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.
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.
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!"
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.
Different stores in my area cater to a different group.
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
Last edited by PrincessSophia; 03-08-2012 at 04:24 PM.
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).
Berry, please tell me you don't think I'm an old lady at 57! This clothes thing is quite tricky.
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'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).
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.
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:
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.
Dressing for your age
