For Women Only: Undergarment Essentials

I was getting ready to leave for a party when Car-Man stopped me.

"Honey, you look great but I don't like the panty-lines."

Been there, done that. I should have known when I dipped into the drawer and selected the first pair that my fingers pinched.

So today I searched the web and found Tomima Edmark's "Underwear After 50: 9 Essential Pieces."

This is what she maintains should be in our wardrobe:

1. A biker pant shapewear piece to smooth us out

2. A shaping camisole (I didn't even know there was such a thing!) to remove bumps and lumps on our back and sides

3. A seamless cup bra to go with t-shirts

4. A fun, black, lacy bra for when you want to feel sexy

5. A well-supported strapless bra for...whenever

6. A front-closure or racerback bra for sleeveless garments

7. Bikini-style panties (I was surprised here but Edmark insists they are most flattering)

8. A comfortable thong (ditto above)

9. Boy shorts that are comfortable, smooth, and oh yes, comes far enough down on the leg so you (or Car-Man) don't see panty-lines.

Stay away from white bras. Nude is best.

For more on women's clothes, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Bonus-Sized Women, Unite: Bigger Woman Fashion Tips

Bonus-sized women: Your voice is being heard. Just check out Roadwarrior and her cronies who are on the warpath for tasteful, stylish, comfortable clothes that flatter your figure. Stores are blamed. Even designers who don't recognize this sizable (pun intended) population.

Sherrie Mathieson and Sandy Dumont responded to the plea for plus-size clothes by suggesting tunics and slacks, collarless and pocket-less jackets and the use of one color "head to toe." An occasional visit to the dressmaker helps too.

For more ideas on dressing with style, tune in to Oprah or visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Mama Knows Best: Clothes for the Older Woman

Mom says I'm in the wrong business.

Mom: Do you realize how hard it is for women my age to buy clothes? When will a good designer produce clothes which have 3/4 length sleeves, fullness around the middle, and a round neckline? We don't want trendy. We want simplicity, comfort, and good fabrics.

Me: But Mom, what do you want me to do about it?

Mom: Become a clothing manufacturer. Cater to seniors. They'll flock to your stores.

Me: Yeah, Mom, I could do that...provided I have a couple of million bucks, some knowledge of the clothing business, plus a lot of chutzpah (defined by Wikipedia as "the quality of audacity, for good or for bad"), all of which I'm sorely lacking. But, Mom, I can supply people with links to websites which might help out. Would that make you happy?

Mom: Give it a try. I'll let you know.

Here goes...

If this works, you have my mom to thank. If this stinks, blame it on me. Either way, I'd like to hear from you.

The NY Times agrees that older women are harder to dress.

I've watched enough of those what to wear and not to wear shows that I know that a good bra-fit is essential.

When in doubt, ask an expert.

Or study wardrobe videos for the baby boomer.

Lola and Gigi will help you request the right size from different designers.

For reasonable prices, check out J.C. Penneys,, Macy's, and Chicos.

But I think you're best bet is to find a style (and pattern) that looks good on you and have the clothes made to fit. Spend more on fewer items.  Check out different fabrics (maybe you can find them on sale!).   Adorn or accessorize your clothes differently. And should you be able to sew (good for you!) but have vision difficulties, there's help for you.