It’s hard to dress fashionably when you’re a grandma. Women’s fashions are either too young, too flashy, or too impractical. I am always out of step when it comes to women’s fashions. While I am aware of fashion trends, most of them don’t apply to me.

What are the latest trends?

According to Jessica Harp, a “North Texas Daily” writer, “high-waisted, wide-leg trousers are at the forefront of fashion.” Other trends include minimalist styles, boot-look shoes, big jewelry, jewel tones, brown, gray, and animal prints. However, Harp says animal prints should not be overdone.

The Fashion Era Web site tells a similar story. Grays and browns are popular, the site says, as are baby doll styles, short dresses, and layering. The military look is back and and large-scale plaids are popular. And the clutch purse — one of the most impractical accessories a woman can have — is also back.

Laura Schara, a Macy’s fashion correspondent, thinks sweater dresses are a new trend, along with bold metal jewelry and “shooties,” a combination high heel and boot. Macy’s says other fashion trends include statement coats, jackets made of suede, knit, leather, and corduroy, halter tops, retro shoes, and long cable sweaters.

Full skirts are still popular and you see lots of them in magazines and fashion shows. I don’t know about you, but I don’t look good in a full skirt. Besides, I’m a small-boned person and don’t like to “carry” that much fabric. Wearing a full skirt makes me feel bulky and uncomfortable.

Since I don’t buy many clothes, I decided to make a list of fashion trends to see which ones applies to me. There were few. The only trends I would follow are wider slacks, jackets, long sweaters, and layering. Why do I ignore fashion trends?

I live in Minnesota, a state with extreme temperature swings. Summer temperatures can spike to 100 degrees or more. In the winter the temperature can drop to 25 below or lower. This number does not include the wind chill, which can reach 70 degrees below zero. When the wind chill is this bad radio and television stations tell parents to cover their children’s faces to prevent frost bite. Adults cover their faces with scarves and hoods.

Halter tops are fine for Southern climates and, while Minnesotans wear them in the summer, the nights can suddenly turn chilly. We have ice storms in the winter and it is hard to stand on ice, let alone walk. Yet the holiday flyers will probably contain photos of women wearing halters and high heeled sandals or slides. Go figure.

Few designers think of grandmas when they are designing next season’s clothes. This leaves us with two options, to dress like we are looking for our lost youth, or dress like we are ancient and feeble. At this stage of life we don’t have to impress anyone. We can enjoy fashion magazines, go to fashion shows, watch the television coverage, and wear what we want. Hooray!

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

I don’t really think that anyone truly knows what it’s like becoming a grandparent for the first time until you are one. Having heard other new and recent grandparents talk about their experiences always seemed a bit irrelevant at the time. I initially thought all of the talk of how wonderful it was to them was frankly a bit over the top….that is until…yes…it was my turn.

My one and only daughter is the light of my life. When she was born I was unsteadily in the delivery room and actually cut the umbilical cord separating her from her mother. My life utterly changed completely at that moment. I have since always tried to be involved in her life providing love and guidance.

Almost 9-years ago my daughter gave birth to my first grandchild…a beautiful little girl then and now. I was not prepared for the feelings I had when I first saw her, and how those feelings grew throughout the next several years.

I had heard other people say the best part of being a grandparent is “spoiling the child and then giving him/her back”. Well that may be somewhat true because you don’t have to deal with a lot of the tough parenting issues, however I now know that when my grandchild hurts…I hurt, and when she is happy..I’m happy. It is really no different, from a feelings angle than it was with my daughter.

Approximately 7-months ago (ironically on my birthday) my wonderful daughter blessed me with another grandchild…this time …a sweet little boy. What can I say? Wow! What a blessing! It still surprises me how wonderful being a grandparent can be.

Getting prepared for a new baby is a job for the new parents and, depending on the grandparents involvement can be for them as well. Baby showers are great for getting many essentials for the soon-to-be arrival, however in my experience the grandparents may need to fill in some of the gaps.

As future grandparents we may be assisting with getting the baby’s nursery painted and furnished. I remember, before my first grandchild’s arrival, focusing on my daughters comfort when getting up in the middle of the night. So I purchased her a glider with an ottoman to rock the baby while feeding her. It was clear to me that being aware of my daughter’s needs was just as important as the new baby’s needs.

So the best tip I can offer is to be as involved in your grandchild’s life as possible. Respect the wishes of your grandchild’s parents. Provide gentle guidance if asked. And most of all.. love them with your whole heart and soul. With God’s blessings you can’t go wrong.