Certain stores can be a little dicey when it comes to finding reliable style over 40. Without naming names, these stores largely fall into two categories:
- Too Young/Trendy/Edgy
- Too Old/Frumpy/Matronly
Honestly, it’s hard to decide which category is deadlier to your style, but if I had to pick one, I would say category 2. A look that is too trendy might come across as a little silly and over-the-top, but at least it won’t make you look like you spend your days rocking on the front porch with your knitting needles.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I love porches. And rocking chairs. And knitting. (In theory).
But you know what I mean.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places left to shop that steer away from these two extremes. Sure, these stores will occasionally have a dodgy piece or two (and I identify them, below!), but for the most part, these are stores where you can confidently shop and know that you’ll find reliable, relevant clothes that make you feel stylish and confident.
As always, I’ve created a catalog where you can shop all of these pieces in one place.
Here, the safe places to shop at over 40.
Boden
In my mind, this is England’s answer to a J. Crew, with a very British twist. You’ll find colorful knits, comfortable and slightly quirky shoes, and every possible configuration of jersey dress. Skip the super-sweet pieces, like billowy blouses with peter pan collars.
Smocked detail jersey dress, $130 Stripe Pocket Relaxed Sweater, $110 Vanessa Bow Shoes, $160 Skip: This fair isle sweater will look a bit matronly over 40, especially paired with a peter-pan collar blouse. Louise Fair Isle Sweater, $130
L.K. Bennett
Another British brand with a U.S. presence, L.K. Bennett is a go-to source for work-appropriate clothing, fabulous coats, and elegant pumps. Skip the overly stuffy, buttoned-up styles.
ROSA BLACK SATIN PINK ROSETTE COURTS $465 NINA BLACK & WHITE DOGTOOTH PEPLUM JACKET $500 ELDER BLACK AND WHITE WOOL BLEND BLANKET COAT $1,005 Skip: The MOORE BLACK AND WHITE POLKA DOT SILK DRESS $645, is a combination of too young and too old that’s hard to wear.
Draper James
Reese Witherspoon’s brand has a crisp Southern preppiness that is timelessly appealing. It’s a great place to pick up holiday pieces, preppy basics, pretty dresses, but avoid overly sweet or young pieces like the Lee Ann dress, below.
Puff Sleeve T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe $68 Natalie sweatershirt in Angie Plaid, $75 Kacey Faux Wrap Dress in Shimmer Dot $195 Skip: While this dress is easier to pull off in sophisticated fabrics like this velvet, the Lee Ann dress, with its babydoll styling, is not a safe bet.
J. Crew
For years, J. Crew has been a great stop for elevated basics and modern classics. Pick up great jackets, quality wardrobe staples, and cool-classic jewelry and shoes. Skip overly trendy or sweet pieces, like these mary janes.
Tissue turtleneck, $36.50 Willa blazer in stretch velvet, $228 Odette New York® fold cuff, $165 Skip: These too-young shoes can look a little frumpy on a grown woman. Celestial-embroidered velvet Mary Jane pumps,, $228
& Other Stories
H&M’s middle-priced sister brand, & Other Stories offers updated pieces at moderate prices. Check out the wide assortment of flattering pants, fabulous knitwear, and accessories, but stay away from overly edgy and trendy pieces.
urtleneck Mini Knit Dress $129 Floral Charm Hoop Earrings $25 Belted wool coat, $279 Skip. Skip. Embroidered Ruffle Knit Sweater $119 looks childish and not sophisticated.
Club Monaco
Club Monaco’s minimal pieces are at once timeless and modern, making them great wardrobe investments. Look for cashmere, work-friendly modern classics, and great dresses, but skip this season’s trickiest trend, the oversized collar.
Plaid Seamed V-Neck Dress $249 Slim Long Sweater Dress $249 Emma Cashmere Sweater $298 Skip: Oversized collar. Doubleface Cashmere Pullover $398
Sezane
Laid-back French luxury can be yours at Sezane, which offers signature blouses (the Pierro!), knits, and jackets as well as great shoes and bags. Skip overly trendy or sweet items, as usual. 🙂
The Will Jacket is a perennial favorite. $145 ROSEMARY SHIRT Ecru $125 PIERRO SHIRT Blue peonies $110 LOU JUMPER Ficelle / Marine $125 Skip the over-the-top ruffles and collar of this blouse.
Which of these brands is a go-to for you? And which is brand new? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Absolutely! THese stores do have sizes up to a size 14 and above, but I will be doing videos with real women and different body types starting in January. 🙂
BEV KOLOSSEUS says
Beautiful clothes; beautiful slim models, but what about me? Size 14 with thick waist. Could you do a segment that shows the clothes you love on overweight people like me? I would like to lose weight, but for now how I can look the best in my clothes that I spend a lot of money on and then push back to the end of my closet.