Over 50--where do you buy clothes?

[Anonymous]

Everything looks too young for me and my new middle-aged body. I gained a lot of weight in my 40s and am now a 12-14. I don't know at all how to dress for this body type, so I run around in my exercise clothes all day (I work at home). I literally have nothing nice to wear and decline social invitations as a result. If you lare about 50 and, like me, have some weight to lose, where do you buy clothes? I was always a conservative (preppy) dresser, but even Talbots looks wrong on me now. Thanks for advice!

[Anonymous]

Coldwater Creek.

[Anonymous]

I am in your boat OP. I'm trying to lose weight now. I just buy all black. I like how it looks. I order either from the Chadwick's catalog or buy designer items on sale at TJ Max. I used to be good looking and really buff. Now I'm just middle-aged and dumpy. I skipped a wedding because I had nothing that looked good on me. I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit, and I refuse to buy a whole wardrobe of fat clothes.

[Anonymous]

I am about your size and age, and have exactly the same problem, but unfortunately not many answers.

I shop some at Talbots, but I agree, it doesn't look right anymore. I like Chico's for basic tanks and sleeveless shells for underneath suits (the cut is generous and covers shoulders etc.), but their other stuff is cheap-looking and old-lady IMO.

For dresses, I've had moderate success at Travelsmith.com, of all places. Occasionally, Northstyle.com has some nice things, as does Norm Thompson. All of those places tend towards frumpy/matronly though so I try to be very selective/careful.

My sister swears by The Territory Ahead, Orvis, and White House Black Market, but I haven't found anything there.

Sometimes Macy's has some good things. Their Alfani line is good for me. Lord & Taylor is good for dresses.

[Anonymous]

Now is the time to buy a few classic pieces so stay away from Coldwater Creek and Chicos. IMO, their stuff screams older and heavy and trying to hide it. Buy good quality, non-trendy items. Get a few well-made straight skirts. A few classic tops. A couple of simple dresses. Accessorize with basic, real jewelry. None of that Chicos costume stuff.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 16:13. Now is the time to spend actual $ on well-fitted pieces with -structure- (such as precise shoulders, lining, darts, etc).

Now, with a soft body veering toward dumpy, is NOT the time to wear drapey, flowy tunics made from cheap jersey. Or wide leg palazzo pants. J Jill, Coldwater, ... not a friend to your new body.

I have had luck finding attractive, even cute, structured clothing in size 14 at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. But be forewarned: this stuff is not cheap.

[Anonymous]

Cache. They have great sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Now is the time to buy a few classic pieces so stay away from Coldwater Creek and Chicos. IMO, their stuff screams older and heavy and trying to hide it. Buy good quality, non-trendy items. Get a few well-made straight skirts. A few classic tops. A couple of simple dresses. Accessorize with basic, real jewelry. None of that Chicos costume stuff.

Where?

Where?

WHERE?

[Anonymous]

IMO, it's not about where, it's about brand, quality and style. Look at the Lauren dresses - classic, sleek lines. Some of the Tahari suits and dresses are classic. Check out Rizik's in Dupont Circle. There is also a great consignment store in Old Town Alexandria called Encore.

[Anonymous]

Eileen fisher. Hands down, imo! There is one in montgomery mall that I know of. I am sure there are more locations elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eileen fisher. Hands down, imo! There is one in montgomery mall that I know of. I am sure there are more locations elsewhere.

The flowy, draping look is very old lady and I would avoid it.

[Anonymous]

Agree; there is no reason that a size 14 (vs. a size 22W) needs to be wearing that drapey look that instantly adds 20 pounds.

I would, however, wear the Eileen Fisher Foldover Crepe skirt 3x a week with Spanx.

http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/Petite/ShopByItem/Skirts_And_Dresses/PRD_SBTK-S1739M/FoldOver+Short+Skirt+in+Washable+Stretch+Crepe.jsp

[Anonymous]

I have bought a couple of Calvin Klein dresses lately that fit me well and don't look ridiculous. I wear a size 8.

[Anonymous]

I'm 50 and was inching toward the size 14 mark, but recently gave up carbs and cut my portion size, added an exercise routine and slimmed back down to a size 10.

I really like Garnet Hill (catalogue and not cheap) and contrary to a PP, have found nice things at JJill. True, avoid the baggy, flowing things. JJill's more fitted things and a lot of their dresses are really flattering. I also recently discovered the catalogue Boden, which has really nice dresses as well.

[Anonymous]

OP again. I appreciate the suggestions! I have never been a department store shopper -- too overwhelming. but I guess that's where I'd have to look for some of the recommended brands. Can anybody recommend a personal shopper or tell me what section of Nordstrom's or Macy's to look in?