I just love the museum docent aesthetic of Eileen Fisher. It’s kind of weird, but I like weird.

I was a strong JJ customer years ago and most particularly like their Wearever line of pants. I still have some and they've held up like iron, pull on pants with a flat waistband that fit like trousers.

I went off of the brand sometime pre-2020 and except for the pants no longer have anything from there. Earlier this winter the catalogs started looking interesting again and I was wanting to replace the old pants. Wow, total fail! Granted, these weren't Wearever, for reasons I forget, but labeled as ponte so I thought they'd be okay. Nope! They were heavy, stiff and had a puckered elastic waistband. The quality did not come close to that of the old days. So, I'm back off the brand again.

Very hit or miss for me, but I have the dress in pic one, and it’s a total go to when I want to feel good.

Janet, some good ideas. I feel like you're my style sister for my UWP rocker side and Mary is my style sister for my polished princess side!

JAileen, you crack me up with the Eileen Fisher "museum docent" chic comment. It's weirdly specific, but I could instantly picture it. I probably have an Eileen Fisher cardigan in my wardrobe, but a lot of it is too baggy and shapeless on me.

lol, I used to have a friend who said Eileen Fisher clothes all seemed designed for “an overweight psychotherapist.” That was in the 90s when they seemed a bit less minimalist than now, more like “Let me just drape this luxurious-feeling beautifully dyed fabric over my bulk.” (A concept with a certain appeal at times.)

Also, Goldenpig, I relate to a lot of your long earlier comment. I didn’t have the body or the personality for midriff-baring tops and miniskirts at any age, but a lot of my style has been kind of girlish, for lack of a better word, and I have wondered whether it looks silly now that I’m about to turn 60. But no, I don’t think everyone has to subscribe to one specific aesthetic at a certain age. I mean, young women don’t all share an aesthetic either. Even if you think “That’s it, I’m too old to wear ABC anymore,” it doesn’t mean you have to specifically embrace XYZ. Of course that does leave the question of what you DO start wearing. I’ve been more drawn lately to some of the aesthetic of the funky craft show lady brands (Alembika, Kozan, etc) but still not the waistlessness that they tend to.

I'm kind of dying over these Eileen Fisher comments - especially the overweight psychotherapist one. And not dying laughing. I have 2 EF pieces in my closet right now, and they are about the furthest thing from whatever *that* aesthetic would be as you can imagine. Like any line, there are pieces you like and some you don't. I have been known to roll my eyes at certain brands I feel are "old lady" - but at least I roll my eyes to myself and in my head. The stereotypic woman you must be imagining wearing these clothes does so because she a) has the money b) loves gorgeous colours and fabrics c) appreciates quiet, good design and d) doesn't want to dress like everyone else. The overweight part is particularly offensive and out of touch.

I can’t contribute to the original discussion but I noticed comments about EF. I’m not either overweight or a psychotherapist. But I admit I like to “just drape this luxurious-feeling beautifully dyed fabric over my bulk“.
I love EF’s fabrics that are natural, high quality and easy to maintain. Their pieces are worn like iron. It’s not exactly my style and only some pieces work for me but I like the brand and enjoy wearing my EF pieces.

LJP I'm sorry if anything I said about Eileen Fisher upset you. I don't think I said anything about EF clients being overweight, more that the pieces/styles tend to look baggy and voluminous on me. I think the vibe of Eileen Fisher and the more minimalist brands are somewhat aspirational for me, I keep thinking I should have a clean house, minimalist wardrobe, clean lined modern elegant capsule wardrobe (like Scandinavian or Japandi design), but then I can't get into all solid neutral pieces where everything is loose and flowy, because it just feels too boring and doesn't feel "me" enough. I do think I have an Eileen Fisher sweater though. It was so loose and drapey I was worried people would think it looked maternity on me. I'll have to pull it out again and see what you guys think!

I just checked the Chico's and J Jill size charts for Petites (because I'm 5'1"). Chico's waist and hips are much larger than one ordinarily finds, and J Jill seems to be inflated by at least one size even in these size inflated times.

I think I am sized out of Chico's which seems to be cut for post-menopausal bodies. But I would check out Chico's and J Jill if I were seeking very conservatively cut slacks or jeans; other stuff not so much. Not edgy enough for me.

At age 72 I guess I'm not supposed to care? The body changes, and what with arthritis and skerodactly hands, henceforth I will avoid back zippers, tiny buttons, and those fabric loops that go over buttons.

Tomorrow, I will post a jumper type dress that I'm wondering might be too young because it is rather short. I think the issue is my stomach/weight that is pulling it up. Too lazy to put it on now.

OMG - I just checked - I have eight EF dresses! I also have two gorgeous coats, both alpaca, a wool hoodie, a couple tops, a couple pairs of cropped pants, and a pair of sandals. As both Lisa and Irina mentioned, the fabrics are top quality. I’m definitely a fan.

ETA: None of it is black!

JAileen, and what is wrong with black?

Irina, there’s nothing wrong with black per se. But I look ghost-like in it. And if you look at EF’s offerings, at least half is black. If you can wear it, and I think you can, consider yourself lucky!

It wasn’t your comment , goldenpig .

If you love it, wear it irregardless of the brand

COOKIE I guess you are averse to clothing without waists because you have a well defined waist yourself. As someone who never has a waist regardless of my weight I enjoy drape and 'waistless' clothing. Horses for courses :).

I have a J. Jill near me so I do go in from time to time and cruise around to browse, but I don’t find myself buying. Somehow I don’t find that the cut or shape of J. Jill clothing is a good fit for me. I’m guessing it’s because I prefer my clothing to be a little more tailored. But you never know, so I don’t rule it out.

Like Cookie, I used to love JJill back in the early 2000s; the cuts and muted neutrals were hard to find anywhere else. I could have lived in their entire catalog and been happy. I only reluctantly passed along those clothes when I absolutely wore them out. At some point their aesthetic shifted, and now I only rarely find something I like there. However, I do still appreciate the quality of their fabrics and occasionally find a gem.

Star, yes, what I said about waistlessness was just a purely subjective statement about what I like in my own clothing.

I’m sorry to have caused offense about Eileen Fisher, who does make beautiful-quality clothes! It was a remark a friend made 30 years ago (when I was more apt to wear EF than I am now, though it was generally beyond my budget) that became sort of a running joke in my family. But many individual items are great (including the long olive green skirt I thrifted recently) even if I find the overall current aesthetic a bit austere for me personally.

I think I still have this J. Jill blazer I loved that probably doesn’t fit me right now, brown wool with pink pinstripes and a kind of nipped-in waist with little buttons in the middle. I wore it to my interview for the job I have now. It seems totally unlike what they sell now.

Cookie--hmm, shapeless clothes. I feel like a lot of brands do that, but maybe some more than others. I see what you are talking about.

Chris987--that was me when I was looking at linen pants last summer. Just online, and I did not buy any, but J. Jill had great stuff. Maybe they shine in some areas.

cat2--yes, and that is where I'm at. Like, "could this become a brand for me?" Not so much an "is it trendy" filter, because some of that I don't even like. More, "is it tasteful."

MsMary--yes, I actually get a lot of sale Chicos. But often I find it seems out of date after a few months. But if I stick to things like scarves or jewelry--solid.

Angie--okay! never say never.

karen23--using regular models for plus-size clothes seems criminal! I hope they stopped doing that. I have certainly bought catalog items that look totally different once I get them.

cat2--I think she meant the vast difference between youthful clothing and mature clothing --the latter can go a bit frumpy.

JAileen--I also see a bunch of stuff I like but don't need on their web site. However, if I did need (pumps, jacket, tee, summer dress), it looks like a great place to go.

cat2--Boden is fun, but a bit too on trend for me. I love Talbots--so classic, but a little pricey. Chicos is fun, sometimes. J. Crew and B.R. are fabulous, but frustratingly pricey at retail.

Sloper--you make a connection for me that I am a material person, and J. Jill seems to do a lot of soft, familiar materials like cotton and linen.

Ms.Mary--see AbFab photo below. Is there a revival? Anyway, old lady clothes. I think I have that exact "sensible" vest on person #4.

MsMaven--you are the second or third to say "not the right fit," so I wonder for myself. Tunics are not a good look for me, but dresses are.

Sal--there are certain brands that read older, or even blatantly cater to older women. It would be nice to open them up to any age.

JenniNZ--I agree, when I was in my 20s, I found "older" brands positively ugly, though I started being drawn to them in my 30s. Now Talbots would be in my top 10%--just seems classic and versatile now.

RobinF--good to know again on the sizing. My guess is not a lot has changed in five years with them--it looks about the same.

L'Abeille--that's what I mean. I feel like there may be some real gems in there, maybe more for me than others.

lisaflex--it does seem like they do easy, breezy dresses, and maybe this is the place where I should finally buy my first real shirt dress.

avicennia--yes, but wondering how the generations' views change continent to continent. Older and younger clothing can be radically different in the U.S., but not sure about other places.

LJP--market research, because that was part of your job, or market research, because you were looking for work clothes? They do seem to be pretty consistent year to year.

Sharan--good description--nice clothes, but not corporate. You are also second or third to mention color. I can see why the color works--muted, but not too pastel, with just enough darks and brights.

Jaime--I think that is the word of the day, "discerning." The brand is tasteful, but still needs to be gone over for style and personal style.

goldenpig--not super familiar with AllSaints, but everything you showed looked very appropriate to middle/older age. I think it's about covering up more, being able to move around, etc. Brands like Chicos can definitely veer dorky if you aren't discerning.

Roberta--you know, I am also coming off Chicos more and more. I might like a shirt I got in summer, and find it looks dated by fall. I don't know the word "colorways" you said.

Rock--love that description. It's amazing how a good piece can carry you, even if it is not high end. I had a black belted t-shirt dress that made everyone talk to me once!

Dee--yes, I think some said this just isn't their style, despite getting older. And I have always loved a classic style, like the photos I posted. I wonder what delineates this brand as "older" compared to something like J. Crew...

Janet--great point about knowing when to move along. Not my strength--I realize I have "sales goggles." (I think that was a term I learned here. Star, Lise?) Sales goggles only work when you stick to the right waters.

karen23--good reminder. Finding and sticking to your brands. You are right--it is amazing how many brands just aren't quite right. With its easy cuts and (somewhat) familiar materials, J. Jill looks like it might work for me.

JAileen-yes, museum docent. Or...the unassuming reclusive female scientist in a movie who brought world peace with her invention!

Peri--if I find the Wearever pants on the web site...I am intrigued. I have a stubborn pants body. For the older ones you had, do you think they would work on a small-waisted person? Or would I need tailoring?

delurked--that dress is so cute, so versatile. Also has a Jackie O. vibe to me.

As part of my job at the time , Cookie . I once was a buyer for national chain store here in Canada .

goldenpig--some of the EF stuff does look ugly, but also elegant in another light. Definitely not form-fitting...I feel like if I kept up with moving my arms and shoulders everyday, I could wear it.

Cookie--"draping over my bulk" is certainly a great strategy sometimes. I can go anywhere in my big palazzo pants!

Cookie--do you know the "girlhoodcore" movement? Encouraging older women to wear girl stuff? I am instinctively drawn to sparkly backpacks, tutus, etc. I think it is a great idea if you can do it. For me, I won't let go of certain minidresses. And I am looking for a good hair bow.

LJP--probably true--I do see a lot of trimmer women wearing EF and stuff like that. I myself am drawn to waistless dresses, despite having an hourglass figure.

Irina--it really is gorgeous stuff, but takes some getting used to in an Ann Taylor world.

goldenpig--EF really is beautiful, but staying on the jokey side--I just looked at their web site, and they have the most boring shade of beige ever!!!

DonnaF--I am totally wearing short dresses still, and I am 45. But more in the smock category than bodycon. I love them, I just have to make sure my legs look right with tights, creams, whatever. They might be a little young, but I also have a young personality.

JAileen--If I were going to get an EF item, it might be a dress. I love a fluid dress.

Irina--I know black is your color--one of mine, too. For me more turtlenecks, CK brand, jeans, etc. than EF. Eileen Fisher is such strong design lines that you have to have the personality to wear it.

Star/Lise--as I commented above, I have a waist, but I love waistless clothing. I like to think it's because I can "wear anything," but more likely it's because it hides my stomach.

Kyle--interesting take. I DO like less tailored clothing, although it's possible I actually look better in tailored clothing.

Liz--hmm, I'm intrigued about how it used to be. More minimal?

Cookie--sounds like a cute jacket!