Now that I’ve moved to Springfield quasi-permanently, Deluxemom and I have lots of conversations — and plenty is said about plus size fashion. DM is older, and when we talk about the current offerings for plus size fashion, it’s clear that PSF is missing the over-35 group completely.
The only reason Deluxemom goes to Lane Bryant is because she’s with me. She finds that LB is totally geared towards the younger set, even when it comes to their workwear. Her main problem is that most of the careerwear at LB really isn’t geared towards the image that someone in her age group ( 35 - 45) really wants to project.
As I go through finding plus size pieces to add to my wardrobe, I see what she means. I’m definitely not in the same age group as Deluxemom. I’m in the big trendy, heavily marketed-to 18 - 24 grouping, which definitely digs LB.
It’s not just about LB.
More to the point, I don’t think it’s just plus size fashion suffering from this.
I think it’s a problem with fashion in general, coupled with our expectations of “older” people.
I walked into a Catherine’s with Mr. Deluxe — I was really surprised by the offering. I don’t think that’s the way older people really want to dress — it’s so very … gaudy and bright. Please forgive me if I’m stepping on nerves, but the selection looked all wrong to me.
I really like a lot of things offered by Rosalee. I’ll have to run her selection by Deluxemom and see if she agrees.
My main thing about PSF is the color selection. There’s so many dark colors - I would love some lighter colors more often. Lately, fall pieces have been so /dark/. I don’t need another closet full of dark clothes!
I wonder how many other older plus size women feel this way. We of the young plus size fashion party need to realize, and be sympathetic towards the needs, hopes, and dreams of the older generation of plus size ladies.
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October 31st, 2006 at 9:15 pm
I agree with you totally in this regard.
November 1st, 2006 at 9:25 am
The assortment at Catherines is kind of a mess, from what I’ve seen. It’s like they have no idea which lifestyle they’re aiming for. If they made the selection just good-looking pieces for working women over 35, they could be the Forth and Twone of the plus-size market, I think.
If there’s a Macy’s near your mom, have her look at the Charter Club and Jennifer Moore stuff; it’s supposed to be aimed at a more traditional, classic customer.
November 1st, 2006 at 10:41 am
[…] Deluxe Grrl talks about how plus size fashion is not so kind to older ladies […]
December 17th, 2006 at 1:51 am
Hey there, Deluxegirl…
I can relate to what you’re saying about the plus-size market for those over 35. I’m in my 50’s and I can hardly ever find clothing that suits my needs and taste. However… maybe there’s a change in the air. My daughter recently became a designer. While her styles are geared more toward your generation, she has plans to launch a new line (in my honor) for the 35+ woman. This will probably be during the late Spring or Summer of next year, only because she doesn’t have enough money to do it right now. Just wanted to let you know. If you’d like to see what she currently has to offer, please go to: jahqoi.com.
I just discovered your blog today. But I’ll be coming back often. I love your writing style and your insightful comments.
- Dorez