Where to Shop for Clothes When You’re a Woman Over 40
Shopping for clothes in your 40s and beyond can feel a little tricky. You want to look modern and pulled together—but you also want to feel like you. Maybe you’ve outgrown fast fashion, but you’re not looking to spend a fortune, either. You just want clothes that fit well, look great, and don’t make you feel like you’re trying too hard.
Good news: there are plenty of great places to shop. You just need to know where to look! Today, I’m sharing my go-to stores for shopping, when you’re a woman over 40, 50+ and I think you’ll love as much as I do.
Where to Shop for Clothes Over 40
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is a go-to for workwear and polished outfits you can actually move in. They’ve always been a favorite of mine, but even more so in recent year since they’ve modernized their look and now offer more casual pieces alongside their signature blouses, blazers, and trousers. I have found some many classic pieces with a feminine modern twist there. This is the place to go if you want to look smart and pulled together.
You can find some of my recent Ann Taylor finds here.
Loft
Loft is Ann Taylor’s little sister store and is more casual and a little less expensive than Ann Taylor. They always have easy, colorful pieces that are right on trend and feel modern and feminine. I love their sweaters and tees, and blouses, and they have some really cute prints too.
Evereve
If you’ve never been to Evereve, you’re in for a treat. This store is designed with women (especially moms and women over 40) in mind. The styles are modern but wearable, and the staff actually helps you find clothes that flatter your shape.
Evereve carries popular brands like Kut from the Kloth, Good American, Agolde, and Z Supply. It’s especially great if you like casual, put-together outfits that are comfy but still look stylish.
Madewell
Madewell is known for great denim, but their whole collection is full of easy, modern pieces that mix and match well. Think of it as a laid-back style with polish. Their clothes tend to have simple lines, neutral colors, and soft fabrics—perfect for women who want to look current without chasing every trend.
The fit is generous in some pieces (hello, relaxed jeans, and oversized button-downs), and they also offer petite, tall, and sizing. I’m a big fan of their t-shirt and demin. They also have great shoes.
cashmere cowl neck | cashmere jogger
Chico’s
Chico’s has a strong following among women 40+ for good reason. The sizing is unique (0–4 scale), and the fit is forgiving, which many women appreciate. Their styles often lean bold—think statement jewelry, colorful prints, and flowy fabrics—but they also carry wardrobe staples that work beautifully for everyday life.
When I want something bright and statement making Chico’s is a good place to shop. They have a great selection of relaxed travel wear too!
J.Crew
J.Crew has always done classic American style well. Think timeless with a twist—preppy crisp shirts, striped sweaters, tailored trousers, and blazers that make you feel instantly polished. If you like clean lines and well-made staples, J.Crew delivers.
Their cuts tend to flatter straighter shapes, but they’ve expanded their size range and now offer curvy denim, relaxed cuts, and more styles that work for a variety of body types.
cable knit sweater | Embellished jeans | woven sandals |woven bag | earrings
Talbots
Talbots have been around forever—but don’t let that fool you. While they still carry the classics (hello, perfect blazers, and polished trousers), they’ve also added more updated styles in recent years. If your style leans polished, feminine, or preppy, Talbots is a great place to shop.
The fit is made for real women’s bodies, and they offer petite, plus, and tall sizes—which makes shopping so much easier. My favorite thing about Talbots- They have both classy neutral and plenty of color too. Plus, all their pieces mix and match from one year to the next. Check out their shoes and bag too – they’re often overlooked but are really great!
Athleta
Yes, it’s activewear, but Athleta also has a ton of “athleisure” pieces that look great out and about. Their pieces are well-made, super comfortable, and easy to dress up or down. If you’re running errands, traveling, or just want to feel pulled together while being comfy, this is your store.
Nordstrom
I can always count on Nordstrom to have something stylish that fits my midlife lifestyle. It’s a one-stop shop for everything from jeans and blazers to dresses, shoes, and accessories. I’m a big fan of their in-house brands like Halogen, Caslon, and Open Edit. These lines are affordable, well-made, and designed for women who want to look modern without going overboard!
Things go fast at Nordstrom so if I see something I like I snap it up quick! Of course, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in July on brand new items for Fall is a hard one to resist. So may good basics at huge savings!
Affordable Stores to Shop At
Tencel jersey fit and flare dress | square toe snake print sandals | camp shirt
Quince
If you love elevated basics, this a fantastic place to shop. Quince focuses on high-quality fabrics—like cashmere, silk, and organic cotton—at surprisingly low prices. These are the kinds of high luxury, resonably prices pieces you’ll wear again and again.
Banana Republic Factory
I have always loved Banana Republic but since their rebrand a few years ago, they’re a bit pricey. If you like Banana Republic’s polished style too, but want to spend a little less,I have found that their Factory store is full of hidden gems. You’ll find grown-up basics with nice tailoring and a soft, easy-to-wear feel. It’s classic without being boring.
Gap Factory
Gap Factory is one of those places you can always count on for easy, everyday style. The clothes are simple, comfortable, and timeless—nothing too trendy, but everything feels fresh and wearable. It’s especially good for basics: think jeans, T-shirts, casual dresses, and layering pieces that you can throw on and go. They offer petite and tall sizes, too, which is a big plus!
Amazon
Amazon has come a long way in the fashion department. It’s not just socks and workout leggings anymore. You can find stylish, affordable clothes from both name brands and Amazon-exclusive lines like The Drop and Amazon Essentials.
What is the key to shopping on Amazon for clothes over 40? Be picky about brands, read the reviews, check the fabric content, and don’t be afraid to order a few sizes to try on at home. Many items ship fast and have free returns, which makes it easy to find what works for you! If you’ve never checked out my Amazon Lives– be sure too. You’ll get a good idea of some brands I like and what they offer.
Where are your favorite places to shop? I’d love to hear your go-to stores—drop them in the comments!
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Nordstrom, Talbots and Chicos (trousers and jeans only, the rest of their merchandise is too bold for my aesthetic) are the ones off your list that I shop at most. Occasionally Ann Taylor and Loft. They’re all great places to keep modern after 40!
Hi Carolyn, Sounds like you are more of a neutrals gal because yes Talbots and Chico’s has a lot of color. Glad you liked the list and if anyone else out there wants to add a place to shop, I’m all ears! Cheers, Deb
For sure, I do love my neutrals! But certain colors work for me and every once in a while, Talbots and Chico’s carries them (like teal blue or coral). But their other colors don’t harmonize with my skin tones, they’re often too bold/bright.