best clothing stores

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.

Talbot's

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.

Land’s End

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.

Ann Taylor

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.

White House Black Market

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.

M.M. Lafleur

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.

Everlane

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.

Everlane

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.

NYDJ

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.

Bloomingdale’s

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.

Draper’s & Damon’s

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.

Chico’s

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.

LOFT

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.

J.Crew

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.

Eileen Fisher

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?