I’ve been wearing Boden since summer of 2009 and was, like many, introduced to their women’s line when I started buying Mini Boden for the children. Their fabulous patterns and easy to wear cuts were what first appealed to me, and all my initial purchases were tunics, perfect as summer dresses here in the summer heat. I have to say I was completely oblivious to any of the negative connotations that tend to be associated with the brand in the UK. Some adjectives I’ve heard used are a long the lines of ‘frumpy’ and ‘mumsy’ – we all know the stereotype. In my opinion though – and I am as guilty of this as anyone else – any item of clothing can be worn badly, or in an unflattering manner. The art to dressing and keeping clothes stylish is in choosing the right shapes for your body and then styling them so they represent you.
I’m not convinced I’ve articulated myself well, but let me use myself as an example. I am definitely not what I would consider ‘frumpy’ or ‘mumsy’ (feel free to shatter my illusions) but I wear A LOT of Boden. Sometimes I wear all Boden, sometimes just an essential t-shirt layered under another brand’s sweater. I pick items that I know can be styled and worn in what I consider to be a more ‘on trend’ fashion (in danger of disappearing up my backside here but bear with me). Other times however, I want to look a little more conformist and will intentionally dress a little more staid, a prime example is for a PTA meeting when I want to ‘blend in’ (though I am feeling less and less like conforming for these events, and being more and more the ‘eccentric English bird’ that I am). Boden works for all scenarios.
When I select an outfit I tend to pick one key piece that I want to wear then build the outfit around that item. Today I wanted to wear my lovely Boden stripy jumper. I had no idea that the entire ensemble would end up being Boden – in fact come to think of it brand plays little or no part in whether an item is picked from the closet that day. The grey jumper led me immediately to look for some colorful trousers – of which I have many – but I picked out the Boden cyclamen skinny jeans (SS 2012) today, because randomly I had already applied a purpley pink lipstick! The grey chic biker jacket (SS 2012 – sold out online) seemed like a no brainer with these two items. The only non-Boden items are the H&M vest dress layered under the jumper for warmth, the Guess Cardio boots and the scarf which I was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law a few years ago. Together I think this is a really fun outfit and a great way to take summer jeans into winter. I feel anything but frumpy.
So again Boden I thank you for providing great quality, stylish, classic items that can be worn by women of any age and in her own style. Your prices aren’t too bad either with a discount code;) I’ll always have a soft spot for you – I just hope to see more tunics appear for SS 2013!
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I so agree, it’s how you wear it. Love this outfit & I also love Boden.
Hi Martina! It’s definitely about wearing things ‘your’ way – my style has evolved over the past year or so as I have gotten ‘braver’ with my clothes but I still have Boden as a staple in my closet:) x
I also love Boden, and don’t consider myself (or you) frumpy.
Indeed:) We know best xx
I used to wear Boden when working in a smart/casual environment but now I’m a SAHM I find myself hardly ever wearing it and haven’t ordered anything for myself for a while now. Some of the plainer knitwear is nice but I find the prints too obvious and the negative image that it tends to have from the fashionistas does put me off. Great for the kids though, but the quality isn’t what it used to be.
I say ignore the detractors – Boden have lots of great casual clothes too – I’m a SAHM 50% of the time and there is nothing more comfy than their leggings and a tunic. I wear their pull ons as pjs too, and their cashmere is amazing – best quality ever. The quality can be hit or miss with mini Boden but they are the only company I know who will still take things back up to 365 days after purchase – their CS is the best – I’ve never had to put up a fight to get a refund. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Hello! I love how you’ve layered the look. Your trousers are fab! Amazing colour on you x
Thank you so much – the jeans are a fabulous color – they pop back into clearance occasionally. They are also a really good cut – not too low at the waist. I do like to layer – I always like something tight/smooth next to my skin to keep the wobbles at bay:) Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!
Loving these looks! I need to check out that brand.
Thank you – and yes you should definitely check them out – there is a 25% discount right now too – use Q753! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
I cant say that I’ve heard of the label Boden – don’t know that it is available in NZ. As for the comments about it being mumsy, I think that is part in how a person wears it,, don’t you? Loving the outfit!
http://mademois-elle.com
I have grown to love it more and more over the last few years, just wish it was a bit cheaper!
I agree – when you have H&M, M&S and Zara at lower prices it is sometimes hard to justify but with a discount code the prices are much more palatable – plus I have sold a lot on eBay – it definitely retains it’s value – a great way to earn money to spend more:)
I had always heard that Boden was ‘frumpy’ and ‘mumsy’ and was therefore really surprised when my incredibly stylish neighbour told me that most of her lovely tops were from Boden. However, she also reckons that their A/W stock this year isn’t up to scratch, so I’m waiting for their S/S13 before I make a purchase. Do you think she’s right?
Well this Fall season they tried to change direction and become a little ‘edgier’ so they had a ‘Shoreditch’ collection for example – so they may have alienated some die hard fans. I think some of their dresses this season have been gorgeous – like the Loulou dress and the collared tunic but they didn’t suit my apple shape. I’ve also loved their knitwear this season like the Skye jumper, the merino slouch and the Off duty jumper – all very ‘on trend’ and classically stylish – I have all 3. The Spring Preview is currently here http://www.bodenpreview.co.uk (.com for the US) – and PRUK or PRUS give you 20% discount. I love the colorblock flat pointy shoes and the Notting Hill knit – I’ve already placed my preview order:) I think you should keep your eye out for the sale that will start mid December – there will be some great bargains!
just love the colour of the jeans together with the grey leather jacket,they look fab!
I never thought boden was frumpy.maybe it’s only because I’m living in the middle of nowhere,where people dress REALLY frumpy and boden is still quite unknown and worn mostly by the “crazy”,creative women (somewhat like desigual,but boden has much better quality).I’ve really become a huge fan.
I also wear a lot of H&M but they’re getting more and more expensive while the quality is still the same.
Thanks Evi!! I’m more than happy to be classed along with the other ‘crazy’ women:) You’re lucky to be able to get your hands on H&M and Boden – I agree with you about H&M but I’ve found their knot wear is improving greatly – especially for the price here in US dollars. x
Phwoar. Meow. You look good! And in no way do you look frumpy. In fact I will steal this look and wear it myself. 😉
I can’t believe I have been wearing Boden longer than you! I guess it was circumstantial though, as I was told about it by a teacher friend who had the catalog at her house and thought I would appreciate their bright, fun designs. (This was back in 2003, if I am remembering correctly.)
I think some of their items can veer towards frumpy, but if one wears the items (even the most over the top “fun” embroidered hotch-potchy shirt) with some sass and flair, frump can fly out the window. It may never be “stylish” but it can be pretty and presentable, for sure.
Lately, though, they have been making it easy on us, eh? All the sass and style is already in the clothing.
Indeed – and I just placed another order for the Hannah dress that came back in stock – I’ve been dying to try it – and another preview order for the colorblock flats!
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