It was an innocent question and I really wanted an answer.

I would like to know how a person of middle age can pack clothes that look fashionable and sexy and still be comfortable.

I don't know why it disappeared but if any ladies my age would give me some pointers I would be grateful.

What is your definition of middle age?

55 and counting.....

Black is the answer to most of my wardrobe questions. You do have to dress to your size and shape, and that makes a huge difference.
And there are now a lot of very nice, comfortable shoes that are quite stylish.
But it's almost impossible to look drop dead sexy when traveling with a small suitcase and walking for hours and hours on end. Something has to give.

Black pants and tops - and a jacket of some color - or black pants and jacket and a shirt of some color...

anyway - boring and certainly not the last word - but maybe a start to get this thread going...

Thank you for the real help. I hope this thread stays a while or I can just use your information.

How about East Indian clothes, such as a caftan?

Uhhh...caftans are not sexy. They just look like you are trying to hide something.

Try well cut clothes that fit, nice accessories (including a colorful scarf) and some heels for the evenings. If you are talking winter, great boots (not snow boots) and a skirt. Leather is also a good option.
Cheers,
Jan

Believe me, leather is VERY unforgiving when it is "snug" and looks worse than that caftan when worn like a sack!

If you can pull it off, do it.

I'm interested in the definition of "sexy".

If it means attractive, then simple and well cut in plain colours, with tasteful accessories will fit the bill.

The danger in women over 50 or so is that "sexy" can look vulgar and raddled.

Taken off probably because you used the banned word here on Fodors..."Frumpy"......

It has been my observation that "sexy" is more of an attitude than a look.

One of our lovely trolls probably wrote something nasty and Fodor's took it off. Someone recently suggested that you take the plastic from the drycleaners and place it between the layers of clothes in your suitcase to keep them from wrinkling. Am going to try it on next trip to see if it works.

I get a catalogue called travelsmith and they have some nice things, i think you can find them on line

<i>&quot;How about East Indian clothes, such as a caftan?&quot;</i>

When was the last time you saw an East Indian woman look as though she wanted to get $%#@ed?

Oh, miriam_m, you're too funny! If, at age 55, you haven't figured out how to be sexy and pack sexy, I suggest there's little hope.

Do you not recall the responses on the other thread? Not precise like driving instructions, so the gist could have stayed with you. Responses were similar in tone and variety to these, and you responded there, so I would have thought you'd realized that not knowing you, your wardrobe, your appearance, or your attitude, it's impossible to advise.
But you knew that, yes?
I'd mentioned fishnet stockings, tall boots, and a mini, if you need a memory jog.
What do you consider comfortable and sexy at home?
Pack flat cute comfortable shoes. If you don't like those, pack shoes with stiletto heels, and try not to limp on the cobblestones.

mariam_m - you want an example of how to dress fashionable and sexy at your age or older?.....think Sophia Loren.

The sexiest thing to wear: confidence.

parisnow, dry cleaning bags between layers works like a charm. I travel extensively and I never have to iron, even all-cotton or silk clothes. My male co-workers spend their free time ironing and I do not!

Are silk scarves still a must-have in Italy? Are the women wearing them tied around the neck or how do they wear them?

What about in October? Are colorful wool scarves appropriate in cooler weather?

That would help &quot;color up&quot; the black.

Weird that thread was deleted. &quot;Tom_Cruise&quot; said something not-nice but folks were laughing at him more than getting angry. The mods are quick with the trigger button, it seems.

Silk scarves also look good tied around the waist as a belt. I saw a girl in Milan who looked fab with black trousers, black top and a turquoise Hermes scarf worn as a belt. Admittedly, she worked at Hermes, but still; I thought it was a good look, and it sure brightens up the black. Asprey sell a leather belt buckle that you can attach to your scarf, if you don't just want to tie it around your waist.

And I saw a 50-something American lady at The Last Supper, who was wearing a gold sequined jacket, gold bag and a big black straw hat. A little over the top, but she did look very confident!

Here is a link to opinions on what to wear in Italy, website journeywoman.com is geared to women travelers

http://www.journeywoman.com/ccc/ccc-i2.html