eclectic mix of vibrant colours, bold patterns and flattering silhouettes.

Prints, which were inspired by the hidden treasures of Marrakesh, are eye-catching on peasant tops, whilst a crochet and lace dress gives Zara a run for its money when teamed with stylish heels.

Describing the range, George said: 'Our high summer collection embraces this season’s key trends straight from the catwalk, providing classic and stylish pieces at affordable prices, that will instantly refresh your summer wardrobe.

'George understand the perfect silhouette is crucial and for next season the clean lines of tailored tux blazers, A-Line skirts and elegant blouses create a simple yet refined look. This is stylish yet grown up fashion with affordable flattering pieces designed to ensure women will feel confident in their clothes.' 

A statement jumpsuit, such as this monochrome pattern jumpsuit, £18, left, from George at Asda, is perfect for grown-up summer dressing

A statement jumpsuit, such as this monochrome pattern jumpsuit, £18, left, from George at Asda, is perfect for grown-up summer dressing

The George collection embraces a sophisticated yet eclectic mix of vibrant colours, bold patterns and flattering silhouettes

The George collection embraces a sophisticated yet eclectic mix of vibrant colours, bold patterns and flattering silhouettes

 

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