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Fuming over Fashion in this country.

(7 Posts)
hochiwich Sat 27-Apr-13 10:50:12

I have a dress which I've been wearing since the 80's. Why? It is comfortable and flattering. Or at least it would be if it wasn't now thoroughly disreputable. I have searched in vain for a similar style for years now, so I can finally throw it out, but with no luck whatsoever. Oh I have seen similar things online, in America. Over there it's easy to buy simple denim dresses, flared or gathered from a high waistline, flattering and comfortable for the older woman. But here, designers insist we have waistlines, whether we have one or not. I have never had a waistline to speak of. In fitted garments I just look like a sack of spuds. There is a wonderful, and inexpensive range in the U.S. called Woman Within. Another called The Tog Shop. Over there they have a range for the disabled to make dressing easier and more dignified: Care Apparel. And so on. http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Fashions_for_Elderly_Women After much hunting I found one dress here in a similar style, in brown marl: a colour guaranteed to make me look like porridge. There is actually one British firm selling garments from Woman Within: tops and pants, no dresses. Why? Is it too much to ask? Am I the only person who wants this type of garment? I saw another designer wanting about £150 for a dress I would wear! I hate having to say it, but it seems the Americans have us beaten hands down when it comes to fashion for the elderly.

hochiwich Sat 27-Apr-13 10:51:44

Sorry, forgot to make the link to the page I saw. Here it is:
seniors.lovetoknow.com/Fashions_for_Elderly_Women

Elegran Sat 27-Apr-13 11:08:11

Hochiwich What you need is a seamstress who can take it apart, make a pattern from it, and then make up dresses to that pattern in different colours, fabrics, trimmings etc. They do exist.

gracesmum Sat 27-Apr-13 11:48:42

Have you looked at Orvis? Their style (to me) is very New England and their colours are lovely.

hochiwich Sat 27-Apr-13 12:10:00

Thanks Elegran, I used to do all my own dressmaking, to be honest, I just don't have the facilities now. When I was pregnant I made lovely dresses of the type that fit me, also for my daughter in her pregnancies. Not sure I can afford a seamstress to do it for me .
Gracesmum, I will take a look at Orvis, thanks.
I've placed a bid on ebay for something that might do in the meantime.

hochiwich Sat 27-Apr-13 14:03:01

Had a look at Orvis but it's nothing like what I had in mind. Thanks anyway.

petra Sat 27-Apr-13 18:18:37

Unpick the dress yourself. This will take a lot of time; but will save you money. You say you you did dressmaking. Why not cut out a pattern ( from old dress) and let dressmaker do the rest.
Go in and ask for a price before you do all the ground work.