Fashions for Style-Conscious Women Over 40
Age-appropriate Clothes Line Available at Marks & Spencer
Dec 2, 2008
Where oh where are all the stylish, affordable,well-cut fashions for women in their 40s, 50s and 60s?
Trying to find clothes that neither make women over 40 look ridiculous, or well-fitting styles that work for their body shape, should not be an uphill struggle. Yet the majority of the fashion industry still seems to think that more mature women are happy to squeeze themselves into something their daughter would wear, or are content with giving-in to frumpiness!.
Mature Women vs Fashion Designers
Why do so many fashion designers target the young, with skyscraper legs and stick insect-like bodies? According to 50-something Emma Soams of Saga magazine, “even briefed to design with the older woman in mind, they just don’t get it.” There are some exceptions however, like Donna Karan, DVF with her iconic wrap-dress, Vivienne Westwood, Betty Jackson and Jasper Conran.
A problem with trying to keep up with current fashion trends but finding clothes to fit, is that a woman’s body tends to change shape as she gets older, particularly during perimenopause. Breasts get bigger and waists get wider. Most older women no longer have the figure (or legs) of a 20 or 30-something, although the majority of styles and cuts are still geared that way.
Marks and Spencer Announces Launch of Age-Specific Clothes Range
For women ovre 40 who are tired of wasting hours rummaging through rails of inapproptiate clothing, there is some good news on the horizon. The iconic UK retail chain Marks and Spencer has just announced the addition of its new fashion line, called Portfolio, for the over-40s woman. Considering its main customer base is women in their mid-50s, this was possibly a long time in coming. Says Rose Fenton, a 40-plus loyal Marks and Spencer shopper, "there has been a need for this for many years."
In January 2009, no doubt there will be some collective sighs of relief from many British women when Marks and Spencer’s Portfolio range is launched. Marks and Spencer also have retail outlets worldwide. Whilst there is nothing wrong with experimenting with younger-style fashions, if a woman feels her days of shopping at Top Shop are over, then its good to know there are alternatives.
The Portfolio Collection
Whilst the majority of the line is still under wraps the collection will include a slimming black all-in-one-jumpsuit, well-styled (elasticated) waist jersey trousers and a stylish wrap-over jacket.
The collection will follow the principle of quality fabrics and well-cut, sharp, styles ,which flatter the more mature woman. Rather than continually bowing to up-to-the-minute fashion trends, it will include flattering, easy-to-wear clothing at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Dresses will start from as little as £30 and jackets from £60.
However, from the previews of the Portfolio collection in the Mail online's November 27th article "Never be Frumpy Again: As M&S launches its first range for older women" reactions from bloggers commenting on the article have so far been mixed.
Twiggy's Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous Over Forty
On the subject of fashion for the over forties, a useful 40-something style guide has recently hit the market, written by former 60s supermodel and current America’s Best Model judge Twiggy. Entitled A Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous Over 40 (Michael Joseph, 2008), her down-to-earth fashion advice gives tips of what styles to wear for your shape, beauty hints and ideas for dressing for every occasion.
She has also worked closely with Marks and Spencer in promoting its range of women’s fashions, and models for its Autograph collections; contemporary clothes for all ages that are elegant and stylish.
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