Formal Wear for Older Women

How to Dress for Women Over 50

Who knew that once you hit 50, you became invisible? This cloak of invisibility is evident every time I walk into a clothing store. There are fashions for millennials by the truckloads sporting the latest designs, fabrics, and colors of the season. Then there are the clothing stores your mother enjoys because they cater to her need to have warm feet and covered knees.

What about the rest of us? Where are we supposed to purchase our dresses, skirts, and blouses? I often wonder if it will take a revolution of middle-aged women running naked through the streets to highlight our cause. A protest that even Lady Godiva would be proud to have attended.

Ladies, before you begin stripping off and heading for the door, let's talk formal wear for women our age. If you've been avoiding going to your school reunions or telling your children to wait to get married because you can't find something suitable to wear, I want to help you (and your children).

I am in the same boat, as now I am on the wrong side of 60. I currently live in Brazil, and it is refreshing to see the attitude of women here, as it's very different from those I have seen in the US & the UK. Here a woman, no matter what her age or size, will quite happily wear tiny clothing while excess skin hangs over the fabric. There is no shame or feeling that they should cover up because here, fun comes first.

I realize that this is not an option for many readers as you might be embarrassed or ashamed of a particular part of your body. You probably notice that part of your body more than other people. Still, to feel comfortable at your next party or formal gathering, we will discover some suitable dresses and pantsuits that will have you enjoying your evening on the town.

Formal Fashions for Mature Women

Older or mature women have certain areas which many of us may wish to hide. Although you may think you're the only one plagued by these problems, you're not. I have four or more of them that I will be discussing, so you're not alone. Many fashions targeted at younger women will suit us; however, it does take some sifting through the choices and picturing ourselves in a given outfit.

Many popular sites, such as Amazon, rarely use older women in their advertising images, a fact that doesn't help us in our quest to find our perfect outfits. I have listed a few clothing ideas for you to look at for your next formal occasion, as wedding season is right around the corner. These also include the problem areas the clothing will help to cover up.

I will also touch on other important things to consider when selecting your perfect attire for a wedding or other formal events. It's worth spending time choosing an outfit because when you feel confident in what you're wearing, it shows in how you carry yourself and how much you enjoy the event.

Loose Underarm Skin

This problem has many names, such as bingo wings, underarm dingle-dangle, and some which may be specific to your area or family. Whether this is due to weight loss, or a simple lack of toning, it doesn't matter; it's a common problem. I won't suggest you lift weights or do dips from a chair (clearly, my triceps have been subjected to these various exercises). I am here to find clothing options that will mask this problem area.

Lace Sleeves

Wearing sleeves is the obvious answer, but as I'm sure you're aware, some are better than others. Lace sleeves are often found on formal dresses and add to the outfit's elegance. Some lace is more suitable than others as certain ones are stretchable. If your arms are large, consider only lace sleeves that have a bit of stretch.

If they are too tight, the skin could begin to push through the lace creating an unattractive appearance. Plus, you want to avoid a potential clothing failure during the event. Sheer 3/4 length sleeves will mask the problem area while leaving the dress with a lighter chic look. This is a good choice if your upper arms are large or you are self-conscious.

Light Jacket

Another option is wearing a light jacket, such as the one with the pantsuit or a short bolero style which will look striking paired with pants, a skirt, or a dress.

Tummy or Flabby Abs

If you read women's magazines or go to exercise sites, the women have flat abs but let's be realistic, how many women do you know with flat abs that are our age? That isn't to say you should cease your workouts, don't get stressed about it because there is clothing to help.

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The Story of Moustaches

I remember watching the Wimbledon Tennis tournament many years ago, and Sarah Ferguson (Prince Andrew's ex-wife) was in the audience. Of course, the cameras were pointed at her the entire time, as this was just before her upcoming wedding. She sneakily ate candy, and the press went crazy about whether she could fit into her wedding dress. She later went on to represent Weight Watchers, but her weight was a constant source of news in the British press. This made me sad then, and it still does, as she didn't fit the mold of a perfect woman.

My point of that story is no matter what age, unless you are an athletic type, you likely feel you're carrying more than you want around your midsection. Call it a spare tire, love handles, or just your gut, and it causes women a lot of distress. If the upset is caused because it's seen as unhealthy, I can see why there is a cause for concern. If, however, it's because other people comment or you feel peer pressure (yes, even at our age), we don't need to get worked up about our tummies.

Swollen Ankles

If the thought of wearing feminine shoes that show your swollen ankles fills you with dread, you are not alone. I have this problem as well. With long formal wear, be it trousers or a dress, your large ankles are covered. Opting to wear a shorter skirt will require more thought about your shoes. For me, shoes with straps seem to accentuate the problem. My favorite pair of dress shoes is a kitten heel pump. They are low enough to be comfortable, but the pointed toe draws the eye away from the ankle.

If you are standing, walking, or dancing, opt for comfortable shoes. High heels, unless you are accustomed to them, should be called sitting shoes.

Wide Hips, Saddle Bags, And Large Legs

When I think of the needless hours spent looking in a mirror and the worry this causes to women, I almost want to cry. Sisters, listen to me; this is your shape and has been the form artists have chosen to paint through the whole Renaissance period. You know the types of paintings I'm referring to, the Rubenesque women who are plump and sensuously draped over a chaise lounge, arms and legs akimbo—adorned with nothing more than a wisp of burgundy fabric and long wavy locks of auburn hair. You have an incredible womanly shape.

Believe it or not, current medical research says carrying weight around the hips, as in a pear shape, is healthier than extra weight around the belly.

The key to finding something ideal for a formal event is to buy the correct size. I know this sounds crazy, but I have seen women with large hips try and squeeze into a smaller size, thinking it makes them look smaller. Correct-fitting clothing makes you look better and feel better, and when that happens, you enjoy yourself more.

Solutions for Saggy Breasts

Unless you've had breast augmentation, it's likely your breasts aren't as pert as they once were. What once were full and bouncy now, sadly, are akin to the ears of a Labrador. In our next life, hopefully, we will be on a gravity-free planet where this type of thing doesn't occur. If you have the chance, put into Google search 'normal women's breasts'. There are websites where normal women of all ages have uploaded images of their boobs. You will be amazed at what you see, and I promise you after seeing them, you will love your own pair.

If you feel your girls are letting the side down when it comes to dressing up, don't worry, this problem is easy to fix without resulting in drastic measures. Correct-fitting corsetry is a must-have to make you feel comfortable in any formal wear.

These might include:

• Silicone bra inserts, or as my daughter calls them, 'chicken fillets'. These are easily tucked inside the bra, normally in front of the armpit side. Some women choose to place them below, although you don't want your cup to runneth over, just be filled. Place them where they best suit your needs.
• A push-up or padded bra: Don't be fooled into thinking a push-up or a padded bra is only for the young. Both types of bras help give the breasts back their fullness.
• Body Shapers. My personal favorite is what are collectively called body shapers because they solve so many problems. It pays to shop around until you find the right one. Not only will you get the bust supported correctly, but you'll also benefit from a smooth line that looks better under a dress.

Big Butt or No Butt Fashion Fixes

Who could have imagined that a big posterior was going to be in fashion? Go figure! Thanks to the likes of Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, the tables have turned, and ample booty is trendy. Those who are challenged in the tush area have easy fixes without resorting to drastic measures.

These can include the: