Eve Ahmed says mums can shop in Miss Selfridge and Jack Wills like teens

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Eve Ahmed thought she hated the labels her girls adore
But the 51-year-old liked what Miss Selfridge and Jack Wills had to offer
Eve road-tests the shops that mothers thought they'd never step into

Published: 19:35 EST, 6 September 2015 | Updated: 03:08 EST, 7 September 2015

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For us mothers of a certain age, there's only one thing worse than looking 'mumsy' - and that's being mutton dressed as lamb.

That's why I avoid the likes of Miss Selfridge, Jack Wills and Abercrombie & Fitch. They're labels my girls adore - why on earth would they cater for the 40-plus crowd?

Well, it turns out I was wrong. Miss Selfridge's new autumn collection is much more grown-up and accessible than usual, while Jack Wills's tailoring could give what I already own a run for its money.

I decided to road-test the shops mothers never thought they could step in to show you what you should buy...

ASOS

Striped dress, £48. Lace-up heels, £35, both from asos.com

This wiggle dress - from the online label that bills itself as ‘a global fashion destination for 20-somethings’ - does all the right things for the middle-aged figure.

It’s midi length, with clever gathering around the waistband which covers rounded tums. It’s different and bold yet still wearable, while the lace-up high heels are also bang on trend.

H&M

Navy ribbed jumper, £12.99, printed skirt, £29.99, peep-toe heels, £14.99, all from hm.com

I’d normally put H&M in the ‘too short, too tight, too young’ bracket, but have surprised myself once again by feeling comfortable and chic in this outfit. The store is great for basics at any age.

MISS SELFRIDGE

Tunic jumpsuit, £55, black courts, £39, both from missselfridge.com

I have always been a little bit scared of the jumpsuit that so many celebrities wear on the red carpet.

But this belted number looks like a two piece, so adds a nice twist to the hard-to-wear trend. As for the shoes, you can’t go wrong with classic black courts.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

Patterned long-sleeve maxi dress, £78, ankle boots, £130, all from abercrombie.co.uk

I usually associate Abercrombie with denim jeans and checked shirts, but this maxi dress is both gorgeous and comfortable.

Like many women of my height, I’d like to pair this dress with some glamorous heels, rather than the stubby A&F ankle boots.

I am surprised by the on trend clothes on the website - the shoes are best left for the youngsters though.

BERSHKA

Leopard print shirt, £22.99, tube skirt, £12.99, black courts, £19.99, all from bershka.com

This brand proudly proclaims itself as ‘characterised by adventurous young people’, but I won’t let that put me off.

I slip into a leopard print shirt, tube skirt and black heels, and it’s as if Bianca Jagger is looking back at me in the mirror.

I wore animal prints and pencil skirts back in the day, so feel at home in this ensemble - it’s perfect for an evening out, or in the office.

JACK WILLS

Blazer, £179, blouse, £59.50, trousers, £69.50, heeled loafers, £79.50, all from jackwills.com

From the preppy brand my daughters associate with university comes a jacquard blazer, tie-collar blouse, cigarette trousers and loafers. The jacket fits brilliantly and is ideal to cover arms and nip in the waist.

While I like the versatility of the first three items, I wouldn’t necessarily wear them all together.

As for the chunky shoes, they don’t do anything for me.

NEW LOOK

Striped top, £7.99, denim button front midi skirt, £22.99, burgundy tie front heeled sandals, £24.99, all from newlook.com

The quality of this Breton striped top and denim skirt was unexpected. Not only do I feel young and fashionable, but also the fabric is extremely soft with just the right amount of forgiving stretch.

I dressed in a similar way back in the Seventies and it’s nice to know I was on trend then, just as I am now. New Look also does an amazing range of shoes at reasonable prices.

Styling: Amy Kester, hair & make-up: Oonagh Connor using Kiehls and Estee Lauder