Only read if you are a female in your 40s

[KarenB]

Are you having trouble finding clothing that fits your age? I really like the newest styles, those cute little tops and camis (saw some really cute ones in American Eagle today), but I feel I am getting a bit too old to wear them. I don't want to look like my college age, DSs' friends when they are home. Then on the other hand, I go into stores like Christopher and Banks and everything looks so frumpy and old.

Where do you shop that meets this stage of our lives? I am a teacher with a pretty "anything goes but use common sense" dress code. In the summer, although I don't live near the beach , I like the clothing I wear when we are visiting there and I am always outside walking or bike riding.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Karen

 

[Michelle67]

I hate everything I see in stores that is "appropriate" for my age group. Not too fond of the stuff I see for my 18 year old daughter's age group either. Thankfully, I'm a SAHM right now and I can kick around in my Levis and T shirts all week long.

 

[HARASW]

I turned 40 in April. I find that Talbots has very age appropriate clothing for us.

 

[KarenB]

I turned 40 in April. I find that Talbots has very age appropriate clothing for us.

Someone just PM'd me about Talbots outlet. I live in a ****** little town and the closest one is probably at least an hour from here, but it may be worth the drive.
Thanks!

 

[suzimar57]

agree here that the clothing for 40+ (50 here...) is frumpy, at best

lucky i can pass for much younger - able to wear the capris, t-shirts and jeans yet still look ok, not "dated"

there will come a time, though, when i'm going to have to venture beyond the junior and miss department at kohls and target....

maybe when i'm 60?!

 

[wvdisluv2]

Where the heck DO we shop????!!!! It does seem like every store is geared towards teenagers or "older" ladies (I'm quickly approaching "older" ladies I guess ) I kinda like the Coldwater Creek stuff, but GEEZ! it is pricey!
It drove my teenage son crazy that I used to buy jeans at Pac Sun (his favorite store) but then they discontinued the "Tilt" jeans. I should mention that I'm a GIANT at 5'11 and need a 36" inseam.

 

[breezy1077]

I turned 40 in April. I find that Talbots has very age appropriate clothing for us.

I was just going to post the same thing - except I turn 40 a little later this year. I love Talbot's, and they have great sales. I usually buy when the clothes are 50-70% off for next season.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'm no help.

If it's cute, I'll buy it. Tank tops, camis, capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, shorts, cute shoes and boots.


I love trendy clothes. Just because I turned 40 in January, doesn't mean I have to dress like my mother or grandmother.

 

[kinntj]

I love Talbots, Ann Taylor, and J Jill. More conservative, but stylish and not old looking.

 

[clh2]

I'm in this age range. I about puked the last time i was in Kohl's, so did my 14 YO DD. The clothes for us people in our fabulous 40's are dreadful.

I have a lot of luck at Coldwater Creek. Granted at full price, Ifind them expensive. But when they have great sales...please get out of my way, I have shopping to do! I love their jeans at Coldwater creek, and I find many things I can wear to work! The dress I got for my DD's confirmation cost me $15!

 

[joycepa]

I really like New York & Co. BTW, I'm turning the big 4-0 in September

 

[coolbeans]

Ann Taylor Loft!

 

[KarenB]

agree here that the clothing for 40+ (50 here...) is frumpy, at best

lucky i can pass for much younger - able to wear the capris, t-shirts and jeans yet still look ok, not "dated"

there will come a time, though, when i'm going to have to venture beyond the junior and miss department at kohls and target....

maybe when i'm 60?!

Yeah, I am on the upswing of 50 and I can get away with some younger styles. I love the longer shorts including the "beachy, linen" looking ones that have a tie near the knee. Did that make any sense what so ever?? I can even wear a few of the cute shirts.

However, body parts seem to be dropping and widening near the hips. Just can't get control of this extra 5 pounds.

Karen

 

[breezy1077]

I love Talbots, Ann Taylor, and J Jill. More conservative, but stylish and not old looking.

Oooo yes, I forgot about Ann Taylor.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Someone just PM'd me about Talbots outlet. I live in a ****** little town and the closest one is probably at least an hour from here, but it may be worth the drive.
Thanks!

You can check out the styles by looking on line.

I also like LL Bean and Lands End. But not all their stuff. Some of it is just too frumpy also.

Another good one is Coldwater Creek. There is a decent mix of items and they have an outlet section on their website.

 

[KarenB]

I'm no help.

If it's cute, I'll buy it. Tank tops, camis, capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, shorts, cute shoes and boots.


I love trendy clothes. Just because I turned 40 in January, doesn't mean I have to dress like my mother or grandmother.

I love that stuff and really never thought a lot about it until this year. As I mentioned in another reply, my body is shifting (although I am 5-4, 119 lbs) and I am loosing the good self esteem I had just a year ago about my body image.

 

[Christine]

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.

 

[KarenB]

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.

I hear ya with the settling and the clinginess. Ugh-what happened??? I looked at J Jill on line and saw some cute things.

 

[wowsmom]

he he I just bought a pair of shoes at Target...wore them to my 5th grade son's promotion yesterday and one of his classmates was wearing the same shoes!

I did find some nice stuff at Macy's last week - don't know if you have one near you.

 

[kinntj]

I hear ya with the settling and the clinginess. Ugh-what happened??? I looked at J Jill on line and saw some cute things.

I only buy a few pieces from J Jill. Most of my clothes are a mix of Talbots and Ann Taylor when I can afford it. I do get clothes from Penney's, Target, and Kohls when I have a tight budget. Most of those clothes are kicking around the house clothing.