There is no doubt about it: The fashion industry caters to younger women. Models tend to be in their teens and early 20s. The few older women who continue to model designer lines are those who have made themselves famous in other venues as well.
Some designers produce more clothes that are friendly to a wider range of body types. Diane von Furstenberg and Liz Claiborne are among the lines that are more wearable as women get older. Shop the department stores that have a wide range of choices to find the designers that best suit you.
Fashion Pitfalls for the Woman Over 50
One of the wardrobe problems for all women as they age is that they get trapped in one time period. Although fashions do repeat themselves, they also get made over with different fabrics and cuts. Therefore, not everything that was in your wardrobe in the '70s may be usable today, if it even fits. Another problem is finding one thing that works and then repeating it endlessly in your wardrobe. This was well-illustrated by the character of Marie on the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond: She is seen in every episode in a different dark floral top with black pants.
Choosing the New Trends that Are Right for Your Age
The extreme fashions sometimes seen on young girls are not easily duplicated by older women, but they can be easily modified. Don't care for the blouse with ruffles all the way down the front? Choose one with ruffles just at the collar and the cuff. Bold print dresses can be tamed with a monochromatic jacket adorned with a narrow belt. Swap the leg-hugging skinny pant for one that tapers. Instead of a blouse or dress inspired by the lingerie look, pick a blouse with a conservative cut yet made of satin and with lace detailing.
Can women wear jeans in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond? Absolutely. Jeans with the trouser cut are much more comfortable and appealing than some of the alternative styles. Darker shades of jeans are generally more slimming and age-appropriate. Avoid jeans with any embellishments such as rhinestones, and keep any stitching on the back pockets simple. Some popular choices are the French Dressing Jeans or Not Your Daughter's Jeans lines.
The Accessory Advantage for the Older Woman
One area in fashion that more mature women do better than younger women is accessories. Big, chunky jewelry on a young lady looks like she is playing dress-up. Older women can wear fun, funky pieces, showy faux items, or even the real thing without looking foolish. The same thing goes for bags. Anyone can pull off a small evening bag on a night out, but a large satchel can make younger women look like they are on their way to the library. While cutting-edge fashion in clothing may have to be toned down as you age, up-to-date accessories help balance the look and announce that you are still a modern woman. Plus, they make great conversation pieces.
Finding fashion forward wardrobe pieces as you get older should not be so hard. Find a few designers who you like and trust, modify the current trends, and don't forget to live it up in your accessories.
Some designers produce more clothes that are friendly to a wider range of body types. Diane von Furstenberg and Liz Claiborne are among the lines that are more wearable as women get older. Shop the department stores that have a wide range of choices to find the designers that best suit you.
Fashion Pitfalls for the Woman Over 50
One of the wardrobe problems for all women as they age is that they get trapped in one time period. Although fashions do repeat themselves, they also get made over with different fabrics and cuts. Therefore, not everything that was in your wardrobe in the '70s may be usable today, if it even fits. Another problem is finding one thing that works and then repeating it endlessly in your wardrobe. This was well-illustrated by the character of Marie on the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond: She is seen in every episode in a different dark floral top with black pants.
Choosing the New Trends that Are Right for Your Age
The extreme fashions sometimes seen on young girls are not easily duplicated by older women, but they can be easily modified. Don't care for the blouse with ruffles all the way down the front? Choose one with ruffles just at the collar and the cuff. Bold print dresses can be tamed with a monochromatic jacket adorned with a narrow belt. Swap the leg-hugging skinny pant for one that tapers. Instead of a blouse or dress inspired by the lingerie look, pick a blouse with a conservative cut yet made of satin and with lace detailing.
Can women wear jeans in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond? Absolutely. Jeans with the trouser cut are much more comfortable and appealing than some of the alternative styles. Darker shades of jeans are generally more slimming and age-appropriate. Avoid jeans with any embellishments such as rhinestones, and keep any stitching on the back pockets simple. Some popular choices are the French Dressing Jeans or Not Your Daughter's Jeans lines.
The Accessory Advantage for the Older Woman
One area in fashion that more mature women do better than younger women is accessories. Big, chunky jewelry on a young lady looks like she is playing dress-up. Older women can wear fun, funky pieces, showy faux items, or even the real thing without looking foolish. The same thing goes for bags. Anyone can pull off a small evening bag on a night out, but a large satchel can make younger women look like they are on their way to the library. While cutting-edge fashion in clothing may have to be toned down as you age, up-to-date accessories help balance the look and announce that you are still a modern woman. Plus, they make great conversation pieces.
Finding fashion forward wardrobe pieces as you get older should not be so hard. Find a few designers who you like and trust, modify the current trends, and don't forget to live it up in your accessories.
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