sailing, I'm have absolutely no doubt that you look sensational in what you wear, but there are MANY women who dress just like Miss Orange described, and I think you're exactly right; the powers that be at TLC or BBC or whatever acronym is correct think that older women have just given up. How little they know!

Older women have NOT given up. We go into stores trying to find clothes to wear to work. The junk in the stores is not appropriate for anyone over the age of 13. I live in New Hampshire. We are quite casual here. Our office dress policy is casual (nice slacks, no jeans). I can find slacks to wear (they're always too long because I'm expected to wear 8 inch heels and I'm told to taylor them. OK. More money on one outfit. The tops are horrid. They are all cut too low to wear in an office. Oh I know, I know. Wear a sweet little camie under it. Right. Why must I pay for two items when I should only have to pay for one. Especially since I already had to pay to have my pants shortened. And as for shoes..... If I wore the stupid "Wicked Witch of the West Toe Stillitos" to work, running up and down stairs carrying folders and presentations, I would be spendidng more time in the hospital than at work and I wouldn't have to worry about clothes.

Life's transitions pose challenges to women of all ages. How many twentysomething MOs have we seen who haven't figured out that they're grownups and need to dress like it? Or thirtysomethings who are still dressing like s*x bombs? etc., etc. Women "of a certain age" are caught between the dread "mutton dressed like lamb" trap, and the blue-haired, polyester crowd. (Note that some of the latter clothes may be due to the problems conventional fasteners pose to arthritic hands especially for women who live alone). So don't just pick on older (than 50) women as fashion-challenged; we have lots of company!

quote:

Originally posted by ElaineP:
Older women have NOT given up. We go into stores trying to find clothes to wear to work. The junk in the stores is not appropriate for anyone over the age of 13. I live in New Hampshire. We are quite casual here. Our office dress policy is casual (nice slacks, no jeans). I can find slacks to wear (they're always too long because I'm expected to wear 8 inch heels and I'm told to taylor them. OK. More money on one outfit. The tops are horrid. They are all cut too low to wear in an office. Oh I know, I know. Wear a sweet little camie under it. Right. Why must I pay for two items when I should only have to pay for one. Especially since I already had to pay to have my pants shortened. And as for shoes..... If I wore the stupid "Wicked Witch of the West Toe Stillitos" to work, running up and down stairs carrying folders and presentations, I would be spendidng more time in the hospital than at work and I wouldn't have to worry about clothes.

Elaine, I know that we are discussing the show's format, but you did mention some wardrobe problems that I can address.

About tops: Look for button front shirts for work. They are hard to fit, but not impossible. If you would like another layer (not mandatory) try a short sleeved cardigan over, for button-up shaping, and to add another color or pattern. These cardis are very versatile, and can be worn on their own, too.

2) No pants are the right length (unless lightening strikes!) The hems should be angled by hemming for for the profile of the shoes, or they will look too short, which is worse than too long. I find skirts, worn with tights,etc., are more versatile for length issues.

3) Those pointy stilettos have been replaced by round toes with comfortable wedge heels; very good for work!

I agree. I am in my early 50's, but I look younger, however, that adds to the difficulty of age appropriate dressing. And the fact that there are only 5 stores with quality clothing in Fairbanks, Alaska doesn't help. It is a struggle to be a stylish, 50-ish woman with limited shopping options and a budget, and not end up looking like an old lady. And then there is the weather to dress for. It's a challenge.

Elaine, I'm 5'2, and I have had to tailor every pair of pants I have ever purchased because I am shorter than most women! It's not because anyone expects me to wair 3 inch heels, it's because it's easier for short women to hem pants than it is for tall women to get them longer. Plus, there are MANY different styles of dress shoes (as the ones pres10514 describes)--you don't have to wear stilettos. You seem so mad at the fashion industry, but you shouldn't let it control you.

I'm 5'2" but I rarely have to have pants altered. I just try on a lot of them until I find a pair that fits right, and I shop the petite department religiously. That and I get to know the brands that tend to come in my inseam length and the stores that carry them.

As for shopping where one has limited shopping options, I would suggest becoming an online shopper, at least for those things that you can be reasonably sure you'll fit. Find a brand that tends to fit you well (i.e., Ann Taylor works for me) and stick with it. Also find a store that has a liberal return policy and might even offer free shipping on returns. I have found that now and then.

Speaking of Ann Taylor, I rarely if ever feel like anything in that store (or AT Loft) is inappropriate for me at age 49 going on 50. If you are having a rough time finding stuff that's appropriate, try to narrow your shopping choices down to a few stores or designers that usually offer appropriate clothing and stick with them.

I have a friend (52 years old) who complains that all the shoes out there are either totally flat or 4 inch stilettos. Obviously she doesn't shop enough because I see mid-height heels everywhere that don't look "old lady". And if you see nothing but tops that are too low cut for work you are definitely shopping in the wrong stores. You can't go into a junior department or a boutique that caters to casual date night wear and find stuff that's appropriate for an office. You'll have to up your game and go somewhere that sells more sophisticated clothing. If your price range is on the budget end of things, try places like JC Penney's or Kohl's. Sometimes even Macy's 75% off rack has produced an incredible bargain for me. No offense to anyone who posted, but I just think that women who are bitter about fashion don't know where to shop.

quote:

Originally posted by ntuitive1:
.... Sometimes even Macy's 75% off rack has produced an incredible bargain for me. No offense to anyone who posted, but I just think that women who are bitter about fashion don't know where to shop.

I agree ntuitive, there are a lot of options out there for everyone. The trick is finding the right ones for you. I think your advice about finding the right store is good. What I find difficult is the lack of fashion role models and advice geared to women of my age. The best I've found is www.more.com, advice geared to women over 40.

I'm just bumping this thread up to the top again since we've let it fall down to the 2nd page and now people are posting new threads about this topic. Sailing, I love More magazine - I should subscribe one of these days!

I too think our age group needs help. I read Stacey and CLinton's book. I truly want to look good but feel everyone is looking at my "menopausal middle". It is embarassing since I was always a size 8-10 and am now a 12-14. If it fits my bust it does not fit my shoulders or my belly!!!! I love to golf and play with my grandkids so I don't really want to learn how to sew my own clothes at this stage of my life.I refuse to wear maternity clothes at age 59! PLEASE help us Stacey and Clinton. You too will be our age before you know it! My body feels like a foreign object to me!

Hi Everyone, I'm new here. I asked the ? yesterday about any hints on how to get on the show. After reading this I see maybe my age is the problem. I'm 45. I guess when watching I didn't really notice that most of the women were young. I just always am thinking I need it worse than them. haha Anyway, I'm thinking my daughter has had it with my clothes and is going to write and nominate me but now I guess there isn't much hope of being picked.

"Since I suffer from RA and FMS, I really need help with footwear. No high heels for me. Also, hair and make-up tips for the older set."

This is what I was looking for Cornermouse! I am 52 and just had my 2nd total hip replacement(both hips have now been replaced) and I do not wear dresses or skirts because of the high heel/shoe issue.

I so wish WNTW would have even just one show for this issue.

Bump.

I am 52 and would love to see shows for people in our age group. I also think that they could select people that don't dress horribly, but just need improvements. After all, we want to know what looks best for our age group, body shape, etc.