Best Clothing Brands for the Chic Over 40 Woman

Having recently entered my early 40s era, I sometimes fear that the clothes I’ve purchased a mere few years ago now make me look like I’m trying too hard to look young. To be fair, it is forever only recently occurring to me that I am no longer 29. But deny as I might, I am a woman in my early 40s, and my prized Top Shop sky blue cherry print mini shirtdress with open back just doesn’t have the same effect as it used to. The material, too synthetic. The occasion to wear it, implausible. Exceptionally crafted luxurious materials make a huge difference to a fit. But who can afford to fork over the money required to shop luxury designers, like The Row or Khaite?

So, I am now forever on the hunt for the best and more affordable go-to clothing brands for women in their 40s to shop the essentials and trendy fits, so that I can replace all viscose garments – really any clothes that require a “KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE” label.

Of course, always wear what makes you feel amazing – it’s a number one fashion rule – but I’ve found all of these to be stellar brands for high quality materials and a variety of fits. Listed below from relatively highest to lowest price point.

FRAME

Ok ok Frame Denim in not exactly the most affordable clothing designer, and their Ritz collab seems like a money grab (you could also get a similar effect over at Sporty and Rich), but…take my money? It’s working for me. And AND, it often goes on sale like everything else. It’s a brand that’s really snuck up on me the last few years. Prior, I knew Frame as a line that had cute jeans I tried on at Nordstrom Rack sometimes. But I bought a pair of their Jetset Jeans for travel a few years ago and have been pretty obsessed ever since. Their designs have consistently delivered. The tailoring, the color and pattern choices, the risks. All on point. And the quality ensures these pieces will last.

St. Agni

If you love The Row – owned by the Olsen twins and known to target women in their 40s – but can’t afford to shop there, let me introduce you to St. Agni. Simple design with exceptional quality. Great for tailored jackets and pants and refined staples. Really, everything. You are welcome.

COS

At some point in the last couple of years, COS leveled up. It used to be known as a higher quality H&M. It was always a good go to for sophisticated structured pieces, but I always found it to be a bit…boring. But my gawd how I now covet their jackets and bags. I want everything they just released, especially these COS Sheer Silk Pants. I love that sheer everything is trendy right now. A sneaky way to be sexy, while also staying covered and comfortable.

Ozma of California

I may be biased here, as I am a Californian going on 14 years, but Ozma of California is perfect for experiencing eternal spring/summers. The clothes are breathable and sustainable, and the most laid back. If you want to give off breezy Northern California cool girl look, this is the brand for you. You know her. She is forever in Joshua Tree. She is low maintenance, but her nails miraculously manicured. Her home is filled with Flamingo Estate Products. She has a job description, like “furniture and spatial designer.” Also, Ozma is having a rare sale RIGHT NOW, where you can get their lovely Sloan Cardigan. I also recommend anything in their Raw Silk line. It has the most perfect soft and nubby texture for a tee. If you love the fit of tissue thin tees, but hate how they fall apart easily, you’ll love these. I particularly love the Boy Tank. I currently have it in Black but have been eyeing the Tea color. It will get all the compliments.

Sézane

If you want cozy knits, feminine layering pieces, and ever so sweet shoes (hello curated date outfits), you will find many a clothing item at Sézane to obsess over. I will caveat that occasionally, I find some of the materials to be on the heavier woolier side, so if you are a sensitive girlie (a.k.a easily offended by itchy material) check out the material details before buying! Counter point, my French sister-in-law is a fan, and she is le plus French. Second counter point, how precious is this red cardigan?

Banana Republic

I’d been a Banana Republic hater ever since high school when *name redacted* called it “Banan.” Where it henceforth became officially uncool. But have you seen their wide leg trousers? I still think most of their dresses and basic tops leave something to be desired. And I’ll always advise caution when purchasing accessories from accessible luxury brands (is that the right term for the J. Crews and Madewells? Please leave a comment with what we should call these brands), but THE TROUSERS. They are chic. They will make you feel like a million bucks. Also, I just googled “Banana Republic is good now?” and literally the first result was this GQ article answering this exact question in the affirmative, so take yer mens there.

Aritzia

You may be noticing a trend here, but Aritzia is another one that has won my favor in the last year or two. I rarely shop here for work clothes or cocktail or evening attire – that’s for the youngins. This is where I go for any essentials or tee I could possibly imagine, as well as athleisure that I can actually wear outside the house and still feel put together. The tees are cut in a way that always flatters. And if one top doesn’t work for you, you will be able to find at least five more that do. The sweats have good good heft to them and they have so many matching sets.