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They often look like they've just gotten off work - some kind of leggings, Chelsea type boots, sweater, cross body purse (for me, that's pretty much a gack).
Bring the sex appeal! You don't have to be a slut but show yourself off. Smell good, heels, skirt will score points. If you're going on a date, you have to believe there's potential. Invest in it. If you match, you must have thought there was a little something. Invest in it. I know I'll invest in you, even if it's just for coffee or lunch. Youve nothing to lose really.
To use your table metaphor, I don't think it's that these women aren't bringing anything to the table, but rather in the pot luck that is online dating, not everyone's going to like everyone else's dish. From what you describe, it's not that those ladies aren't bringing anything to the table, it's just not to your taste.
You seem to have a preference for very traditional and feminine style. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that, though there may be some issues with some of it for those of us over 50, which I'll get to in a bit.
I've never used tindr, but are you able to indicate that in your profile? Or in your communications with a potential date? If you say you love it when a woman wears heels and a dress or a skirt, that lets women who don't prefer that style of dress know and it saves you both time. The way you said comfy, I was picturing bathrobes or pjs or at least sweat pants.
Let's start with the boots. Women's dress footwear generally sucks at giving adequate support, even flat shoes. A lot of the toe boxes are too narrow. As people (men and women both) age, ligaments get looser. Now, combine that with decades of bad foot support, and a lot of us end up with things like bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, etc. And wearing heels can aggravate back, knee and hip pain from things like arthritis.
I can wear low heels with a wide toe box and good arch support for a few hours. But if I'm going to be on my feet most of the day or walking a lot, even those hurt. Low heeled boots are good for accommodating orthotics which provide more support, but are dressier than sneakers. So I'm guessing that's why women in our 50s tend to favor them. I still have a couple of pairs of high heels, but those are pretty much for show only. Or situations where I won't be walking or standing for long. I tend to go for lower wedge sandals in the summer.
A coffee meet and greet is going to involve getting there and back, which may involve walking or public transit. Heels just aren't going to be practical for a lot of 50+ women in those circumstances.
Another joy of aging for women is menopause. Which means, in some cases, we're dealing with weight gain and hot flashes. A lot of people, particularly if they haven't struggled with weight before, think wearing a large shapeless top looks better. Something with a little structure is actually more flattering, but if people don't know that, they may just try to cover as much as possible. And some people just like the comfort of loose clothing (I favor loose t-shirts and other tops at home). Though I have no idea why people wear sweaters during menopause.
Are you meeting these women after you both finish work or during lunch for the workday? Cross body bags are very practical if you're commuting. You can swipe a transit card a lot easier if your hands are free. In addition to phone, keys and wallet, women are usually carrying a hair brush for touch ups and lipstick and a compact. Phone charger and other assorted items. Carrying it on one shoulder can throw off your gait and cause problems with that shoulder. And it's a more tempting target for purse snatchers.
Cross body bags are more comfortable. They also come in some nice colors and styles.
Hot flashes often mean make up can sweat right off. So some of us dial it back a bit because we don't want to be trying to get it off our clothes.
If we decide to get all dolled up, then we're spending more time getting ready, more questions from co-workers (if you dress significantly different from what everyone usually wears at work). At a certain point, many of us don't want our co-workers to know our business. Personally, I'm at the point where I'll ask myself if the effort of taking my mascara off is worth it when I go out socially. But I'm still pretty much all in for lipstick. And some women aren't big on make up. There's nothing wrong with people having different tastes or preferences.
Dating itself has changed significantly. It used to be we had some connection to the person, so there was at least some chemistry going on which made getting ready for the date anticipation. Now, we don't know if there's going to be any chemistry or not. So I think a lot of people are taking a wait and see approach and seeing how the initial meet goes.
I could be wrong, but I think he's saying older women are more likely to wear the leggings/sweaters and boots. I had no idea what Chelsea boots are so I had to Google it. They are boots like this:
https://www.zappos.com/p/sam-edelman-tinsley-black-matte/product/8605266/color/81304
I love that this thread has morphed into a fashion thread!!!
CandiCame, what are some good looks for women over 50 (that no longer have the body of a 20-year old)? Preferably ones that don't make us look invisible?
Once again, I'm so touched that you went to such an effort with the fashion advice, CC. I hope you didn't get into any trouble doing it!
This thread is very thoughtful, as a women in her mid 50's I know to well the feeling of being invisible.
"French author, 50, says women over 50 are too old to love
Yann Moix, a prize-winning novelist, says women of same age are ‘invisible’ to him."
Link
I turned 50 last summer. I’m finding that I’ve had more attention than ever before! Maybe because I’m finally starting to feel sexy! Even with the extra 10lbs I’ve put on in my mid section![]()