Dressing "A Woman of a Certain Age"

One year ago I began working at Yuki's Clothing & Accessories, an upscale boutique in Kingston, Pennsylvania that specialized in dressing a more mature woman in a trendy yet age appropriate manner. I had no clue what to expect when I started working at the boutique but I quickly created the position of Social Media Director for myself, began digital marketing the store and trying to get in touch with a hard to reach base. I also learned that there are a lot of challenges when it comes to getting dresses once you pass the age of 50 and that there really isn't anyone talking about it.

I think this is B.S. and so I give you several tips to keep in mind next time you, your mother, your friend, your aunt anyone over the age of 50 is looking to acquire some new threads.

If you are over the age of 65 (or are buying something for someone of such age) accept the fact that the neck is probably not an area of visual point-of-interest. The first few months I worked at Yuki's my customers spent hours explaining to me that their drooping neck was not something they wanted There are several ways to dress chicly and hide the neck.
advertised.

• Option one is high necked tops and clothing. This is my least favorite option because it is dull and gets old fast, not to mention that few people actually like turtlenecks as they are hot, constraining and sometimes picky.  
• Option two is to embrace scarves. Scarves are wonderful, versatile and the polar opposite of high necked tops but accomplish the same goal. With so many types of scarves in the world to choose from the options are endless. This is also very French of the wearer and therefore classic. Classic is always good.
• Option three is to embrace statement jewelry. While the more mature audience may not have been thrilled by Jenna Lyons' styling choices, it was these choices that made statement jewelry a staple on the accessories marketplace. It may seem counter intuitive but putting on a large necklace will draw the eye to the necklace* and not to droopy neck skin. *Note: Barbara Bush's pearls got larger the older she became... hummm I wonder why? 

The neck is not the only thing that shifts as women age. Generally there is a southward movement, and I don't mean moving to Florida. It's important to remember to invest in good lingerie – a good bra and proper underwear will do wonders for the everyday. 

Courtesy of Eileen Fisher, Official Facebook Page

It's also important to see the cut. Lines like Eileen Fisher are masters of the cut. 

Accept that the body shifts. Then realize that your proportions are no longer what they used to be. Then find the cut that works for you. Eileen Fisher generally cuts a bit more generously with an a-line shape and high-low hemlines. This keeps the clothing looking fresh and trendy yet hiding the most unflattering parts of a mature body.

Eileen is also socially and environmentally conscious so you never have to feel guilty about supporting her awesome brand. 

Mature customers need to be cognizant that they are unfairly judged in the most critical way and therefore any misstep is taken and generalized. This being said, I stand in favor of the elastic waistband. 

The elastic waistband is one of the most known and widely regulated agist jokes in existence. Truth be told, what is so wrong about good looking pants being comfortable? One of the areas that shifts as the body ages is the waist and traditional pants are very hard to find and fit on an older body. Often alterations must be made to the length, but the elastic waistband allows for an easy fit. There is no shame the waistband. 

*Yuki's Clothing & Accessories carries a wide selection of Eileen Fisher. Please call (570) 283-5116 for more information.