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What to Wear Instead of Sweats
Comfortable Chic
;)
Fashion expert Charla Krupp
(Photo: Michael Waring)
When I was on a TV show recently and asked to name the one thing most women over 40 do wrong when it comes to fashion, I said underdressing -- going for comfort at the expense of style. Funny, but when I'd been asked that same question in a pre-interview days earlier, my answer had been just the opposite: overdressing. Midlife women tend to get too glitzy and end up overdoing it, blinging out on all burners. Why, then, my about-face?
On a flight from New York to Chicago, I'd just encountered "airport dressing." At the terminals in New York and Chicago, I'd been surrounded by sloppy sweats in all shapes and sizes, hoodies, fleece pants with stripes down the sides, athletic sneakers that had never set foot in a gym -- all accessorized with a big fanny pack. By contrast, the women in jeans and nice sweaters, or in pants and leather jackets with boots or flats, looked so powerful, so first-class to me.
Don't get me wrong. Body-hugging velours are adorable -- on tweens, or even on us when we're home alone watching a DVD. And a supercool tracksuit like the one Madonna designed for H&M in 2004 works if you're actually running to or from your trainer. But wearing oversized, shapeless sweatshirts is the same as not bothering to get dressed at all. If you look good, you'll feel good. The desire for comfort is one we all share, but fulfilling it stylishly requires thought and strategy.
Department and specialty stores are packed with soft and slouchy feel-good clothing in a carnival of colors and weightless, wrinkle-free techno fabrics. Newer names in contemporary casual clothing are getting major shelf space. You've probably noticed Vince, Splendid, DKNY Pure, Velvet, Iisli, Michael Stars, Three Dots -- and if you haven't, get to know them. Personally, I'm not sold on the jumpsuit (too much work involved in every visit to the ladies' room!), but here are some appropriate pieces to consider.
Sweatshirt alternatives:
- Easy-fitting cotton knit sweaters
- Soft denim blazers
- Smock tees
- Knit cotton dresses in T-shirt fabric
- Layering tanks
Sweatpants alternatives:
- Drawstring or yoga-inspired pants
- Cropped pants
- Casual cotton pencil skirts
Sneakers alternatives:
- Rubber-soled driving shoes
- Ballet flats
- Espadrille wedges
- Flat strappy sandals
- Flat boots
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annittaj wrote:
I was disappointed to find that the AK yellow cropped trench is only avalable in plus sizes on Macy's web page. Has anyone found it in misses sizes?
3/28/2008 12:23 PM CDT
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Southsidemom wrote:
You asked what we like to wear instead of sweats and running shoes. I absolutely swear by stretch velvet pants. They are comfortable like sweats, can be dressed up or down, they don't stain and can be handwashed and air-dry quickly, making them good for travel. They are hard-wearing too, and work for all but the very hottest weather (though I've worn them even in summer with a cotton tank). If you get them in black they take the place of 3-4 other garments in your luggage.
3/26/2008 12:08 PM CDT
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gretchenhd wrote:
I too am frustrated...I've not only searched online, but I have also gone into every store imaginable! I can not find Splendid jersey dress/item 1, as well as several other items pictured in the article. Please help!!!!!
3/14/2008 5:56 PM CDT
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fujifilm wrote:
In response to Wendy from More, its March 12 and still can't find the splendid dress and alot of other items. This was a great article with great ideas, but what good is it if we can't find anything.
3/13/2008 12:39 AM CDT
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displaynamealreadyused wrote:
I'm very discouraged - can't find any of the items pictured anywhere - not even the Converse glitter skimmers. They are not my style, exactly, but I might have considered them for something different and fun to wear. The Splendid cotton dress, none of the items are available anywhere?
3/5/2008 8:58 PM CST
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