Dianne Fabulous not Frumpy
I’m here to talk about the best clothing stores for women and to encourage you all to embrace life and live it to the fullest! If you want to look as beautiful as you feel, stick with me. If you have been shopping at clothing stores which cater to women in mid-life and you’re ready to look younger and more hip, you are in the right place. Walk away…no run away….from the old-lady stores that sell shapeless, tent-like frumpy styles and come along with me to some of the best clothing stores for women.
I am here to share some of the best clothing stores I have found for women who want to look youthful and chic.
So what’s going on? Now that we are in our fifties, there seems to be a considerable divergence in how some women choose to approach life. Some are stepping out and making full use of the extra margin in their lives, exercising, getting stronger, getting better, learning new hobbies, and choosing to live their best lives. At the same time, others are sitting by watching.
This post is all about the best clothing stores for women. Now start shopping – now is not the time to be a wallflower. Get out and enjoy life
Rock Your Individual Style
This clothing store list is for women who want to present their best selves to the world every day. You know who you are, the ones who will rock your individual trendy-selves through their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. These stores are not the typical clothing stores targeted at mature women, because who wants to look and dress old?
If you’re all about the “easy button” Let me warn you now, what I am suggesting is not that. It’s going to take some time and effort to explore, see what works and curate your style.
If you want to look younger and more modern, playing it safe is not an option. It will take some effort to sift through style choices at the clothing stores. I suggest figuring out what to wear, but be patient. I will help guide you. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The List of the Best Clothing Stores for Women
1. H&M
Why They are One of the Best
H&M is an excellent retailer to pay attention to for the latest fashion trends. They have tons of clothing options on their site, so if you have not shopped with them in the past, be warned that the sheer volume of goods can be overwhelming. Conversely, if you had shopped when them in the past and were not impressed, they have made a lot of quality and sizing improvements in the last 12 – 18 months.
The quality of their clothing has improved quite significantly from years past. In general, the quality of all of their clothing has improved. Additionally, they now have a premium line, which includes clothing pieces of superior quality such as cashmere, leather, and other fine fabrics. It is worth the browse.
What I personally love about H&M is that they offer a wide variety of clothing styles ranging from the basics to designer-inspired fashion at fair and reasonable prices.
Things to consider
One of the greatest challenges I experience in shopping at H&M is narrowing down what to buy, item availability, and sizing. They are a trendy clothing retailer (for a good reason), and the clothing they offer has good value, so their clothing sells out quickly. Tip: If you like something, order it because your size may not be around in a day or two.
Within the past year, they have adjusted their sizing and made all of their clothing larger. So if you are typically a size medium, order a size small. The good news is H&M has an outstanding return and exchange policy. At their brick-and-mortar locations, you can return items and avoid the return postage.
You will not find great outfit inspiration on the H&M site, but keep an eye on my site or Pinterest for inspiration. I keep an eye on both H&M and Zara web sites, but find more pieces that align with my style at H&M, which is why I chose them as one of my best clothing stores for women.
The Low Down
Pieces to shop: basic & trendy blazers, dresses, basic and trendy sweaters, basic & trendy blouses, sportswear, underwear, socks, and accessories.
Online: H&M (highly recommend shopping online, better selection and convenience than going into the store)
Sizes: Their sizes range from extra small to extra large to accommodate most body types
2. J Crew
Why They are One of the Best
Wool blazers are what first attracted me to J. Crew. Maybe it’s just me, but I have found it particularly difficult to find nice quality wool blazers to wear during the winter months. Since my go-to women’s clothing store went out of business a couple of years ago, I have been at a loss for where to buy nice merino wool jackets and slacks. While the blazers I purchased from J Crew are not merino wool, they are a very fine-woven wool flannel. They are extremely well made, and I really enjoy wearing them. I have purchased both the Regent and Parke wool blazers in black, navy, and camel. They are very versatile blazers and easy to dress up or down.
I have also enjoyed their sweaters, blouses, and accessories. I have found the quality of their items consistently good, and I am always impressed with the items I have selected.
Things to consider
Inventory levels are usually quite good. Sizing is generally true to size. J Crew has a nice website that is easy to navigate. The models on their site definitely provide outfit inspiration. J. Crew has stores in most metro areas, is a national brand and has a good return policy.
The Low Down
Pieces to shop: traditional wool blazers, work wear, dresses, sweaters, blouses, and accessories.
Online link: J. Crew (highly recommend shopping online, better selection and convenience than going into the store)
Sizes: Their sizes range from extra small to extra large to accommodate most.
3. Uniqlo
Why They are One of the Best
After learning about Uniqlo a few years ago, it has become one of my best clothing stores for women recommendations. It is my go-to source for nice quality merino wool and cashmere sweaters. The range of colors and sizes for all items is extensive.
Their offering of puffer down vests and coats is a dream—everything you will ever need at absolutely amazing prices. I have also purchased wool overcoats for both men and women and have been impressed. Pricing is consistently very good.
Things to consider
Sizing is generally true to size. The range of colors and sizes for all items is extensive. Their inventory levels are usually quite good.
Besides their sweaters and coats, Uniqlo has some great graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts that are worth checking out.
The Low Down
Pieces to shop: Men and women’s merino wool sweaters, men & women’s cashmere sweaters, down puffer vests, cashmere, vests & jackets, wool overcoats and graphic tees.
Online link: Uniqlo
Sizes: Their sizes range from extra small to extra large to accommodate most.
4. Time & Tru Brand at Walmart
Why They are one of the Best
Yes, Walmart! Their Time and Tru brand is quite impressive if you are shopping for basics. They have great quality basics at amazing prices. While it is not the place I go for coveted wardrobe pieces, they are a great place to shop to avoid overspending on basic t-shirts, sweaters, belts, bras, and trendy items.
Things to consider
Walmart sells many brands, some good and others not so good. To find the Time and Tru brand type it in the search bar at the top of the page. The Walmart website is easy to navigate and find what you are looking for.
Also consider checking out the Avia brand at Walmart for sportswear. They have high-quality zipper pullovers, shorts and leggings at really great prices.
The Low Down
Pieces to shop basic blouses, t-shirts, jeans, crew neck and turtleneck sweaters, belts, bras, and trendy items.
Online: Walmart
Sizes: Their sizes range from extra small to extra large to accommodate most.
5. Marshall’s, Home Goods & T.J. Maxx
Why They are one of the Best
If you’re not in for the hunt, Marshall’s, Home Goods, and T.J. Maxx may not be the stores for you. To be honest, there are times I don’t have the patience for it either, but when I do, there is great opportunity for getting some very nice quality items at great prices! For this reason, these retailers are on the list for the best clothing stores for women.
With a long history of great deals, I don’t know where to start. Unless you’re checking out these stores for the first time immediately following Christmas (when they are picked-over), they will not disappoint. In the fall and winter they have a very nice selection of wool and cashmere. Check out their shoes, dresses, socks, underwear, and cashmere sweaters.
Things to consider
Consider checking out the home section at each of the stores. I have purchased my wine glasses from these retailers for years. It’s easy to find a four- or six-pack of very nice large crystal wine glasses for $10-$15. Never fret over a broken wine glass again! You also need to check out their selection of candles and home accessories.
The low down
Pieces to shop: Everything! Women’s blouses, sportswear, shoes, dresses. Also take a look at kitchen wear & linens
Online: Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx
Sizes: Their sizes range from extra small to extra large to accommodate most.
6pm.com & Zappos
Why They are one of the Best
Talk about some really great deals! 6pm.com and Zappos.com are a great place to shop if you know exactly what you’re looking for, or for comparison shopping before you buy. They have clothing, accessory and shoe options which are worth the look and competitive prices.
Things to consider
You will find that both 6pm.com and Zappos.com have items from prior seasons which may be slightly different from this year’s version. If your style is classic and minor design changes are not a big deal to you this is a good place to shop.
The low down
Pieces to shop: clothing, accessories, shoes, boots, designer purses
Online: 6pm.com & Zappos.com
Sizes: They have a full range of sizes to accommodate most.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission for promoting an item if you purchase through the link I have provided (at no additional cost to you). The items selected in this post are products I have chosen to promote because I like them, and the opinions presented are all my own. For more information, see my blog compensation & disclosure page shown in the footer section of this page.
Let me Know if I can help!
For more ideas about how to style your new outfit pieces, consider checking out my post about the best styles for women over 50.
If you have questions about choosing items, or are looking for additional guidance on what to buy, reach out
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