Crossword Genius

Clothes appear different when over fifty (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apparel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'clothes' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'appear different when over fifty' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'appear' is 'appare' which is located in the answer.
'fifty' could be 'l' (Roman numeral) and 'l' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apparel that I've seen before include "costume" , "it's generally put on!" , "Fancy gear" , "Garb, clothes" , "Clothing, things to wear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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