Many of my readers keep telling me that they can’t find the clothes they are searching for. On the other hand designers have contacted me to give them advice on the kind of clothes for older women that work. What do women over 40 really want to buy?
So I thought it would be a good idea to create the ultimate wishlist of clothes attributes that women over 40 find very important. Perhaps it may inspire designers and will help you all to find the clothes that flatter you and make you smile!
I will start off this list, but please let me know what kind of clothes attributes you are looking for. Which kind of clothes can you not find enough of in the shops? When you think about clothes for older women, what are you really looking for?
These are the kind of clothes attributes I believe women over 40 are looking for
1. Dresses with sleeves
Great dresses with sleeves are not so easy to find and many women over 40 like to cover up their arms.
For summer give us sleeves of all lengths, short, 3/4 and full that are sheer and breezy for warmer weather.
For winter, let’s have some dresses with sleeves that we can wear to look stylish and cover up our arms at our festive parties and events.
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) opts for a white dress with sleeves that end just below her elbows.
Check out these white dresses from COS, H&M and SheIn, sandals and necklace.
You could also try the Grace Karin dress (below) which comes with draped sleeves and is available in white if you want to emulate Greetje’s look, as well as darker shades, pastels and brights. Reviewers say it is unique, elegant and feels soft to wear.
GRACE KARIN 3/4 Ruffle Sleeve Pencil Dress
Also, take a look at this article on the best dresses with sleeves.
2. Drapes on all the right places
A personal favorite. Great drape dresses are flattering to many women as they can cover up their tummy area in very stylish ways, making them a great choice on this list of clothes for older women.
The Karen Kane cascade dress (below) is a firm favorite among stylish 40+ women and comes in black, navy or red. Reviewers say it fits beautifully and is good to dress up or down.
Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress
3. Skirts and dresses of knee length and longer
This is one of the most flattering lengths for women over 40 and we need more choice!
Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her midi skirt and booties.
Check out this similar top, leather jacket, skirt, booties, bag, sunglasses, necklace and earrings.
Check out the best skirt for your body type for more flattering options.
Urban CoCo Basic Elastic Waist A-line Solid Flared Midi Skirt
You might also want to take a look at the best midi dresses for women over 40.
4. Pants with a higher rise
No, we don’t want mum jeans, but jeans that are cut too low just give us muffin tops and are uncomfortable! Plus, high rise pants can make your legs look longer.
Ana @mrsamericanmade above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of on-trend wide pants with a nice high rise.
Steal her look with this similar long sleeve top, high waist pants, booties, earrings and sunglasses.
NYDJ Sculpt-Her™ Pull-On Wide Leg Pants
Read our article on the best pants to hide your tummy.
5. Button down shirts that fit our increasing bust line
A problem with many tops and dresses is that the bust (across the front) is never big enough relative to the shoulder width and the waist.
Retailers could sell clothes with enough room in the front.
Button down shirts are great classic, versatile garments to own, but they are no good when they don’t fit properly and gape at the buttons.
Annette @theladyofstyle above (read her style interview here) chooses a well fitting asymmetric blouse.
Get her look with this similar shirt, pants, sandals, handbag, necklace and earrings.
Everlane The Drapey Square Shirt
6. clothes for older women: Great tunics
Tunics are great for covering up bellies and to wear with skinnies or leggings. We want more stylish, modern, colourful tunics.
Sharryn @thestylishwoman (read her style interview here) opts for a high-low asymmetric top that you could wear with wide pants, leggings or skinny jeans.
Check out this similar tunic top, pants, shoes, handbag, sunglasses and earrings.
7. Affordable clothes in quality fabrics
Although we may have been able to pull of cheaper synthetic fabrics when we were younger, we look much better now with quality fabrics like good cotton, silk, wool, linen for summer, and cashmere for winter.
We need quality fabrics for all sizes!
COS Colorblock Cashmere Cardigan
8. Wider sleeves on coats, blouses and dresses
We get more practical as we get older. Our coats still need to fit over a full outfit, which means the sleeves should be wide enough to accommodate for several layers. The same goes for blouses and dresses; the sleeves need to fit our arms.
Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) opts for a classic, stylish coat that you could easily fit a cozy sweater under for winter.
Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, leather leggings, boots and bag.
9. Mid heel shoes
I already devoted one whole article to this. We need more fashionable mid heel shoes that are comfortable as well as beautiful!
Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above wears a pair of ankle strap sandals with her leopard printed dress.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, belt and sunglasses.
Check out a comprehensive list of the best arch support shoes.
10. Colour
I am often shocked by the vast amount of pure black greeting me in the stores each season. Very few of us will look good with mostly black outfits as they can make you look drained.
Give us more variety in color please.
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above pairs her houndstooth pants with a red coat.
Check out this similar sweater, coat, pants, boots, handbag and beret.
Check out our articles on how to wear color.
11. Fashionable clothing in bigger sizes
Not all of us will maintain a svelte figure, but we still want to look hip and modern.
So please don’t stop producing at size 10! The Nordstrom asymmetric skirt (below) comes in regular and plus sizes.
Nordstrom Cristina Martinez Print Skirt
12. Substantial fabrics
Enough with the tissue-thin cotton and wispy, see-through cashmere! And, even worse, thin leggings that show your underwear. Give us clothes that don’t cling to our bulges or require multiple layers of underclothing to look good.
We would also love to have more classic well-structured dresses.
Sheree @shesheshow above opts for a well-structured, layered outfit.
She is wearing a shirt from Chico’s (another option here) and boots from ALLSAINTS. Complete her look with this similar leggings, cardigan, necklace and earrings.
FLINXE Fleece Lined Tummy Control Leggings
13. Control panels for our tummies
Many of us have soft bellies after pregnancy or just as a result of getting older. We would like a little help in the area bellow the belly button. Jeans, pants or skirts that come with a flattering, inbuilt panel can help to keep everything tucked in.
Tanasha @colorfulheights above wears a pair of bootcut jeans and red accessories.
Check out this similar sweater, jeans, booties, earrings, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
Lee Sculpting Fit Slim Leg Pull on Jeans
Here are more tummy control jeans for you to choose from.
14. Stretch (elastine)
We want to get more comfortable in our clothes and a bit of stretch in our blouses and pants is always welcome to ensure we can get into them easily, they fit well, and keep their shape when we wash them.
Rafaella Supreme Stretch Comfort Fit Pull-On Pants
15. Skirts in something other than a pencil cut
Pencil cut skirts, while sexy, can be uncomfortable and unflattering depending on your bodyshape and size. A-lines, pleats, circles, wraps, dirndls, etc., have all been missing from the scene for a long time.
Catherine @notlamb above (read her style interview here) opts for a pleated maxi skirt.
Get her look with this similar printed top, pleated skirt, flats and sunglasses.
Kate Kasin High Waist Pleated A-Line Swing Skirt
16. Modest V-necks
We like V-necks but we don’t want them cut so low. V-necks are very flattering but many of us don’t like to show a lot of cleavage.
Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above opts for a flattering, on-trend V-neck that stops just above her bust.
Check out this similar blouse, jeans, pumps, handbag, belt and earrings.
17. Show us a variety of models
In addition to all these clothes wishes, show us the clothes on models of different ages, shapes and sizes.
As commenter TC points out, this would ensure higher waists, wider sleeves, more mid-length skirts and lusher fabrics. Just what we all need!
18. Wide enough sleeves
Wide-enough sleeves, not only on coats, but also on blouses, dresses, button-up shirts, etc.
Although I’m fairly small, my arms are no longer thin; most things I try on seem to have sleeves for skinny teenagers’ arms.
Madelyn also mentions that although she wants sleeves, she does not want them to extend past her hands.
Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above wears a sweater with pearl detailing on the arms.
Steal her look with this similar sweater (another option here), skirt, boots, earrings and sunglasses.
IWOLLENCE Waffle Knit Ballon Sleeve Lace Top
19. Breathable fabrics
As we age we get more sensitive to unnatural fabrics. However, it’s getting harder to find clothes in natural fabrics.
The increasing temperatures also make this point more important.
If you need more convincing check out my list of properties of fabrics, why I don’t wear polyester and be sure to read the many comments too.
Alice + Olivia Willa Colorblock Hidden Placket Stretch Silk Top
20. longer length shorts
Lots of shorts in stores are definitely made with teenagers in mind. I would really like shorts that are longer than a few inches, and that are flattering and comfortable.
Melissa @melissabultburns above chooses longer length shorts and shows how you could wear them for evening.
Check out this similar blazer, plaid shorts, boots, belt and clutch.
Amazon Essentials 9″ Denim Mid-Rise Bermuda Shorts
Here are our our tips for the best shorts for women over 40.
21. Versatile underwear in many sizes
Bras, smaller cup, but larger around.. 44B, 46B, 46c. Also no line panties in larger sizes like 2x and 3x. We do not want grannie panties!
ALTHEANRAY No Show Underwear Multi-Pack
22. Shapewear in many varieties and colours
We want shapewear that is comfortable and wearable. It would be great if it came in multiple colors so it would be more fun to wear and we could match it with our bras. That way, we can make sure the rest of the clothes on our clothes for older women list look even better when we wear our shapewear underneath.
SPANX Shapewear for Tummy Control High-Waisted Power Short
23. Hosiery options
We know we’re not supposed to wear nude-colored hose, so we either go bare-legged, and freeze and expose the world to our spider veins, or we wear black tights. How about something different?
But you could also experiment this season as patterned tights are particularly on-trend, and would help to update your favorite little black dress.
Check out our article on how to wear tights for more inspiration.
24. Clothes that meet these requirements but are still hip!
Although some brands cater to these requirements the clothes are often old-fashioned, boring or just don’t have that ‘hip’ ness what we want.
As Mary writes:
Why must older women dress in such boring, unfashionable ways? Why is that deemed more ‘grown-up’? What about creativity and joy and playfulness and even fashion-forwardness? Why must we ‘grow out of’ all that?
It is not that retailers ignore us (M&S caters for Older Women — if you like the kind of dreary stuff older women are supposed to wear), it is that there is such a heavy expectation that women of a certain age must dress in a particular way irrespective of our personalities and wishes.
I am not an age, I am an individual, and if anything I am more individualistic in my dress now than I was when I was young and too worried about what other people might think.
Read our article on how to dress after 40 and still look hip for more inspiration.
What do you think?
These are all the clothes attributes I could come up with sofar, but I’m sure I have forgotten a few. Have I missed anything on my clothes for older women wishes and wants?
So let me know what you would wish to see more of in the shops and I will add it to the wish list! You never know, this list may just get shared amongst designers.
If we want different clothing to what is currently available, we have to let the designers know!
shop some of the items above here:
I look forward to reading your wishes!
Continue reading:
- How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?
- The Best Pants And Skirts To Fit And Hide Your Belly
- The Best Dresses With Sleeves For Women Over 40
Do you agree with this wishlist of clothes for women over 40? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Sylvia @sylviacolella
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Cute tops that aren’t cropped or have so much going on that we look like an Instagram model. Generally, things that aren’t frumpy, but also don’t look like I’m trying to be 22.
Pockets–clothes, including skirts and slacks and jeans need big substantial pockets. And–life is short–wear colorful underwear!! Lane Bryant is pretty good about this but really white, beige and black should be dismissed.
I would like to see more tops end at the high hip–I’m short, so I look for those and they are hard to find. As far as pants/jeans go, I would like less skinny and more slim leg or bootcut. Definitely sleeves on dresses–different lengths, I especially like 3/4 length sleeves.
I love slim high waist not skinny’s and I have slopped shoulders so I need definition there to give me more of a shoulder look because these dropped shoulders are very sloppy looking like no one’s taking the time to make proper fashion. Also I love a lot of colour, so much black and neutrals. Thank you.
Hi. I struggle with finding button down shirts, blazers and some tunics that are long enough. Ideally cover my bum and 1/3 to 1/2 way down my thigh as this length seems to be most flattering for my body type and height.
Lightweight non wrinkling travel clothes that are skimming to loose and versatile. Thanks much
I’ve been looking at tunic tops that are approximately that long. I think if you did a google search of this style, it will bring you sources for other longer tops. I hope this helps.
What do I want? Standard sizing in women’s clothing, so a size 10 in one fashion line is a size 10 in another; a 16 is a 16, etc.. Men are all different shapes and sizes, yet at some point in time, most fashion designers decided to adhere to standard sizing.
In my youth, I was very thin. Now that I am fifty, I find myself with large breasts, heavy arms, thick thighs and hips…however I still have a small torso and waist. I’m frustrated because the drippy, baggy, tent-like clothes I find in stores are designed for straight up-and-down bodies and make me look much heavier than I am.
I know, I know…but there are only so many wrap dresses I can wear. I rely on vintage styles because they’re the only clothes designed for my figure. I’m somewhat okay with looking like I stepped out of a time warp but I’ve given up trying to find clothes in stores. I want casual, tailored clothing that fits but isn’t trying to be sexy or businesslike.
Great list Sylvia! My pet peeve is poor quality fabrics. I’m holding on to some clothes that I purchased 8 or even 10 years ago because the fabric quality is so much superior to what they have today. Everything is so thin and things pill after only a single wearing. So frustrating!
You are SOOO Right Gail! Tshirts that get holes right away, and sweaters that pill, even sweatshirts pill at the drop of a hat now. And I’ve tried spending more from reputable sellers, only to find that they are just as bad.
I would actually like to see jeans with less stretch. All the Lycra they put now in jeans makes them look like leggings, which is really not what I want.
As a new 70 yo, and newly retired, I am grateful to still be about the same size as in college but the shape is a little different. I still want classy clothes, elegant, graceful, flowing but not looking like a bag lady or hippie. I want soft fabrics and beautiful colors, and to look like a million dollars on a retirement budget. I loved some of the vintage clothing, A line dresses, Ponte fabrics, soft silks that you just can’t find anymore. I have some that I never discarded and wear as appropriate. When I want to find an up to date outfit, it was near impossible.
I also want classy shoes that I can walk in and stand in for more than 5 minutes. If that means flats, so be it but a low block heel or kitten heel would be great! Thanks great article !
These are amazing suggestions! The wool coats look lovely!
xoxo
Lovely
I would like to add a comment about clothing labels which are normally attached to the inside of the neckline. Please do not use metallic thread on them, it irritates the neck and I always end up cutting them off and which isn’t always easy to do.
Audrey, I second your request. Those labels can be awful, and I have ruined more than one outfit trying to remove them. It is especially sad to remove a label from an expensive name brand item you may want to pass on to someone else later.
Ditto. My neck is so sensitive that the only thing I can tolerate are stamped labels. If you MUST put a label on the garment, put it on the side seam. Thank you!
I think your list covers many issues I have. I would add one more. We need more boot cut pants and in different styles and more colors.
I always avoid “long sleeve” shirts or sweaters because the sleeves are never long enough. I have to buy a shirt 3 to 4 sizes too big in order to get sleeves long enough to come close to my wrists then I have to pay extra to have the rest of the shirt taken in to fit like a shirt and it’s not as easy as it sounds. Some items can’t be tailored down to fit because of the way it was designed. I would rather have shirts with extra long arms. You can easily cuff them. Just sick of “long sleeves” barely being 3/4 sleeves.
Great list and suggestions. Love your website. So helpful to know your body type and how to dress for it as well as your your style personality. I would add more Bermuda shorts. Most of the shorts in stores seem to be 4-6 inches in length, (too short!!)
I wear a size 8 occasionally a size 6 I am an inverted triangle. I agree totall on the button up tops. They never fit in the boobs and shoulders both. I love wearing heels but at this age it’s getting uncomfortable. Which brands are the most comfortable but still comfortable. It’s hard to tell just trying them on.
Sylvia, an excellent list! I would add:
1. Pants and jeans that fit a pear-shaped body properly (more curvy fit options). If a woman is curvy enough to need more room in the hips in proportion to her waist size, as I do, most likely she has larger thighs as well, and doesn’t want them looking like sausages stuffed into casings. I can’t figure out why curvy fit skinny jeans even exist! Who fits in them? Give me more ease in the thigh area, and a little bit of “boot cut” at the bottom to balance out the width of the hips/thigh. This goes for dressy pants as well. If the manufacturers don’t want to offer curvy fit, then why can’t they construct women’s pants the way men’s trousers are made – with a seam in the center back of both the waistband and waistband facing that can be altered easily. In 99% of women’s pants, the waistband and facing seams are at the sides, and the crotch seam allowances are serged together, making alterations very tedious (if one does it oneself) or expensive (if someone else does it).
2. I second the comments about lower, wider heels on shoes, and also add: More stylish round and/or square toe shoes. I don’t want old lady shoes, but my feet happen to have toes that are all close to the same length, which makes wearing pointy-toe shoes sheer torture. Please give me options that don’t look like my 85-year-old mother should be wearing them.
Thanks for letting me vent about my fashion pet peeves!
How about recognizing the fact that “petite” is a height, not a width! I’ve lost 2″ in my torso due to aging and the inevitable spinal compression, so I now fit the petite height guidelines (although my legs are just as long as they ever were). I tried on the exact same top, by the same manufacturer, in both regular and petite size 14, and I could hardly get into the petite. Too small in the bust and too tight in the sleeves.
And someone should clue them in to the fact that not all who wear Women’s sizes (1x, 2x, etc) are tall. Finding a Women’s Petite for my friend is almost impossible. Most of the garments are so long they’d look terribly out of proportion when shortened to a usable length. /rant
The best article ever. Please forward to all designers/ buyers/ managers of stores. I have been asking for sleeved dresses for 20 years ! Make the same dress in two versions, sleeves and no sleeves, same for shoes! Only one brand of shoes does this, Repetto from France. Colored shapewear is a great idea, some start up designers , take note! Design !
Yes! Where are the designers? Where are the stores that will sell these types of clothes? I’m tired of paper thin, poor quality fast fashion that only lasts for a few months, of dresses and tops only available in black and polyester, of people thinking that women over 40 don’t care about being stylish. Whoever can figure this out can make a lot of money — why is it so hard?
Please less one size fits all because it really doesn’t and no more tags and buttons on shirt sleeves. I can turn my sleeves to the length I want.
Very good list Sylvia and I will add in general 1) clothes that cover but do not add bulk – don’t need to look pregnant again even though my waist has spread. Body conscious but not tight. 2) Minimize fussiness with less/smaller bows, ruffles etc. Sometimes can be classy but often may one look like little old ladies.
Clothes for older women that start in smaller sizes. I am a size 8 and many clothes i like are not available. I dont want to dress like a teenager ( would if i could get away with it!) . I want the clothes my daughter wears just adapted a little. Longer. Not quite as tight. Higher neckline. Sleeves ( my upper arms are scraggy!) but nothing too big and floaty as they swamp me! Can we appreciate older women come in all shapes and sizes. Im 56 and feel i vary between dressing like my daughter and dressing like my mother as inbetween options ( with possible exception of workwear) just dont exist!
At 75, I remain active and retain a ‘normal’ shape. This is great until I find clothes that fit are too juvenile, stark white or black. I look like a bag lady in most styles more age appropriate or classic. Separates that are sporty mixed with classic, ivory/camel/blue are my go tos. It saves a lot of money, with little in this range available. Ivory is particularly challenging to find. The result is I look boring, underwhelming, and my clothes that meet requirements are getting up there in age.
I love this list! Especially substantial fabrics – why must all shirts these days be see-through? One other that comes to mind is pockets. Sometimes I just want to run out of the house without a purse but don’t have anywhere to put my phone and keys. I guess the argument is that they add bulk, but can’t we figure out a solution to this?
I 100% recommend eshakti.com which sells customised dresses, all with pockets. They use natural fabrics as well. The customising is a godsend. I get so many compliments.
A big yes to jeans with a higher rise. Also, although I like the fact that they put lycra in the entire garment, these skinny jeans don’t look good on most women, even on many young women. Even the bootcut jeans are too tight around the knee area. Whatever happened to relaxed fit?
I would like to see clothes that are a better fit for those of us who are not tall and do not have the much-vaunted “hourglass” figure. My waist has never been small and although I’m an hourglass shape, all those pants with smaller waists and larger hip areas are not meant for the average person. And please find some trouser jeans that don’t cost a fortune! I hate skinnies as I find them terribly unflattering to a larger person and, due to the waistline issue already mentioned. they NEVER fit properly.
I 100% agree with the bustline issue – nothing worse than clothes that hang directly from the bust area with no darts, as this is not a flattering silhouette unless you are small busted (looking at you, Eileen Fisher!).
body skimming clothing in appropriate weight fabrics to create shape. Jeans that are big enough in rear and thigh areas w/o being baggy in front.
With regard to plus size clothing – it would be nice if designers would recognize that arm holes on sleeveless shirts do not need to open to the waist requiring an underlayer of clothing so that the bra doesn’t show. That said sleeves on sleeved shirts should be wider but that’s ok because the bra will be covered.
Color, color, color. Tired of black and heather gray everything.
Everyone’s comments are terrific! Great article! Thank you!
Plain round necks (as on a t-shirt) are VERY unattractive on older women. Am begging designers/manufacturers/retailers to offer very large stand-up collars on summer tops. And turtlenecks (high, not mock).
And wider straps on tops that are sewn MUCH closer to our shoulders, NOT close to our necks, as most are currently sewn. And set-in sleeves that begin near the widest part of our shoulders.
I echo the request for flattering necklines. For example, a medium sized stand collar at the back of the neck and along the sides, tapering down to a lovely (not too deep) v-neck is just about perfect. This is the look of a nice collared shirt, but I also want this same design and coverage for tees and sweaters, etc.
Sylvia, I agree with the list… I feel blouses & tops, jackets & coats should have wider arm holes… I love some of the clothing out there but I’m not a teenager and as one said I’d like curvy girl jeans that are not skinny jeans or cost a fortune! The comment about petite is on point… we inevitably shrink some but petite feels tiny… and not every size 16 is equal!! I love fashion but it has become…Where do I shop ? What brand should I buy that accentuates me? In one brand I can be a comfy 14 in another a 16… I know for me as I’ve aged my body needs some wiggle room but still would like to look like the best me I can in a fun and fashionable way…not “ehh it’ll do or super squeezed in my jeans…let alone do I want to rip my cute blouse when I move… “ With that said we women come in all shapes and sizes and clothing designs seem to be made “one size fits all”… Just because we are over 40 does not mean we don’t like fashion… we just need it more tailored to real women!!! So thank you Sylvia for the list and to the other comments because those are great!!
Amen sister. I agree with everything you and others have said. Try finding a dress for your child’s wedding for a hot day with some arm coverage. And if anyone told me one more time that I could “ get a jacket or sweater “ I would scream! Isn’t want a jacket, I want a dress with sleeves!
All of the above for short woman as well!
Send this list to EVERY designer and manufacturer! EXCELLENT post.
What a great list and so much of what I’ve been thinking but couldn’t fully articulate! I’ve been showing my husband clothing options for women from what had been known as the “better” stores and labels noting how the quality of material and manufacture has really declined over the years. He was surprised because he can still get high quality clothing in their menswear like he has for years (he’s a bit of a clothes horse). Similar difference in men’s and women’s footwear. I feel like women’s wear is looked at as disposable. What happened to the 100% wool, beautifully lined coats of my youth? I’d like to put my money toward long-term, good quality clothing and shoes (re-solable is a plus). Starting to wonder if perhaps an investment in high quality fabrics and a local tailor to make coats and other items that are beyond my sewing skills may be the way to go.
You’ve hit it out of the park on this one, Sylvia. There is plenty of clothing out there if we want to shop outside of this list, but you’ve nailed the shortcomings so we can all dress exactly how we feel comfortable and alive.
Just found your site. Great advise, thanks!
Would like to add my 2 cents worth:
I am 72, overweight, apple shape, big busted, big arms, tummy, but LOVE clothes /jewelry and like to try and look nice and stylish!
Wish designers made more raglan sleeve tops. I have big arms/bust and shoulders are more narrow, works better for me, but also think would work for smaller women also.
Also, being long waisted it is hard to find jeans that the waist doesn’t come to bra.
Desingers, more rise selection please!!
Know it is hard to fit everyone, since we are all sizes, shapes, colors and ALL beautiful!!
Thanks, for letting me express my unprofessional opinion!
OMG, you’ve hit the nail right on the head with these! Point #1, sleeves, is my biggest frustration – designers, Please allow me to Give You My Money by not making everything sleeveless!! Sleeveless is the Devil, got it?? Lower heels that are thicker would be great – kitten heels are adorable but have poor stability. We’re active women & once we pass 40 most of us have had a foot, ankle, leg injury or two. Have mercy on our hams, please.
How about shirts with a waistline. My waist is the only thing on me that’s still small and if a garment doesn’t have curves I look like a linebacker.
Great list! Here are so many great options to try. I really like this article so much. Thanks and keep sharing.
So impressed with this list. I hope retailers will adjust accordingly, as women our age also have more buying power! Would like to add to quality fabrics: we need natural fibres that will “breathe” during hot flushes. Synthetic tops and dresses turn into an unbearably hot sauna. Also mid heel shoes with tops that do not cut into feet that are more prone to swelling, BUT still look stylish. We do not want granny shoes.
Thanks for your feedback Izzy. You may enjoy this post where I offer ideas for arch support shoes. Lots of feedback from readers there as well 🙂
Great list I would add tops that don’t hang from armholes like tent and are not skin tight shapely!
Thanks
Sue
The list was perfect, especially with the “extras” added by your readers! I thoroughly agree but I do have one question: just “who” mandated that pantyhose are no longer acceptable?? I live in Texas and no, I don’t want to wear pantyhose in the summer(!) but our winters here are typically mild and when it’s cool outside sheer pantyhose are very flattering, especially for occasions like church. Plus, I’m 65 and my legs, feet and ankles are not something I particularly want to show off! I wish that the designers would realize that we mature gals have the money to spend on nicer clothes if only we could find them.
I totally agree with you. I live in FL and we go through the same situation but I follow my own style, not what others say is not a trend.
This is a great list! I’d have to say that length of dresses is huge for me. Many styles are way too short. More and more, tummy control is important. Finding shapeware for a 12/14 is difficult. I created pinkandrowe.com to provide quality clothing with respectable design.
When I’m looking at a coat with a $795 price tag I want a lining in it. I’m looking at you philosophy
Wow, great list. I think you’ve said it best. I can’t think of anything else.
Wow! I did not think about this too much, but reading the list, I wholeheartedly agree with every single point. Especially the lack of colors in the stores! What is it with designers that they cannot come up with flattering and lively colors to wear for us mature women. Just because I am 50+ does not mean that I am about to cover myself up in black head to toe:) And extending the variety to beige and charcoal does not count either! Great list, Sylvia!
My concern is that when retailers or designers read this list, at least if they are British, they will be thinking that what we’re asking for is more tedious boring M&S type clothes, in portly M&S sizes, whereas I am not big enough to fit most M&S clothes, and even if I were big enough, I can’t imagine anything more depressing than the typical idea of 50+ clothing. Basically, if it’s being worn by people who shop in M&S, I am highly unlikely to want to wear it. It makes me so angry that they don’t even make clothes for normal-BMI slim women like me.
The kind of clothes I prefer to wear do indeed have sleeves (preferably three-quarter-length), but I prefer closely-fitted sleeves, not ones that flap about. I am not keen on draping unless it is more architectural and disciplined in fabrication. (Please no jersey draping for me!) I would like to see dresses made from heavy brocade or very heavy silk with a touch of lycra: I have an aversion to medium-weight fabrics that pull and wrinkle as the wearer moves. For a clear example of hat I mean, take a look at the photo of the two VIP women here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1174612/The-day-Carla-met-match–How-Spains-Princess-upstaged-French-First-Lady.html I love the dress on the left and would love to wear it (and notice that the sleeves are not loose), but the dress on the right is wrinkling badly. I also love just about every dress worn by the Donna character in Suits. Why is it that women my age are deemed to want hideous floral thin polyester dresses in the summer and dreary schoolmarmish attire in the winter? It is all so utterly unappealing.
BTW, my problem with all tops and dresses is that the bust (across the front) is never big enough relative to the shoulder width and the waist. I do wish retailers would sell clothes with enough room in the front. I have just about given up trying to buy dresses off the peg now.
But from my POV, the problem is not so much that retailers ignore women our age, it is more that what they think we want bears no resemblance to anything we’d want to wear. Or at least, to anything I’d want to wear myself. Before midi skirts were back in, the only women wearing midi skirts were Older Women shopping at M&S. I would not be caught dead in a midi skirt then. Now that over-50s are all wearing knee-length skirts the midi is looking a lot more appealing to me (if carefully chosen and worn in a fashion-forward way rather than an out-of-date M&S way). Why must older women dress in such boring, unfashionable ways? Why is that deemed more ‘grown-up’? What about creativity and joy and playfulness and even fashion-forwardness? Why must we ‘grow out of’ all that? It is not that retailers ignore us (M&S caters for Older Women — if you like the kind of dreary stuff older women are supposed to wear), it is that there is such a heavy expectation that women of a certain age must dress in a particular way irrespective of our personalities and wishes. I am not an age, I am an individual, and if anything I am more individualistic in my dress now than I was when I was young and too worried about what other people might think.
Thanks for your feedback Sarah. I think it’s still important to shop in lots of places. I certainly will not confine myself to shops that cater to 40+ women only. If you mix and match clothes from different brands and shops, you will often achieve that young and hip yet mature look that certainly I’m still after! 40+Style will continue to feature those kind of looks as well.
Wow, I was so disappointed to read #5′ re: our increasing bustlines! At what age can I expect that to happen, as I am rapidly approaching 52?!
It does not happen for everyone Sandy, but for quite a few women it seems to be the case…. Not sure when it starts. Probably around menopause…
I am short and wear a size 14. I do not wear plus sized clothing but I am plus sized. The plus sized clothing would flatter my plumpish figure but I am not plump enough to fit them. The styles in my size group look terrible on me.
These are all very good suggestions. I would like to add that although I want sleeves in my clothing, I do not want them to extend past my hands.
Love your list. I don’t want to be uncomfortable but I don’t want to look matronly either. I like the height of kitten heels but they’re not really in proportion to the shoe (I wear size 10). And the base of the heel needs to be wider and stronger because my balance is not what it once was. Dresses and tops that do not have or require a belt or a seam at the waist. No need to accentuate a waist that doesn’t exist. Clothing that glides down the body and doesn’t grip it showing off each lump and bump. I’d like to see models who are not longer children who are pear shaped, H-shaped, V-shaped.
thanks Pat. All good points!
great suggestions…every thing I have wished for
All great ideas! I’d like to add V-necks that aren’t so revealing. I almost always have to wear a t-shirt or blouse under every v-neck top/sweater I buy. Part of it is that I’m somewhat short-waisted, but the other part is that I’m not comfortable with showing cleavage. A small v-neck is flattering, though, especially if you are petite.
Good point Rita. I have added it to the list!
Oohh.. forgot about that, how silly of me. I want very nice, smooth basic shirts in all colours with a boat neck or a normal neckline but much higher than average. I have to pay a price for sunbathing: very wrinkly chest. But even if I had not been sitting in the sun, this is a problem area for women getting older. The skin on this part of your body is so thin, that wrinkles will appear sun or no sun. And also right between my breasts. Darn… just when I developed there, I got wrinkly skin in between and could not show them. Probably only just as well. Otherwise I might have become an old flasher haha.
Yes another good point Greetje!
I have the opposite issue referred to in #17. I need a fuller cup and a smaller band. More sizes over-all would be the solution to many of our clothing dilemmas!
So true so true! All of it. Great article Sylvia.
Love all the suggestions on the list and added by your readers. For me it’s wide-enough sleeves, not only on coats, but also on blouses, dresses, button-up shirts, etc. Although I’m fairly small, my arms are no longer thin; most things I try on seem to have sleeves for skinny teenagers’ arms. I really hope that designers listen to our requests.
Thanks for your feedback Cathie. I will add it to the list!
Sleeves at the top of the list! I am so tired of wearing a small or medium in the body and having the sleeves not fit until I go up to an XL! Designers need to remember who has the spending power, and it’s not the teenagers.
This is seriously one of the best articles I have read in a long time. These ideas cover it all. I wish your list could be sent to every designer. If even a few paid attention what a difference this could make.
Thanks Suzanne. Well, the more you all like it, tweet, stumble it or share it in any other way, the more chance it will be noticed by the designers! (subtle hint to everyone…)
That list was magnificent! I especially appreciated the “with sleeves” request. Could we add, sleeves of all lengths, short, 3/4 and full that are sheer and breezy for warmer weather?
Thanks Sheri will add it.
What a great list ! I love all the suggestions and wish designers would take note !
Thanks for all the great ideas. I have pretty much given up with clothes, I rarely find anything I like, I do not mind paying a little more for good quality but often I only see very cheap things or very expensive ones. I would like to see some mid-range, stylish clothes that fit me (5ft 1″ and heavy), but these seem to be rare.
Yes, it can be tough. Hope you don’t give up though. It’s worthwhile spending some time and effort into finding something that suits you!
Pwrfect list. The comments have good ideas too.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said…. I agree with your list and most of the other suggestions that were made.
Such a relevant issue to talk about, so thank you Sylvia.
Thanks Fernanda!
When I saw the title of this post the very first thing I thought of was mid-heel shoes. It drives me nuts when I see wardrobe compilations for women our age with cute little flats. In my opinion most older women don’t wear flats well (including me.)
Good thing it was already included on the list then! I think both flats and heels can look good, but I must admit that I wear more heels now then I ever did before…
Thank you! We agree wholeheartedly with all of these! If you do get approached by plus sized retailers, be sure to mention that bigger women need nice fabrics too! Polyester blends still seem to rule and they are just not flattering.
Thanks for the feedback. I have included it in the list.
I agree with the list Sylvia, it covers so many concerns for lots of us.
To have a beautiful figure in any clothes I agree with Greetje that the answer is structured underwear.
However, I struggle with body shapers and haven’t found any that don’t push the ‘problem’ either to the top of the garment or to the bottom, around the top of my legs. This creates unsightly bulging above it or sausages at the top of my legs and it can be quite painful in those areas where the flesh is squeezed.
I also find them so uncomfortable I can’t eat anything if I’m going out for a meal, which is the only time I’d consider wearing them.
I’ve tried all sorts of sizes as well but can’t find anything that works for me. Does anyone else have this problem fitting into these tight structured underwear?
Hi Aileen. I wrote on article on shape wear a while ago and some readers came with good suggestions. You may want to have a look: https://40plusstyle.com/shapewear-do-women-over-40-need-it/
Thanks for your list!!! Tunics are my go to tops, love, love them! I would like to see them in natural fabrics as my skin is not so tolerant anymore. I’d like to add bras, smaller cup, but larger around.. 44B, 46B, 46c. Also no line panties in larger sizes like 2x and 3x. I just can’t bring myself to buy “grannie panties”!
Thanks so much!!!!!
Thanks for your suggestions Fran. They have been added to the list!
Great list! I’d add that I’d love for all designers to use models on the runway and in the glossies who are older (right through from 30-100+!) and who reflect the different body sizes and types we have! Just because clothes ‘hang well’ on a shrimp of a teen doesn’t mean we are any more likely to buy! Designing for different sizes and shapes is much more commendable (and demonstrates much more talent and skill) than simply designing for a mannequin. I guarantee this would ensure higher waists, wider sleeves, more mid-length skirts and lusher fabrics. Just what we all need!
I agree TC. Have added your comments below the list!
Now this is a list I can appreciate. Yes please, all of the above, including the additions by your readers. I very much agree with Poppy’s “substantial fabric”. That, indeed, makes a lot of difference.
As for high up stretchy jeans… I keep referring to Not Your Daughters Jeans. (They should pay me by now for all my advertising. But they are great.)
And for bulging tummies…. shapewear. Yeah!!!
I like to add to the list: shapewear in more colours than nude, black and white.
If I have a blue bra, I want a blue bodyshaper. If I wear a red bra, I want a red bodyshaper. If you wear them like this, it looks as if you are in a pretty swimsuit. Which is a whole lot better than red bra, white bodyshaper, red briefs… I saw a pretty set by DKNY for a reasonable price with matching lace but still in black.
Good suggestions Greetje. I have them to the list.
No white knits around the belly…just attracts the
eye to the buldges. Want white. Get a cotton blouse..
This is a perfect list. Very complete.
Hi Sylvia,
Long time no see – it’s a long story but I’m back blogging again:) This is a great list, and I really can’t come up with anything else.
How lovely to see you back Nanne. I missed you!
Thanks for posting. Love the list! I’m different with shoes, as I get older and with feet problems I can’t wear heels not even mid. My wish is for flat shoe and sandal options with good arch support and that don’t look like granny shoes.
A little control panel for that post pregnancy bulge. After 3 children I still have the legs and waist but I would like a little help in the area bellow the belly button.
Good suggestions Theresa. thanks!
I agree, but I can only WISH my bustline was increasing…lol. I don’t mind sleeveless at all as it gives me more layering options, but I would like to see more classic, well-structured dresses, NOT modeled on 30 year olds. I’m discovering that just above knee length is a more flattering skirt for me, but again, I wish retailers would show clothes on older women.
Good point! I will add that to the list.
Great list! Here are a few more:
1. Substantial fabrics. Enough with the tissue-thin cotton and wispy, see-through cashmere! Give us clothes that don’t cling to our bulges or require multiple layers of underclothing to look good.
2. Skirts in something other than a pencil cut, which, while sexy, can be uncomfortable and unflattering. A-lines, pleats, circles, wraps, dirndls, etc., have all been missing from the scene for a long time.
3. Hosiery options. We know we’re not supposed to wear nude-colored hose, so we either go bare-legged, and freeze and expose the world to our spider veins, or we wear black tights. How about something different?
Great suggestions Poppy. I will add those to the list shortly.
I’d like to see more elbow length sleeves that compress and hide crepey upper arms.
I don’t see anything wrong in wearing nude hose if the color is almost exact to your skin tone. I had success with it and wear some for special occasions.If the Duchess of Cambridge can do it and look beautiful,so can everybody else too.
Yes! I stopped wearing skirts and dresses when it became unacceptable to wear nude hose. (I also hate wearing shoes without some kind of socks or tights). While I didn’t love pantyhose, I did love what it did for my legs and made me feel more comfortable showing them.
Well done Sylvia.
I add:
Clothes for the combination: thin legs and big belly.
I agree with your list completely and can’t think of anything else. My favorite ones you listed are the jeans with higher rise, great tunics and more options for mid heeled shoes.
I would love longer sleeves that don’t shrink! I have long arms and after one season, my sweaters are short in the sleeve. Blouses that take into account my belly- fitted is fine but not everyone tapers to a waistline of Barbie. Blouses are polished and professional, but hard to find for my shape