1/24/06

Don't Be Afraid of Faux!

Marguerite Perfett

Can a woman old enough to want her arms covered find happiness in today’s fashion world of bling, glitz, flash, skin, and faux fur? Women in my Harvey County community have some ideas to share.

Nancy

“I’m not ever going to give up my jeans,” Nancy says. “They’ve been part of my wardrobe since high school. Now I can find them in stretch denim, four types of leg, three kinds of waistline, and five color choices. In school, we wore them rolled up with big shirts. We have these big shirts now, along with sweaters, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. They can be decorated with embroidery, sequins, and golden glitz thread, and printed with about anything we want to pay for. Of course, it’s all washable; why else have them? Jean jackets look like Ike Eisenhower’s army uniform! Today’s jeans are yesterday’s housedress, in my opinion.”

Ina

“When I was selling clothes to ‘older’ women, I didn’t hesitate to let them know that something wasn’t suitable,” Ina says, “usually by selecting another garment and suggesting they might ‘like this better.’ If most women could see the backs of their legs in short skirts, they’d never wear them! And as our bodies thicken, we need more loose-fitting garments. Dresses with jackets seem to have replaced the over-blouse, and the jacket can be dressy or casual. Two-piece sets with filmy shirts stitched with metallic thread are attractive choices for any age.  Scarves can enhance an outfit and create flair, and faux fur pieces can do the same if worn with an attitude! Look at the movies of the 1920s and ’30s, where some star was always flipping around a feather boa or fur piece.”

Carol

“I spend more for my clothes now, but buy less,” says Carol, who has been a receptionist for many years in several types of offices. “You need to dress appropriately for the kind of business you represent.” Carol detests flip-flops, no matter how fancy they are. In her view, they belong on a beach. “And whoever invented the garter belt must have been crazy,” she believes. “They’re uncomfortable and just another garment to put on.” When wearing a split skirt, she opts for panty hose. “Some women don’t realize that split skirts can show knee-high hose and bare skin through the split,” she notes. Glitzy and beaded jewelry pieces are out for Carol, as are the metallic look and fluorescent colors like orange and purple. Her jewelry is restricted to a wedding ring. Sometimes she’ll wear earrings that reflect a holiday theme. Carol’s style can be termed “lady-like practicality with an occasional touch of whimsy.”

Martha

“Just because I’m in a wheelchair most of the time doesn’t mean I don’t want to look nice,” Martha says. “I wear just about what any other woman does. I prefer pants and blouses to skirts. I dress up my chair sometimes to go along with what I’m wearing. For Christmas, I wore a sweatshirt patterned with bells, and I also put a few on my chair.” On the Internet, Martha has found clothes created for her needs, with designs and sizes that provide comfort. Fabrics are easy-care, closures can be made of Velcro, and styles are suitable for anyone who needs help dressing. “I feel I’m as fashion-conscious as the next woman, considering my limitations, and I’ll try a little glitz!” she says.

Rebecca

Owner of a store that’s been in the family more than 40 years, Rebecca says her older clients range in size from four to 24. “Most women like the two-piece look,” she points out, “and some aren’t afraid to wear a unique jacket, big brooch, faux fur, and sequins as a highlight. Most fabrics are washable now, including faux leather. I would say most older women use two suits, one or two dressy dresses, a couple of skirts, slacks, and pant suits. Hooded jogging suits are practical and popular. Most older women seem to want a lot of tops.” Rebecca notes, “Fashion trends seem to reappear every 25 years or so, like the broomstick skirt, which is longer now and more filmy but still has broomstick pleats. There are more choices in attractive, comfortable clothing now.”

Take a look at what’s in your own closet and think about being open to some new ideas!

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© University of Kansas Medical Center, Center on Aging, January, 2006.