Only read if you are a female in your 40s

[Stella3]

I definitely haven't let myself go but I can definitely see that I look silly in some things now. I just do. I am not saying all over-40 women do. But I do. I don't really know why either. I certainly am far from dressing matronly, but I don't wear things that tie in the back with a bow, I don't wear poofy, short sleeves anymore, and my days of booty shorts are over.

My co-worker is 50 years old, looks 40, is in great shape and is tiny, tiny, not an ounce of fat on her. All of 5'2" and 100 lbs. She can pull off most anything. She wears a lot of great, cute stuff from J. Crew, BCBG, Ann Taylor. Both my other co-worker and I agree (we are in our 40s) that we couldn't pull off those outfits that she does. We're too "big" at 5'7" and 5'8" and we just have a different look. (Not saying I can't wear J. Crew, just not the same things she does).

I really think you've got to find things that are appropriate for your body type. It's not totally an age thing but age does matter to some degree and you have to evolve with that.

True, but to say that someone must not be educated or polished enough to know the difference is just rude beyond BELIEF! I think booty short and mini skirts are something most 40 somethings know to forgo, but capris and form fitting tops can look chic and fabulous on that set!

 

[KarenB]

I also have to agree with a previous poster about your location and what you wear. If I am at the beach, I certainly feel more comfortable wearing "less" clothing and trendier styles. Once back home, not quite as comfortable. I guess it shouldn't matter......

 

[Anne34]

I've been doing a lot of Talbots and Ann Taylor shopping this year. The Ann Taylor stuff is cute, yet sophisticated but not old looking.

Coldwater Creek is just not for me. Everytime I walk into the store, I'm the youngest one there (and I'm 44). Their tops are boxy. Don't get me wrong, a few years ago I bought many things from them but I think they've gotten "older" and their fit is no longer good if you are thin.

I do like some of the younger styles but I have found that they are very clingy. I have not gained weight but things are, ahem, settling more around my waist. Unfortunately, I was raised during a time where you were taught never to flaunt your bad features. So I just CANNOT wear a T-shirt or polo that clings to my flab.

Totally agree with ya!! I just turned 40 in March and some of the styles remind me of maternity clothes !!! BTDT and not going back!! I love Ann Taylor loft and dislike Coldwater Creek for the same reason -- big and boxy -- I usually wear a size 10 and their clothes fit me really strangely.

 

[Va-bear]

Ann Taylor Loft!

MAJOR ditto - and they have such great sales!!! If you sign up online they also send out specials - I bought 2 pr of pants this weekend w/ my 30% coupon this weekend.

 

[tigmom]

Where did you get the 30% coupon? I get the catalog and the various offers with it, but I haven't seen a 30% off coupon lately. Is it a promo code from a magazine? Is it something that you can share with others (the code)? Thanks.

 

[kimmar067]

....I ran to JC Penny the other day and I was passing thru' the Womens' Dept. - Nicole Miller has some really nice stuff, a little bit pricey, but not matronly at all - very 'hip'.....

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Please everyone....consider yourselves lucky that you can FIND things that fit! I am 6'1 and can find my best fit in the men's dept. Try to be stylish there!!

I can buy women's clothing from Eddie Bauer (the only store I have found that has tall tops as well as pants. I need a 34 or 36 inseam and have very broad shoulders.

T-shirts and jeans suit me just fine, thanks... and if anyone cares they can look the other way. Sorry to disappoint the fashion police!

 

[kimmar067]

Please everyone....consider yourselves lucky that you can FIND things that fit! I am 6'1 and can find my best fit in the men's dept. Try to be stylish there!!

I can buy women's clothing from Eddie Bauer (the only store I have found that has tall tops as well as pants. I need a 34 or 36 inseam and have very broad shoulders.

T-shirts and jeans suit me just fine, thanks... and if anyone cares they can look the other way. Sorry to disappoint the fashion police!

....you'll get no argument from ME - one's gotta do what one's gotta do....