Beauty, Fashion & Style

The Forgotten Ones

Beauty, Fashion & Style

Posted by: Jen

27th Feb 2009 11:47pm

My biggest gripe when buying clothes is the fact that store buyers cater only for the young fashion junkies! What about us older ladies who don't want to wear 'hipster' pants or tight fitting things that look like they are 3 sizes too small? We value our comfort at this time of life and don't need to be slaves to (often ridiculous) fashion. I am tired of being ignored when it comes to everyday clothing at the 'affordable' stores. (K-Mart, Target, Big W etc.)


Comments 59

Anonymous
  • 3rd May 2013 07:59am

They should have affordable clothing stores like that

Vanja
  • 11th Oct 2012 03:56pm

There are so many valid points made in this discussion but retailers just don't seem to get it - ever!
I'm no longer young and slim but I still love lovely fashionable clothes. I'm tired of looking in the bigger sizes for something that has some semblance of fashion - usually the clothes are boring, black, grey, beige or navy. Larger jeans or pants (around the waist and hips) have invariably large baggy legs that make you look even bigger.
Just because you wear a larger size doesn't mean that you have arms so long that your nuckles scrape the ground, and I have long arms anyway! - same goes for the length of pants.
I want to find the latest colours and styles for my size and age - I'm definitely in the 'forgotten' category.

Anonymous
  • 6th Oct 2012 07:26pm

have you tried shopping online?
many people are reluctant to do so, but its not too hard to find sites that you can get the clothing tailored to your measurements. and at reasonable prices too.

Anonymous
  • 6th Oct 2012 07:25pm

have you tried shopping online?
many people are reluctant to do so, but its not too hard to find sites that you can get the clothing tailored to your measurements. and at reasonable prices too.

Anonymous
  • 6th Oct 2012 07:19pm

Always buy the basics that fit comfotably sit well and flatter your shape.. from there id only accentuate with the occasional "in" blouse. you cant go wrong with online shopping. most people are reluctant thinkng the sizes arent going to fit but on most sites you can pick up some great bargains and get tem tailored to your mesaurements..

Aliyaraya
  • 15th Oct 2011 01:16pm

I agree with you I want comfortable clothes but with style. Why should all the young fashion junkies get looked after and not us older ladies. I also want clothes at affordable prices and not only from K-Mart, Target and Big W. I want to be able to go to Liz Davenport's, Noni B and other places to get my clothes

Aurora
  • 17th Mar 2012 05:47pm
I agree with you I want comfortable clothes but with style. Why should all the young fashion junkies get looked after and not us older ladies. I also want clothes at affordable prices and not...

I am 67, but get told I look 40...LOL...Even so, I find the stores only cater to the
anorexic grasshopper brigade. I have been into stores to see what is available
only to be told by the young grasshopper that they don't cater for humongous
females!! I am a size14...sometimes a 12...and felt really annoyed at the attitude of these retailers.
Buying online would be good, but you never can be sure of the cut or size, &
cannot try things on.
So my plea is to all retailers...wake up & cater to the stylish older clients,
our money is as good as the grasshoppers, and you are turning away a very
lucrative market out here, just waiting to spend.
You are all good at moaning about customers keeping their wallets closed,
well...cater to what we want, and watch the cash registers run hot.
Talk to your designers & buyers too..they are ignoring a very big sector of
the retail market.

Miss Prim
  • 23rd Jun 2011 07:40pm

I agree with you. Maybe it is because all of the older designers have either retired or died and the young designers want to design clothes only for young people. So, the older age bracket misses out. I find the quality is not what it used to be either even in chain stores. I would have liked to be able buy clothes in Noni B but they do not even stock my size. Captured hit the nail on the head with her comments too. There seems to be a trend away from dressmaking and women just buy what they can afford. I must say that fabric is more expensive now and it is cheaper to buy ready made if you can find the right style to suit you. Luckily, I have not had to buy clothes for some time now.

millie
  • 17th Jun 2011 09:28am

i agree,but i am a size 8 fit and healthy oldie and i cant buy anything in kmart,big w or target,etc to fit me,the only clothes that fit are from supre and that is very sad

Miss Prim
  • 21st Jul 2011 09:57pm
i agree,but i am a size 8 fit and healthy oldie and i cant buy anything in kmart,big w or target,etc to fit me,the only clothes that fit are from supre and that is very sad

Millie, Have you tried the Internet to find out about petite sized clothing? Maybe there will be something on line that can point you in the right direction. Surely there must be a local dress shop that sells your size clothing. I know that there is one on line for the larger sizes and I presume that there would be one for the petite sizes too. Good luck!

Miss Prim
  • 16th Mar 2011 05:17pm

I agree that fashion is mainly dedicated to the young. It seems that designers prefer to cater for the young as the older designers have either retired or died and the new designers are young and want to cater for the young. I try to find clothing that suits my body shape and I tend to go for pants and tops as dresses seem non- existant in a style to suit me. There is no K-Mart in my town and Target which is near by does not cater for my size in my choice of colours, so I tend to use Big W and Best and Less. Sometimes i am lucky to find my size in what I want at Millers but not always. The store buyers are probably guided by the manager to buy what sells the best but I guess that they did not do a survey of people requiring larger sizes.

frilly
  • 10th Feb 2011 01:06pm

Hi, No one has mentioned Autograph,the old 16-26. They cover sizes 14 to 30 now I think. They cater for the Office, swimmers, day dresses, evening and casual.
There is also My Size online, Virtu and Elle.
These all carry Plus sizes and if you shop carefully you can find clothes to suit most.
No one can help everyone. Look around I am now finding in my area there are Boutiques opening trying to help with plus sizes as they realise there is a good market but they are not finding it easy to buy what the customers want.
Lingerie the same is happening we have a couple of speciality stores. I still find I have to buy my bras online. BigGirlsDon'tCryhave saved my life here. They will try to source bras for you too. They will find a bra for you, I have had others tell me they could help and it has cost money sending bras back and then discovering they never did stock my size but I think thought I was mistaken in my size or something.
good hunting, Good Australian shopping online

giznjack
  • 7th Feb 2011 10:20pm

The new season of clothing which is beginning to appear now in stores, is much better than the past few seasons.
Classic styles are coming back and Kmart has some extremely cheap work style pants ans tops, and cheap denims. Nice mid weight trench coats for autumn also.
I spent $89 and got a fabulous update to my wardrobe.

Wen
  • 3rd Feb 2011 09:01pm

Or you get a lovely young thing trying to convince someone in their 50's that they look so cool in what you wouldn't have worn for the past 30 years

Jade Simpson
  • 25th Jan 2011 09:46pm

Sometimes Target have good clothes, like cargo pants or shorts.

Piccolanippy
  • 17th Nov 2010 12:29am

I'm 23 and only like some of the current fashion, but I don't like hipsters.

Anonymous
  • 29th Sep 2010 10:42am

I just came back from Europe and I was reminded time and time again of the problem with living in a country with a relatively small market for clothes. I was busy shopping in H&M, Zara, MNG, Sisley and other low priced chain stores for great pieces, well made and suitable for any age group. I am 62, like to dress stylishly and buy a fair bit every year. sizeways - it's difficult everywhere in the world, you just have to keep trying!
As for styles - eg hipasters, thanks God, we now got over that rather unflattering trend. Don't know anyone who looks good in it.
I still like Country Road and Sportcraft for classics - the survivors of Australain rag trade ups and downs.

frilly
  • 23rd Aug 2010 08:48pm

I have a problem with clothes I am 73 but I do not want to be an "Old Granny" I also am a size 22 I manage to fid clothes that pass the judgement of my daughters and granddaughters sop I know I am not "muyyon dressed as lamb" BUT and it is a BIG BUT I have to pay top dollar for my clothes.
It is infair as you say we have cash and only too willing to buy but it just is not there in any Millers or Target, I have to go online or Boutiques to search. When I say anything to the Boutique owner they say they just cannot buy them in. Then it is a limited amount of stock they can have in large sizes and it is usually first out of the store.
Autograph, used to be 16 to 26 even they say they get one or two of the largest sizes in. In the sales it is always the samll sizes left to buy. I have written to manufactures and large department stores and they just quote they cannot sell them. Of course not they are not there to sell

samantha
  • 23rd Aug 2010 04:03pm

It drives me nuts how the sizings are different even within the same range of clothing - you cannot rely on the size marked and have to try everything on, this really irks me with bras too.

mermaid
  • 19th Jul 2010 05:05pm

oooh the endless nightmare of fashion vs real people!! My friends and I recently shared the same gripes over lunch. We came to a realisation that it was time we did something about it and sought a number of websites via google to accomodate our sizes ranging from a real size 10 to 26. We found online companies who cater for all women sizes, styles, comfort and up to minute fashion for a fraction of the price sold in Target, KMart and other store.

The reality is the fashion industry needs an overhaul to eliminate the over egoed marketing hype that fashion editors cotow to, to achieve $$$$$.

bluey42
  • 6th Jul 2010 12:26pm

I agree with you 100% I am finding that they are starting make the smaller size's either bigger or smaller

Snookums
  • 23rd Jun 2010 12:51pm

Kmart and Target might be affordable in the short term but you would be better buying less frequently from more quality stores such as Sportscraft, Diana Ferrari and Motto. I have bought little in the way of winter clothes this year because I purchased classic items from these stores in the past. I just top up with a few key pieces and save money. Buy new accessories to brighten an outfit and that way you are not dating your look. Spend a little (extra) to save a lot (in the long term)

DD
  • 16th Jun 2010 08:50pm

By not designing for larger/more mature women, designers seriously are missing out on billions of dollars just waiting to be earned. I just saw an episode of Trinny and Susanna, and it was all about this. But 'affaordable' stores, as it has been put, need to keep up with trends in order to be able to compete with more fashionable stores.
However, I disagree that they only have current fashions. I walk through these shops with my mum, and I see heaps of clothes that she can totally wear. I mean, if things look like they're too small, maybe try a different size? Like, things also have different fits and stuff, no, they don't suit every body type, and that's why you need to try things on, and know what fits you, and suits you. I do textiles, and I know first hand that it's not possible to design anything which fits everyone.
Also, to everyone complaining about clothes being too overpriced, those clothes are often the ones which use to quality fabrics, have attention to detail, and are made in a particular country (which I am personally against not choosing something because it was made in an Asian country). If you try to make a jacket or even a shirt from a clothing shop which is not discount, if you need to buy the quality fabric which they often use, come up with the design and pattern, cut, pin and sew the garment, you would know why they cost so much. One way to reduce these costs is to send it overseas, where the quality might not be too crash hot, and another way is to be less picky on the sizing etc. Sometimes, as buyers, we need to prioritse.
There are also specialty stores for more mature women who value comfort and also want to look good, think Katies, Susanne. Some clothes may not be brilliant, but that's the point of shopping- you need to look around and choose. Sometimes people need to look around, especially if all you find is unfitting clothes. Maybe you aren't looking in the right shops.
Then again, I agree that some of the clothes beign made right now, is really horrible.

moo72
  • 4th Jun 2010 11:18am

I agree with everything mentioned. It is difficult to know what size you are. Go into a jeans shop and say you are a size 12, but then get jeans in size 16 because they won't fit properly. Go into another shop and try on another brand, ask for a size 16 and then find size 12 fits. The more expensive brands are smaller and do cater for petitie women. I want options for my size, my age, and I don't want to dress down, I don't want to 'dress for my age' and become dowdier as I get older. Why should fashion be for the younger set???
Further, it is very annoying, frustrating and demeaning when you walk into a store and appear invisible. I have gone to shops with a girlfriend who is STUNNING, and she gets noticed every time, yet I just mesh in with the background. Why can't the shop staff just help out everyone, no matter what size you are, no matter what age you are, no matter what colour you are????

MellissaD
  • 16th May 2010 09:34pm

My problem is sizing. I wear a size 3 shoe and have to shop in the girls shoe section. t is impossible for me to find a nice pair of adult-looking heels unless I go to a specialty shoe shop that caters for small feet - and there are none where I live - and pay a ridiculous amount of money.

Also, at 5', even the "short" leg length pants are too long, and I can't buy my pants in the girls' section because they don't fit around the waist, hips & bottom. I have to spend a small fortune on getting pants hemmed and tailored to fit properly

I know some tall ladies have trouble buying pants that are the right lengths also.

Even a small selection of basic clothes for 'odd' sizes would be helpful!

turkeyknees
  • 14th May 2010 07:06pm

im in my 30's and i find a lot of stores these days dont cater for tall women.as im 6ft tall,i find it hard at times to get long pants and jeans which are a right length for me.my grandma who is nearly 80 and very short complains she has problem s getting the right length in skirts,dresses and pants to suit her .i think it affects all of us both the younger and older ones:)

Jen
  • 11th May 2010 07:39am

Wouldn't it be good if the fashion buyers for all the stores would read these comments?

There is a whole market out there with money to spend and nothing to buy.

Maybe if we yell loud enough, someone will hear us!!!

sandy106
  • 2nd May 2010 08:09pm

this is so true and also they make them in fabrics and colours that look like old curtains. I am short and am sick of having to take the hem up on every skirt i get aswell.

myer
  • 28th Apr 2010 10:32am

Dear Jen, I agree wholeheartedly I hate having to go shopping for clothes. I used to shop at Katies but now they cater mainly to the younger person and there are not any stores that cater for the older lady, and if there was they would do very well, the clothes do not have to be dowdy but fashionable and there is a market out there for them

myer
  • 28th Apr 2010 10:28am

Dear Jen, I agree wholeheartedly I hate having to go shopping for clothes. I used to shop at Katies but now they cater mainly to the younger person and there are not any stores that cater for the older lady, and if there was they would do very well, the clothes do not have to be dowdy but fashionable and there is a market out there for them

meggs
  • 22nd Apr 2010 11:27am

I totally agree, they cut most clothing for slim builds. What about regular builds. This is also happening in kids wear as well. I have a slim built child that I can buy jeans for with out a problem, my other daughter and myself are regular builds and its an absolute nightware trying to find jeans that fit comfortably ANYWHERE, not just department stores.

LUV-A-TIGER
  • 21st Apr 2010 08:44pm

I agree with u..
Would love to see the ordinary pants, where you bend down u don't need to see ur bottom hanging out..lol

ashlei<3
  • 17th Apr 2010 10:50pm

I'm 18 and I hate half of the trends that come through all of the stores. That period where all you could buy was fluro ... gosh i just went without shopping!

And as for clothing sizes ... I bought two dresses from the same brand, from the same line. Both are meant to be tight fitting. I had to get a size ten in one of the dresses, and a size six in the other! How in the world is this even possible? There needs to be a sizing standard, if only to make finding the right fit easier.

Dogs
  • 13th Apr 2010 02:35pm

Hmmmm. Seems to have stirred some women up :) Give your self-esteem a shakeup and wear what YOU feel good in even if you have to 'shop harder' until you find it ;) DON'T let anyone dictate to you. Head up, chest out, best foot forward, go forth, love yourself and live YOUR life the way YOU want to. It's AUSSIE girls, it's fantastic that you CAN do that here :)

Dogs
  • 20th Apr 2010 09:37am
I solved my fashion problems by going to all the different op shops here in Perth. Not only do we have some great designer boutiques but also some very good 2nd hand clothing shops. I stick with...

Good on you Bugsy :) As you say - a bit of effort and not letting 2-3 major stores dictate to you. Mind you, I read between the lines and see in your reply a confident and determined person who goes after what SHE wants. As a bloke I can tell you that also makes any woman attractive. Keep it up girls :)

clutterbugs
  • 20th Apr 2010 12:11am
Hmmmm. Seems to have stirred some women up :) Give your self-esteem a shakeup and wear what YOU feel good in even if you have to 'shop harder' until you find it ;) DON'T let anyone dictate to...

I solved my fashion problems by going to all the different op shops here in Perth. Not only do we have some great designer boutiques but also some very good 2nd hand clothing shops. I stick with the basic blacks and browns for skirts, pants and jackets and I compliment them beautifully with heaps of bright colours for my t-shirts, shirts and tops. It doesn't cost me a fortune and I can always find something to fit. Because it has all been worn and washed before, I at least know that any jeans I buy won't shrink or fit differently once they been washed.

shazza
  • 17th Mar 2010 11:21pm

You would think its about time designers & retail stores acknowledge/embrace the fact the women are all size 6-10 - they are missing out on a whole market just waiting to be tapped into

redrobz
  • 17th Mar 2010 06:09pm

I agree but also consider the different sizes in places like Millars, you may be an 16/18 or 20 and try your supposed size on and have to go up 2 or 3 sizes due to being made in China and the shops do not care. They seem to forget that we also have money to spend and it is usually cash NOT credit.

mandi
  • 26th Feb 2010 12:41pm

I've just turned 30 and I completely agree! Yes, some of the type of clothes young 16-early 20's feamles wear is appalling! I blame it on the media and people in the public eye! The rock singer 'Pink' and the 'Pussycat dolls' have alot to answer for!

WitchyMage
  • 17th Nov 2010 10:43pm
I think I will finish her you may have the floor you do seem to enjoy it
frilly

I am sorry that we misunderstood one another.

I sincerely wish you happiness.

frilly
  • 17th Nov 2010 08:10pm
I think we seem to be misunderstanding each other and I was not upset, simply trying to help you understand my point, but that's ok.

I think you seem to have missed the one line where I...

I think I will finish her you may have the floor you do seem to enjoy it
frilly

WitchyMage
  • 17th Nov 2010 01:16pm
Sounds as if I have upset you,
As for my granddaughters pleasing me by wearing clothes that I have pushed onto them NEVER.
They are very modern young women with strong minds of their own....

I'm sorry, I realised where you thought I was referring to your children.

"I let my elders choose clothes for me too and I have no qualms with older ladies shopping for clothing in "trendy" seasonal stores so long as they are shopping for their children or choosing pieces that actually suit them or they feel happy to wear and not unhappily trying to conform to the current trends."

This is what this sentence was meant to mean.
Point 1: I don't mind the elderly shopping in "trendy teen stores" for their children
Point 2: I don't mind elderly shopping in those stores for "themselves" so long as they choose items that they like and feel comfortable wearing and aren't just wearing it because they are "in" for teens/young adults.

I was not directing this at you specifically in the way you thought I did. I'm sorry you took it as a personally and I apologise for the confusion.

WitchyMage
  • 17th Nov 2010 01:10pm
Sounds as if I have upset you,
As for my granddaughters pleasing me by wearing clothes that I have pushed onto them NEVER.
They are very modern young women with strong minds of their own....

I think we seem to be misunderstanding each other and I was not upset, simply trying to help you understand my point, but that's ok.

I think you seem to have missed the one line where I mentioned that my elders (grandmother, aunts, mother, etc) often buy me my clothes and I should have said, I am very happy to wear them as they know what works for me. I don't understand how you took me for saying something entirely opposing that. I don't recall ever mentioning your children and seeing how you defend them warms my heart as I can see you love them very much and that's what really matters.

I don't mind what other people wear as long as people are "happy" wearing that outfit. I do not expect that people buy clothing from one store or brand regardless of age. The main topic here in this thread is that there is a lack of choices for older people. I was simply saying that there are options available. No, I most certainly do not expect the elderly (or anyone really) to only shop at these stores. Please do not misunderstand when I talk about "stores geared towards older ladies".

I made the point of saying people should dress what they feel happy in because whilst one lady liked the "grand" look, another may like the homely look. So long as the lady feels comfortable wearing her clothes, it doesn't matter what the latest style is because her happiness will shine through. My own grandmother is fond of the homely look over the classy clothes (unless it's for a formal occasion). I love her and I believe that she is beautiful and dresses appropriately even if she doesn't look like she's dressing to go somewhere special all the time. If she started dressing up because she wanted to follow trends and was unhappy/uncomfortable, I would not feel pleased because she herself is not pleased. If she were to change and feel comfortable, I would be happy for her.

When I speak of age appropriate, I do not mean to limit people by their age. However, I think once I hit the age of 45, I will almost certainly have stopped wearing short shorts and mini skirts. That is what I mean by age appropriate. Other that, I don't have any issues.

I'm sorry if I have caused you any stress, but I just keep in mind that this thread was made to address the issue of clothing stores only catering to *quote* "young fashion junkies" *end quote* and I was simply responding to that.

I hope you have a great day and feel free to wear what makes you happy.

frilly
  • 17th Nov 2010 02:18am
I did not say "old ladies clothes shop" specifically because it makes the shop sound dreary. Stores that are geared towards older ladies (at least the ones I am writing about) have clothes that are...

Sounds as if I have upset you,
As for my granddaughters pleasing me by wearing clothes that I have pushed onto them NEVER.
They are very modern young women with strong minds of their own. No one will make them do what they did not not want. They also have strong pride in themselves as do I.
That is what I object to "age appropriate" I thought we had gone beyond that I truly did. When I grew up one grandmother wore corsets that creaked as she moved. She looked very grand always wore beautiful hats and looked as if she belonged on the prow of a ship,.
The other always wore a pinny, not an apron a full pinny that she was fully enclosed in it tied around her waist with strings tying at the back. She always wore a hairnet, no idea why I cannot remember her ever without it. They dressed very differently from each other but it was appropriate for their age
Age appropriate no longer exists, it is style that exists and I have a style that is all I meant. It is not Millers, Target or anywhere else it is my style, a piece from here another from there and so on. . I have pieces 10 years old.
They were expensive but they can be brought out and no one would know their age
That is how to dress

My buying for all my grandchildren is done with the intention of spoiling them now so we can all enjoy ourselves together. Why make them wait for me to die. I want to see them enjoy themselves. I am lucky also none of them are greedy

Be happy
frilly


We do not have good op'shops where I live. The clothes are collected from each drop off point and sorted and sent out. The Salvos boutiques made the TV a couple of weeks ago. Most of the quality clothes apparently go to these boutiques and are doing very well against the more expensive boutiques . As well as the quality garments the Public drop there, they have "ends of runs" from the manufactures, all are sold at exceptionally good prices. The Salvos make a great deal of money this way.

WitchyMage
  • 17th Nov 2010 12:26am
Hello, I just have to join in here, I am 73 years young or old, you take your pick LOL. I just know to be classed as an old lady who can go into a "Old Ladys' Clothes Shop" iks so upsetting to...

I did not say "old ladies clothes shop" specifically because it makes the shop sound dreary. Stores that are geared towards older ladies (at least the ones I am writing about) have clothes that are more age appropriate. I'm sure most older ladies would not want to wear the clothes young people these days that are tight, short and revealing - if you like that, then do wear it if it make you feel happy; I am not trying to restrict your choices. These stores I am talking about do not sell these types, but have more nicely cut and styles clothes with a variety of colours. I realise now, though, that these stores are usually not chains of recognisable brands. I wrote that paragraph to inform people that there are options out there that sell clothing specifically for older ladies that look classy and not out dated as there was a feeling of discontent with the variety of clothing available for the elderly.

Perhaps the grandmother wears clothes that she herself does not suit or feel happy in. If you (I'm using the term "you" as reference to a general person) don't look and feel happy in your clothes, they are not for you and that is all I'm trying to say.

I let my elders choose clothes for me too and I have no qualms with older ladies shopping for clothing in "trendy" seasonal stores so long as they are shopping for their children or choosing pieces that actually suit them or they feel happy to wear and not unhappily trying to conform to the current trends.

Enjoy your shopping!

frilly
  • 16th Nov 2010 11:05pm
I agree with DD on the last few points. The entertainment artists are not designers. Designers would have needed to make those pieces before the artists could try them on. Celebrities may dress...

Hello, I just have to join in here, I am 73 years young or old, you take your pick LOL. I just know to be classed as an old lady who can go into a "Old Ladys' Clothes Shop" iks so upsetting to me.
I do not think of myself as old nor do my 5 teenage granddaughters. My youngest who spends every Tuesday afternoon after school with me, she made me so happy two weeks ago. Her mother had told her she looked like her other grandmother. She was so upset," I do not want to look like her Nanna, if it was you I would not mind I would like to look like you"
Now I am not an oil painting I have had a lot of illness in my life. it shows in my face as my weight has gone up and down with the medication and illness. I tried to say her other Grandma was not ugly at all, the comment that came back was, "no but she dresses so old, it makes her look ugly. You always dress nicely Nanna, I do not mind going out with you and seeing my friends"
My heart really sang, never knew what that expression meant until then but I felt on top of the World. That child has seen me when she thought I was dying but it how I behave and dress she thinks of me. Never ever will I go into an "Old Ladies Shop" I trawl the internet for my clothes, not for the most expensive ,but clothes with style, colour &, material but still not mutton dressed as lamb.
It is possible, as I say I have five granddaughters and they will let me buy for them too. Think outside the box girls, Try buying size 22 that does not make you look like a Wig-wag, & still meet the approval of these beautiful girls.

Nice to meet you all

frilly

WitchyMage
  • 6th Oct 2010 10:45pm
I really disagree with you, and I know that this is months after you've posted this, but I really need to say this. Although what PCD wears is completely vulgar and disgusting, Pink is heaps cool,...

I agree with DD on the last few points. The entertainment artists are not designers. Designers would have needed to make those pieces before the artists could try them on. Celebrities may dress inappropriately, but the only way people see them dress like that is when the media draws attention to it.

And although I'm not a fan of "all" fashion trends, I do like some and I like the variety of styles I can try on each season. I admit that many do not suit me, but I see it on someone else and it just works for them. I'd feel awful to deprive others of something that looks good on them just because it doesn't suit everybody else.

The discount department stores do tend to follow trends, but I also find that the quality is made to only last one season anyway. If I want something to last years, I generally buy more expensive items for my staple items so I can wear them years from now and not have a tear, stretching and unwanted fading.

For older ladies, I often walk past specialty stores that have clothes marketed towards older ladies. I don't ever think those are ever ridiculously revealing or hipster styles as I would be worried if my grandmother or mother wore hipsters and skin tight clothing.

DD
  • 16th Jun 2010 08:22pm
I've just turned 30 and I completely agree! Yes, some of the type of clothes young 16-early 20's feamles wear is appalling! I blame it on the media and people in the public eye! The rock singer...

I really disagree with you, and I know that this is months after you've posted this, but I really need to say this. Although what PCD wears is completely vulgar and disgusting, Pink is heaps cool, and they have the right to wear what they want. It may be them influencing designers, but teenagers make the choice themselves what to wear, and even if celebrities did not wear clothes which are 'appalling', as long as the teens want clothes like that to wear, they will find it somewhere. It's not like many teenagers are following examples of celebrities who wear nice, respectable clothes which are still fashionable, so how can you blame other celebrities for others wearing bad fashions? Becasue even if they didn't, todays teens still would. Also, you can't blame celebrities for influencing these fashions because they had to get their clothes from somewhere. And designers need to take chances, you might not like it, but others do. Oh, and I say all this like, respectfully and without meaning to offend you, just to have my say. So, don't be offended or anything. :)

anna
  • 25th Feb 2010 12:28am

I agree with your view, Jen - I am in my mid 30's and find it difficult purchasing clothes that I like, when I like - so many clothes that are the same, same, same! I like clothes that are cut well, suit the shape of the wearer and last or more than one season. Fashion designers out there - stop being sheep with a herd mentality - design something that suits different women at different stages of their lives - they'll love you for it!

jjdrer
  • 11th Oct 2011 01:07pm
I am now 48 years old and still like to be fashionable without wearing the latest trends which are aimed at the very young women and girls. As we grow older we like to still dress smartly without...

I agree with you wholeheartedly. In fact I don't even look for jeans anymore. I detest hipsters and I have long legs too. They are never long enough without being too wide. Slacks are rarely long enough. I occasionally find a pair that are long enough that don't look like sacks.
I certainly can't afford to buy a whole new wardrobe every year - or season.The clothes at many specialy stores aren't long enough in the arms or legs for me unless they are too wide. The only advantage in being tall and having long arms is I can reach the top shelves in supermarkets and help others who aren't so fortunate.

marz
  • 29th Apr 2010 02:56pm
I agree with your view, Jen - I am in my mid 30's and find it difficult purchasing clothes that I like, when I like - so many clothes that are the same, same, same! I like clothes that are cut...

I am now 48 years old and still like to be fashionable without wearing the latest trends which are aimed at the very young women and girls. As we grow older we like to still dress smartly without wearing old clothes that are designed for the very old or either the very young. Sick of trying to find jeans with a good fit and cut that once you sit down your bum crack doesn't show. What about us middle aged women, where is the fashion for us. Also why isn't there always a variety of colors each season rather than a select few. Lets face us, some of the colors that come out for a particular season DOES NOT suit everyone.

sammie
  • 29th Apr 2009 01:20pm

i also agree with that and im only 23 the fashion these days is disgusting i don't know how people can wear it what happend to the old slacks and a nice white collard shirt with a jacket or blazer

Captured
  • 31st Mar 2009 02:35pm

Jen- it is not only the "older ladies" who don't wish to be forced to buy fashionable clothing.
I am in my mid-late 20's and am not a big fan of each season's fashions. I wish to wear clothes that suit my body type and still feel very comfortable on.

I think the main problem is that the majority of people are happy to fall victim to the current fashion trends and buy what is available rather than boycotting the stores/items of clothing and just buying what they can afford and what does actually suit them and fit properly.

jjdrer
  • 11th Oct 2011 12:55pm
My biggest problem when buying clothes is that the size shown on the clothes are completely different in size depending on what brand name is on it. How can this happen or don certain brands do not...

I couldn't agree with you more! I am tall and have long arms too. I have difficulty finding clothes long enough without being too wide. Some stores stock short or medium length pants but not long. I have managed to buy track pants and windcheaters which are either plain or have a mild pattern, not masculine on them. They are also longer.
Men's skivvies used to be thicker and longer than ladies too -- and often cheaper. I remember buying trackpants for my 2 nieces, same colour but 2 different brands bought at different stores. The size 3 in one brand was longer than size 4 in the other. Sizes even today still vary between brands, sometimes the same brands in the one stack, so I often match them up against each other. For children, often the larger size may just be a little longer by 1/2 " or 1" and no different in width. We have also found that childrens plain windcheaters, skivvies etc. are a size bigger in size in boys than girls. I buy a size smaller in boys than I do girls. My friends have noticed the same thing.---and boys are often cheaper--and more servicable colours, nothing wrong with that on girls at childcare, kindy or around home. I got plain boy's zip-up windcheaters - longer and thicker and $1.00 cheaper than I could girl's colour at Kmart whose childrens clothes I find there are often better quality - grown out of - not worn out.
If I buy clothes for my great-niece, I always give her Mother the docket so she can exchange or return them if they don't fit or are not suitable as she goes past the same banner stores regularly. I regularly check what size she is currently wearing and usually buy a size bigger for her to grow into unless I know they are needed to be worn immediately. For myself I also find that he armholes are tight too,

jackieollis88
  • 12th Aug 2011 09:56am
I agree with you pobbers re the size shown on the clothes I am between a 12-14, however, sometines 12-14 are huge and I can get away with a size 10 also there are lots of imported clothes in the...

I work in retail and totally understand the frustration. I'm trying things on in my store and often find that I have to go up or down 2 sizes. Often this has to do with the types of materials used and how you want it to fit. Denim for example is one of those fabrics that stretches a lot and you often have to go down a size. My recommendation to you all is that size is just a guideline. I've had customers walk out because they are intimidated by the fluctuating sizes. So don't be worried about the size on the label just be concerned about how you look and feel.

di
  • 23rd Nov 2010 12:17pm
My biggest problem when buying clothes is that the size shown on the clothes are completely different in size depending on what brand name is on it. How can this happen or don certain brands do not...

My biggest gripe about size would be bra sizing - I have an E cup size only selected bras go up to that size they are either something my granny who is 20 yrs dead and gone would wear or have thick padded cups - hello I have big boobs I do not need extra padding, thick foam, or something that resembles two carrier bags attached to a 1920s corset. I want a nice looking bra - not too lacy, made of fine fabric - with a little give in it, a cotton lycra mix would be nice I want support wires the correct size, but not so long that they poke my armpit on one side and under my chin on the other - come on aussie stores if Marks and Spencer can do it so can you.

KathrynSia
  • 1st Aug 2010 05:46pm
Jen- it is not only the "older ladies" who don't wish to be forced to buy fashionable clothing.
I am in my mid-late 20's and am not a big fan of each season's fashions. I wish to wear clothes...

I agree with you completely!
These days I can't relate at all to 'the latest trends' and if anything find them quite...weird... And I'm only 21.

jud
  • 4th May 2010 11:29am
My biggest problem when buying clothes is that the size shown on the clothes are completely different in size depending on what brand name is on it. How can this happen or don certain brands do not...

I agree with you pobbers re the size shown on the clothes I am between a 12-14, however, sometines 12-14 are huge and I can get away with a size 10 also there are lots of imported clothes in the department stores ie kmart target etc made in india, china, philippines etc

pobbers
  • 15th Mar 2010 04:49pm
Jen- it is not only the "older ladies" who don't wish to be forced to buy fashionable clothing.
I am in my mid-late 20's and am not a big fan of each season's fashions. I wish to wear clothes...

My biggest problem when buying clothes is that the size shown on the clothes are completely different in size depending on what brand name is on it. How can this happen or don certain brands do not care at all, they are just happy to sell the item to any buyer who does not try it on before buying it or they are buying the item for a friend which then makes the person look totally silly when the item is opened up at a party.

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