Where I Shop as a Midsize Woman in Midlife
There are no $500 O/S blouses on this list, my friend.
Hi, I’m Alison. I am 5’3” and most of my adult life I have been somewhere between a size 12 and a 16W. I got big boobs and a belly that reflects that weight fluctuation and a pregnancy, strong solid legs, a juicy booty, and wide high-volume feet that suffer from plantar fasciitis. I work from home, but I like to look good, even when I am sitting on my sofa. I love color, I love interesting clothes, but I also like having easy go-to outfits that get ‘er done so I can get life done.
I may spend more on clothes than others, but we all have different priorities and my closet is high on my list (and it’s literally my job). That being said, I am not a millionaire and am not trying to fool anyone into thinking I am one. Quality can be found at all pricepoints, and I am not a slave to brands. And with that, this is where I shop:
(FYI this is too long for email, you’ll have to read this in the app or browser)
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is my go-to for pants. The jeans aren’t really great on me, the tops don’t always have room for my shoulders and boobs, but the pants? Nine times out of ten I can get a 16 petite (no stretch) or 14 petite (stretchy) and have them fit right off the hanger/out of the shipping box. Good length, good fit on the waist, good quality, and Ann Taylor can be a surprising place for things like super wide-leg palazzo pants with cool pleats in unexpected places or wool crepe trousers that go with absolutely everything including your more expensive blazers.
And speaking of blazers… Ann Taylor has petites up to 16P so I get a lot of blazers here too. Sometimes they need a bit of alteration because they’re a bit too boxy, but I believe that if it can fit the shoulders, upper arms, and bust, tailoring the rest is a reasonable “tax” for a well-fitting blazer. As a woman in midlife, an ill-fitting blazer is not cute, and a quick way to lose credibility.
Ruti
Being short means I miss out on a lot of cool trendy clothes and fun architectural pieces. You can’t hem a pair of barrel jeans or a bubble jacket and keep the concept. Ruti offers petites and carries those not-too-edgy but cool pieces that can make a basic sweater or tee look like a look.
I have the barrel jeans and they’re cool looking, expensive looking, comfortable, and have been washed dozens of times and still look new. I got the slouch jeans and they’re cool but I found the combo of the silhouette and patch pockets wasn’t doing what I wanted and sold them. The On the Loose Work Pants are worth it, IMO, and those Old Navy pants, while cute, are not a dupe (not same fabric, silhouette, length, or waistband). I now want the blazer and the wide-ish pants. BTW code ALISON15 gets you 15% off sitewide.
Sézane
Sézane is hit or miss fit-wise for me, but when it’s a hit it’s a hit. I’m glad there’s now a permanent store in D.C. so I can shop in person and deal with fewer returns. If you’re taller, you likely will have more success. Sézane is where to get that sweater that goes with everything but isn’t basic or boring. Where your bag isn’t screaming a logo but looks like it is from high-end label. Where shoes are relatively comfortable and versatile but look so elegant. If you like a bit of femininity in your closet, Sézane is your girl for dresses, blouses, and knits.
Boden
Boden pisses me off because it doesn’t offer petites over size 12 and because of the tea shared in the comments of one of my recent posts on here. But Boden does color and print so well. I Stan for the cotton shirtdresses, the silk blouses, and the Breton tops. If you’re 5’5” or taller, it’s a great place to get that dress or suit or sweater that is fun but still polished and sophisticated, that will have strangers stopping you to ask where you got it.
Tuckernuck
When I decided to stop shopping Anthropologie because the company is a bunch of artist-stealing unethical assholes, I looked for an alternative. A place that had its own in-house pieces but also curated brands for an aesthetic that was elevated but fun. Shopbop is owned by Amazon, Revolve runs too young and sexy, but Tuckernuck gets it right and has a good size range. Good place for dresses, accessories, and cute summer tops that elevate your chino and denim shorts.
Tuckernuck’s in-house brand goes up to XXXL, which is a straight not plus fit so be aware. It’s kind of how J. Crew fits: a bit straighter, not as full in the hips, shoulders, and bust. But Tuckernuck also carries labels like FARM Rio, STAUD, Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, Varley, L’Agence, Clare V., Isabel Marant, Zimmerman, and MOTHER. Nope, I don’t fit in all of them, but the curation fits my aesthetic and it helps me see concepts that I can then recreate from other labels that are more size-inclusive.
Evereve
While not as much my aesthetic, Evereve is another online boutique that has its own in-house brand while curating a great collection of cool labels perfect for women around 30-65+. Rag & Bone, Rails, Avec les Filles, AGOLDE, Sanctuary, Favorite Daughter, Pistola… I like Evereve for jeans and casual clothing that isn’t boring but isn’t putting a spotlight on you each time you walk out the door. It’s the way you want to look when you buy that disappointing piece from Old Navy.
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Quality, classic style, petites and plus size, what’s not to love? Lauren Ralph Lauren is a brand that has never let me down. I know I can always find the same quality, the same fit, and something that works for my life. While Lauren Ralph Lauren is sold at department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, the Ralph Lauren website often has the most extensive sizing at the same pricepoint.
Rent the Runway
Want to keep your closet basics fresh? Changing clothing sizes but don’t want to keep buying new clothes? Want to try out some new-to-you labels but don’t have stores nearby that sell them? I can’t recommend Rent the Runway enough. From purses to cocktail dresses to trendy jeans and fancy sunglasses you can get them at Rent the Runway for the price of a single mediocre dress. Use code RTRXAGARY and you get 60% off your first month.
COS
COS is part of the H&M family, and I have issue with the greenwashing of H&M. That being said, COS has not disappointed me with quality and it’s not trying to act like it’s the savior of the planet. The look is modern and cool and edgy and architectural and like maybe it’s from a more expensive label, but it’s not trying to dupe anyone.
COS only goes up to 14, and the petites only up to 12, but I find the tops, knits, elastic waists, and looser styles of dresses work for me and often become my favorite pieces. Don’t go to New Arrivals, they do that stupid layout like Zara with all these editorial photos and you can’t figure out what is being sold. Use the menu and go to a category like “clothing.”
Lands’ End
I’ve shared before how I love Lands’ End. It’s a favorite for me to promote on Wardrobe Oxygen because it hits the right spot for quality, price, size inclusiveness, and versatility. But some of my favorite clothes that I wear over and over are Lands’ End.
The wide leg jeans are amazing. I’ve washed and dried mine a kazilion times and they’re still fab. The cotton drifter sweaters are the best; if in doubt size down. Same with the Supima tees. Lands’ End is a stellar place for dresses; for example I have this one and it is such high quality and designed so smartly. And of course outerwear and swimwear… while the quality has been inconsistent since 2020, I feel Lands’ End is on the upswing and have been really happy with recent purchases.
Banana Republic Factory
Banana Republic used to be my girl. I could go in the store, find so much I loved and it loved me back with great fit and quality. But Banana Republic keeps trying to reinvent itself and the current Banana only has petites up to L/12, the petites are still miles long on me, the fit is so weird on my curves, and in past years the only thing I have kept and loved is this trapeze dress which they do a version of almost every season in a range of fabrics and prints. But this is about why I love Banana Republic Factory.
Banana Republic Factory is a more budget-friendly and basic bitch version of Banana Republic and that’s why I love her. The petites are actually petite and go up to 14 or XL, the clothes are not so try-hard and therefore trend-resistant, and it’s just a great place to get things like pants, blazers, linen separates, and cotton sweaters that look elevated and stylish. BR Factory often has 50% off; that’s when I shop for even better prices.
Vince
Vince is the clothing you wear when you want to look “effortlessly cool.” It’s unique but not trendy, a lot of it is perfect for work, and a lot of the tops and accessories add that little something something to your basics to make them not feel so basic. A Vince dress can be worn for a decade and continue to get compliments.
Vince doesn’t have petites; its XL is equivalent to a 16 and I find I am sometimes L, sometimes XL with the label. But I have Vince pieces that are years old and have been worth every penny.
Universal Standard
Especially if you are in plus sizes, you need to check out Universal Standard. It’s the elevated basics that are lacking in most size-inclusive or even extended-size fashion brands. Suiting, dresses, linen separates, fantastic jeans in classic and trendy silhouettes, phenomenal cool outerwear... the quality is much better than a lot of other brands in the same pricepoint and I have some serious favorites from US.
That being said, Universal Standard is not petite-friendly. It was heading that way, but gave up (I blame private equity). However, I still find a lot of dresses, tops, and separates that work for me. And I don’t mind paying for alterations because I find the quality and style worth it.
Sanctuary
If you live a more casual life, but don’t want to be stuck in boring clothing, check out Sanctuary. It’s a personal favorite for casual pants and the printed lightweight tees are the item you didn’t realize you needed in your closet to pair with wide-leg linen pants, slip under blazers, and just make basics feel less basic. Sanctuary carries petites up to XXLP or 34P and offers some styles in extended sizes 14W-24W. BTW code ALISON15 gets you 15% off sitewide.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has been known as quirky quality clothing for older women for years… and that is such a dated stereotype. I’d say with the direction of fashion right now, to paraphrase Bryce Gruber at Extra Good, Eileen Fisher is The Row, but cheaper (and far more size inclusive).
High quality fabrics. Size inclusivity (up to 3X and petites up to XL). Silhouettes that are interesting but not over the top. Pieces that mix and match, not just in one season but across years. And a brand that isn’t greenwashing but is truly sustainable and ethical. Eileen Fisher is a place for pants and travel clothing.
M.M.LaFleur
I have been an M.M.LaFleur fan for years. While I find a lot of the pieces too average-person friendly to work for my short curvy self, I have gotten some amazing winners and the quality is stellar. Chic suiting, travel-friendly separates, great pieces that are a step up from jeans and sweatshirts, and collaborations with other great brands like Sarah Flint and Saint James. If you travel for business or just want some pieces that are super versatile, easy care, and chic check out the OrigamiTech. It’s a fabric that has been offered for years and you can build a fantastic mini capsule of pieces that dress up and down beautifully. BTW code ALISON15 gets you 15% off sitewide.
J. Crew
I don’t shop J. Crew like I used to, but it’s still a good place to get great color and interesting pieces to complete a wardrobe. The quality isn’t what is used to be, the petites don’t come large enough for my body, but I still have sweaters, dresses, blazers, and shirts from there that I positively love. If you’re not petite, don’t sleep on J. Crew, especially if you are in larger sizes. J. Crew goes up to 22 and does a pretty decent job with the fit (though as mentioned above, it’s more of a straight fit than plus, so you may have to play with sizes and styles to get the right one for you).
Where I’d Shop If I Were A Little Bit Taller
If I were a little bit taller, if I was a baller… or if I had a different size or shape body, there are more places I would shop in midlife and recommend:
Rag & Bone
If you like that slouchy mix menswear with something a little feminine or unexpected, pair trousers with a silk blouse and a pair of Birkenstocks, edgy and a bit of that rocker Gen X influence… you want Rag & Bone. The quality is excellent, the vibes are stellar, and it’s a good place for jeans and if you want suiting but you don’t want to look stuffy.
STAUD
If you want quirky and colorful but not look like a wacky kindergarten art teacher, check out STAUD. It’s that Scandi-cool vibe with color and prints and interesting silhouettes. I am the biggest fan of STAUD dresses, which are usually colorful and unique but oh-so pretty. The bags and accessories are also great.
Theory
Wondering where to buy suiting and other workwear in midlife that doesn’t look frumpy but also looks like you got your shit together and should be respected in the workplace? Check out Theory. While lots of department stores carry pieces from Theory, the website has a much more extensive selection of pieces and also sizes (up to size 16).
FARM Rio
I actually own a few pieces from FARM Rio, but I have returned much more than I have kept. This is a label better for a taller body, and one who doesn’t have 36F boobs. FARM Rio is color and print and embroidery and beading and all the things, but it doesn’t feel wacky or corny or over the top. It’s a great place to get fun dresses for daytime and some evening events, and I have had a lot of luck with FARM Rio for sweaters that are just too cool and plenty of fun while being elevated enough to wear to work with trousers and a turtleneck.
Simon Miller
I actually own a ridiculous Simon Miller silver mirror disco ball long-sleeve maxi dress and it fits, but it’s so incredibly long on me and the tailoring so expensive I have been putting it off. I have borrowed some Simon Miller from Rent the Runway and some has fit, most has been for a taller human. But gosh is the clothing a lot of fun! Bold colors, bold prints, fun details like fringe and trim and ruching but really wearable. I love Simon Miller accessories too; I have earrings and a bag from the label that have done me well for years.
Ann Mashburn
A few years ago, I was invited to visit the Georgetown Ann Mashburn store where I met Ann and her husband, Sid. We had an amazing conversation, I saw so much I loved in the store, Ann offered to gift me some things… and absolutely nothing in the store fit. I think I left with like a book and a bracelet. Ann Mashburn is a shop and online boutique that offers Ann’s line of clothes mixed with other labels like Ulla Johnson and LA DoubleJ but Ann’s line is cheaper and chic and very good quality.
Argent
Argent makes high-quality, chic, and modern suiting for women and the label loves color. Phenomenal fabrics, attention to detail, and powerful silhouettes makes this a must for any women in powerful positions… as long as they are misses size 0-14. Argent says their XL is a 14/16 but I have found it runs more 14 and it has an XXL but in very select pieces and very boring colors.
Other Places Worth Checking Out
These aren’t places where I’d shop head to toe, but I either shop at or recommend you check out if you’re in midlife:
Frances Valentine: Mod yet modern style, goes up to 3X, just too narrow in the boobie for me or I’d be shopping
AYR: Really great jeans and ethics
ME+EM: Stylish, chic, not boring but also timeless.
Chico’s: No-iron linen and cotton shirts and the Girlfriend jeans. You’re welcome.
Spanx: Some of the best shorts, no lie. The travel jumpsuit is also a win.
The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens: If shirts gape at the bust or you wish you could find the quality with men’s shirts but in modern shapes for women, this is a must.
The Aqua brand from Bloomingdale’s: If you want fun prints and color and cool collabs at a very nice price, this label is worth checking out.
Frank & Eileen: Not cheap, but excellent quality and real-life style.
Talbots: The quality and style isn’t what it was a few years ago, but still my go-to for cashmere, jeans, and holiday occasionwear.
Quince: The fit and quality is hit or miss, but I do like the Bella relaxed straight jeans, the cotton sweaters, some of the leather, and some of the dresses.
And finally, before you buy full price, check out resale sites. In my recent Eyeing and Buying post, I mentioned how I was looking for white linen pants. Eileen Fisher was recommended in the comments. Eileen Fisher doesn’t have white linen pants with a wide leg this season, but they did previous seasons and I found a pair on eBay NWT for the price of a pair from Old Navy. Gem is a great resource where you can save items or categories and get an email each morning letting you know about new items available on many of the resale sites.
Frank and Eileen has a reLoved site that I have used several times. Their items are pricey, but worth it. I am a 5'1" petite and the unfinished sleeves and hems on some of their items allow me to simply cut things off, following along the template provided by the real hem. It does take some courage! But, I have been successful every time!
Wow, Alison… Bookmarking this amazing post. Some things I’ve heard of, and lots to explore. We have kind of opposite body types (I’m 5’10”), but I just love your style!