69. Embracing Fashion Freedom After 50 in the US and UK with Emma Lightbown, QVC UK | Fashion Thursday

Jeans for over 50s, fast fashion, the male gaze, Diane’s experience selling in the UK versus the US 

How do attitudes to fashion and femininity differ in the UK versus in the US for women over 50? Do women over 50 still want to be sexy and what role do their trusty jeans play in their wardrobe? 

Emma Lightbown, presenter on QVC UK, stylist and podcaster, joins Diane for a transatlantic discussion on fashion, aging and just a little about the British Royals and their influence on fashion.  

Fashion Culture Across Border

Emma Lightbown sheds light on the diverse pockets of fashion culture across the UK, where jeans are predominantly viewed as casual wear rather than a staple for dressing up. However, the challenge arises for mature women to find jeans that suit their age, leading many to phase them out of their wardrobe.

Observations on Jean Trends

Delving into current jean trends like baggy or oversized styles, Emma and Diane dissect how these trends may not always complement women over 50, prompting a broader discussion on the evolution of denim fashion and its acceptance among different age demographics.

Cross-Cultural Insights

Drawing from her experiences selling DG2 jeans in both the US and the UK, Diane notes the contrasting attitudes towards jeans and fashion in general. While US women embrace glamor and sexiness, UK women lean towards elegance and practicality.

Dressing for Self-Expression

Emma emphasizes the transition of denim fashion away from a skinny cut, posing challenges for older individuals to adapt. She explores how women in the UK, after a certain age, prioritize personal style over conforming to societal expectations, rejecting the notion of dressing for the male gaze.

Shopping Trends and Habits

Comparing retail experiences between the US and the UK, Diane reflects on the presence of deeply rooted traditional practices in the UK market. Despite this they discuss the prevalence of fast fashion in the UK and the negative effects it is having on the environment, on women and on the fashion industry. Emma notes a shift towards quality and longevity among the older demographic.

The British Royals as Fashion Figures

From Kate Middleton's quintessentially English style to Michelle Obama's influence on affordable fashion, Diane and Emma delve into the impact of prominent political figures on fashion choices and trends, underscoring the diversity of style preferences across different age groups.

Embracing Online Shopping

Discussing the transition to online shopping accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Diane and Emma explore its implications on brick-and-mortar retail and consumer behavior, highlighting the shift towards digital platforms and its impact on fashion accessibility.

Fashion Future for 50+ Women

Diane and Emma envision a future where fashion celebrates freedom, confidence, and visibility for women over 50. They foresee a shift towards practicality and comfort, spurred by changing societal norms and experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emma’s Details: 

Off The Hanger Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emma-lightbown 

Emma’s Instagram: instagram.com/emmalightbown

Off The Hanger Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/offthehangerofficial

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman  

Website: thedianegilman.com