Dressing for your age
 

I only shop at places like TJMaxx and Marshalls, especially while losing weight, so all the clothing there ranges in taste and age ranges. What I'm noticing and I've been noticing it for awhile is that there is really young stuff and old lady stuff. It's like between 35-55 there is not much fun stuff. Clothes either look too young on you and you look ridiculous or clothes are so old looking it ages you.

I was window shopping for spring the last couple days and I found it very discouraging. So many summer dresses especially are WAY young. Anyone else seeing this? What exactly are 40 plus year old supposed to wear in spring/summer?

I'm in my 30's but I seem to have found a lot of inexpensive dresses to wear since I love them so much. When I'm looking for a special occasion, I go to Ann Taylor Loft, The Limited, or White House Black Market.

For regular daily dresses, Target has a bunch:

http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/...65x265_pad.jpg

http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/...65x265_pad.jpg

http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/...65x265_pad.jpg

http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/...65x265_pad.jpg

re:
 

I hear you. I'm 42 - same issue. I think places that are like Macy's probably have stuff (but not cheap). Kohl's, if you have those, may have stuff. I'm a big fan of Lands End and LLBean online.

You're right though, I don't know many walk in stores that cater to the over 30 yet not retired crowd.

If you find any good ones, let us know for sure!

.

Yup. I notice that too. I figure it's because that's the busy bracket and stuff sells out fast at the main dept store, so it doesn't always make it on over to the discount places.

Different stores in my area cater to a different group. Like the Ross near the hospital district with a lot of career women have a MUCH better my age dress section than the one over by my house. That seems to serve a younger crowd. Then the one by the old babies r us was competing so THAT was the Ross to hit for maternity.

So... explore the same store in other areas of your town. And maybe think about investing a bit and hitting the larger dept stores too. I like Macy's and I remember in my early 30's when I gave myself an allowance promotion.

I'd been a student/young married 20's so long with the tiny budget to match the age...

I eventually realized... "HEY! I make more money now! It's nice to get on sale but I can also bump up my allowance! And this is not a horrible thing to do!"

A.

I can recommend jcpenney. I think it has better selection than Kohl's.

And I love nordstrom but I have to wait when I reach my goal (it will cost me a lot to do alteration for all my Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Karen Kane dresses).

I like the stuff from Lands End, and also from Athletica. One criteria I have is that shirts need to be long enough that I can raise my arms without showing off my less-than-attractive midriff. Lands End not only has classy clothes for every day wear, but a nice line of athletic clothes including tunic tees that are long enough to fit this criteria. And Athletica is one of the few athletic gear companies that offers plus sizing that I have found and I like the looks of their stuff. I rarely find anything I like AND can fit into in the local malls.

that is why I prefer to shop online. I think most stores have a free shipping option and you can always return anything to a local store (or it has a free shipping to your local store like Walmart and JCPenney).

Usually, I order 2-3 sizes and try it at home. And it saves you time and efforts and it is easy to find promotions too - I always google for promotions or coupons before submit my order

Berry, please tell me you don't think I'm an old lady at 57! This clothes thing is quite tricky. :)

Lands End material seems icky to me and their fit is off. I like the look on the hanger, but every time I try something on, I don't like it. Like their crotch hangs low or the armholes seem off, but mostly, I don't like the material for women's clothes.

Now, I like LLBean's stuff, but they are pricey AND I've noticed their proportions don't fit me in pants. The waist is tiny and the hips are generous. I need either a bigger waist or a less generous hip. They fit my mother in law perfectly, but she is big in the bottom and small in the waist.

Designers that seem to fit my body are Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg (I have landed a couple pieces of hers cheap at a secondhand store and outlet store), and Tahari (some of it).

I never go to the mall, but I probably should check it out.

As far as Target goes, every time I go I think their stuff looks cute, but it wears terribly. They lose their shape quickly and I swear they stain more easily too.

I've probably turned into a clothes snob over the years. I like high quality clothes made from good materials that are cut well and are finished well. BUT... I don't want to pay the premium prices to get those clothes (which is why I never mall shop).

LOL, no... just that some people at late 50s are starting to wear the more matronly things. I think a lot of that depends on the person. Some people are old at 30.

I would not call it snobbish... I think it is normal when woman like designer clothes. I love them and I can name designers for all my clothes/shoes/bags.

Hey BBB,
I'm almost 45 & here are a few of my favorite shopping sites, great quality too!

http://www.venus.com/products.aspx?B...~&dept=Dresses

Some may think they are spendy, but I say I am worth it! :)
http://www.bostonproper.com/thumbnai...pc/42/c/54.uts

I shop at White House Black Market. -- Their stuff is cut for women, their sales are great. I never buy stuff as they come out.

Talbots. It's pricier than some, but not too bad, and the clothes are all classic and high quality. Personally, I think they suit at just about any age. I know women who shop there in their 20's, 40's, and 70's. It's also really nice that their collections tend to complement each other, so you don't have to worry about finding separates that don't match.

If you're at maintenance, that's where I'd go. Some of my favorites of their spring dresses:

http://talbots.scene7.com/is/image/T...8?$gridViewX3$

http://talbots.scene7.com/is/image/T...6?$gridViewX3$

http://talbots.scene7.com/is/image/T...5?$gridViewX3$

I've noticed too that many stores either have very young or dowdy and not much in between. I'm 48- I want to look professional, show my own personal style, and look current. I'm not trying to pass for 25 but I don't want patterns/colors that make my look like MY grandmothers footstool either.

I have to give my little Macy's speech (because I love Macy's, but less since they lost Liz Claiborne)- go during their big sales, especially the red tag sales, and you can really clean up if you time it right. Of course while in the process of losing, it's still more than we probably really want to pay for something that will fit for maybe a month- but they are definitely worth checking. I've gone into red tag sales and come out with 2 pairs of pants and 3-4 tops for around $70. I can't wait to hit a size and stay there. I haven't shopped Macy's in a while because I feel like I just rent clothes from Goodwill now for $5 a pop, then I donate them back and get smaller.

Ann Taylor, Macy's, JCPenny's, Dillards are my favorite :) My mother and I will window shop all the time at these stores(because they can be a bit expensive unless you find items on sale) and the variety for anyone is unbelievable :) Your so close to your goal and you deserve to splurge. If you know what brands you like then maybe you should try Ebay, since you can get alot of new clothes with the tags still on. And you wouldn't have to pay the premium prices :hug:

Vintage shops are good too, and not to pricey depending on what your buying

re:
 

I think many of us around this age fall in to the danger of relaxed fit jeans. Dare I say it, MOM JEANS!

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why my jeans now are always too tight in the waist and freaking huge on my thighs and back there.

I went to the store over the weekend and found some more "natural" or "traditional" type, where the legs are a bit more fitted. What a difference!

I guess that's part of the mind set too. Being overweight makes me believe the only things that will fit me are "relaxed" when that's simply just not true anymore.

.

if it looks good on you, then it looks good - who cares how "old" it is?

I am in my mid 30's and just now getting to shop in normal clothing stores as an adult. I am shopping Macys clearance at this point, and Good Will but not sure where to find inexpensive casual clothing for a SAHM. Old Navy has great prices, but the shape of their clothing does nothing for me. Target seems ok, but I get better deals at Macys.

Ugh still in weight loss mode, but I am loving window shopping.

I am 43 and have good luck at Penny's with A.N.A and Liz Claiborn stuff. I also like Maurice's ALOT if you have one near you. I thought it was more for teens but I have found tons of things there for me. Marshall's is another favorite but you have to really look hard!

I think most of my Target clothes last 2 years or so. Their dresses are great "daily wear" clothes for my lifestyle because I wear them running errands or running after my four year old.

Express has some great lines, but not in the stores near me. Even my near-60 year old mom buys their pants after seeing a pair on me a few years ago. For work shirts and pants, I go straight to express.com. I have several button-down shirts that have lasted me 15 years!

If you're looking for inexpensive, but not terribly cut, try New York and Co.

Personally, I like the styles a lot at Ann Taylor (seems to go well for my work too) but I haven't had a chance to figure out my size there yet (beyond trying on a few clothes from friends).

I do think you need to try BiuBiu, though. :) At least for dresses/tops.

Have you looked at ebay for some of the brands you love? Calvin Klein also works well for me in terms of pants and I've had some success ordering used clothes online from them. No way can I afford buying anything new from Calvin Klein here, though (pants are around $230 here).

BBB - Totally agree with you, to the word, about Lands End. Something has happened in just the last 5 years (association with Sears, maybe), and I'm done with their stuff. I'm switching over to Eddie Bauer and having good results so far. I also really like Coldwater Creek; we have an outlet store about 40 minutes from me and they have some killer bargains. :)

I've only gotten t-shirts and shorts (and underwear) from Target and t-shirts lose their shape. The shorts were OK (they were plus size). Maybe I'll try again for dresses. I'm used to clothes lasting 3-5 years and I wear them to death. I am hard on clothes though. I do a lot of work around the house, gardening, cooking, baking, so they get a lot of abuse - and I relegate the cheaper clothes (Target) to the hard working stuff.


[/QUOTE]

Which reminds me, it's getting close to gardening time again and I have NO 'yuck' clothes to use for gardening. Might need to find some cheapos at goodwill. So funny to need to buy grubs!

Dressing for your age?????I turn 60 in 2 months NEVER going to do it!!!!! What do you wear when your 60 and I sure don't want to look it!!!!

I say, if you like it then try it on. If it looks good, buy it and wear it. It doesn't matter how old you are. What matters is if you feel good and look good. Now I am not talking about a 60 year old wearing a crop top unless they have a six pack going on. I like to shop at Ross, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Macy's, White House Black Market, Eddie Bauer, Dillards, and Christopher Banks.

I'm almost 38 years old, and I probably dress a little younger than I should. But Hubby likes it when I show some skin, so what's a girl to do. ;)

That said, I am also a mom of two kids, so obviously I don't wear the cleavage shirts and mini skirts when I go to playgroup. lol

For businessy stuff, I like Ann Taylor, too. I don't go to work anymore, but if I need a conservative funeral outfit, that's my go-to place.

For sexy, going out stuff, I like Victoria's Secret. Some of their stuff is more conservative, too, so it's not all va-va-va-voom.

I sometimes shop at the outlets around here, and I'll check out Calvin Klein.

"Now I am not talking about a 60 year old wearing a crop top unless they have a six pack going on."

don't care HOW old one is, nobody has any business topping a muffin with a crop.

I agree no crop top but I am going to sport a bikini not a itty bitty one...but I have worked hard for the defenition i have in my stomach. I use to have 3 sets of rolls and never could wear one as a young person...but yes only at the beach or pool....not the grocery store!

I am 36 and would second Coldwater Creek... I shop online at their outlet and they have great deals. I like their fit, quality and they have some unique pieces in a wide range of sizes. I also shop at Macy's and Ross. I find the stuff from Ross does not last more then a season.

I'm 48 and I shop mostly at Nordstrom Rack. I get name brands for a steal on their clearance racks.

Chrys Dayley

:)Totally love this statement!!! I am 47 and I wear skinny jeans, mini skirts, sleeveless dresses and whatever the heck I like. Age is a number, thats it. I worked hard to be where I am today and will continue to dress as I like, not what "society" decides a woman of a certain age should wear.

I am 41. I have the best luck shopping at Kohl's and Fashion Bug in my area. I live in a rural area and there are a lot of stores with very poor selections around here. The big box stores tend to have plus size clothing that is not very attractive; unless you like wearing cartoon characters or dressing like a grandmother. :dizzy: Lucky for me about half of the time I can fit into an XL in the regular section for a lot of tops, tshirts, blouses, stretchy type clothes, etc. It would usually be a dress, swimwear, jeans, something that calls for a better fit for me to be shopping in the plus size. But, it seems like retailers assume you are old, goofy and/or fashion challenged if you are plus size.

I think I might just put one on too this year, but probably only wear it at the pool at home at first to see how I feel in it and then to the beach.