YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Where to shop for Grandma?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Where to shop for Grandma? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:52:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php velvetychocolate on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946674 Sun, 02 Jun 2013 03:43:55 +0000 velvetychocolate 946674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just did a google search for "formal pants suits for plus petite" and this came up: <a href="http://after5formals.com/eveningpantssuits.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://after5formals.com/eveningpantssuits.aspx</a> Something like 30+ pages of formal pants outfits and they all come in a very wide range of sizes. Never shopped here so have no idea as to their service/quality, but thought I'd pop it in here to add to your ever-growing list of options to try Apparently - these all come in a kazillion colours, and every size (plus, plus petites, misses, women's etc.). There was a huge listing for pants outfits, and you will have to scroll though like crazy to find something you like, but keep in mind - lots of colours and apparently - any/all sizes you might need. Each of these outfits below comes in at least ten different colours. Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946382 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:18:56 +0000 Carole 946382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Eliza-Thanks so much for the Appleseeds recommendation. I checked out the website and there are some great options here. I had never heard of this company and am so excited to have another resource for Mom! Lyrebirdgully- Wow! Thank you so much. You have linked to some fantastic pant set options and at Macy's which is so handy for me to shop on line and in store. I can't wait to see how these might work out. One Stop is another new to me brand/store and am looking forward to perusing the site. The shoe suggestions are fantastic as well and I guess it's time to just embrace online shopping to allow for the wider selection this will offer. Going through this process is definitely educating me on what will and won't work for Mom and like you, I am already planning and purchasing things that are building a functional capsule from which she can dress most days. The inspiration photos are a testament to the fact that one can be stylish at any age or station in life, although her cute little frame seems like a dream to dress! A million thanks for your help. Sarah-Gorgeous topper options-thank you so much. You ladies are the best for your help. This is really making me feel so much more confident that Mom is going to look FAB for this wedding. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! sarah on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946241 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 02:51:03 +0000 sarah 946241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carole - just a couple of others to throw into the mix. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/nic-zoe-four-way-cardigan/3457865?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=7412">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ni.....tegoryid=0</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/citron-ruffle-front-silk-jacket/3513894?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3804">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ci.....tualcatego</a> Lyrebirdgully on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946214 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 01:16:47 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 946214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thinking of you Carole, and wishing you the best of luck. Here’s hoping the Chicos outfit will work. Either way, I am totally sure that you can find something lovely.  My sister and I now do all the clothes shopping for our 92 year-old mum, who suffers with back pain and cannot shop for clothes at all. Over the last year we have had to replace her entire wardrobe since she lost weight after a long hospitalization. At first we bought her a lot of misses that we had to return (poor mum was so patient!), but now that we understand her body shape, we can zoom in on what works for her, so nearly everything we buy now for her gets a “yes”. She tries on at home where we can see how things go with the rest of her wardrobe, and we make sure that we do not spend too long and tire her out, (we will leave some items to test out on another day). I feel we have now put together a fab coordinated wardrobe for her which she likes to wear. It is so satisfying to help her out this way. YLF rules! When I go near the shops now I always have in the back of my mind what is the next item my mum could do with, in case I spot something likely.( We try to experiment with other designers a bit, so her wardrobe doesn’t look too uniform). I have tried mum’s clothes on myself, so I can put on a possible purchase for mum in the fitting room and know whether it will work or not. I sometimes take around with me a shirt of hers for sizing reference. (BTW, all her tops and pants need the hems taken up - and sometimes the sleeves as wel - because she is petite, but this is easier than searching for the “perfect” fit - which doesn’t exist anyway.)  In case the pants you ordered don’t work out, here’s what I found browsing “plus size evening pants”. I‘m not sure if the fabric of these would be too revealing of your mother’s leg shape; you may also need to watch for potential sitting/standing trip issues with the wide leg styles). <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alex-evenings-plus-size-pants-wide-leg-chiffon?ID=727588&CategoryID=37038&LinkType=PDPZ1">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....Type=PDPZ1</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onestopplus.com/clothing/Straight-Leg-Pants.aspx?PfId=188911&DeptId=11606&ProductTypeId=1&ppos=71">http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....38;ppos=71</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onestopplus.com/clothing/Best-Brown-Pants.aspx?PfId=303331&DeptId=11606&ProductTypeId=1&ppos=134">http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....8;ppos=134</a>  Re her shoes: there are some dressier “support shoes” which might work for your mum -- in patent and metallic leathers,or with buckle trim, which look smarter and less casual or work-like . My mother and I both have problems with shoe fitting (between us we have wide feet, orthotics, bunions and misshapen toes and toenails), so I have had to wear the dressier products of the following “comfort” brands - Munro, Ara, Waldlaufer. To my surprise, my mother has become a devoted fan of Ecco, as they work for her toe problems. The shop below has an easy-to-read selection of stylish support shoes - great for seeing what is out there right now all in one place. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.petersheppard.com.au/ProductBrowse.aspx?catid=13&pageNumber=3">https://www.petersheppard.com......geNumber=3</a> Ziera (New Zealand) are another stylish as well as a very comfy "support" shoe brand. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://zierashoes.com/Shoes/Orthotics">http://zierashoes.com/Shoes/Orthotics</a>  And finally, some elder inspiration- my #1 favourite for dressy senior style –85 year-old Queen Fabiola of Belgium (don’t you love that name?) Queen Fab uses a wheelchair most of the time these days but she has never given up on style, (check out the hair :)!) and she wears a lot of formal pants. I know your mum will look fab on the big day too. Eliza on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946150 Fri, 31 May 2013 22:59:18 +0000 Eliza 946150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ She is the same size as my m-i-l. All pants must be pull up and down now that she is almost 90. Appleseeds has that size as does Talbots. Pants are more likely to pull on at Appleseeds, but Talbots often has something special in a top, cardigan or jacket. Unlike Chico's Travelers, Appleseeds pants usually have some comfortable structure. That may not be a plus, but it could help minimize the issues she is sensitive about currently. If you know Travelers work, that is a huge plus now. Good luck. Comfort rules. Sometimes I find ankle pants are a better length for her. They fit like full length pants, but don't trip her. Good luck, Carole. She is lucky to have your support. Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946070 Fri, 31 May 2013 20:34:47 +0000 Carole 946070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, yay! At least I'm not completely off base in my thinking. Keep u posted. Christie-thanks:) Annagby-wow-those are all beautiful options, never thought if trying Neiman Marcus! Going to show these to Mom. Thanks so much Kiki - Well you picked the same jacket the SA suggested when I phoned the store today. This looks like it might be perfect. They actually have the pants tank and jacket at the local store so I'm picking these pieces up tomorrow. Keep your fingers X'd for us! Thanks so much! KikiG on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946051 Fri, 31 May 2013 20:12:08 +0000 KikiG 946051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=87&pageId=1&productId=570080881&viewAll=true&prd=Travelers+Collection+Lace+Ellie+Jacket&subCatId=&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=24&catId=cat40001&cat=Jackets++Coats&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=" rel="nofollow">http://www.chicos.com/store/br.....#038;size=</a> What about this jacket with the ink Travlers pant and tank? You could easily shorten the jacket sleeves and length, if needed. annagybe on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946043 Fri, 31 May 2013 20:00:52 +0000 annagybe 946043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Caroline-Rose-Caribbean-Crinkle-Blouse-Stretch-Knit-Wide-Leg-Pants-Petite/prod156200016_cat14950738__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat14950738%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30%2526refinements%253D4294962964%252C&eItemId=prod156200016&cmCat=product" rel="nofollow">http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/.....at=product</a> <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Caroline-Rose-Paint-Splash-Boxy-Jacket-Basic-Tank-Stretch-Knit-Wide-Leg-Pants-Petite/prod159130016_cat14950738__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat14950738%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D4294962964%252C&eItemId=prod159130016&cmCat=product" rel="nofollow">http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/.....at=product</a> <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Caroline-Rose-Sheer-Swirl-Easy-Shirt-Stretch-Knit-Long-Tank-Wide-Leg-Stretch-Pants-Petite/prod158670080_cat14950738__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat14950738%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D4294962964%252C&eItemId=prod158670080&cmCat=product" rel="nofollow">http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/.....at=product</a> All XL petites. Christie on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma/page/2#post-946038 Fri, 31 May 2013 19:59:01 +0000 Christie 946038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good idea ... yes, get the pants you know she likes and find a pretty topper.  She will be comfortable in familiar pants and will feel pretty and festive with a fancy topper.   Angie on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-946034 Fri, 31 May 2013 19:53:11 +0000 Angie 946034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh! Carole! Hang in there! (((HUGS))). It's all going to come right. Go ahead and order those travellers pants from Chicos. You are definitely on the right tack with your outfit idea. xo Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-946003 Fri, 31 May 2013 19:12:14 +0000 Carole 946003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glory-good idea, worth checking out for sure. Mary-:) Thanks! Angie-Things did not go well yesterday, we ended up bringing home an outft but I couldn't bear to tell my mother I didn't like it. It was a long skirt with a cardigan and tank from Colwater Creek. I couldn't sleep last night thinking we have got to do better- it totally overwhelmed her. She's a petite XL apple (if that's even possible) and we need to keep her legs covered because of scars, swelling and deformities. I know she can wear Chico's Travelers pants and am thinking of ordering the ink blue pant (the light colors show her scars and swelling) and tank then find a pretty topper. Do you think I am on the right track? Hugs to you all! MsMary on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945911 Fri, 31 May 2013 17:09:17 +0000 MsMary 945911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hugs, Carole!  You are a doll for taking on this project!  I hope the perfect thing appears sooner rather than later! Angie on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945878 Fri, 31 May 2013 16:38:01 +0000 Angie 945878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Late to the thread, but am wondering how you are getting on, Carole? Glory on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945816 Fri, 31 May 2013 15:50:46 +0000 Glory 945816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carole I am wondering if Sears might have something? Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945807 Fri, 31 May 2013 15:45:24 +0000 Carole 945807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sarah, thanks for your kind words:) I even dreamt about shopping for Mom last night and still came up with nothing. I will need all the luck I can muster! sarah on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945791 Fri, 31 May 2013 15:21:45 +0000 sarah 945791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carole, I don't have anything to add except that you are a lovely daughter to so patiently help your mom with this difficult task. Best of luck - sounds like some online shopping will be the way to go, so she doesn't get to deal with getting around to stores. Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945746 Fri, 31 May 2013 14:24:24 +0000 Carole 945746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Eliza- Thanks so much for your suggestion, I'm going to check out Appleseeds. Sounds like there might be some possibilities. Mia-Unfortunately, elastic and pull on is about the only option that will work for Mom. I did check out Talbots and they have a lovely selection especially the dupioni pieces, but sadly I didn't see anything that would work for her. Thanks, though. Christie-Yes, in fact we bought a long skirt in our round of shopping. It has an elastic waist and covers her legs but pairing it with the toppers it just sort of overwhelms her and makes her look huge:( I'm hoping we can come up with something better. Joy and Glory-I hadn't even thought about having something made, I even sew! That's a great idea and might be the route to go. Thanks so much for the great idea. Velvety Choc- Thanks for the good information on Talbots..I did look through their site and they have lovely things. Mom's shape and issues are so limiting I don't see anything here that will work. She's a petite XL apple but her knees and arms need to be covered. She has had knee surgeries and her legs/knees are lumpy swollen and scarred and need to be covered. I'm hoping there is a more elegant pant out there with an elastic waist that might magically appear. velvetychocolate on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945521 Fri, 31 May 2013 04:04:36 +0000 velvetychocolate 945521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I highly recommend Talbot's. My 97 year old Grandma loves Talbots - and I like some of their stuff too. If you get the right store, you might even be able to phone them in advance and have them pull stuff that might fit your Mom. Get to Talbot's ASAP - a larger dept. store is going to be a bit overwhelming, imo. Good luck, and let us know what ends up working - I'm curious and always looking for ideas for my elderly relatives too. Here's a link to "Aisle Style" on the Talbots site: <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/category_landing_galleryview.jsp?id=cat1980065&rootCategory=cat70008&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=&colorOverride" rel="nofollow">http://www.talbots.com/online/.....tegory=cat</a>= Look carefully, there are some pants/suits outfits in there as well. Any possibility of a shirtdress in a beautiful fabric (pic #1)? Dressed up with some chunky pearls and sturdy, but pretty flat shoes?  Keep in mind Talbot's has misses, petites, plus sizes AND plus petites as well. --> editing to add - can't get the link to the shirt dress to work, but you'll find it there in the Aisle Style section of the Talbot's site. Just take a look, and don't worry if some of the pieces are overly tailored- looking, just remember that Talbot's has a whole lot of sizes available. Might have to order online though for plus or plus petites etc. Get to a store, look around and then order online if need be. Anything ordered online can be returned to a store nearby - I believe (but be sure to double check) the return policy is 90 days? Anonymous on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945498 Fri, 31 May 2013 03:38:18 +0000 Anonymous 945498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My thoughts were similar to Glory's. If you can find pants that work, maybe one of the pretty tops you found could be worn with it. Chances are she will be seated most of the time and the top will show more than the pants. My mother, when she was alive, liked heavy double knits for pants. I'm not sure they even make that fabric anymore. Wishing you luck. Glory on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945470 Fri, 31 May 2013 03:03:05 +0000 Glory 945470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It might be worth getting one of the lovely tops and having a pant made for her from a seamstress. If she has a pair now that fits well it could be used as a pattern.  Christie on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945467 Fri, 31 May 2013 03:01:19 +0000 Christie 945467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Would she be able to wear an elastic-waisted skirt?  Maybe a skirt would be easier to fit.  Something mid-calf to cover the knees (she sounds self-conscious)?   On the other hand, a skirt probably brings up new issues with shoes! Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945306 Fri, 31 May 2013 01:18:05 +0000 Carole 945306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, most frustrating shopping day EVER. Poor Mom:( We ended up with an outfit from Coldwater Creek that I don't like but it was the best we could do with what they had to offer. Scoped things out at Chico's and seemed like some great options until we tried it all on. The Travelers pants there usually work great but the lighter colors show her deformed knees and that is just not acceptable. They had such beautiful toppers but no bottoms that will work. Mom left feeling so disappointed. I checked out Mary's recommended website but now that I can see what will and wont work I am doubtful anything there will be suitable. AACCCKKK. Thanks for your encouragement. I think I will peruse Nordstoms and Macy's and see what I can come up with. Taking her around is next to impossible. Mia on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-945065 Thu, 30 May 2013 20:00:51 +0000 Mia 945065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I often buy things at stores with good return policies and do a "shop at home" session.  I also visit the store ahead and pick out a "capsule" and then return with my mom so all we have to do is try on.  If you find a store where the sizing etc works for you mom this can be the way to go. Talbots here in Canada has been good for my mom (late 70's) as the petite sizing fits her and the changing rooms are nice, big and well lit.  Very little in way of easy on, easy off styles however.   Glory on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944949 Thu, 30 May 2013 17:39:00 +0000 Glory 944949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No suggestions as I am not in the US but want to say I am hoping you find a few good options straight away. I also love the idea of doing online shopping together - much more restful. Do let us know how it turns out. Eliza on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944945 Thu, 30 May 2013 17:34:43 +0000 Eliza 944945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shop for my similarly situated MiL at Appleseeds on occasion.  They have petites, as well as women's sizes and do a whole lot of pull on pants and many jackets in a variety of colors, some patterned. Some scream polyester, but others have a bit of nice detailing and a lot of comfort.  They are online, though I am blessed with an outlet store nearby.  Not sure of their shipping/return policy, but it can be so hard to navigate retail stores as people face challenges. Good luck.  rachylou on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944929 Thu, 30 May 2013 17:11:16 +0000 rachylou 944929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh, that's a great outfit, Mary K! Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944905 Thu, 30 May 2013 16:10:02 +0000 Carole 944905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mary, that would be a miracle. I'll follow up with a shopping report! MsMary on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944904 Thu, 30 May 2013 16:07:04 +0000 MsMary 944904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Who knows?  Maybe lightning will strike and you'll find the perfect thing at the first store! Carole on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944902 Thu, 30 May 2013 16:05:27 +0000 Carole 944902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mary- shopping with Mom is so exhausting and frustrating, and even more so for her. It's likely we will make it to only one store and then she'll be too worn out to go to another-and want to go home for her nap! I'm happy to know it's not just me! Annagybe-Thanks! annagybe on "Where to shop for Grandma?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-to-shop-for-grandma#post-944891 Thu, 30 May 2013 15:57:58 +0000 annagybe 944891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to suggest Coldwater Creek too.