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When Did I Become Too Old For Today’s Fashion?
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Glynis B | DivineCaroline
August 26, 2008
My friend has been frantically searching for a dress for her grandson’s wedding. She has found the dressy attire in various stores is either too young or too matronly. I am having the same problem finding dresses to wear. I either look like a forty-something woman trying to look like a teenager or a forty-something woman who trying to look years beyond her time.
In my twenties, I could handle strapless. Granted, I didn’t have much to hold it up, but I could do the strapless dress. In my thirties, I had pretty good legs and could do the higher skirts, but now I’m in my forties, almost forty-five and those just don’t work anymore. I have athletic looking legs that are pretty toned, but I’m not in my thirties anymore.
My friend and I were looking at potential dresses for her upcoming wedding and we found some styles that were acceptable, but the colors were not. Neither of us do certain colors or crazy patterns. We want people to think we look nice, not make them dizzy from garish colors and patterns. The black dresses we looked at were stylish, but we do not want to look like we are going to a funeral. Add a black veil, some black gloves, and we’d look like Morticia.
We have heard other women have found dresses to wear to the wedding, but we are not sure what styles. We keep hearing they are wearing beige, basic beige. I think there was a champagne color mentioned in there. I wonder when did I become beige. I always have loved vivid reds, vibrant blues, lovely lavender. Where are those colors in today’s styles?
I saw picture of a lovely halter dress. Very stunning, very elegant, but the model was probably close to six foot tall, very slender and yes, twenty-something. I am none of those.
I admire the style and elegance of Robin McGraw, Dr. Phil’s wife. She says all women can look elegant at any age. She’s cute as a button and always looks wonderful. I wish today’s designers would listen to that advice for women who are of a certain age. I have become that woman. I want to be stylish and elegant, too. I am not ready to be “beige.” I want to toast the bride and groom with champagne—not wear the color.
jewell
4 months ago
2 comments
I think that every woman needs to dress according to her body-type, and comfort level. You can be a mature woman and continue to show-off shapely legs, with an above-the-knee skirt. It doesn't need to be a mini to be a knockout. Middle-aged women can wear a strapless dress, just add a small jacket, or elegant sweater. Yes, I understand all the frustrations of trying to find the "proper" clothing after having had crossed to the "other side." I happen to be very close to 49. In my head I'm twentysomething, and find myself constantly drawn to many of those things that captured my attention several inches and pounds ago. Having said that, I'm learning to wear more simple, classic pieces while indulging myself with jackets, scarves , wonderfully colorful bags and shoes. I had been out shopping a few months back and the saleswoman commented, "you have a beautiful, classic style while still being a little edgy." I felt good when she said that... Still me, just a bit toned-down from years past. My favorite places to shop? Consignment shops, Steinmart, TJMaxx.
hogwash
4 months ago
2 comments
I am 65 years old but look as if I am forty or early fifties; I also have problems finding dresses. My best shopping is also in the 'thirft stores' where the quality is, the price, and selection for me.....I do not wear dresses but nice skirts, tops and whatever I can find to match.
Zuboo
4 months ago
2 comments
I'd sure like to find out which Macy's pjricher shops at, because all I see are 4's and I need 12's! I'm 5'10, 40 yrs old and not a bad shape but have the same problem. I think we should get Robin McGraw to promote her own clothing line!
Julepeace
4 months ago
2 comments
Thank you so much for bringing this up! I feel the exact same way about all clothing whether it's dresses, pants, shirts, etc. I am 41 and only about 5'1. I'm OK with my figure, but nothing I see in the Misses sections anywhere are flattering. Sometimes I find myself going to the Juniors section because they have all the cute stuff over there but yet I want don't want to dress too young for my age. I want the designers to consider that maybe us women in our 40s don't want to look frumpy! I like form fitted and beautiful color. My older sisters all wear beige and black. I want color!
McKaren
4 months ago
80 comments
I recently had an experience that was absolutely frightening -- I had two assignments, 1) my daughter needed a cocktail dress for a cruise and 2) I had a "dress up" business function to attend. Well, my daughter is tall and lean and we had no problem finding a great little dress for her. While I -- full figured woman -- with real breasts and a real waist and a reallly big ?? -- struggled to find one dress that was appropriate -- color or shape. Finally in a panic I found a simple, appropriate, black - separates-combo that fit the bill. Honestly -- I feel so underappreciated by the fashion industry at large. Where do we find the fashions designed for the "venus" women???
pjricher
4 months ago
80 comments
Excellent point. I'll add, too, that I was in Macy's looking for a dress. I'm a size 4 and the range of available sizes seemed to start at 6 in every style. I finally asked the woman where all the 4's are and she told me, "We don't even buy those anymore. They don't sell." Not only have I been out-aged because no hip designer will create clothes for me, but now I've been out-sized by an ever-increasing "medium to plus-sized" population (I think this is only in my immediate area because I know they still sell 4's elsewhere.) But still!
LadyAngora
4 months ago
24 comments
i'm in my late 20's and i have found this same frustration... it seems that clothing is either too young or too old. i tend to find my best clothing at this amazing thrift store. you can find almost anything there, and when you can mix-n-match, you can come up with some pretty cool combinations, without looking like you're dressing too young, and without looking like you're wearing your mother's clothes. i can't find variety like that in any department store, and you really can't beat the price.
Insanitek
4 months ago
302 comments
I'm in my twenties, but I feel the same way.
AJaneChambers
4 months ago
320 comments
It is difficult to find the balance between "mutton dressed as lamb" and matronly. (I'm also in my 40s.) Thanks for bringing attention to the issue.