"When you’re already going through a potentially difficult period of life, the last thing you need is to feel you can’t wear clothes that make you feel good.... You deserve to wear mood-boosting, confidence-inducing clothes so you can feel like the best version of yourself today."
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: one of fashion’s biggest misconceptions around age inclusivity is that increased age representation is all it takes to resolve the issue.
Yes, that is vital, but it must go beyond this: designing clothes that cater and adapt to women at different stages of their lives.
That doesn’t suddenly mean compromising on style and resorting to baggy frumpy clothes; it simply means acknowledging and understanding that many women’s bodies change with age and, with that, there might be new areas they prefer to cover vs expose, and certain lifestyle demands and preferences.
Menopause is a perfect example. Multiple studies have found that perimenopause is associated with increased fat in the abdomen, as well as decreased lean body mass, resulting in many women’s bodies going from more pear shaped to apple. Additionally, hormonal changes can cause breasts to grow and trigger hot flushes (which 80% of women experience). And yet stylish, modern clothing that caters to these changes can be difficult to find.
Left: Pear Shaped, where your hips are slightly wider than your shoulder & bust Right: Apple Shaped, where you have curves without a defined waist
When you’re already going through a potentially difficult period of life, both emotionally and physically, the last thing you need is to feel you can’t wear clothes that make you feel good. You shouldn’t have to resign yourself to that baggy black sack. You deserve to wear mood-boosting, confidence-inducing clothes so you can feel like the best version of yourself today.
Which is why, as proud pioneers of age-inclusivity in fashion, at The Bias Cut we curate our collections with different stages of a woman’s life in mind. And we’d love to share with you some of our expertise and top tips, so you can find clothes you’d love to wear, whatever you’re experiencing.
1. Changing Body Shape
Seeing your body shape change before your eyes can be difficult. You may feel you’re losing a sense of identity, and struggle with the idea your wardrobe doesn’t work anymore.
If you’re gaining weight around the middle, the key is to balance your shape by creating an illusion of a waist, highlighting your cleavage and/or lengthening your body with long vertical lines and showing off your legs.
You can use our handy Shop by Body Shape tool here to find the best clothes for your shape. Our Frida Cato Dress has a tied waist to nip you in at the middle, and is a great length for flashing a bit of leg!
When it comes to jeans, opt for a high waist cut to tuck in your tummy. A perennial style, the skinny jean is great for showing off the slender shape of your legs and lengthening your body as a whole:
Reiko Nate Dark Blue High Waist Skinny Jeans
£32.25
£129.00
The Story ↓ Dark Blue skinny jeans are a classic wardrobe staple piece. This ankle skimming pair from Reiko are a truly fail safe option, detailed with a super flattering high waist and deep blue shade making these the most versatile… Shop The Look
Reiko Nate Dark Blue High Waist Skinny Jeans
£32.25
£129.00
The Story ↓ Dark Blue skinny jeans are a classic wardrobe staple piece. This ankle skimming pair from Reiko are a truly fail safe option, detailed with a super flattering high waist and deep blue shade making these the most versatile… Shop The Look
2. Hot Flushes
The majority of women prefer to wear natural fibres to cope with hot flushes, namely cotton and linen. But it’s a misconception that natural is the only option In particular, there are semi-synthetic fabrics such as viscose and cupro that will keep you cool and comfortable.
But it’s a misconception that natural is the only option In particular, there are semi-synthetic fabrics such as viscose and cupro that will keep you cool and comfortable.
Viscose is fibre created from regenerated cellulose, and because it was invented to be an imitation of silk, it is absorbent without insulating body heat.
Similarly, cupro is a biodegradable regenerated cellulose fabric made from cotton waste, and has good breathability. Our Heartbeat Blouse combines both, being crafted from cupro and ecovero viscose:
In the colder months, don’t be intimidated by knitwear. Embrace chunkier knits as they are cooler than those with a tighter weave – the larger holes in the weave allow air to flow through them, making them a great option. Our Elona Chunky Vest Knit is a cooler option, both thanks to its larger weave and it being sleeves. And it looks fab layered over our 100% cotton Yolanda Blouse:
3. More Comfort
As soon as you say you're looking for comfortable clothes as a middle aged women, elasticated waist bands come to mind…
If that’s your preference, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But it shouldn’t be your only option.
Looser, floaty feminine dresses and blouses are a given for comfort. But If there’s one piece to invest in this season it’s the Shacket - half jacket and half shirt, it’s being universally praised for its relaxed, slightly oversized fit, making it one of the most comfortable stylist pieces to wear:
£52.25
The Story ↓ Shacket's are everywhere this season, perfect for the transitional weather thats too warm for a coat but too cold for no coat at all. The soft blue, pink, yellow and brown wool check is a stylish woman's best… Shop The LookStella Nova Emmy Pink & Blue Check Jacket
£209.00
When it comes to jeans, look for those with a small % of elastane in them as gives them a little stretch, so you can move more easily as they mould to your body shape. Our Milo Jean is a great option as they are high waist, and made of a cotton, recycled cotton and 1% elastane blend:
£40.50
Milo Black High Waisted Jeans | RRP £135.00 The Story ↓ We can’t get enough of the Milo Black Jeans from Reiko, from the comfortable, flattering high waist to the straight leg and button fly fastening. The Milo Jean is finished with… Shop The LookReiko Milo Black High Waisted Jeans
£135.00
4. Breast Changes
If you’ve got them, as they say, don’t be afraid to flaunt them! There’s no age limit to showing off a bit of décolletage, and a lower neckline in particular is flattering for those with an apple shape as it helps elongate your shape. Our Suraya Dress has a highly flattering V-shaped neckline:
Alternatively, if you prefer more coverage, have smaller breasts, or have had a mastectomy, a modern higher neckline is a great option. Keep it fitted around the top, and let loose on the bottom, such as with our Ruby Dress:
5. Skin Changes
Our skin naturally changes with age: it becomes paler, less firm, and wrinkles and age spots can develop. But that doesn’t mean you should have to cover up; as with anything you wear, all that matters is what makes you feel good.
One way to balance coverage with not looking too matronly is with a semi-sheer black fabric. Our Semi-Sheer Flower Kisses Blouse skims over your body, so not to highlight any areas you’re a little self-conscious about, whilst still allowing your skin to subtly peek through. And if you’re feeling daring, you can even just wear a black bra under the top rather than a slip. It’s grown up, sophisticated whilst still sensual.
Finally, don’t be afraid of colour. Wearing brighter colours, especially around your face, can give your skin an instant lift - even if it's just a pair of statement earrings! And remember, there’s no colour you can’t wear; it’s all about finding the right tone for you.
Bold & The Beautiful Large Earrings
£22.50
The Story ↓ Truly living up to their title, these bold & the beautiful earrings feature a studded body that supports a large art deco style hooped earring, held together by a gold plated jump ring. Handmade from polymer clay, each… Shop The Look
