Guy here: Paul Stuart, Neiman-Marcus, and ... EBay for dress clothes. For casual clothes, REI, Filson, Patagonia. North Face, JCrew, and EBay.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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!

Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's, on-line. Talbots would look wrong on anyone at age 50.

Why would Talbots look wrong on anyone at age 50? I wear it and am 50. Oh no! Is everybody laughing at me!?!

Nope, I'm not laughing at you, because that is also MY favorite store. Plenty of classic styles and clothes fit well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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!

Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's, on-line. Talbots would look wrong on anyone at age 50.

Why would Talbots look wrong on anyone at age 50? I wear it and am 50. Oh no! Is everybody laughing at me!?!

Nope. I was just in Talbots. I'm 52. I was the youngest customer in the store. Some years are hits Andrea others misses for me there.

There are a number of non-frumpy things at Talbots and they run 30 percent off specials often. I have bought a couple of things for my 24 year old DD from there during great sales that she loves--an Audrey sweater, pajamas, and a light coat with a black, white and pink animal print. Also, the Beauty and Fashion forum recently has had several rave reviews for their five pocket jeggings and curvy jeans, especially the former.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I don't understand the brand either.

What are those? Shoes for club feet?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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!

Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's, on-line. Talbots would look wrong on anyone at age 50.

Why would Talbots look wrong on anyone at age 50? I wear it and am 50. Oh no! Is everybody laughing at me!?!

Nope. I was just in Talbots. I'm 52. I was the youngest customer in the store. Some years are hits Andrea others misses for me there.

Anonymous wrote: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

I would never wear spandex to work.

I'm a guy and get a lot of my clothes from REI and Walmart. When I need a suit I go to Marshalls and take it to a tailor. I don't know where my wife gets most of her clothes. She occasionally picks up things at Value Village. She sometimes gets nice jackets for work for $7 each.

I frequent the boutique stores owned my women in their 50. Wild wood shopping center in Bethesda has 3 or 4 of them. The sales people can help you put together an outfit or two. I started shopping last season and bought a few pieces and a great pair of shoes. Rinse and repeat for each season. The sales people helped me pull together a mix of tops, skirts, pants, and sweaters that I can mix and match; dress up or down. This year I've found that I'm buying less. For example I wanted a white long sleeve blouse to wear last weekend. I already had the pants and boots from last season.

The PP that mentioned this is not cheap is correct. Well constructed clothing looks good on because it's well made. That comes at a price. I love the way I look in these clothes so I'm willing to spend the money.

Vince clothing is flattering. Many of their cuts are forgiving in the middle area and are structured yet comfortable. They are minimalist in design so you won't look frumpy. Not cheap but you'll often see sales. A lot of their clothing can be worn year round. Dresses are great. Good luck! You'll find a good selection at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales online. Plus they are stocked at places like Neiman Marcus Last Call. I think those are made for the outlet so the fabric may not be as nice as what you'll find on sale at the regular stores. But that doesn't always matter as in some colors it's not noticeable.

50, New York and Company, Kohls, Macy's, Dress Barn, and sometimes *gasps* Chicos.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Nordstrom and Bloomies, but what brands?

JCrew and MM LaFleur. Basically, places that will mail it to me.

I don't know. I just looked at the online Eileen Fisher clothes, and they all look like prison garb.

Value Village and Costco! (OK, I'm a guy, so it's easy)