Many older women shop at Ann Taylor for classic and elegant designs tailored to the professional woman. White House Black Market is another favorite for refined workwear styles that feel tailor-made.
ASOS is a go-to for trendy fashion that looks great on almost everyone, plus their Curve range includes fresh options in sizes up to US 26.
Ann Taylor
This retailer carries everything from classic overcoats and fitted blazers to sleek dresses and skirts. With petite sizing and regular sales, this store has something for everyone.
Whether you need to look polished for work or a casual brunch, Madewell has the women’s clothing essentials you need. From the tuck-in tunic to the flowy cotton dress, this retailer’s collection of wardrobe staples are a style you’ll wear for years.
If you’re looking for more stores like Ann Taylor that carry a timeless aesthetic, try J. Crew for preppy styles that will never go out of style or Talbots for a more classic look. If you’re on a budget, Shopbop or ShopStyle are great places to find trendy and budget-friendly styles.
White House Black Market
A little black dress is a wardrobe essential. It looks just as chic when worn to work or a cocktail party. Solid tops paired with jeans or dresses are an easy style solution for cool-weather outfits.
WHBM offers women’s clothing that accentuates their unique personal styles. Whether it’s the perfect little black dress or a cozy sweater, the company helps customers curate closets that reflect their individuality and confidence.
According to Comparably, White House Black Market employees like working for the company. Employees commonly rate the environment, person you work with, and compensation positively. They think the company could improve on perks and benefits and future outlook. However, they enjoy the company’s culture overall.
M.M. Lafleur
The company creates stylish yet timeless fashion from textiles that are easy to care for and last in your closet for years. They have a loyal following of older women who love the quality and fit of their products. Their puffer jackets are especially popular this season.
After Covid hit, CEO Sarah LaFleur heard from customers that they wanted clothes to help them dress with ease for professional life, whether hopping on a Zoom call or working from home. The brand has since embraced Power Casual, which includes joggers and tees.
The company also aims to make its production and shipping more sustainable, including using recycled materials like their Wondertex dresses made of recycled water bottles and their washable silk treated with Polygiene for anti-odor properties. They also offer a free in-person styling service at their showrooms.
Chico’s
Chico’s began in 1983 as a small boutique selling Mexican folk art and sweaters imported by Marvin and Helene Gralnick. Their savvy business model targeted the aging Baby Boomer woman, and the company has been a darling of retail ever since.
The company now sells three clothing brands, Chico’s, Soma, and White House Black Market – each targeting a different demographic. The chain’s womenswear includes careerwear, dressy separates and accessories. Sales of the Soma brand jumped in 2018 bolstered by TellTale, an innovative bra-fitting app. The retailer also offers online shopping and free returns. In-store associates often recommend that customers shop on-line first to check availability before visiting a store.
UNIQLO
Uniqlo has made a name for itself as a fashion store for everyday luxury basics. The brand offers sleek, timeless staples like the women’s Super Puff jacket that keeps you warm up to negative 22 degrees.
The retailer also sells a wide range of bottoms for women, men and kids including shorts, skirts, jeans, casual pants and lounge bottoms. Their latest innovation, the Kando pants, are a mix of smart and casual style with Airdots pockets that keep you cool and dry.
The site also has a uniquely curated plus-size shop that offers budget-friendly, vast style options in sizes up to 4X. Try the Bl-nk Miranda Peasant Blouse ($128) with the Maeve Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress for a dreamy bohemian look.
Everlane
The direct-to-consumer company made a big splash in 2010 with its emphasis on pricing transparency and sustainable practices. For instance, a cotton box-cut tee costs sixteen dollars, and customers can see where it comes from, its factory, and how much it cost to make.
The company also emphasizes its minimalist design aesthetic. This appeals to consumers who value ethical manufacturing and sustainability.
Everlane has a loyal following. Its latest products are gaining popularity with travelers. For example, the brand’s 2018 $50 work pants launched with a waitlist of more than 12,000 hopeful shoppers. Its 2020 launch of the Perform activewear line has also attracted a dedicated fan base.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom (JWN) is one of the top high fashion department store brands in America. They carry a wide variety of fashion brands and are known for their customer service. They also offer a range of other services, like virtual styling and curbside pickup.
For those who love the latest trends, Revolve offers up the hottest looks, including jeans and jumpsuits. They also have a number of brands that specialize in sustainable clothing, such as Everlane and J. Crew.
Free People is a great online destination for dreamy, bohemian-inspired styles. They also carry a great selection of activewear, including their in-house brand, Movement. The label rivals Lululemon for well-fitting, body-shaping workout gear.