By Karen and Erica

People who design and sell clothes have a concept of “she”—the person for whom the clothes are being made. (We have not heard of a “he” but there must be one.)

“She” exists only in the imagination, but is a composite of real data about real women—the real women targeted by the designer. “She” includes sizes, clothing preferences, interests. Obviously these vary among individuals, but data leads to some generalizations.

We—retired career women who are fully engaged in the world—want a “she” created for us.

What characteristics would “she” have?

“She” is elegant. She is mature. She knows what she likes. She is at the top of her game. She wants to look her age when she is out in public—and when she is home, even alone. She likes classic clothes—and clothes that play off of classic lines, with panache. She likes good fabrics—those that drape. She likes hem and sleeve options. She likes cool shoes, flat or low, that allow her to walk with authority. She likes the judicious use of beads and sequins and metallics and other shiny objects. And leather. She likes clothes that can be worn with flashing earrings and chunky necklaces bought in museum stores. She likes color. And white. And silvery gray.

She does not like to be told that miniskirts are tool young for her. She does not like skintight, or stilettos, or athleisure. She does not like undistinguished cuts and muddy tones. She does not like excessive ruffles, or fringes, or sleeves with cutout shoulders, or too many clever ideas incorporated into one garment. And she will not wear a designer’s name emblazoned on her front, or worse yet on her rear.

She is a woman of the world, and she likes her clothes to reflect her scope. She likes work. She likes to travel and read and getting involved in politics and eating outdoors. She likes a good hotel bar. She likes a good bookstore even more. She likes getting her hair cut in other countries. She likes the ocean and tall mountains and skyscrapers and ships. She likes big data, and 3D printing, and 5G internet speeds. She likes movies. She likes theatre—mostly.

Designers, create an authentic “she” and you will profit from us.