I love the ss catalog -it’s kind of my aesthetic. I will say the few items I bought (in my late 30s or 40s) did not fit well, too loose and or boxy. I was able to alter one to fit my form better, the other could not be helped. I am fit and like form-fitting clothes (not tight, but I’ve got a nice shape and I like to wear clothes that flatter it)

I was raised by a preppy clothing-controlling mom who likes to wear her clothes a little big and loose. I slutted out clothing-wise as soon as I got to college. My clothes aren’t her style, but she doesn’t bother me about it or comment on it. Though she does always want to look in Talbots and offers to buy me clothes from there.

I let my kids wear what they want even though I don’t care for some of their style choices. I do wonder why the preppy one won’t dress sluttier but that’s her choice.

No, the clothes are not for 30/40/even 50 somethings.

But their bamboo sheets are amazing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, your mom is probably just trying to help. But soft surroundings is for the older (55+), goddess size woman. The emphasis on "soft" is for older women 60+ because as you age your skin is much more delicate, so it is more comfortable when soft. Unless you are goddess size, this is too old for you. But if you like it ...

NP - I've never heard the term "goddess size" before, but what a lovely way to put it.

So older women need softer clothes because their skin gets more sensitive - is that what you're saying? I am just in my 40s now, and my mom (in her 70s) never mentioned this to me. I def have noticed that she's moved toward "softer" clothes as she's gotten older, though - I think of it as artsy stuff. Like $250 tunics with jagged hems, and parachute pants with pockets that go so far down on the legs you can't actually use them.

My mom is 70 and she has migrated to “soft clothes” due to a breast cancer surgery, a shoulder replacement and arthritis in her hands. She struggles with stiff clothes and some zippers and buttons. Some of it might be due to sensitive skin, but it’s also about a declining ability to dress themselves, as sad as that is.

Soft Surroundings is totally marketed at the 55+ crowd, similar to Chicos and Sundance.

I’m 44 and I follow bloggers like Motherchic and The Mom Edit. Those are both decent sources of what a non-frumpy 40ish mom who cares about style and isn’t chasing toddlers wears.

OP, my mom is JUST LIKE THIS. And has been for years. She hated that I wore form fitting clothes for my teens and 20s, and that I continue to wear on trend and sometimes sexy clothes in my 30s and 40s. And like you, I'm in great shape (size 0 or 2) and enjoy fashion. She also doesn't think I should color my hair or wear it long (she thinks I should get a practical short cut), wear jewelry or makeup, etc.

It's ALL about her. She is overweight and uncomfortable with her body. She was raised by a super religious mother who taught her to feel shame and guilt about her body and she projects that on to me. I feel bad for her and I encourage her to wear clothes that are comfortable for her, but I don't do what she tells me. I try to just ignore her but I will admit that occasionally I wear something that I know she'll hate just to sort of remind her I can. It is a little petty but it also just helps me mentally to resist her pushing.

That said... I actually don't hate all the Soft Surroundings stuff? I mean most of it I wouldn't buy and I don't like how any of it is styled, but a few of the dresses and skirts I could see fitting into my closet. I do like knit dresses, but I tend to wear them belted and with heeled boots and great jewelry, not loose and draped with a scarf, lol.

When I turned 40 my mom gave me a gift card to J.Jill and I was so annoyed. Luckily they sell shoes and I found a couple pairs of Superga sneakers to buy.

My very stylish 30s cousin buys things there.

That line of thinking is hogwash.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Its like JJill but more middle class. And huge. Like a blanket.

Great description. I'm chunky and wear jjill summer linen stuff, but their winter stuff is pretty blankety. The soft surroundings stuff looks like a cheaper version.

This is the PP who'd never heard the term goddess sized before - is J Jill more upper class or lower class than Soft Surroundings? Where do these relate to Eileen Fischer? (EF is the ur-version of these clothes, right?)

Anonymous wrote:OP, your mom is probably just trying to help. But soft surroundings is for the older (55+), goddess size woman. The emphasis on "soft" is for older women 60+ because as you age your skin is much more delicate, so it is more comfortable when soft. Unless you are goddess size, this is too old for you. But if you like it ...

NP - I've never heard the term "goddess size" before, but what a lovely way to put it.

So older women need softer clothes because their skin gets more sensitive - is that what you're saying? I am just in my 40s now, and my mom (in her 70s) never mentioned this to me. I def have noticed that she's moved toward "softer" clothes as she's gotten older, though - I think of it as artsy stuff. Like $250 tunics with jagged hems, and parachute pants with pockets that go so far down on the legs you can't actually use them.

Anonymous wrote:They are soft and flouncy and often with elastic waists for a reason- menopausal women with expanding midriffs.

or recovering from knee replacement surgery.

They are soft and flouncy and often with elastic waists for a reason- menopausal women with expanding midriffs.

If you’re a size 2 these clothes won’t fit you even if you like them.

Anonymous wrote:These are what I call ‘catalog clothes’.

Like Boston Proper? That's the ultimate "catalog clothing."

Anonymous wrote:Oh yeah, PP again...I *love* White House Black Market. Check it out if you haven't already done so.

WHBM is owned by chico's and is their "professional" line...that might make OP's mom happy.

Soft surroundings is geared towards women going through menopause. And that can be a huge age range.

Ugh, Im 56 and no way would I wear anything from them outside of the house. Their robes look comfy, but that is it as the clothes are oddly “ themed”. Stick with black house white market.