A few weeks back, I asked you to tell me your fashion gripes. Did you ever!
Your impassioned responses — some excerpted here — show there’s a lot that’s bugging you about what you see and what you don’t see when you’re shopping. Based on what I heard from you, I’ve put together “The List” of what you hate and what you dearly wish you could find.
So many of the items you crave are no-brainers and yet they’re hard, if not impossible, to locate. Let’s hope that designers and retailers sit up and pay attention. Meanwhile, if your gripe isn’t on The List, email me and I’ll put out a second edition.
Dear Answer Angel:
What’s with sleeveless or strapless formal wear, especially bridal gowns? How and why did a style that looks good on perhaps 5 percent of American women become the standard for the most important garment a lady may ever wear in her life?
For every gal who can really carry off such a style, there are a dozen who look like they just stepped out of the shower and quickly wrapped themselves in a towel on the way to the altar!
Nina G.
Dear Answer Angel:
Party dresses that have huge armholes that reveal your bra. Would love to see some party dresses with cap sleeves.
Amy McC.
Dear Answer Angel:
Here are my gripes:
1. Plus size tops with pockets on the boobs, do they need any more help?
2. Plus size tops with wide, horizontal stripes
3. Plus size tops with both 1 and 2
What are they thinking? (Or not?)
Leenie G.
Dear Answer Angel:
Fashion gripes? Don’t get me started! The evil spaghetti strap must be stopped.
Robin S.
Dear Answer Angel:
Many labels are sewn with an obnoxious nylon thread that itches. Even after you cut it off in desperation, the sides of the label, which are irremovable, can still bother you.
Wendy M.
Dear Answer Angel:
Why can’t they use cotton thread and a softer fabric for the labels? It feels as though something is always pricking my neck or back.
M.E.H.
Dear Answer Angel:
“Vanity sizing” makes it hard for thin or petite women to find clothes that fit, unless we shop in the junior’s or children’s department. Those clothes are cut for young figures. Ten years ago, I didn’t have this problem. My old clothes are size 6 and 8, and now size 2s are too big. Help!
Patti H.
Dear Answer Angel:
Here are my gripes: 3/4-length sleeves; pants that are “ankle length” (above the ankle actually); and blouses and jackets that are shaped to fit so closely to the body that they are bulging open most of the time.
We’re supposed to walk around looking like all of our clothes shrunk in the wash? Or, like we’re wearing our children’s clothes? Enough already!
Alice S.
Dear Answer Angel:
I want to know why manufacturers of ladies cotton underpants insist on packaging all kinds of goofy colors, patterns, etc. in those multi-packs? Don’t they think women might like solids in sensible colors (i.e., black, gray, etc.) instead of all this bizarro stuff? Keep it basic, guys.
Judi O.
Dear Answer Angel:
Those nasty 4-plus-inch high heels. If they would offer the same shoe in a 2-inch heel they would make so much more money from women over 40. I guess it’s good really because I am saving so much money!
Pam M.
Dear Answer Angel:
Please put in a word for slacks that come up to the waist and aren’t glued to the body.
Marian J.
Dear Answer Angel:
I despise the fact that if you’re under 5’4, there just isn’t much for you to wear. I’m 5’1 with shoes on and I shop at thrift stores because the designers ignore us shorties. Retail is losing some money on people like us. In addition, if you’re not thin, forget about buying fashionable clothes.
Mazurka W.
Hate List:
Lousy customer service online, in stores and on the phone
Strapless and skimpy dresses and bridal gowns flattering only to magazine models
Plus-size tops with wide horizontal stripes, pockets and/or buttons on boobs
Crazy, inconsistent sizing
Ballet flats that still hurt (especially blisters on heels)
Stodgy formal wear for plus sizes
Pants too long (requiring tailoring); waist rides too low on hips; waists too small
Multi-pack underwear in crazy patterns, not sensible solids
Giant armholes that show the bra
“Store credit only” return policy
Wish List:
Fashionable choices for those over 40, plus sizes, tall and lean, short and heavy, pear shaped
The perfect bra that covers, flatters and doesn’t dig into the flesh
Killer cocktail dresses with sleeves
Indoor jackets with pockets
Boots for larger calves
Basic sweaters without sequins or ruffles
Great shoes with lower heels
