I’ve never really been a big clothes shopper. But when I was younger, it was definitely a lot easier. I was tall, thin and in the age group designers targeted. I could walk into any store, pick out my size and it would more than likely, fit as it was intended.
I didn’t shy away from any trends, styles or colours. My personal mantra was “anything goes”. Not sure if that worked for me but I was very confident I could pull anything off.
Related Post: Essential 6 Piece Starter Capsule Wardrobe
Recently, I went shopping with a friend. She was looking for sundresses for an upcoming vacation to Italy. Being a good friend, I quickly got over my pangs of envy and secret wish to make sure she didn’t look good AND have fun travelling, and focussed on the mission at hand. I got into the summer spirit and started looking for outfits for me too.
We zig zagged the store, I don’t know how many times, calling out to each other, holding things up, criticizing each other’s choices and inevitably returning most of the items back to the rack.
I soon realized that clothes shopping for women over 50 is much, much harder. Why?
THE RULES!
- Length too short
- Sleeves too short
- Too tight around stomach, butt, bust
- Too thin and see through(rag after one wash)
- Too heavy
- Too young
- Too old
- Too complicated to put on
- Too long to remove to go pee
- Too blingy
- Too much pattern
- Too plain
- Neck too high
- Neck too low
Have I missed any?
I think we touched every item in that store, twice. The few items that passed the “looks good on a hanger” test, were set aside to try on. The change room was an even bigger hurdle to cross.
The item had to pass each of the following progressive steps:
- up past the knees
- all zippers and buttons done up
- motion agility test (if you can’t bend over or raise your arms…)
- overall mirror appearance
- friend’s thumbs up
It took an hour and a half but we were successful, even with all of our tests, restrictions and qualifications.
With the store paging it was closing, we checked out. She bought two tops and I…I got a purse.
Do you have any shopping rules?
MuffinsMom
Sunday 6th of March 2016
I have rules for purses too, LOL! I use mostly shoulder bags, and Rule Number One is that the strap has to be long enough to hook it on my shoulder one-handed - at least 11 inches. Then, because I like to travel, it has to have a zipper for (at least a little) security. I prefer mostly east-west rather than north-south style totes. Ack! My purses tend to all look the same. What a surprise!
Deb
Saturday 13th of February 2016
Everything you've said in this post is SO TRUE, and the reason why when I go clothes shopping I usually walk out of stores buying either a handbag, scarf, or shoes! And even though I don't really sew, I'm seriously tempted to learn because there is very little clothing out there that is stylish and fits well, for women over fifty! And jeans? A nightmare! Seems like the junior and plus-size departments have cornered the market, and those of us in between are just left hanging. I'm sure we can do better than that!
Youre Never Stuck
Thursday 4th of February 2016
Hi there, I really liked this article, good points and they are all true! When we get older, we all start to experience these things and it makes it harder for us to enjoying shopping. I love your purse by the way, great color! xoxo Patty
Elena
Friday 5th of February 2016
The purse always fits and goes with everything! lol Win-Win!
Tamuria
Saturday 16th of January 2016
Love the handbag! Two years ago two of my three sons decided to get married within two months of each other. That meant two dresses (I hardly ever wear dresses but mother of the son rules applied). It was hell but I was happy with the end result. I much prefer buying handbags.
Elena
Monday 18th of January 2016
Oh my I could shop for handbags all the time. They always seem to fit.
Spashionista
Tuesday 29th of September 2015
I'm 54, disabled, built like a hobbit and I have a killer wardrobe. You're doing it wrong, honey. You should read my blog ;-)
Alicia spashionista.com
Elena
Thursday 1st of October 2015
I have started reading your blog Alicia! You have great advice for all women and encourage all to check you out.