https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:47:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242696 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:46:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2242696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I honestly can’t tell you what winter coat(s) she even has, but I bet you’re right and she could probably use an uplift there too. She’d never wear your purpley one, but it’d be cool to find her one that made her smile when she put it on. Half the time she leaves the house, it’s too the grocery store, where she doesn’t even take her coat off, so a fun one would be great. I’m not sure how much fun she thinks one should have in a winter coat, but she did buy me this blue one. I enjoy it, but suspect she’d feel like the fur was too much. Maybe she’d like a puffer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242636 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:06:26 +0000 Anonymous 2242636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Start with a great coat It's the first thing people see in winter and makes sooo much difference I've learned! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242633 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 09:12:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2242633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi and Suz, thanks for the M&amp;S suggestion. I was looking at their jeans for her recently. I’m not sure if any had elastic in back, but some of the styles looked like she might like them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242623 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 03:41:22 +0000 Suz 2242623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh. M&amp;S could be a good option if available in the US.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242618 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 02:45:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2242618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slight side note there, but M&amp;S are great for front fastening bras! Think they also have some for mastectomies with space to add your own inserts (if she likes padding or not). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242263 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:55:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2242263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Aquamarine. She doesn’t want to admit it, but I am aware that serious mobility issues are perhaps not too far in the future for her. Then again, her mother wore a full girdle daily until she died, just before her 90th birthday.</p> <p>PS. Funny about the bra. A few years back, when I was heavier, I did tons of research into a spanx bra, the first time I ever paid anywhere near that price. A couple months later, she walked in as I was dressing and her eyes lit up at the front-fastening bra. I offered to trade her, and she was delighted. So maybe she does have mobility issues. On the third hand though, she doesn’t remember this at all, says she doesn’t wear front-fastening bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble/page/2#post-2242259 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:49:47 +0000 Aquamarine 2242259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good suggestions here. My mother is 85 and in just the last few years has developed difficulties in getting dressed (I’ve noted here that even putting on a bra is so so hard now). So ease is very important to her, and I’ve let her drive the whole clothing thing, learning the hard way that she will not necessarily wear what I suggest or buy for her. Things that I think would work might be “too heavy” for her to put on or the color/print is not appealing (she has vision issues so she “sees” things differently than I do). All this from a woman who was fastidious in her dress when she was younger.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242258 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:28:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2242258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, if only she had been familiar with your empathetic, empowering ways bitd! But that’s water under the bridge. </p> <p>Ophelia, thanks for reminding me to pay extra attention to balance issues when evaluating footwear with her. </p> <p>Gaylene, I appreciate that you took a moment to reread the post and reformulate your reply. Saying “thanks for the compliment; I bet we can find winter things you’d like too. Would you like to look together or should I find a few suggestions” is my response to her passive-aggressive “compliments” after, for example, giving me middies and then complaining that she “can’t” wear them, although she is several inches shorter and refused to hem the skirts. Other possibilities include “stop yer whining” and “suck it up, buttercup”. If you have a better suggestion, I’d like to hear it. I’m happy to have figured out winterwear that I like better than the style she taught me; assisting her in doing the same, as she evidently doesn’t like that style either, is the most positive response I can think of. Again, I’m all ears for a better approach. </p> <p>Joy, she is familiar with JJill, which might make her comfortable with a style shift. Alas, I doubt she’d go for long vests—she bemoans the drab winter wear as a woman’s fate, but doesn’t want to sacrifice ease and functionality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242239 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 07:08:51 +0000 Anonymous 2242239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <ol> <li>As being near the age of your mom &nbsp;I would suggest vests of any type. I like quilted ones and long, duster type layers. &nbsp; You may want to look at pull-on pants rather than jeans. &nbsp;They may have the comfort she craves. &nbsp;I have gravitated toward &nbsp;snow pants and Ponte knits for winter pants. &nbsp;If she wants even more casual, look at knit sweater pants. &nbsp;They seem like more loungewear.</li> </ol> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242238 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:46:00 +0000 Anonymous 2242238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might try JJill for your mother. &nbsp;They are wider at the hem and good for older bodies. &nbsp;I find some are too much side width for me at age 75. Long over lean is a good look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242150 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:25:59 +0000 Gaylene 2242150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone in my early 70s (not sure of your Mom’s age), I’d like to thank Angie for supporting a gentle approach to “helpful” fashion advice from younger family members.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Perhaps imaging your reaction if the situation was reversed might be a good indicator of how to approach her. Otherwise, even with the best intentions, the end result might not be as positive as you envision. As Angie says, dressing advice at any age can release some tricky emotions and interpersonal dynamics.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242133 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:24:25 +0000 ophelia 2242133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've never indicated any mobility, balance or fall issues w/ your mom that I've read about (in fact she sounds quite feisty!) but you may want to evaluate her gait before getting her any boots w/ the large, lug, and/or platform soles that are trending. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242117 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 15:05:01 +0000 Angie 2242117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a pleasure, <b>Stag :)</b></p> <p>Fashion and style are very emotional terrain. The right gentle approach in key, and my degree in Psychology before I studied fashion comes in handy. I've learned that it's best to respect the wearer's feelings, make them feel empowered, and give them a choice. It's about uplifting, supporting and encouraging at the level of the wearer, instead of knocking them down to build them back up, IYKWIM. YES! It can be very tricky. The motivation of the wearer has to be there, otherwise things can go very sideways. Since your Mum is unhappy with her Winter style, it sounds like you have a nice opportunity to be supportive and helpful!</p> <p>I haven't noticed older people gravitate towards drapier styles - but comfort does become even more important. Some drapier styles DO have a lot of fabric, which sounds like the ones you need to avoid. Gentle fluidity and volume in the right places is your friend!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242080 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 11:03:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2242080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thank you! I admire your fashion knowledge, obviously, but have never considered the psychological aspect of what you do. This is tricky! You are quite right that the reason I want to do this is that’s she’s unhappy. Blowing in with “you should” and tossing my ideas onto her would be counterproductive. But if I could drive a wedge between “winter” and these styles in her mind, so she realizes she doesn’t have to wear stuff she hates, it might help her feel better. </p> <p>Half-elastic in the jeans is brilliant, as are cuffs as a way to add in fun. About the sweaters—do women tend to gravitate towards drapier styles as they age? I worry that she would think that was too much extra fabric hanging around her waist, but people’s likes and needs do change over time. Maybe she’s ready to give something like the very first cardi in the inspo pix from Runcarla a try. It is lovely!</p> <p>Thanks for the link too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2242009 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:30:42 +0000 Angie 2242009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Stag,</b> it's fab that you'd like to help your Mama feel fab about her Winter style! I have 80+ clients across a range of body types and they are a joy to dress and work with.&nbsp;</p> <p>First, with your Mum's permission, and if she is receptive to the idea, ask her if she'd like a jeans and boots refresh while you are with her. Take her shopping in stores or online, if she is. I wouldn't get anything for her without her opinion beforehand.</p> <p>If that goes well, you can start slowly and build on from there.</p> <p>I love the idea of the white boots to match Mum's white hair and cute short haircut. Light grey is another option. It's fab that your Mum likes to wear jeans! Both boots and jeans are essentials that make a huge visual difference to ones style when refreshed.</p> <p>As far as jeans go, you can look at half elastic silhouettes. Or look for cuts that are straight on the waist and hips, and fairly streamlined on the leg. Not too tight or wide. Add a fun cuff for practical purposes. Showcase the boots.</p> <p>For tops, look for a cascading and drapey style of sweater. Asymmetrical hems are a win. If your Mum will wear a scarf, match that up with the top in the palettes of her choosing.</p> <p>A fab puffer or cocoon coat over the top. Great hat and gloves to match.</p> <p>Maybe look at Blogger Beth for some visual inspiration:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.styleatacertainage.com/category/fashion/winter/">https://www.styleatacertainage.....on/winter/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241993 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:16:54 +0000 rachylou 2241993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the inspo pics, Runcarla! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241988 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 22:37:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you again, Runcarla! Her style is indeed fantastic. Her shape isn’t quite as apple-y, so I’m trying to picture how these looks might work. The diagonal hemline on the purple top looks like a really good idea. *I* live the textured open cardi, but I’m supposed to be thinking about my mom. Thanks again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241986 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 22:27:24 +0000 Carla 2241986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The stylist Brenda Kinsale (RIP) had fabulous and practical apple style… </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.brendakinsel.com/">http://www.brendakinsel.com/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241985 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 22:24:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, thanks so much! I know you’ve been spending time helping your mom out too. Those inspo photos are great! I appreciate the list of celebs to look up too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241984 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 22:05:40 +0000 Carla 2241984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you want to research some inspo pictures for yourself, and later share them with your mom, Pinterest can be a place to start off. &nbsp;A few apple shaped celebrities (some tall, some small) and influencers are: Judi Dench, Doria Ragland, Ali McGraw, Reese Witherspoon, Susan from ‘Une Femme d’Un Certain Age’, Jessica Simpson, Rosie O’Donell, Queen Latifa.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>Something that might transition your mother’s current outfits, and provide warmth - but also have resonance with her Minnesota/Wisconsin background would be an ultra lite vest like the ones from Uniqlo. &nbsp;They create a ‘column’ when worn open, but extra warmth without weight. &nbsp;The collarless versions are ‘trendy’ without being too over the top.<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-ultra-light-down-vest-443198.html?dwvar_443198_color=COL69">https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/w.....olor=COL69</a>&nbsp; (The berry is nice, but the cream/white might bookend her hair.)</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241972 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:33:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, thank you so much for your empathy and suggestions. </p> <p>I’m starting to think that one thing I really need are inspo pictures, things to show her how xyz style would look on someone “like her”, so she can begin imagining herself in those styles. Iris Apfel is not her shape or style. Young women modeling barrel-leg jeans won’t show how she would look in them. Age, size, and shape are probably all important. Photos would also help me go from “on the hanger/ model” to how they’d look on her. </p> <p>Some things I’ve gotten her in the past decade that were hits:<br /> •a tourquoise/blue ls shirt and cropped pants, about ten years ago that she enjoyed wearing in Florida winter.<br /> •A ls cable (smallish cables) soft pink sweater that she wore some (Dad wore/wears the sweater I got him more) Valentines Day about 5 years ago.<br /> •Last winter, their first in the cold in two decades, I got them both super-fuzzy fleece jackets from Uniqlo that they *loved*. She kept the sparkley blue tights and ls shirt I got her but he returned the long Johns. I think they both kept the socks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241970 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:16:19 +0000 Suz 2241970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to dress my mother, too. It was hard at times; like <b>Sally'</b>s mother, mine had some disabilities that made some kinds of clothing difficult for her once she reached her mid-80s. Some kinds of fastenings were too hard for arthritic fingers (and her low vision). She could overheat or get cold easily. She disliked certain necklines. </p> <p>I did a lot of ordering and sending back. When she was able, I also took her shopping. Sometimes, between me and the sale associate, we got her to try something unexpected that worked well. Her first puffer coat, for example. She resisted and resisted (because she thought only a wool coat would do) but the wool coats felt so heavy for her frail bones. When we found her a purple puffer, she was in absolute heaven. (She looked like a queen in it, with her white hair!)&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway...if she is interested in a change, then maybe an unwelted sweater that hangs gently, a little oversized. And possible a new jeans silhouette or ponte pants of some kind?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241969 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:15:42 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards and Sal, thank you for your wise thoughts and examples of how you’ve struggled to do similar. When I posted, I wasn’t certain if I wanted to buy her an outfit for Christmas, or to shop for one with her once I’m there. You’ve convinced me that the latter is the better course to take. </p> <p>That doesn’t mean I’m off the hook for now—I’ve got to study up! I expect my point of entry will be a complaint about how oppressive winter and winter dressing are, or maybe a wistful comment about the sweater skirt I plan to wear for Christmas and how nothing like that works for her. That’s when I want to be prepared, so I can help her find an outfit that would look and feel good. I need to learn a lot about what’s likely to work, so I can quickly scan the screen and pick out good possibilities, before she’s ready to give up. </p> <p>Physically, idk if she can do fasteners—she began having my dad do anything that fastens in the back long before it was a dexterity/flexibility issue, and she doesn’t wear things that button down the front. I’m a little worried that the white boots I’m finding on US sites (way fewer than over here!) often have a platform. Only an inch, so it wouldn’t bother me, but it could be too much for her. </p> <p>Style-wise, I’m thinking a cocoon-shaped topper might be best, but I’m not finding many. I want to figure out a couple styles of jeans too, so she can try them. As you point out, her comfort is most important. There is nothing I can do about most of what troubles her, but if I can get her to realize feeling like a boiled cabbage all winter long is not inevitable, it would be something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241966 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:55:24 +0000 Sal 2241966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see why you want to help and it is very kind . I also wonder if she wants to change or adapt? </p> <p>I tried to assist my Mum for 20 years with clothing and mostly got it wrong. She wanted comfortable soft clothes in nice colours that she could manage in terms of getting in and off. Options were very limited because of her chronic illness. She felt bad about things we tried that didn’t work, that were put aside. Or that were just not what she wanted. Eventually I stopped and only purchased what she asked me to and this was easier on both of us. </p> <p>I think a big style shift is hard - if she is up for it then that’s great and it could be fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241965 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:54:56 +0000 kkards 2241965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, I admire your spirit and your wanting to help your mom, but I have to ask, does she want help, have you asked her? &nbsp;Especially have you asked her what she likes about her current way of dressing/closet and what she wants to to update and/or change? I ask because recently trying to find new shoes for my 85yo mom, I mentioned that it was ok to wear sneakers anytime/all the time and i was told on no uncertain terms, that it was not ok for her. &nbsp;Ok, point taken, and the search for ‘real’ shoes continued.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241964 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:45:26 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Nemosmom! Lots of similarities there, but some differences. </p> <p>She gets around exclusively by car. Wears stompy boots in the winter because that’s what one does, but doesn’t like them. I don’t want to challenge the need for them, but think it’d be possible to get some that check that box *and* that she’d enjoy. She wears jeans an awful lot in the winter. I think she’d feel insulted by loungewear, however elevated. Tights &amp; skirts were a game-changer for me; she would not enjoy wearing them. I’d like to find a parallel for her, something that lets her start to enjoy winter dressing.</p> <p>Comments on the white boots I posted for myself flipped a light switch for me. No, they don’t bookend my hair well, but I know who’s they would ———&gt;my mom’s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241962 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:35:29 +0000 nemosmom 2241962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA: realized I did not answer your question! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241959 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:24:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s been 3 years since we visited them up North for winter. I think the thermostat will be set higher, for my dad, so she might be comfortable in cardigans, which could open up new possibilities. She wouldn’t go for anything knee-length, maybe not even mid-thigh (but she might). </p> <p>She grumbles about stompy boots in winter; I’d like to get an outfit good enough to show her how good they can look.</p> <p>The funniest thing is that she apparently thinks I’m glam. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241958 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:23:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/apple-updates-long-ramble#post-2241957 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:22:11 +0000 Angie 2241957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apology accepted, thank you.&nbsp; </p>