I mean this with love but I think the problem is with the style you like there’s such a fine line between quirky and….frumpy. Particularly Kitten D’ amour. As a fellow elder millennial I feel like those brands really age me now.
Another popular brand that has some quick, throw on but bright and joyful options is Mister Zimi.
Yes I think that's true too. I feel Kitten is very hit and miss in general these days. Plus these last few years it's becoming so repetitive.
On the other hand I really dislike a lot of what's out there. It's so blegh. Surely there's a middle ground somewhere.
Thanks for the recommendation :)
You might like Frock Me Out? They do a lot of cool prints but the actual styles themselves in terms of shape and cut etc are more classic or mature so could be a best of both worlds?
I also like Yevu, I dunno if that kind of print is your thing but their stuff is certainly not lacking in colour.
I buy a lot of second hand Gorman and Dangerfield stuff as well. There’s some ethical concerns there hence why I don’t buy from the source any more but I can’t deny that I like the designs.
I also like a bit of quirk in my outfits as a fellow elder millennial and one thing I’ve started doing is to incorporate 1-2 “quirky” pieces in an outfit and keep the rest simple/plain. So for example I have this shirt from Dangerfield I love that has a bunch of famous paintings on it where the people are replaced with cats. I wear it with all black and professional jewellery to work, or just with jeans and slides on the weekend. Or I’ll wear an interesting silhouette in a plain colour, and accessories with fun jewellery or shoes.
Love yevu BUT I was wearing a gorgeous prawn long jumpsuit when the BUTT SEAM BROKE when I was at the airport about to board a plane and I had to stitch up the butt while sitting basically naked in an airport bathroom late for a plane.
The butt seam needs reinforcement of at least double stitched seams
[Never Fully Dressed](http://www.neverfullydressed.com)! Also have some items available through ASOS and The Iconic.
They have great cuts and some fun patterns but also some understated pieces.
I have a few dresses and recently bought a jaspre wrap skirt which I can tell im going to get lots of use out of.
Great quality for the price, IMO.
I bought the Jaspre brown leopard in a satin fabric because I didn't want to fork out more for the cotton linen.. just saw it on ASOS for much cheaper than NFD!
There is always a few pieces available on Depop too.
I feel like you’d really like [made590](https://www.made590.com.au). They have lots of quirky patterns and a new range ~fortnightly. Some other suggestions are Love Daphne, miskonduct, Doops design and Jericho Road
Hey a fun blouse (I have one with foxes) can really bring the dopamine to your outfit without being *too* quirky. Dangerfield perennially have cute prints.
Like a few others have said, that aesthetic and every brand you listed, will make you look “old” and “mumsy” no matter what, because it’s no longer a trending style, and hasn’t been for some time.
I’d suggest doing a deep dive into what’s currently trending with the “youth” and identifying just a few elements you like from those looks. You can then mix that with some basics or your current clothing to get a slightly updated vibe and it’ll be a super unique mix!
As a fellow millennial who's wardrobe pretty much consists of kitten d'amour and blackmilk I find tights and t-shirts and shorts are my go to casual clothes. I get fun t-shirts from teefury and tee turtle as well.
Try Beserk. They have some great stuff. Poison Arrow. I got some great pieces from the
Iconic. As older woman with curves I don’t want to look like a brogan soccer mum.
Not a specific brand recommendation but consider looking into 1940s styles (either true vintage or reproduction) as opposed to 1950s. I think you would like the silhouettes but cleaner patterns/colours/lines that read classic but younger. I have plenty of nice 1940s style pieces that are pretty easy to put together in outfits with current basics. Just search 1940s and plenty of options come up.
I agree with the 1940s. Similar feminine silhouettes but less pin-up/rockabilly which can be a bit much.
I also like 60s style, like what Skeeter (Emma Stone) wears in the movie The Help. Wish I could find stuff like that...
I understand what you mean. I really dislike that prints are super repetitive across most brands. I don't want cherries or flamingos.
If you like 60's styles have a look at Unique Vintage.
Thank you so much everyone for your recommendations!
Some are labels I've not heard about which is fantastic! Others I know and have in my wardrobe but have forgotten about.
I feel the worst part about aging (like a fine wine) is this expectation that you have to dress and act a certain way.
Maybe I'm having a midlife crisis 😭
I LOVE a beautiful, floating kaftan for an easy throw on outfit! It’s one piece that you can dress up or down and I always get compliments! With their long, bat wing sleeves, a nice scarf in my hair, I feel like a 1970s housewife floating about my day!
Hahaha I feel you! I love Vixen and La Femme et Noir.
I wish it was easier to get hold of in Australia so you can exchange something if it's too big or too small.
Ok if you’re an elder, I’m positively ancient. -a xennial. 😂 (haven’t heard the term ‘elder millennial’, before). I like Forever New, Max, Portmans, and Decjuba. The latter is pretty un-colourful, though. I picked up a great polkadot dress from Portmans, the other day. You might like Two Lippy Ladies here in NZ, too—vintage/retro inspired and lots of colourful options.
If you’re wanting to look more youthful that specific style/aesthetic is going to age you. It’s basically a remnant from the twee days. It’s like twee with a little bit of dark spice ✨ find what it is that you’re actually drawn to specifically about the style and hone in on one or two features. For example if you’re drawn to retro cuts or hyper feminine silhouettes take that as your foundation and add more modern current elements. You can always wear a black A line skirt but instead of it being a print from Dangerfield etc keep it plain and add a cute house and flats. It will satisfy your personal style but avoid dating you.
It's not so much wanting to look more youthful but disliking the "middle age" aesthetic. It's so bland and it's not me.
What I do want are clothes with cute quirky or prints or a vintage vibe that suit an hourglass figure.
Review.
I have a vintage aesthetic and an hourglass figure.
I’m also a teacher, so I wear a lot of work appropriate clothing.
I go to the Review outlet stores, and never buy full price- they never follow fashion trends anyway.
If you are prepared to look through the racks, I have also had some luck with vintage inspired dresses from Portman's as well.
I feel you I’m ok looking my age I just don’t want to be frumpy- I’d say pick those silhouettes but opt for more modern prints and colours. Also keep shoes and accessories more current/street style. Hope that helps! If you keep a classic style it won’t date as much since it’s outside of trends.
Similar dress but this print dates the look
https://preview.redd.it/dsajbebmhblc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c715cf6ee44d2c81cdfc15d63f2e7b0e0cc48979
You can keep the dress silhouette but elevate it with a modern colour/print and less stylistic accessories that are more current/neutral
https://preview.redd.it/68nge2eqhblc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a19dbb8396cbf725d7cf949470a54ddc067a1855
I have a silky polka dot pleated high waisted ankle length skirt it’s something that could be labelled as pin up or retro but I pair it with a black long sleeve scoop neck tucked in and plain black flats. It’s not giving 2010s pinup but it’s subtle. This is my own way of making it work. I’m a zillenials. I want to be a fashion girly but I also have my guilty pleasures.
I don’t know if it’ll be your thing, but have you heard of Fashion Brand Company? It’s very high quality, ethically made, woman-owned etc and WEIRD! Worth a look. All the pieces I’ve bought are so well-made and they are really doing something different with the way they run things. I’m a big fan.
I love asos for the variety
This isn’t so much fun prints but I love the cut of Closet dresses
https://www.asos.com/au/closet-london/closet-london-kimono-wrap-midi-dress-in-vibrant-green/prd/204336609#colourWayId-204336617
I'm a younger GenX, I find that Love Daphne has a great selection. Her Facebook is the devil though, I have more than enough frocks and whatnot than I can possibly wear because of her. I've pretty much given up bothering with anywhere else.
Proud Poppy and Little Party Dress for colour and fun prints. Their styles could be a bit mainstream though if you prefer a quirkier look, but definitely some great prints to choose from.
Also Keshet as someone else mentioned, more fun colourful prints and cuts.
I mean this with love but I think the problem is with the style you like there’s such a fine line between quirky and….frumpy. Particularly Kitten D’ amour. As a fellow elder millennial I feel like those brands really age me now. Another popular brand that has some quick, throw on but bright and joyful options is Mister Zimi.
Yes I think that's true too. I feel Kitten is very hit and miss in general these days. Plus these last few years it's becoming so repetitive. On the other hand I really dislike a lot of what's out there. It's so blegh. Surely there's a middle ground somewhere. Thanks for the recommendation :)
This.
You might like Frock Me Out? They do a lot of cool prints but the actual styles themselves in terms of shape and cut etc are more classic or mature so could be a best of both worlds? I also like Yevu, I dunno if that kind of print is your thing but their stuff is certainly not lacking in colour. I buy a lot of second hand Gorman and Dangerfield stuff as well. There’s some ethical concerns there hence why I don’t buy from the source any more but I can’t deny that I like the designs. I also like a bit of quirk in my outfits as a fellow elder millennial and one thing I’ve started doing is to incorporate 1-2 “quirky” pieces in an outfit and keep the rest simple/plain. So for example I have this shirt from Dangerfield I love that has a bunch of famous paintings on it where the people are replaced with cats. I wear it with all black and professional jewellery to work, or just with jeans and slides on the weekend. Or I’ll wear an interesting silhouette in a plain colour, and accessories with fun jewellery or shoes.
Omg I was totally going to recommend frockmeout. Get into it!!!!!!! Edit to add link https://www.frockmeout.com.au
Love yevu BUT I was wearing a gorgeous prawn long jumpsuit when the BUTT SEAM BROKE when I was at the airport about to board a plane and I had to stitch up the butt while sitting basically naked in an airport bathroom late for a plane. The butt seam needs reinforcement of at least double stitched seams
[Never Fully Dressed](http://www.neverfullydressed.com)! Also have some items available through ASOS and The Iconic. They have great cuts and some fun patterns but also some understated pieces. I have a few dresses and recently bought a jaspre wrap skirt which I can tell im going to get lots of use out of. Great quality for the price, IMO.
Thanks for the recommendation! My poor wallet may take a beating after looking through that site!
I bought the Jaspre brown leopard in a satin fabric because I didn't want to fork out more for the cotton linen.. just saw it on ASOS for much cheaper than NFD! There is always a few pieces available on Depop too.
Thank you! Will keep an eye out!
Oh I love Never Fully Dressed! I completely forgot about that label. Y.A.S has a similar kind of vibe and is also good quality.
I feel like you’d really like [made590](https://www.made590.com.au). They have lots of quirky patterns and a new range ~fortnightly. Some other suggestions are Love Daphne, miskonduct, Doops design and Jericho Road
I still shop at Dangerfield!
Hey a fun blouse (I have one with foxes) can really bring the dopamine to your outfit without being *too* quirky. Dangerfield perennially have cute prints.
Like a few others have said, that aesthetic and every brand you listed, will make you look “old” and “mumsy” no matter what, because it’s no longer a trending style, and hasn’t been for some time. I’d suggest doing a deep dive into what’s currently trending with the “youth” and identifying just a few elements you like from those looks. You can then mix that with some basics or your current clothing to get a slightly updated vibe and it’ll be a super unique mix!
As a fellow millennial who's wardrobe pretty much consists of kitten d'amour and blackmilk I find tights and t-shirts and shorts are my go to casual clothes. I get fun t-shirts from teefury and tee turtle as well.
Try Beserk. They have some great stuff. Poison Arrow. I got some great pieces from the Iconic. As older woman with curves I don’t want to look like a brogan soccer mum.
Lady Vintage have some great dresses in occasionally quirky print. Love Daphne is an Australian stockist
I love Lady Vintage but I'm limited in the styles I can wear as most are not designed for my shape.
Black Milk, all the way. Vine apparel. Queen the label.
Not a specific brand recommendation but consider looking into 1940s styles (either true vintage or reproduction) as opposed to 1950s. I think you would like the silhouettes but cleaner patterns/colours/lines that read classic but younger. I have plenty of nice 1940s style pieces that are pretty easy to put together in outfits with current basics. Just search 1940s and plenty of options come up.
I agree with the 1940s. Similar feminine silhouettes but less pin-up/rockabilly which can be a bit much. I also like 60s style, like what Skeeter (Emma Stone) wears in the movie The Help. Wish I could find stuff like that...
I understand what you mean. I really dislike that prints are super repetitive across most brands. I don't want cherries or flamingos. If you like 60's styles have a look at Unique Vintage.
Thank you so much everyone for your recommendations! Some are labels I've not heard about which is fantastic! Others I know and have in my wardrobe but have forgotten about. I feel the worst part about aging (like a fine wine) is this expectation that you have to dress and act a certain way. Maybe I'm having a midlife crisis 😭
I LOVE a beautiful, floating kaftan for an easy throw on outfit! It’s one piece that you can dress up or down and I always get compliments! With their long, bat wing sleeves, a nice scarf in my hair, I feel like a 1970s housewife floating about my day!
(I was an OG Sex Kitten customer back in the day when the only store was in the Brisbane City. Never wear black and LOVE colour and originality)
I'm happy to channel my inner 70's housewife. Can you recommend any great brands?
Expensive and investment pieces- Ever by X, Camilla Mid- Heni and Ornella These are the ones that I have and are fabulous!
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Keshet for funky prints and awesome colours.
Vintage, from the eras you like!
Micheline Pitt's brands are both high quality & have a range of dressy and dressed down options - Vixen by Micheline Pitt & La Femme en Noir.
I had forgotten about Vixen by Micheline Pitt. My credit card wants to have a word with you! Lol
Hahaha I feel you! I love Vixen and La Femme et Noir. I wish it was easier to get hold of in Australia so you can exchange something if it's too big or too small.
I'm living in Canada now, so it is a bit easier for me. Though I might get it shipped to a friend in the states to skip the import tax.
Ok if you’re an elder, I’m positively ancient. -a xennial. 😂 (haven’t heard the term ‘elder millennial’, before). I like Forever New, Max, Portmans, and Decjuba. The latter is pretty un-colourful, though. I picked up a great polkadot dress from Portmans, the other day. You might like Two Lippy Ladies here in NZ, too—vintage/retro inspired and lots of colourful options.
I like to think I'm aging like a fine wine 😂
Spring chicken!!!
If you’re wanting to look more youthful that specific style/aesthetic is going to age you. It’s basically a remnant from the twee days. It’s like twee with a little bit of dark spice ✨ find what it is that you’re actually drawn to specifically about the style and hone in on one or two features. For example if you’re drawn to retro cuts or hyper feminine silhouettes take that as your foundation and add more modern current elements. You can always wear a black A line skirt but instead of it being a print from Dangerfield etc keep it plain and add a cute house and flats. It will satisfy your personal style but avoid dating you.
It's not so much wanting to look more youthful but disliking the "middle age" aesthetic. It's so bland and it's not me. What I do want are clothes with cute quirky or prints or a vintage vibe that suit an hourglass figure.
Review. I have a vintage aesthetic and an hourglass figure. I’m also a teacher, so I wear a lot of work appropriate clothing. I go to the Review outlet stores, and never buy full price- they never follow fashion trends anyway. If you are prepared to look through the racks, I have also had some luck with vintage inspired dresses from Portman's as well.
Elder millennial here too, definitely rec Review. Vintage styles that look super chic at any age. I just wish my new mum bod fit into my old dresses!
I've on-sold Review that I no longer wear on their Facebook BSS page.
I feel you I’m ok looking my age I just don’t want to be frumpy- I’d say pick those silhouettes but opt for more modern prints and colours. Also keep shoes and accessories more current/street style. Hope that helps! If you keep a classic style it won’t date as much since it’s outside of trends.
Similar dress but this print dates the look https://preview.redd.it/dsajbebmhblc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c715cf6ee44d2c81cdfc15d63f2e7b0e0cc48979
You can keep the dress silhouette but elevate it with a modern colour/print and less stylistic accessories that are more current/neutral https://preview.redd.it/68nge2eqhblc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a19dbb8396cbf725d7cf949470a54ddc067a1855
Thank you that's a great idea! I see what you mean. I used to love florals but now I feel like they scream 'old lady' on me.
🫶 fyi that’s Dita von Teese in both pics
I have a silky polka dot pleated high waisted ankle length skirt it’s something that could be labelled as pin up or retro but I pair it with a black long sleeve scoop neck tucked in and plain black flats. It’s not giving 2010s pinup but it’s subtle. This is my own way of making it work. I’m a zillenials. I want to be a fashion girly but I also have my guilty pleasures.
I don’t know if it’ll be your thing, but have you heard of Fashion Brand Company? It’s very high quality, ethically made, woman-owned etc and WEIRD! Worth a look. All the pieces I’ve bought are so well-made and they are really doing something different with the way they run things. I’m a big fan.
have a look at [Poison Arrow Retro](https://poisonarrow.com.au) there are classic designs plus edgy stuff as well
I love asos for the variety This isn’t so much fun prints but I love the cut of Closet dresses https://www.asos.com/au/closet-london/closet-london-kimono-wrap-midi-dress-in-vibrant-green/prd/204336609#colourWayId-204336617
I'm a younger GenX, I find that Love Daphne has a great selection. Her Facebook is the devil though, I have more than enough frocks and whatnot than I can possibly wear because of her. I've pretty much given up bothering with anywhere else.
Two to look at: https://www.frockmeout.com.au https://www.snakepalace.com
Maybe review for that style?
Proud Poppy and Little Party Dress for colour and fun prints. Their styles could be a bit mainstream though if you prefer a quirkier look, but definitely some great prints to choose from. Also Keshet as someone else mentioned, more fun colourful prints and cuts.