Dear Glinda -
I'm 77 years young and having trouble finding fashionable clothes. I dress casually and cannot wear the tees and blouses because I have the roll around the middle. I can wear a size 10 in pants as long as the waist is elastic, but tops show my roll so I tend to buy XL, which don't really fit. Where can I find nice-looking clothes that aren't old and dowdy? I hate shopping because I cannot find anything that makes me feel good.
Maggie
Oh, Maggie, we feel for you. There are three main issues in finding clothing for women who are middle-aged and beyond: Age-appropriateness, fit, and lack of availability. As for as age appropriateness goes you should definitely not be raiding your grand daughters closet looking for a great outfit. Anything that is trendy is also going to be an out for you. Women of a certain age look best when they wear more polished and sophisticated looking pieces. Items of clothing that are sort of the “tried and true” of the fashion world. Pieces like wrap blouses, button down shirts, simple sweaters and cardigans, flat front khakis or any flat front pants. These classic pieces wear well and look timeless and casual.
As for fit, well that’s one for the ages. Regardless of age or size pretty much everyone has trouble with properly fitting clothes.
Women put on weight as they get older and weight distributes itself in different places though typically around the middle. Its obvious your efforts at camouflaging your midsection are not serving you. Buying an XL top that doesn’t fit is only going to draw more attention to your middle. When it comes to fit in your tops you need to look for something that is going to skim your body. I imagine an XL is orbiting around your figure. Considering your body shape I would recommend trying tops that are more of a trapeze or empire waisted style. This will help you “hide” your midsection while accentuate your figure in a positive light. (for visual samples of these tops see Glinda’s Fashion Dictionary)
As for trying to find clothes that aren’t dowdy. I would say step out of the “old lady” section of any store. The clothes there are thoroughly depressing. You can search for classic, tailored pieces in any store at the mall. Think Jackie O, think Audrey Hepburn and look for pieces like that. You cannot go wrong with those classic pieces. This will keep you looking sophisticated as opposed to looking like an old fuddy duddy.
Stores like J.Jill, Chico's, and Land's End have fits available that are meant for mature women's bodies, but you won't find out what works for you without trying everything on. The good news is, once you find a store, brand, or style you love, shopping will become much easier.
To get the most out of your wardrobe, look for a few basics that fit well and make you feel great, and then accessorize. Jackets are a great way to polish a look, and they can help to hide a multitude of sins. But, scarves, bright handbags, and jewelry will help give your outfit a modern appeal as well.
Fashionably,
Glinda
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