The Age Old Question

“You feel there has been an act of genuine hostility toward you by the designer” when they stop making something you’re able to wear. It’s like they don’t want you to have it." - Nora Ephron

The industry's continued obsession with youth can be alienating for anyone who doesn't want to spend their days wearing baby doll dresses, smock shirts or any of the other trends that seem to be ripped straight out a preteen's closet. The New York Times has an interesting Cathy Horn penned piece this week on the subject of aging and fashion which touches briefly on the subject of plus size shopping.

Label-mad or not, many American women can’t find the clothes they want, and have the means to buy. Audrey Smaltz, a fashion show producer in New York, is on her way to Las Vegas in two weeks to celebrate her 70th birthday with a dinner dance at the Bellagio hotel.
“I want to look sexy and they don’t sell sexy for a size 18,” said Ms. Smaltz, who asked Cassandra Broomfield, a custom dressmaker, to make her a short white dress for the party. Ms. Smaltz finds blouses and sexy tops in her size by Lafayette 148.

I found this statement very true. Designers often don't make "sexy" clothing in larger sizes or for women who are older. For some reason older women, who quite frankly have the most buying power, get shut out because designers aren't catering to their needs. I've never really understood why designers do this, sure young girls will always need clothes but its their mothers, grandmothers and older peers who are more likely to have the cash to spend on high end prices. Add to this the fact that older women just bring a certain grace and confidence to clothes, one look at the stunning Carmen Dell'Orefice can tell you that.

I would like to open up discussion about this article/subject matter to the group. Do you feel there is such a thing as age approrpirate dressing in the first place and/or do you feel that your age plays a part in your shopping experience. I would definitely like to know how people feel about this because I think its something every woman regardless of size will have to deal with eventually in her life.