Women Over Fifty—Dowdy is Dead!
I happened across an article in USA Today that addresses much of the frustration many of us feel when attempting to find a new outfit that flatters our figure and lifts our mood. These days, this feat isn’t so easy to achieve.
Although I tend towards casually conservative clothing, preferring tailored jackets paired with pants, I do want something that’s got some pizzazz and is relatively stylish. It seems that retailers can’t quite hit the mark for many of us boomers. Styles tend to be either frumpy and outdated, or too young and way out. And some of the higher end brands that might fit the bill are so expensive that many of us cringe when we read the price tag. It may well be a sign of age, but I just can’t see spending $600 and upwards on a jacket I might only wear for a very few special occasions.
Plus, often times, the clothes don’t fit my postmenopausal shape. I don’t know about you, but my middle is mounting a substantial presence. My pear shape is morphing into an apple and this transformation is making waistbands a thing of the past.
So what’s a girl to do? Well, it seems that retailers are finally getting the message and realizing that boomer women are a huge economic force. Although recent downturns are hitting many of us hard, we still have more spending clout than other age demographics and we retain our “forever young” spirit. Talbots, Ann Taylor, Bloomingdale’s and other ready-to-wear emporiums are, at long last, seeing the light and shifting their fashion focus to address our needs. Dowdy is dead—or, at the least, it looks like the drab days are numbered. A welcome and long awaited passing, I might add.
In fact, your next outfit might be one that actually flatters, fits, and makes you feel like the sexy, with-it, fabulous, and feisty gal you know you are. We boomers are just getting started on the second season in life and we need a wardrobe to match our indomitable spirit and style. Glory hallelujah—it’s about time!
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March 21st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I enjoyed reading this….however, I am one of those over 50 ladies who still wears size 4-6 and have to balance the ability to wear all the latest styles that were created with 20 year olds in mind with the fact that I AM over 50 and don’t want to look like a “hoochie-mama” wanna be.
Being over 50….and peri-menopausal….doesn’t have to mean that we are pears or apples….some of are still sport our ‘pencil thin’ figures but we want to look stylish…not silly. Just because nobody believes I’m over 50 doesn’t mean I push the envelope and wear things I shouldn’t…and, I don’t think I’m alone. There are other size 4-6 ladies out there who were born in 1955, I’m sure! I just wanted to put a ’shout out’ on this blog on behalf of us over 50 “babes” who can easily pass for a physically toned 30-something….without lumps, bumps or surgical enhancements!!
Though I didn’t PLAN to be wearing a size 4 (or 6) at 53 years of age….I do….and find that I still have to choose my clothes carefully….And I had to do the same thing when I was 16….it’s all good!
50 is the new 30…
Girlie-girl
October 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
My sister left me a ton of clothes that she bought from Ann Taylor, the Loft (sizes 4-6). I almost have a whole new wardrobe because of it. They’re not dowdy at all, and in fact, my twenty-something daughters like them. Though they’re pretty expensive, I find they fit my changing curves much better. However, to get me out their stores, they’re going to have to get down into my budget!
KJ
http://nanadiaries.com
September 27th, 2008 at 10:58 am
The masthead I designed for you looks great!!!!!!! I love the whole new look to the site! It’s so FEISTY, lol.
I am so right there with you in regards to how designers see women over forty and over a size 2!
Hello! Designers! Get a Clue!! Women over forty are a force to be reckoned with, with ample disposable income for a good wardrobe. Just remember, we are older and wiser and not only do we have more insurance, we have more sense than to spend a fortune on fashions that last only one season so treat us with the respect we deserve and keep your prices reasonable!
Take a clue from Hollywood – even Tinsel Town has begun to realize that Baby Boomer Women are a huge market and a force to be reckoned with!! Look at the success and the “legs” on the movie Mamma Mia! Look at how many new, and very popular, television shows are starring actresses over 40 (Lipstick Jungle, Desperate Housewives etcetera), Sally Field, Candace Bergen and others are not just backup anymore, they’re featured players with story lines centered around their characters!
So, you fashionistas, wake up and start draping those fabrics for the new “Hot Women” – The baby boomer women! Put some snap, style and punch into your lines! The new “young” is “boomer”! The new “black” is “tie dye”!
September 27th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Your masthead is fabulous!! Love the colors.
As our estrogen decreases, our testosterone increases, and where do men gain their weight??? In their mid-section. This is why we change from pears to apples. I guess after menopause we just turn into little men! LOL
I get frustrated shopping. I am not a fan of the frumpy, maternal look, nor am I in to the maternity look, though it would be a compliment at my age if anyone asks if I was pregnant. I am ready to pay whatever price for garments that are flattering,stylish, and comfortable. I don’t think I spend $600 in an entire year on clothes.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Eileen,
I’m still waiting for Ann Taylor Stores to make good on a promise to reach out and clothe baby boomer women—who come in all shapes and sizes. I haven’t seen a six 4 or 6 in a VERY LONG time and the last time I checked, their clothes didn’t go higher than a size 12.
I can’t believe some clothing manufacturer can’t see the true value in making clothes just for us.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Love the new look Eileen! How wonderful to see your smiling face. Whoever designed the template did an excellent job.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Eileen,
I say spring for the $600 jacket. I would.