As we get older, our tastes in fashion items changes. That doesn’t mean that we have to start wearing frumpy granny-looking clothes as we get older, but we tend to start dressing and choosing our outfits according to the natural changes 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 2020 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.

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.

So, I’ve put together a list of stores that have great selections that cater to older women and their lifestyles. Some are very affordable (think fast fashion) while others have higher price tags.

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.

I love their soft sorbet striped sweater that can be worn alone or layered on top of a button-down blouse. Pair it with a comfy pair of jeans and you have the perfect casual look.

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.

I like this fleece cowl neck tunic sweater in heather grey. Looks great with a pair of black leggings.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor offers classic and elegant designs tailored for the professional woman in mind. Her timeless collections are perfect for women of all ages. Many older women enjoy the excellent fits and quality fabrics.

This beautiful printed blouse certainly caught my eye.

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.

I absolutely love this reversible jersey knit wrap dress. One side is a houndstooth pattern and the other side is a solid black. Two dresses for the price of one! Also, wrap dresses are very flattering for most body types – from thin to plus size.

And lest I forget, WHBM has a petite section.

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.

I cracked for these sharkskin pants offered in several luscious colors. Sharkskin is a machine-washable wool blend fabric that has slight color variations for a textured look.

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.

This laid-back lyocell blazer can be worn with matching pleated pants for a professional look or with jeans for a more casual look.

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.

I’d certainly benefit from this long rib-knit open front cardigan.

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.

One example is these easy-fit Ponte trousers that can be dressed up or down.

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.

A great offering is this dip-dyed cashmere cardigan.

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.

A flirty pantsuit in royal blue is one great choice from this wonderful designer.

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.

This olive lightweight trench coat is the perfect item to have when transitioning between seasons.

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.

This sweater dress is a perfect example.

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.

The ultimate in casual comfort is this cashmere t-shirt that is offered in a variety of colors. We all need a cashmere t-shirt!

Net-A-Porter

Now, if luxury fashion is your thing, you will love Net-A-Porter. The online-only store offers more than 800 of the world’s most coveted designer brands like Gucci, Chloe, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Prada, and Stella McCartney to name a few. They ship to more than 170 countries and have same-day delivery in certain big cities.

Styles are continuously being updated with the latest trends. Of course, price tags are high and obviously not for every shopper.

I love these silk-trimmed pleated cotton-twill tapered pants from Burberry!

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.

These brushed terry leggings are a must in every closet.

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?

Jackie Goldschneider’s Pink Ruffle Skirt and Tank

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 1 Fashion

Jackie Goldschneider looks as happy as someone who gets to actually socialize during COVID  a clam hosting a birthday party for hubby Evan on tonight’s Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 premiere. And we’re also happy as clams to know that we can buy some of her look and recreate the rest with Style Stealers  for when we get to actually socialize after COVID, so much so it almost feels like it’s our birthday too.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Alice + Olivia Bodysuit

Click Here to See her Alice + Olivia Skirt

Click Here to Shop her Schutz Sandals

Click Here to See her Chanel Purse

Click Here to See her Lele Sadoughi Earrings

Originally posted at: Jackie Goldschneider’s Pink Ruffle Skirt and Tank

My walking buddy and I meet every Tuesday for our weekly dose of sanity. We power walk through a neighborhood or a park, catch up with our lives, and solve the problems of the world – and those of other people too. 

Last week, she tripped over a bump on the sidewalk, slammed her knee to the ground, and fractured her patella. She’s out of commission – and I’m without a walking partner – for two months.

While she figures out how to maneuver on her own, she, fortunately, has a husband to feed and walk the dog, get her in and out of the car for doctor appointments, and pull her socks and shoes on. 

Of course, I want to help and support her. Which led me to ask around… I wondered what others do for a friend who’s under the weather – physically or emotionally? How do others support a friend who needs a pick me up or a break from monotony?

Food Is Helpful

“Food is always welcome,” says a woman I spoke with who recently had hip surgery. “Anything you drop off is appreciated, because it’s one less thing the patient or the caregiver has to worry about.” 

Judy likes to bring soup, prepared with homemade stock and veggies from her garden, to ailing friends. Rebecca, a dairy farmer, is always ready with homemade loaves of bread.

Karol drops off a rotisserie chicken, tomato basil soup, and Caesar salad from a cafe in her town. “It’s good, it’s easy, and people always enjoy it,” she says. 

“Recently, I dropped off a loaf of bread, a jar of unopened jam I had on-hand, and some great butter at a friend’s house. She’s been anxious about aging parents and vaccination appointments,” says another woman. She didn’t ask permission. She donned a mask and left the bag on her friend’s stoop – then texted her to let her know.

Treats She May Not Give Herself

For a friend who had a recent fall, Stacy whipped up a batch of sugar cookies, shaped and decorated like bandages. A neighbor, who had a bad bout with migraines, was thrilled to receive homemade cookies in the shape of pill bottles. “Baking makes me happy, and sharing compounds that joy,” says Stacy.

One woman’s go-to is to deliver a coloring book (styled for adults), wrapped with a box of colorful markers. Promoted as stress and anxiety reducers, coloring books are “a treat most of us won’t buy for ourselves, and there’s something fun about doodling and filling in lines with bright colors,” she says.

Amy likes to send a book to laid-up friends. If the friend reads on an electronic device, she’ll send a digital version. Otherwise, she delivers or sends a hard copy, often with a pretty bookmark. 

A Visit and Attention

When one woman was recuperating from surgery, a friend dropped by with bagels and coffee. And stayed for a chat. She popped by a week later toting a happy hour – wine, glasses, crackers, and cheese. (That’s my kind of friend!)

Another woman remembers a friend arriving on her doorstep with a stack of glossy magazines – and a dark chocolate bar on top.

“I went through a lonely phase,” said one woman. “I’m better now, but I truly appreciated the phone calls from friends. The real, live phone calls where the person on the other end of the line wasn’t in a hurry and gave me their complete attention.”

“In these times, ANY handwritten letter can be such an unexpected gift and delight,” suggests another woman. “It’s not complicated – a pretty card or piece of stationery, some simple words to send your friend love, words of encouragement, your thanks for your friendship, your belief in her.”

Plants and Flowers

Mary Laura mailed chapsticks in flavors (grapefruit, coffee, mint) to a friend in New Hampshire who isn’t seeing much sun these days and needs a little pick-me-up. That same friend, when she noticed Mary Laura was feeling down, sent her an indoor herb garden.

Speaking of plants, “For friends in town, it’s easy and affordable to buy a pretty little succulent or a mini-orchid,” says Cindy. “It’s more expensive to arrange delivery out of town, but there’s a range of small businesses for lovely plant delivery. And that delivery is nice if you’ve got a group of friends wanting to send some love to a mutual pal. Everybody can chip in, and it’s such a sweet way for someone to be reminded she’s got a community of folks who are thinking of her.”

Show You Care

Lisa had to rush out of town when her son was involved in a horrible car accident. (Luckily, he’s ok now.) While she was going back and forth to the hospital, from her home-away-from-home hotel room, Lisa received a care package from a friend.

“She packed up little luxuries she guessed, in my rush to get to my son, I wouldn’t pack. Conditioner, bath gel, a mini manicure kit, a candle, mints. The tiny spa items lifted my spirits and made the hotel seem more like home.”

And, some fabulous advice from Cindy: “First, go deeper than simply asking What do you need? When your friend replies (as so many do), I’m good, do NOT assume you’ve done your friendship due diligence. We all say stuff like that. We don’t want to be a burden. It’s hard to ask for help. And for many, it’s hard to even know what sort of help they’d ask for – even if they could ask. So, that’s what NOT to do.”

Keep reaching out, keep trying.

What are some of your ideas to cheer up a friend? Do you have a special dish you deliver? What have you especially enjoyed receiving? What is most helpful to you? 

While there is a moment for packing brushes and blending brushes and all the gear and gadgets that help you get a full face beat, sometimes you’d rather swipe and go. This is especially true now that so many of us are home and just want to look better for a Zoom meeting or a socially distanced coffee date. Tarte’s Shadow Sticks fix all these problems for you. You just swipe the color on your lid and blend with your finger. You don’t have to have a YouTuber-level of skill to make these work.

You can only grab these two-in-one velvety-smooth shadow sticks at QVC now until mid-April. Shop this trio and you’ll be one of the firsts ever to try these shades. In fact, these are the only shadow sticks from the brand available, outside of the Sugar Rush line. They’re normally $19 each but here you can get three complementary shades for just $35. That’s a serious deal.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. QVC is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

When I use a shadow stick, I often literally just swipe one color, blend and go. But I challenged myself to use all three of the colors in one look: Champagne, Bronze and Taupe (as shown above). Can you get a full neutral smokey eye with stick formulas? It turns out, you can.

I started by applying the Taupe shade on the outer half of my lids. I used Champagne for the rest of the lid, taking the sparkling hue right into my inner corners. Then, I just blended them together lightly with my finger to get rid of any harsh lines. You can use an eyeshadow brush to blend but you don’t have to. This is truly the easiest eye makeup.

To add a little more drama, I applied Bronze to my lower lashline. I finished with a few coats of mascara and a little pink gloss.

Not only did the shadow stay put all day (with an eyeshadow primer, of course), but I also got a dozen compliments on my makeup. It totally changed the way I think about stick shadow. It turns out, you don’t need to go the monochromatic, one-shade route with these. (Though, you absolutely can. Bronze over the entire lid would be gorgeous.) You can fake using multiple brushes and formulas and palettes with just three minutes of application.

Anything to make our lives easier these days is a win-win. And I felt more put-together than usual—another major feat during working from home. I can’t wait until Tarte launches more shades. Can I request a rose gold?