Where to Shop Now: Clothing Stores For Stylish Women Over 50
Every few months, I get a message that reads, “Where do you shop now?” It’s usually from a woman who’s over 50, frustrated, feeling invisible in the mall, and I totally get it. The fashion landscape shifts quickly, and not always in our favor.
So I’ve pulled together a fresh list of places I personally shop (and a few I browse for styling ideas), with real opinions on who they work for, why they’re worth considering, and what to know before you spend your time or your money.
Some of these brands are long-time staples in my wardrobe. Others come highly recommended by readers who value quality, comfort, and a polished, modern aesthetic. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, rebuilding it entirely, or just curious where to look, I hope this guide helps you shop with more confidence and less frustration.
Best Clothing Stores for Ladies Over 50
Nordstrom
Nordstrom remains one of the most reliable and my favorite department stores to shop for well-made clothing that works for real life. They carry a wide range of brands and price points, with styles that lean classic and modern rather than overly trendy. Many pieces are available in petite, plus, and tall sizing, which makes finding a good fit a little easier.
Their website is straightforward to use and allows you to filter by fabric, inseam, brand, and other details that matter. They offer free shipping and returns, and their customer service can’t be beaten. Their in-store service is wonderful, but as with all retailers these days, their selection is much larger online. Here’s my latest Nordstrom try-on.
- Good for: wardrobe staples, denim, shoes, outerwear
- You can find their plus sizes here, and petites here.
- Tip: Brands like Caslon, Halogen, Wit & Wisdom, Nic+Zoe, and NYDJ often have versatile pieces that are easy to build into an everyday wardrobe.
More Department Stores:
- Bloomingdale’s: In Store/Online
- Dillards: In-Store/Online – mainly found in the south, but has a great selection for weddings and events, and carries many brands that Nordstrom does.
Investment and Timeless
Eileen Fisher
One of my favorite brands to shop is Eileen Fisher. I love their brand ethics, designs, and their size-inclusivity. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and EF recognizes that. It’s also one of the best-selling brands here on the blog because their styles are timeless, and they create sustainable fashion that stands the test of time. I won’t shop at fast-fashion stores and want to do all I can to ensure workers are paid a living wage. Building a sustainable wardrobe is more important to me as I age because I’m concerned about the impact of discarded clothing that is clogging our landfills.
Frank & Eileen
In a world of fast fashion, finding a brand that aligns with my values as a consumer can be difficult. Frank & Eileen is a woman-owned company with a 100% female leadership team and believes in sustainable, ethical fashion. On top of all of that, their pieces are timeless, versatile, and stylish.
J. McLaughlin
J.McLaughlin’s style is known for its bright colors, bold patterns, and playful prints, making it a favorite among those who appreciate preppy and chic fashion. While higher in price point than many of the things I tend to feature, they do have quality, classic pieces that can be in your wardrobe for years to come.
Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne’s clothing is known for its clean lines, neutral colors, and classic silhouettes, making it a great choice for those who prefer timeless pieces. They are very high-quality, classic pieces that will last you for years to come. With that amazing quality comes a higher price tag, so when I saw their best-selling Fishermen sweater marked way down during a Black Friday sale, it jumped into my cart. When the box arrived, I fully expected to send it back…until I touched it. It’s the softest cashmere I have ever felt in my life. I tried it on, and that was it. I could not send it back. I’ve since added 2 more to my wardrobe and adore them.
More Investment Brands to Shop
- La Ligne
- M.M. Lafleur…I have their 90s jeans and love them.
- Alex Mill
- AYR is known for its denim and button-down shirts.
- Rails
Everyday Wardrobe Builders
Chico’s
Chico’s is unique among major women’s clothing retailers because it carries styles to suit all women’s tastes and style preferences. Chico’s sizes are named a little differently than most brands, but here is a quick guide to make it easier for you: 000(0/XS), 00 (0/2– XS), 0 (4/6 S), 1 (8/10-M), 2 (12/14-L), 3 (16/18-XL), 4 (20/22-XXL). The brand also carries many garments in petite and some in tall. Their “No-Iron” shirts are amazing!
Talbots
Talbots is another go-to shopping destination for me! This size-inclusive brand has been providing women with timeless, modern, classic styles for 75 years, and their high-quality pieces last me for years and years. Talbots is also one of the most popular brands with AWSL readers.
Athleta
I’ve talked about my love of Athleta many times. You can read more about my Athleta favorites here. I find their pieces super comfy and perfect for everyday or travel.
Quince
I began adding Quince to my wardrobe a few years ago and have never looked back. I started with their classic $50 cashmere pullover and went on from there. We now have their amazing down pillows on our bed, French cutlery in our kitchen, and a cashmere throw on our couch. The quality is lovely, and the price can’t be beat. You may also enjoy reading my guide to Quince’s bestsellers.
More Mid-Level Stores and Brands to Shop:
- J. Jill – I love sharing J. Jill! It’s one of my readers’ favorite stores.
- Soft Surroundings – I’ve been seeing Soft Surroundings making a comeback! While I don’t think they have stores anymore, they do seem to be selling online.
- Boden – British brand expanding to the states that is classic and colorful, like Talbots.
- Tuckernuck – Classic and preppy.
- J.Crew – Classic and timeless pieces for all ages.
- Sézane – I love the quality and unique look of Sezane. They’re also a Certified B-corp, so their business practices align with my values.
Do you have any stores or brands to add to the list? Where are your favorite places to shop?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Nordstrom is my number one clothing store but I really miss there petite department. I’m so glad you introduced us to Quince. You can’t beat the price of their cashmere sweaters. I still long for a store that’s just for petites. I would be in heaven 🩷
They’re adding more and more petites!
Remember Petite Sophisticate? I wish there was a store like that around now. Petite only stores have disappeared and the petite departments in department stores are so tiny they’re barely visible anymore.
Interesting post – it’s always an eye-opener to see all the brands that do not support petite people. I shop a lot at LL Bean, which carries high-quality casual clothes, boots, and accessories that you can actually live and do physical work in, as well as hiking essentials. To me, LL Bean is the brand for women who do not carry handbags.
I have several of their jackets and love them.
My current favorite is the catalog/online store Petalura. Their clothes are very colorful and excellent quality.
I agree! I love their wide wale cords.
I shop a lot at LL Bean as well. They have a great selection of natural fiber products – the pima tees and cotton cashmere items are particularly nice. I’ll note that I’m a crossbody kinda gal having lived most of my life in urban areas and taking public transit. It’s a defensive posture as well as incredibly convenient. I’ve used the Highway Teela bag for everyday use for years. It’s a bit utilitarian – but good for organzing.
I have been scouring eBay and Poshmark for vintage LLB nordic sweaters! Quality!
Smart!
Greetings Jennifer from the southeast. I live in a rural area so access to stores is quite limited and I rely on internet shopping. I have enjoyed most of the brands you’ve listed and wondered if you ever try any of the social media “stores” I seem to be inundated with on Instagram?
I have tried many many more. Which ones are you thinking of?
Good Morning Jennifer, great article. Nordstrom will always be my #1. And I’m glad you included Quince. I’ve been ordering quite a bit from them and have been pleased with every single thing …. and quick shipping. I finally got off the fence and ordered a pair of their jeans and I’m very pleased. The straight leg and I’m going to order another wash. And their cashmere is the deal. I went to your Quince Best Seller article and glad I did. Their handbags have never been on my radar.
They’re really terrific. I must try the straight leg.
I made a list for myself. . .I’d add Everlane, COS, Banana Republic Factory, Aritzia, Old Navy, H and M, Uniqlo, maybe Evereve. Don’t forget good ol LL Bean! Notes: (1) I am still working, now in office, so nice to business casual, needing a full on suit a few times per year, (2) You have to be choosy at ON and HM but there are gems. &Other Stories is Hennes and Mauritz’ middle store between H and M and COS and they are worth checking out (some stuff @ Nordstrom.) Madewell appeals sometimes but rarely have my colors. The Talbots/Chicos/JJill trifecta are not for me though Talbots petite blazers do fit me well.
This are great additions! I’ll have to try more new brands. My local Aritzia is full of teenagers so the clothing leans young. Maybe the Vancouver ones will be a better option for me.
I bit the bullet today and ordered the Frank and Eileen mini Belfast tripe fleece jacket. Was very happy with the free shipping to Australia and the 15% discount. Thanks to you, I am now the proud owner of the Cuyana tote bag. It is good to mix it up with different brands Would like to order some Eileen Fisher, but the sizes bamboozle me. There is an Australian brand called Mela Purdie which is similar to Eileen Fisher and tend to buy her clothes. Still love Max Mara and Tod shoes, but my lifestyle doesn’t justify the cost these days.
I look at Max Max with admiring eyes but they seem to dressy for my lifestyle. Frank and Eileen has really mastered that triple fleece! It’s my favorite fabric they make.
It was from Talbots
No faux pax at all! They’re a great length and bravo, for you.
I agree, they could be better about shipping.
Thanks for being here Sandy! Lovely to hear from you.
Those are three brands I really like too. I’d rather buy fewer items of better quality.
I agree, their linen is wonderful.
I just don’t worry about it and often, I only tuck the front portion.
Aah. Thanks.
I’m really glad Soft Surroundings is back
This is a great list! Thanks, Jennifer!
Thank you
Amazon and Sephora are my favorite places for hair and makeup these days. They seem to carry everything.
I don’t know many of the Canadian brands.
I’m discovering more of their styles to love. Great value.
I find they run true to size. If you’re thinking of one of their oversized styles, you could size down a bit.