Fashion: Bring Back the Basics

By: Harriet Hodgson
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:07
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Merchandisers use sales to get customers to come into their stores. I just went to a department store sale and was very disappointed. The free coffee and cookies were a nice touch (I didn't eat them), as were the couches next to the coffee. But I was there to buy clothes for a trip and stayed on task.

What did I find? I found rack after rack of dirndl skirts, t-shirts, blouses, and shoes decorated with sequins. Clothing with sequins is hard to launder, let alone iron. The wild colors didn't appeal to me, either. Clearly, I wasn't up to date on fashion trends.

I'm not the only woman who thinks the latest fashions are "over the top." Fashion designers are missing a marketing opportunity when they neglect middle-aged women and seniors. I urge all fashion designers, where ever you may be, to think of women like me.

THINK ABOUT LAUNDRY. Dry cleaning costs are going through the roof and, after I've had a garment cleaned three times, I've paid for it again. I'm not the only woman looking for washable clothes. Friends are refusing to buy clothes that have to be dry cleaned, with the exception of rayon, which can be washed in cold water.

THINK ABOUT COLOR. Lime green may be in these days, but if I wear this color I look like I need a blood transfusion. Orange doesn't look any better on me. Besides, who wants to look like walking fruit? Years ago, navy blue was my travel color choice, but this color has almost disappeared.

THINK ABOUT SCALE. Many women don't look good in clothes that are printed with huge flowers, animals, or repeat designs. Large prints like these are out of scale for our height and weight. Please think about pattern scale when you're designing clothes for women.

THINK ABOUT BASICS. I don't want a dirndl skirt that makes me look like an escapee from an ethnic dance troupe. Admittedly, my fashion choices are influenced by the fact that I live in the Midwest. Midwesterners are practical and, while we like to look fashionable, we buy clothes that last for several seasons. We also buy clothes we can layer in case the weather changes.

THINK ABOUT ACCESSORIES. Retailers like Chico's and Coldwater Creek have gotten the back to basics message. These stores carry travel knits in black, brown, blue and other colors, with accessories to match. It's one stop shopping. The coordinated skirts, tops, and slacks are ideal for travel and home.

When I ask designers to get back to basics am I asking too much? I don't think so. Basic designs will result in more customers. Basic designs are adaptable and you can dress them up or down. Dear designer, please get back to clothing basics!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You'll find another review on the American Hospice Foundation under the "School Corner" heading.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Fashion Style category

  • Purple GHD Christmas Gift Set - By: Gianni Greco
    GHD have released the new limited edition Purple GHD gift set. Find out what is included in this great gift pack this year.
  • Wholesale Vintage Sunglasses: The Rebirth of an Era of Elegance and Style - By: Kirk Bachelder
    Do you want to look different and unique? Well, that is not something unachievable, especially in the current age with all kinds of designer wears and designer sunglasses.
  • How to Treat your Loved Ones this Christmas - By: Victoria Cochrane
    Christmas is a time of giving and what better way to pamper your loved ones than with some indulgent beauty products? Read on to find out how you can make someone's day with a carefully selected gift.
  • History of the Brazilian Bikini - By: Omar Lagudali
    An examination of the history of how the original bikini was developed and how that design has developed into more sophisticated, designer Brazilian bikinis.
  • Enough Capital with Seven Wholesale - By: Christine Layug
    The internet can provide a wide variety of wholesale clothing shop, there are that can provide some of the signature and branded clothing line, and among the best is the Seven Wholesale.
  • Closeout Goods Are Available At Wholesale Discounts - By: Joel McLaughlin
    When buying closeout goods online, you should watch out for some common mistakes that buyers can make if they are not prepared. We will discuss what to look for in a supplier as well as in your product selection.
  • Corporate Clothing and Brand Exposure - By: Michiel Van Kets
    The way you look, your appearance will create an impression and in the business world first impressions will count. Corporate clothing is concerned with developing your brand through exposure.
  • Finding Elgin Watch Closeouts At Wholesale Pricing - By: Joel McLaughlin
    One of the fastest moving products to sell online are luxury watches. We will tell you where to find them for yourself or your customer, and what to look for in a supplier.
  • Fashion Accessories - The Start to a Winning Style - By: Diane Spiker
    Fashion accessories are a joy to collect and wear. If you love to follow fashion trends, you likely appreciate the joy in accessories. Fashion accessories are just as much a part of the look as the primary pieces in any collection.
  • Women's perfume from Gucci - By: Nisha Sabbik
    Gucci perfume is one of the fabulous products to come from the design house of Gucci. Gucci has created some classic perfumes for women. Gucci is known for its exquisite handbags and exclusive accessories. The founder of Gucci, Guccio Gucci, gave the brand name Gucci when he introduced many of his classics in 1950. After he had passed away, his family continued the same Gucci brand name, and introduced many other different lines including fashions, shoes, cosmetics, and Gucci perfume range. After the death of Gucci, the company set up new stores in Paris, Beverly Hills, London, Palm Beach and Tokyo. Many Hollywood stars like grace Kelly, peter Sellers. And Audrey Hepburn made the brand name Gucci very famous.