r/fashionwomens35

I don’t know what’s going on lately, but almost every formal suit I try ends up being… oversized.

Like, I get that relaxed fits are trending, but sometimes I just want a clean, sharp, properly tailored look, something that actually fits the shoulders, doesn’t look boxy, and doesn’t make me feel like I borrowed someone else’s blazer.

The frustrating part is:

• Online, everything looks structured and fitted
• In real life, it turns out loose, shapeless, or weirdly long
• And even when the fabric is good, the fit just ruins the whole look

I’ve read that suits are supposed to fit properly around the shoulders and proportions matter a lot for that polished look — but it feels like most ready-made options just ignore that now.

So how are you all finding well-fitted suits?

Are you:

• Getting them tailored after buying?
• Sizing down and adjusting?
• Or is there actually a way to find good fits straight off the rack?

Would really appreciate real experiences because right now everything just feels either oversized or not worth it.

I would not say I have a “big” stomach but it’s really the only place I hold weight so it looks a bit disproportionate. My legs (and arms) have always been very skinny. I’m 5’2 and 125lb.

I have a terrible time finding jeans that suit me for this reason, either I’m squishing my gut or my legs are swimming in fabric. Any recommendations for cuts, brands, etc? Historically I’ve always just worn Old Navy simply for affordability and frustration, but I am open to any suggestions!

I’m very used to wear oversized crop tops. I’m trying to embrace my figure and wear tighter clothing. It does make me feel good when I can bear it. Not necessarily skin tight, but something a bit more fitted and shapely. I’m short so ‘cropped’ tops do look better, but I can always tuck a longer shirt in. Any basic eve try day tees you love that have a more of a feminine cut?

Hi everyone ✨

I’m a designer currently based in Brussels, originally from India, and I’ve been working on a very small capsule that brings traditional Indian textiles (like handblock prints, ikat, etc.) into more minimal, everyday silhouettes.

The idea is to make these pieces feel easy to wear in day-to-day life in Europe, not just for special occasions.

I’m in a very early stage right now and would genuinely love some honest opinions from this group:

– Would you see yourself wearing something like this regularly?
– What would make it feel more wearable for you?

No pressure at all, just trying to understand how this resonates with different people before I take it further.

If anyone is open, I’d be happy to share a couple of pieces privately and hear your thoughts :)

Hey team. I'm tired of buying hoodies only for the inside to get rough after two washes.

Is there a particular kind of material I should be looking for? Any specific brands?

Thanks!

Howdy ladies! I'm on the hunt for printed, bias-cut silk dresses like the kind that were popular at stores like Rampage and Esprit in the late 90s.

Apparently they are releasing a sequel to Practical Magic and I'm suddenly seized by the desire to dress like a witchy woman all summer and fall. If you remember the first movie, Sandra Bullock was styled so wonderfully, and that's what I'm trying to emulate.

I've done some Googling but all I can find are solid dresses or dresses with huge, abstract florals. I'm hoping someone can connect me with a brand that's fitting these vibes, not necessarily asking you to find me a specific dress (unless you want to, of course!)

Help me r/fashionwomens35, you're my only hope!

Hi all,

Caslon® Ruffle Embroidered Inset Cotton Shift Dress | Nordstrom

I got this dress a few weeks ago and love it, it's so comfortable and flattering on me. I'm headed to Chicago for a friend's 40th birthday and am thinking of packing this, but I know in Chicago I'll want a more substantial shoe to walk around in than just the usual sandals I wear with it (I live in Phoenix so I'm in sandals almost year round. Yes, pedicures are important to me) Any ideas that don't veer into the Veja realm?

I’m over-thinking this and I know it, but I need help. I’m 36 and work in a “men’s” field (military adjacen) and I’m the only woman on the team, and the youngest woman on the team. I wear a polo to work, and can sometimes get away with jeans but should be wearing somewhat nicer pants. No shorts, no open toe shoes. The men I work with wear polos and khaki or cargo pants, but there isn’t a women’s equivalent to cargo pants that also look professional (that I can find). Also, I’m VERY cognizant of not trying to look “sexy” in any way shape or form which is why I worry about the shoes. My coworkers can wear tennis shoes or boots and it’s fine, but I find tennis shoes too clunky for my (usually) skinny pants, and boots look too “sexy” or like im trying too hard. Right now I have a pair of sketchers go-walk loafer that I LOVE and they work most of the time, but if there is a teeny tiny hint of water on the ground my feet are instantly soaked so they don’t work all the time.

I start a new office job in two weeks, and I'm trying to put together a closet full of staple clothing pieces - at 35 I've only ever worked in restaurants and I'm excited to not have a uniform for once! However I am really struggling with figuring out what size short sleeve shirts I should buy. My problem is that my bust/length/waist/hips (35in/22/25/34) all fall in the small range, but my shoulders are at minimum in the large category (16.5). I want my shirts to fit snug, and not look like baggy T-shirt, but I also don't want it to look stretched out or too tight in the shoulders. I have sooo many nice cold-weather shirts and sweaters, but absolutely no summer shirts that don't look like PJs. any other fellow broad-shouldered girls have some suggestions? Favorite places and brands to find nice blouses/cotton tees? Or should I just learn to sew and start making my own clothes 🫠

I'm looking for links to your tried and true magic no wrinkle clothing suggestions! I’m looking for some clothes for trips this year. I would love options including casual and stylish shirts and a short sleeved versatile dress. Not necessarily wool shirts - I do know about and have a few of those but am looking for something more fun. Open to pants ideas too if great for 5’1! I’ve tried so many things to prevent wrinkles and the downy spray but am really looking for some tried and true items that don’t really wrinkle but would also work for my age and dressing up or down. Doesn’t have to be travel specific clothing - just whatever doesn’t seem to wrinkle. Thank you!

I primarily wear slacks / dress pants to the office. Basically regular, full length pants. Some wider leg and some just a straight leg.

What style of shoe would look current? I need something supportive/comfortable. Are people still wearing chunky loafers?

Also, what color shoes are we wearing with navy pants?

Hi! Writing from NYC, where I was reminded by the recent 85 degree day that the only thing I want to wear in the summer are oversized cotton or linen midi dresses that barely touch my body, but drape well and still somehow manage not to make me look enormous. Ideally with short of 3/4 sleeves, and something to create shape somewhere: a tie, ruching, pleating, elastic etc. For example I love daughters of india kyra midi dresses (fabric is SO light!), a lot of eileen fisher (though at 36 I can't get on with some of the much older looking stuff), and have been intrigued but haven't yet tried on some new styles at banana like this trapeze dress, but ideally would be spending less than $200 a dress. anyone have any staple style or brands in this category I should check out? If I find one I like, I'd buy in every color!

I keep seeing "affordable luxury" handbags everywhere, and I'm not sure if they're actually worth it or just good branding. Some of them look great online, but how do they hold up after a few months of real use? I've had cheap bags fall apart fast, so I get the appeal of paying more for better materials.

I recently came across Adoratti and similar brands that focus on Italian leather at mid-range prices. They seem like a step up from fast fashion, but still far from designer pricing.

For those who have bought in this category, did you notice a real difference in quality and durability? Or does it mostly feel the same after a while?

Okay ladies, we’ve all been there. You find the perfect straw hat. You feel like a chic, mysterious heiress. Then, one rogue splash from a cannonballing toddler or a "helpful" husband, and suddenly your $60 investment looks like a sad, soggy taco. 🌮📉

I am officially done with the "one splash and it’s trash" lifestyle. I need recommendations for a hat that can handle a toddler and a pool.

Y’all… I love sneakers. I love machine washable ones. But I just got some from Rothy’s to wear at work and they are *way* too narrow! Any suggestions on WIDE sneakers that are A) nice enough to wear at work (think Sambas style) and B) machine washable??

I had so many ads for Halara. Is their stuff any good?

I am looking for something that I think is simple, but has become somewhat elusive: the perfect natural fiber work top. If I found a great one, I'd buy multiple colors and be done with it. Here's what I'm looking for:

• Natural fibers, or a mostly natural fiber blend. No polyester
• Short sleeve or sleeveless
• Neutral colors and solid
• Good quality
• No ruffles or peplum. Clean lines
• Not overly boxy

Where are these style of tops?! I like the look of Modern Citizen, but haven't heard great things about the quality. Everlane is too boxy. Thrifting can only get me so far and is a long game. I'd like to just purchase a few great tops that I'll have for several years. If you have a link to a specific one you love, that's even better!

I was admitted to a leadership program that described the requested dress code as "snappy casual" which is new to me. Any pieces that the group here would recommend?

I prioritize comfort where possible, but don't have a body type that works with the larger and more shapeless pieces that I saw others pull off in our first session.