You have something to wear! Breaking the myth of age-appropriate clothing

I am in my 30s and still shop in the junior department. So why do I feel like I’m standing in an AA meeting sharing my “problem”? Because once a woman is on the other side of her 30s, a not-so-subtle peer pressure kicks in demanding that she suddenly adopt a cool and stern fashion sense that leads her to formless and often ridiculous outfits that they are meant to de-feminize. , marginalize and desexualize. After all, women of “a certain age” are no longer supposed to wade through the sex pool; they are supposed to be snuggled comfortably in a marriage, moving and shaking the business world or caring for parents and grandchildren. All this with clothes that are meant to be functional and not at all fun, and which, sadly, are often just that. But there are some of us, mostly tail boomers and cutting edge Gen-Xs, who refuse to walk into that good night and go invisible. You know who you are. Like me, you may still be hanging around the Juniors department looking for cute outfits or, feeling the need to “look mature” but convinced there is nothing out there, you may have succumbed to pressure by opting for Fussy, matronly outfits that don’t do her justice. And some of you horror of horrors have completely turned to the dark side and are using those terrible offerings of women, who do not take into account neither the form nor the style.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to settle for unappealing shapeless clothing, even if you no longer have the body of a twenty-something. (By the way, most twentysomethings don’t have perfect bodies either.) You don’t have to dress like June Cleaver, and you don’t have to give up on fashion after 30, 35, or even 40. I’m going to tell you how to successfully shop Juniors with confidence and come out with outfits that are functional and dare I say they are. cute, but they will not make you appear to the world as the most ridiculed woman, you know her, the lamb that tries to look like a lamb. Are you ready?

1. Timing is everything. If you’re going to hang out in youth aisles without provoking mocking glances from teens and twentysomethings, you should shop when they’re not around. Monday through Friday mornings, when school is in session, are the best times. It goes without saying that you should avoid weekends altogether. If this is not possible, take a younger woman with you. Many women take their teens shopping at Juniors. No one has to know that you are actually selecting outfits for yourself.

2. Stay away from extremes to avoid the dreaded “lamb as lamb” look. Any shirt that says sexy, cutie, brat, etc., looks ridiculous on a mature woman, just like the sparkles, lots of ribbons, lots of fringes, you get the idea. What you are looking for in Juniors is the cut or the shape of the outfit. Stick with calmer colors and smaller prints. If it is absolutely necessary that you have one of those simple shirts without messages.

3. Get yourself a great pair of jeans. Let’s face it, while women’s jeans are classics and classics are great, they’re not sexy and they don’t suit everyone. Despite what you’ve heard, low-rise jeans are a boon to most mature women. A low-rise bootcut is ideal if you are small or slightly overweight. This jean gives the illusion of a waist, elongates the torso and makes thunder thighs appear smaller. Classic jeans, especially those with a straight leg, tend to make many mature, large women appear larger. A rule of thumb for low-waisted boot cuts: don’t get a rise that’s too low (to avoid panty-peeks) and go for a sleek dark indigo or black. Slightly distressed jeans are great too. Avoid excessive details. The dizzying array of buckles, zippers, etc., now popular in youth jeans, will make you look like you’re trying too hard. A jean with a detail like a leather lace-up front is fine if you feel like you’re worth it to take it off.

5. Complement, complement, complement. This is where a mature woman can really have fun. A pair of sexy boots, strappy heels, an amazing handbag, and fun jewelry are an absolute must. Just remember that less is more. Don’t wear too much jewelry or carry accessories. A good rule of thumb is to use one or two powerful pieces at a time. Updated accessories are a great way to spice up your classic pieces.

6. Know what shapes fit you and know what is classic. I mention this because armed with a knowledge of what never goes out of style and what fits you best, you can choose freely and confidently between those outfits at Juniors that are mere variations on the classics. By sticking with more conservative, classic youth clothing and avoiding youthful excesses, you can find great contemporary clothing and still look like a woman.

So, I hope you see that if you are 30 or older, you really have something to wear! You don’t need to listen to those invisible style referees who say you have to dress a certain way (read midwife) as you age. The trick as you get older is to get more sophisticated, not scruffy, in what you wear. Avoid square and shapeless clothing offered to mature women. Using a tent and thinking it will cover up your faults is a mistake that often backfires. Will you just end up disguising the fact that you are a woman, and it is not part of being a woman to have the freedom to flaunt your sexuality if you wish?