Patterns of Dressing and Wardrobe Practices of Women 55+ Years Living in Minnesota

This research investigated the experiences of women, average age of 72 years with active lifestyles and living in one locale in the USA. Experiences of these 54 women with desired appearances and dressing patterns were determined through a survey and selected follow-up interviews. Keeping an up-to-date appearance was important to these women, as was dressing in a coordinated manner and to be neat, clean, and comfortable. The results showed a number of sustainable best practices that are needed for the 21st century, such as dressing the body using clothing already available in their wardrobes, and paying attention to the entire body in dressing, i.e. hair and other grooming practices and accessories. Such outcomes illustrate the value of understanding the older woman user in the fashion life cycle and their craft of use practices.