It also seems to me that there’s an unjustified amount of pressure on designers to make youthful clothes. No one wants to be called boring or dated, but the relentless insistence on youth actually seems to be hindering imagination.
I’d like to personally welcome Cathy Horyn back to fashion journalism. With statements like the one above she cuts to the heart of what bugs so many women over the age of thirty-five about fashion. Why is “fashion” geared to the young, when it is the older women who possess most of the means to indulge in clothes?
Even if you do not follow the fashion world, it is important to know that there are an increasing number of critics who can see that fashion will not truly be “democratic” until older women can picture themselves wearing the clothing that goes down the runways.
Sure, I want to be thrilled by great design, challenging ideas, even offensive ideas. I’m all for that. But my mind is equally open to clothes that are simply beautiful, that have an easy and inhabited and ageless quality.
Let’s hope the designers and manufacturers are listening.
The Vintage Traveler 
The mass market, and the “need” for obscene profits, triumph over everything today — including pride in producing a quality product and developing customer loyalty that way. There really ought to be a niche for well-constructed clothes that fit a mature body — maybe we could wear them to niche movies that are not aimed at 12 year old boys. . . . I’d go for well-tailored, well made slacks, fully lined clothing, and movies without any ridiculously obvious CGI sequences. That’s how old, old, old I am!
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Personally, I’m sick to death of seeing dresses that are cut ABOVE the knee – not a flattering look for anyone, unless you happen to have incredible knees! These short frocks are just about everywhere, from tiny cocktail dresses to casual day wear. Why oh why can’t we see beautifully tailored clothing (at a decent length!), along with ‘on-trend’ fashions for the over thirty-fives? Anyone??
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Thank you catwalkcreative for expressing exactly what I feel. The sad thing is that these companies could be making so much more money if they actually catered to the “over 35 set” every now and then…yes, please offer an occasional dress at a more flattering knee length already. And please stop visualizing all women over the age of 40 as short, pear-shaped blobs with clothing to match…oh, wait, I keep forgetting, we (older women) are supposed to be invisible, right?
Please don’t let me get started on the women’s shoe industry…..
Thanks Lizzie, always love reading your blog!
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I don’t mind short as long as it’s all in proportion. Little short gathered skirts just look silly. Bring them down to the knees!
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Classic is always in style…
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It all looks alike…”Monkey-seeMOLLY do’! same hair..same makeup…FORGET the shoe craze..what ever happened to YOUR OWN LOOK ??? FORGET the runways..that is all for the press and the silly age group they are targeting..No wonder everyone is p’d – off…i totally agree with Witness, Cat,and Fifty!!! Forget the “Collections-I’d much rather see the Dog Show!
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I just took 45 minutes to view highlights of the New York Fashion Gala…I agree not only are existing and coming fashions intended for the very young…but their designers are “marching to a different drummer”, in my opinion.
In their quest for something different….something clever, flattering and original … all they have accomplished is something different…and ugly.
They seem to be continuing the layered look…but each layer is independent of the other layer…the layers do not enhance or compliment each other.
For lack of a better word….They give the appearance of being thrown together.
Have a great time at the Dog Show, ..Lizzie
(If you decide to take a peek at the Fashion Show….take pictures of special folks on the street dressed in fashion frock for us to enjoy.)
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Maybe she should start her own fashion line!
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Now that would be interesting!
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Honestly, I gave up on fashion after I got out of college–it just wasn’t relative to my life anymore! After years of kids, work, and keeping house, I opt for comfortable and flattering. It can be done and reasonably anymore, at least this era is one of wearing what you want if you want to. If you want to do the crazy fashion, go ahead! And if you want to do the average every day look, (usually jeans or slacks for some, dresses for others, then you go with that! Let fashion be for the crazy rich people who are the only ones it’s aimed at and the rest of can dress how we like. Just please, those who are doing the “people of Walmart” look need to stop that.
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Well, there’s fashion and there is style. I think it is more important to know one’s style. It does help if manufacturers are actually making things that are relevant to our lifestyles.
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Very true! I have my own style and color choices–don’t want to dress like my mother or grandmother did. I need comfort and durability, but love when I can have a nice cut or color or whatever to go with it. Haven’t worn a dress since I don’t know when, but I have nice pants, everyday pants, yardwork pants, and all sorts of tops to go with them. My biggest problem is wearing things that can be layered. Our weather is mild with occasional extremems and I may need to peel off or put on, sometimes all in the same day!
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Take a look at some of your local up and comers. Independent designers like Kate Mensah and Trina Pierre of Seattle have easy to wear modern designs. Stop feeding the beast, shop local.
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Yeah, more power to them, but I buy very few pieces of clothing. Underclothes, coats, shoes and socks. I make everything else because, you know, short, round, and old enough to not care!
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