Ladies of a Certain Age ~ for those invisible powerful, dynamic, vital women

“What do you remember wearing in the 1980s?” I asked at least 10 of my friends.  “Why are you asking me this?” was the common reply.  (I’m sure they thought I had really lost it!)  “Because, my dear friend, the 80s have influenced one of the hottest fall fashions for 2018,” I replied.

The common response was “Who cares?  I don’t.  I don’t like to shop and am not concerned about shopping!”

Well, upon further inquiry, I found none of my friends’ statements were true.  As we began talking about what we wore in the 1980s and where we were in life, the memory stream brought us to a different time in our lives, one where we were – for the most part – young women and many of us young mothers, also.  We had such fun reminiscing.  We giggled when we recalled, bell-bottoms, pant suits, shoulder pads and jump suits.

Also, I found out that my friends – like me – do want to be fashionable, but it is difficult when all we see in clothing promotional pieces are young women and girls, about the age of our granddaughters.  You know, we are invisible to the fashion industry, even though as a group we have lots of bucks to spend!

So, that is why I write a fashion report twice a year for ladies-of-a-certain-age, and – yes – I often send my blogs to retailers.

So before I go into details for this season, I want to give you “the scoop!” No fake news here!  After all, I was even on the staff of the Thomas Jefferson Junior Senior High School’s Jefferson Journal and often wish I could thank my journalism teacher and newspaper sponsor Miss Jean Stanbrough for teaching me the basics of journalism! Also, there are no anonymous sources in this report.  I have listed them either as links or at the end of this blog!

Fall Fashion 2018 Scoop

The three biggest trends this year are (drum roll—–)

1. Bright
2. Animal
3. Clothes influenced by the 1980s!

What do you remember wearing in the 1980s?  Here are some of my friends’ answers.

1. Vests, Melinda said, that coordinated with a blouse.
2. A narrow leather tie. A girl in our lab actually wore high heels with her jeans, Ann reported.
3. Fabulous Lori, my hair stylist, a new member of ladies-of-a-certain-age, remembered the big permed hair! (Spoiler alert: I did not see any of these hair stylists in my 2018 research.)
4. Shoulder pads – you know those things you stuffed on top of your shoulders, Ginger remembered that’s right said her friend. Dressing like a man for the business world was big then.
5. Suits and pants suits! Nancy reported. And, jump suits.   OMG! We all said.  Going to the bathroom was so difficult then, the jump suit just would not work for us today at all!

So here are my hot 2018 fall fashion tips for ladies-of-a-certain-age with one editorial note:  There are no dos and don’ts at this age.  I say if you like it, wear it! Also, don’t criticize your sister.

Fall Fashion 2018 Tips for Ladies-of-a-Certain-Age

1. Blue jeans – with their wonderful new fabric blends and elastic waists – are very much in style. But, here is the big news regarding regular jeans:  Mid-rise and high-rise — not hip huggers with 2 inch zippers – are in fashion this season.  (I even saw one company titled “Not Your Daughters Jeans!”) Belts around the waist have come back.   Yes, skinny jeans are still popular; but I am going to go out on a limb – wear them now because they will not be fashionable much longer.  I am seeing lots of “flared” jeans.

One note:  For those of us who do not have a 20-inch waist anymore, belts worn with jeans can be difficult because you know that old adage still applies at any age, “accentuate only the positive.”

2. Plaid shirts are the berries. Now, here is something interesting: while you may be able to find some made out of flannel material, the shirts for 2018 are made from all sorts of fabrics, such as rayon, tencel, cotton and blends.  I am going to go out on a limb again because I think the effects of global warming are showing up in what we wear.
3. Blazers are hot! They are shown not only with skirts – like what we wore to work in the 80s – but with blue jeans, corduroys, and knit pants.  Now, speaking of global warming, a blazer on top of a t-shirt, blouse or light sweater may we all you need for the cooler weather ahead.  A heavy coat may no longer be needed.  Today’s fashionable blazers come in many patterns and materials reminiscent of the 80s – corduroy, plaid, hounds tooth, velvet and something I would call velour.  Bright metallic fabrics and animal prints are also popular.

One note: Again for those of us whose waists seem to have disappeared or expanded beyond recognition, buttoning a blazer may be difficult.  The cut of the coat will be important, as well as accentuating the positive!

4. Tops, the shape of them, are changing. I am seeing less and less real long ones, asymmetrical cuts, or tops with shoulders exposed.   Tops are still a little long – skimming the top of the thighs.
5. Sweaters are in, especially stripped sweaters and big bulky sweaters. Both go perfect with blue jeans or corduroy pants.  Many have a fuzzy texture.  They are made out of all type of fabrics.  I even saw a red one like I wrote about in my November 2015 blog. (I have learned to love that sweater with all of its imperfections.  Also, I am thankful I am part of the Mesa County Fiber Arts Guild of Colorado and all its members who lovingly help me.)
6. Long sweater vests that almost graze the knee are big this season. Paired with a simple t-shirt and a long scarf, they are often shown modeled in some of the world’s most popular cities. There’s a pulled together look about them while exuding comfort.
7. Shoes, boots and handbags complement these relaxed 80-style clothes. One particular style does not stand out; but, I do see lots of shoes in animal prints.  Belt bags – that can be worn as a kind of fanny pack or purse are “really in.” Hands can be free, which may be beneficial for ladies-of-a-certain-age concerned about balance or who use a cane or walker.  They come in all sorts of colors – red seems to be a favorite – and metallics. Bucket bags and rectangular purses are “ in,” too.
8. Color – Sorry, ladies, I cannot tell you there is one color above all else that is popular this season. Several of you last fall told me how happy you were to learn that “red was in,” as you put it.  The colors seem to me to be more subdued this year.  They include: Dark red wine, an orange red, medium sky blue, mustard yellow, lime yellow, brownish green, dark and light violet and a blue green. Nail colors are subdued.

In my Closet  for Fall Fashion 2018

Here’s what I’m wearing this season:

1. Jeans and cords – no need to buy because my straight leg, mid-rise ones are still in style, and I love them! I am looking for a pair of flared cords, hopefully in the Pantone fall shade of Martini Olive, a brownish green color.
2. Plaid shirt – Just bought a new, mostly rayon, one with black embroidery on the shoulders. If it gets cold enough (we have had the hottest summer on record where I live), I can wear my cozy flannel one.
3. Blazers – I am waiting for my oversized menswear-inspired plaid to come in the mail. I have two black blazers from days gone-by that I will dig out and try on.
4. Tops – I have plenty of dark red wine colored and dark and light violet tops. Can you tell that I love these colors!
5. Sweaters – Lots of bulky sweaters live in my closet. I am furiously knitting a subdued purple, maybe you would call if fig-colored one, that I hope to have finished soon.
6. Shoes, boots and handbags – The shoes and boots I have in my closet will work just fine. I know a belt bag nor a bucket purse is for me. I am digging out my beloved black saddlebag Couch.

Note:  The long sweater vests are not for me for these reasons: 1. The length bugs me when I try and sit down; 2. If I need to put a coat on, I have to be careful the  length of the vest does not go past the coat’s length; and 3.  Having shrunk several inches, I this the proportion will not work for my body.

Sources and Notes

To get a quick summary of current fashion I go to Target (no, I am not paid by them!)  I find it amazing the variety of current fashions, shoes, handbags and accessories they showcase right as you walk in.

https://people.com/style/best-fall-trends-to-shop-at-nordstrom-summer-sale/

https://www.whowhatwear.com/fall-fashion-trends-2018-community

https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/whats-now-view-all

https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Fall-2018-Fashion-Trends-44588759

https://www.glamour.com/gallery/fall-2018-new-york-fashion-week-trends

https://www.vogue.com/article/fall-2018-trend-report-womens-mens

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fall-2018-fashion-trends-1980s_us_5b76e65de4b018b93e9363ae?ncid=APPLENEWS00001

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Shop/80s-back-fall-trend/story?id=57244711

Copyright – Elizabeth J. Wheeler, August 31, 2018