Best Clothing Stores for Women over 50
As we age, our fashion preferences evolve. However, this doesn’t imply that we must resort to wearing unflattering or outdated clothes. Instead, we tend to align our clothing choices and outfits with the natural transformations occurring in our bodies and lifestyles.
For example, some of us may put on some extra pounds after menopause, and we may not be so comfortable in tight mini-skirts anymore.
Also, as our lifestyles change, we may not require as much formal and office attire in our wardrobes. Personally, if the last few years taught me anything, it’s that I really enjoy comfortable casual clothing that I feel good in. Of course, I still like to look cute (for those Zoom meetings), but I have noticed that my outfit choices and my go-to stores have also changed over the years.
Here is our list of the Best Clothing Stores for Women over 50:
- Talbot’s – an American staple with a wide range of sizes: petite, plus, plus-size petite, and misses.
- Land’s End – started off catering to the yachting industry, they have extended their styles and looks over the years but still keep it casual and affordable.
- Ann Taylor – classic and elegant designs tailored for the professional woman in mind.
- White House Black Market – exclusive signature designs and special collections that are refined and feel tailor-made.
- M.M. Lafleur – for the discerning woman who knows luxurious fabrics and is willing to pay a little more for quality items.
- Everlane – a go-to for basics and classic cuts. Perfect for older women who prefer a minimalist look over a trendy one.
- Nordstrom – offer a wide selection of different fashion brands and cover a variety of looks – from casual to professional.
- Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ) – created to help older women find jeans that they could be comfortable in and still look stylish.
- Bloomingdale’s – iconic department store that offers a variety of brands.
- Draper’s & Damon’s – mix classic style with modern inspirations as they design with the older woman in mind.
- Chico’s – offer quality items that are designed for women over 50.
- LOFT – a go-to brand for fashion-conscious professional women who like to look and feel good.
- J.Crew – classic styles that you can trust to take you through the years.
- Eileen Fisher – known for its simple yet stylish designs and also for its quality sustainable fabrics.
Thankfully, more and more retailers are realizing that older women enjoy purchasing clothing that suits their bodies and styles without falling into the “old lady” look.
I have compiled a list of my preferred stores that offer excellent collections specifically tailored to the needs and preferences of mature women. These stores have a range of price points, with some being highly affordable and others featuring higher-end products.
Personally, I prefer shelling out a little more for a quality item that I know I will wear for years to come and that won’t need to be replaced quickly. As I get older, I tend to go for quality over quantity when it comes to clothing.
Along with my curated selection of stores and retailers, I’ve also handpicked some of my favorite pieces from each store.
Talbot’s
Talbot’s is an American staple that has been around for several decades. Their dedication to quality and style has kept them in business for all this time. The preppy/nautical look of their collections caters well to older women.
Also, Talbot’s has a wide range of sizes: petite, plus, plus-size petite, and misses.
BLOCK FLORAL RICHA VOILE FIT & FLARE DRESS
Land’s End
Land’s End is another American retail success story. They have been around for almost 60 years and started off catering to the yachting industry. They have extended their styles and looks over the years but still keep it casual and affordable.
Land’s End has wide size ranges – petite, tall, plus size, petite plus, and tall plus.
Women’s Plus Size Tencel High Rise Wide Leg Pants
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor offers classic and elegant designs tailored for the professional woman. Her timeless collections are perfect for women of all ages. Many older women enjoy the excellent fits and quality fabrics.
Paperbag Belted Front Slit Pencil Skirt
White House Black Market
White House Black Market is a go-to for many older working women. They offer exclusive signature designs and special collections that are refined and feel tailor-made. WHBM is quality-driven and you know that every detail of every piece is perfectly thought out.
M.M. Lafleur
M.M. Lafleur is for the discerning woman who knows luxurious fabrics and is willing to pay a little more for quality items. The minimalist and stylish look of M.M. Lafleur keeps customers coming back.
The Jillian Dress – Eco Heavy Soft Wave
Everlane
Everlane is a go-to for basics and classic cuts. Every season, without fault, they offer timeless and classic clothing items that are perfect for older women who prefer a minimalist look over a trendy one.
The Linen Cross-Front Jumpsuit
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is an American department store that many older women love to shop at. They offer a wide selection of different fashion brands and cover a variety of looks – from casual to professional.
Nordstrom is a one-stop shop for completing an entire outfit including footwear and accessories.
NYDJ
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ) was created to help older women find jeans that they could be comfortable in and still look stylish. They are definitely not “mom jeans”! The jeans are designed with slimming panels in the front and curve enhancing technology in the back. They have a petite and a plus-size section.
The brand is now offering more than just jeans. They carry trousers, sweaters, and blouses – all with the older woman in mind.
Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is another iconic department store that offers a variety of brands and has a following of older women who can readily find clothing that they feel comfortable and stylish in. Bloomies (as the regulars like to call it) is over 100 years old and still going strong.
Draper’s & Damon’s
Virginia Draper opened her first dress shop in 1927 with the idea that all women should have “smart things to wear.” Today, Virginia’s vision is very much a reality as their designs continue to mix classic style with modern inspirations as they design with the older woman in mind.
Chico’s
Chico’s rose to the top of the older women’s clothing market by consistently offering quality items that are designed for women over 50. They offer several trendy and modern collections every season designed with comfortable fabrics in fashionable styles. I really like their Traveler’s collections which consist of styles that are perfectly packable for travel.
No Iron Linen 3/4 Sleeve Floral Shirt
LOFT
LOFT is a go-to brand for fashion-conscious professional women who like to look and feel good. While following trends, LOFT doesn’t go overboard on flash-in-the-pan trends that are here today and gone tomorrow. They concentrate on stylish pieces that can take you through several seasons and even years.
J.Crew
J.Crew styles are classics that you can trust to take you through the years. Their soft preppy look never goes out of style and women of all ages love the look and the quality fabrics.
Classic-fit boatneck top in stripe
Eileen Fisher
The Eileen Fisher brand is known for its simple yet stylish designs and also for its quality sustainable fabrics. At the Eileen Fisher design studio, there is no fuss about upcoming trends. Emphasis is put on structured pieces that provide ultimate comfort.
Have you been thinking of creating a capsule wardrobe? This store is the perfect place to do it.
Silk georgette crepe ballet neck tank
More Clothing Stores for Older Women
Here are a few more recommendations from our Sixty & Me readers. Thanks for all your great suggestions!
J.Jill
J.Jill offers easy and relaxed styles that reflect the confidence of women with rich full lives. Started in 1959, the catalog-born retailer has over 280 stores nationwide.
Soft Surroundings
Soft Surroundings is a brand dedicated to helping women feel confident, stylish, and always comfortable. Comfort is key!! Their range of products includes apparel, accessories, shoes, bedding, and home décor.
Maurices
Maurices signature phrase is “Feel good fashion for real life.™” and their collections reflect this perfectly.
Classic Plus Size button down blouse
LLBean
LLBean is another renowned American retailer that is perfect for active older women. From basic shorts to outdoor equipment, this is your one stop shop for your active lifestyle.
Read FASHION OVER 60: 5 STYLISH CLOTHING ITEMS YOU CAN WEAR AFTER 60… EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T!
Also read SHOULD YOU WASH NEW CLOTHING ITEMS BEFORE WEARING THEM?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s your favorite store or brand? Is it on our list? If not, share your favorites in the comments below. Do you find that you have changed the way that you dress over the years? How would you describe your fashion style today?
I will never ever shop at Chico’s. Several years ago, I entered the store, was approached by a clerk who took one look at me (not fat, but modestly rounded) and said “we don’t carry your size here” as she blocked me from moving forward. I left immediately without telling them I was shopping for a gift for my niece. I don’t care what changes they’ve made since…too little, too late.
Check out Scarlet Avenue – one of my favorites! They are a small online boutique that offer some great options. I typically stick to their “New” section, as they add new products every other week…at least they say. I check every other week, and see sometime they miss a week or so.
Love the advice and links associated with sixty and me. I’m 59, have recently retired, lost weight, dyed my hair purple, and would like to be, ahem, sexy at 60!!
Frankly I prefer clothing suiting the pop scene I love kpop and dramas. Athleta, do not like clothes that are too lose and makes my body look frumpy. Talbots Loft are stores I frequented when I was working now I can wear clothes that reflect my personality. Sexy, daring no so called classic matronly clothes.
c