Women who have reached the amazing 60’s and beyond seem to me to be the lost or forgotten generation for fashion designers. Interesting that designers still cater to the youthful model whose figure and body are a rarity in the population. Yes, we can find fabulous clothing at outrageous prices and with expensive custom tailoring, but generally speaking, today’s fashions are geared to the very young (tacky), the young figure (sigh!) or the frumpy end of the clothing racks that promote the old lady image. As a friend said to me after much trying on and rejecting dresses, skirts, pants, sweaters, “Let’s go have some coffee. I’ve been insulted enough.”

Most of us want to dress with a flair and elegance. Today’s 60 plus woman is sophisticated, better heeled and looks nothing like the granny stereotypes of yesteryear. We want to be seen as important members of society. After all, didn’t we pave the way for the success of today’s young woman?

I believe the fashion world is missing a great market opportunity given that the boomer and older generations are fast becoming the most heavily populated. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could easily find chic clothing and shoes that are comfortable, fit our lifestyles, and look good on the more mature body? We want uplift in our bras without feeling like we’re wearing a vise. We want waistbands that don’t cut off circulation and stylish shoes that don’t kill us with every step we take. We want jeans and pants that hug our bodies rather than the baggy granny pants.

Despite the lack of support in the fashion world, women over 60 are remaining in the workforce longer, are starting new businesses, are traveling more than did previous generations and returning to school. They’re also discovering artistic talents that were hidden while they tended to marriages, children, husbands, and making a living.

And yes, vanity plays a part in our desire to look our best. This is borne out in the popularity of anti-aging products that are now the hottest selling products the cosmetics industry has ever sold.

While the cosmetics industry seems to have gotten the message about catering to the anti-aging desire, fashion designers have fallen behind. Even in magazines that advertise they’re for the older woman, the older models are given only token mention. Could it be that because women north of 60 see themselves at least ten years younger and the media sees them as 10 years older?

Research shows that even the reader, who may be 60, isn’t drawn to another 60-year-old wearing the clothing shown in these magazines. There seems to be a stigma to reaching the senior years where it’s really a cause for celebration.

Is it possible we’re sabotaging ourselves? What do you think?