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Your Favorite Online Shopping Sites

Truecolors

(website)

Hi Ladies!
You could really help me out. One of my clients asked me for my favorite online shopping sites for 40-and-older women. I have a list of my favorite local stores that I take clients to, but I've never compiled a list of online clothing and accessories websites that cater to the over-40 crowd. That includes plus size clothes.

I will get you started...I personally like http://www.SoftSurroundings.com, http://www.Nordstrom.com, and http://www.BlueFly.com.

Can you give me your top 3 online shopping sites?

Thanks so much!
Linda

Shopping

40 replies

Latest reply was from karymk

MsMary

Veteran

Uh, I am in my mid-50s and it would never occur to me to look for sites that cater to "the over-40 crowd." I suppose if I were going to compile a list, my Frumptastic Four for the Over-Forties would be http://www.chicos.com, http://www.talbots.com (although they have some nice things), http://www.jjill.com, and http://www.coldwatercreek.com (but hurry because they're closing). I generally avoid those sites and prefer mainstream retailers like Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and GAP.

Susie

Veteran

I'm actually over 50 but I don't think I choose stores by my age, except that I don't shop at Forever 21!

I like Nordstrom for the variety. For accessories (bags and shoes) I like Last Call. I've also bought quite a range of things from Amazon. I've ordered online from Gap and BR as well as Anthropologie. But I also really like shopping in local boutiques to find more unique items.

K. Period.

Veteran

What a challenging question! I can tell you which sites I (over 40) shop at. However, I suspect that most of us here probably aren't mainstream in that we shop at sites that stock clothes appropriate for our age, but not targeted to our age and decidedly more fashionable than others in our age cohort. I shop all the sites MsMary does, but add in JCrew, Club Monaco and Zara. If I had to say top 4, I would say JCrew, Nordstrom, Banana and Zara. I don't shop the ones she listed in her F4 because their cuts aren't designed for my body shape and they also tend to be more conservatively classic than even I (a modern classic to the core) am. Their clothes fitted on me don't have the modernity that I require. However, I have two gorgeous modern classic friends who are curvier who both look fantastic in Talbots--they just choose carefully.

DonnaF

Veteran

I'm over 60, and Nordstrom gets most of my business. My feet are getting fussier by the minute, so I also shop at Zappos.

I am sized out of Coldwater Creek and Chicos, but their styles don't thrill me. I get taken in by the Lands End catalog photos, but have to remember that their fit has always looked frumptastic on me so I really need to avoid them. Talbots is a bit too classic for me, but at least their skirt/dress lengths aren't indecent.

I'm a 5' 1" Petite, so having non-Petite items fit me is a long shot and the success rate at regular retailers small. J. Crew Petites is only online, and because of their S/H fee and reputation for somewhat unpredictable sizing and fitting rectangles, I've only ordered from them once.

For bras, I order off Amazon because I need a 28" band.

I don't really think of too many retailers by age, and have a jeans jacket from F21. I do, however, keep in mind the places that are most likely to *get* my body which BTW hasn't changed drastically over the last 30 years.

Truecolors

(website)

You ladies are perceptive and wise! I am realizing from your responses that the online stores you frequent don't necessarily cater to over-40 women, but the key is to "choose carefully."

When I go to a website such as Chicos, the models are generally older, so it's easier for me to picture myself wearing the clothes. The better department stores cater to all ages and sizes, such as Nordstrom. Those are the store websites I'm interested in.

Thanks for your suggestions!

always trying

Veteran

I mostly do shoes on line, and where I can either get free returns or can take them to the local B & M store to return. These are DSW, Off Broadway, Famous Footwear, and Zappos. I have bought things on line at 6pm, Zara and Nordstroms, and a wee bit at Amazon. As for clothing I prefer to shop-this is mostly at Marshalls, stein Mart, and Macys. I am lucky to have one of the best marshalls very close. Tuesday is the best day to go, but they get new every day except Sunday.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm over 40, but I don't shop at specific stores catering to older shoppers.
Net-a-porter I order from a few times a year.

Gigi

Veteran

I don't shop anywhere that specifically caters to the over-40 crowd (although I'm 41), but I have made a real effort not to shop at Forever 21 or the juniors' section at major retailers. I am trying to create a more sophisticated style, and it seems like almost everything at stores geared toward twentysomethings has a particular "feel" to it that makes the item read young. Sometimes just the fabric choice (often thin and clingy) can be a problem.

I was recently comparing two white denim skirts, one from Lucky and one from American Eagle Outfitters, and the one from AE felt younger than the one from Lucky because the AE one had more zippers, plus the zippers were more prominent due to their contrasting color. I think the AE one might have been an inch shorter also. So even small things can make a big difference.

I have been shopping mostly at Nordstrom, Banana Republic (their clothes are pretty conservative and so work for lots of ages), Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, and Anthropologie. Ann Taylor might be the best of these as far as resources for over-forties.

MsMary may not like J. Jill, but I am heartbroken that I can no longer shop there (I am sized out). Some of the clothes were frumpy, but other items were just classically simple and comfortable. And the quality was absolutely amazing. I also am sad that I cannot shop at Eddie Bauer, which may be another good resource for over-forties, seeing as the stuff is pretty basic but high quality.

shedev

Veteran

This past summer, most of my shopping was done at Nordstrums, Saks, and All Saints.

Thistle

Veteran

I am almost 40, but I don't look for specific stores geared to me.

I love Nordstrom's, Ann Taylor and Talbots. Yes, I said it, Talbots. They have frump, but also high quality basics, and as corporate accountant, a lot of trendier pieces just aren't work appropriate. I used to shop Banana Republic, but I have had a lot of bad experiences recently with clothes not holding up well there.

I like the look of JCrew, but they seem more geared toward a slim rectangle than a curvy pear. So I regularly have fit issues.

I also shop Zappos for shoes and boots and occasionally GAP or Old Navy. The last two are great for trendy pieces you don't want to spend a lot to try.

Staysfit

Veteran

I am just shy of 50. I also do not shop based on age. I shop based on the stores that will carry clothes that fit. I am tall and thin. Most people would not consider this a problem, but it actually can be hard to find clothing that fits well. I end up purchasing most of my clothing online rather from local stores. I shop JCrew, Nordstrom, and Athleta. Love to look at some other websites, but the three I listed are the ones I buy from most frequently. I will occasionally make purchases from Zappos, Piperlime, Saks, and Bloomingdales.

deb

Veteran

Shopping by age seems pretty restrictive to me. Lately I have been ordering from Nordstrom, j. Crew, Zappos, and Massimo Dutti.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm over 50. Don't shop based on age, but on body type, availability, and fit. (I live in Canada so free shipping and returns are rare).

My favourites, for me:

Zara.
J. Crew
Banana Republic/ Gap
Club Monaco
Nordstrom (I go across the border to pick it up as a rule)
The Bay (Canadian dept. store)

greycat6

Veteran

I'm over 40 as well and shop all of the sights above. I also frequent Shop Style, which is a shopping aggregation site. I use the search function to locate specific items. For example, if I'm looking for cognac boots a search there pulsl examples from several different sites.

http://www.shopstyle.com/

Echo

Veteran

I don't shop stores based on age, except to mostly avoid stores that cater to Junior's sizes (which aren't friendly to my body, though others are often fine wearing Junior's sizes at any age) and a teenaged crowd. While I subscribe to the idea of leaving no retail stone unturned, I generally have to be pretty desperate to go into some stores! The music and cologne blasting out of Aeropostale and Abercrombie are enough to keep me out forever.

Nordstrom is popular for a reason, and that is primarily customer service and, generally speaking, quality merchandise. Likewise with Zappos, who will ship for free and return for free like Nordies (and Zappos carries far more than shoes now). I like White House Black Market and Saks Fifth Ave (and Saks Off Fifth, just like Nordstrom Rack). Larger department stores are convenient because they tend to sell a good variety of formal wear, casual, lingerie, gear and even housewears, so it is one-stop shopping on successful days.

April

Veteran

This is not really fair since it no longer exists, but I will just take this opportunity to mourn, once again, the Talbots that appeared oh-so-briefly, in 2010, before they decided that these clothes were not what their "base" was looking for. Here's the lookbook from that season (which still looks fresh to me): https://www.flickr.com/photos/.....881160741/

Now that that's disappeared, I second WHBM. Nothing overly junior and nice fabrics.

fathenry

Veteran

Nordstrom and Banana for 80% of my clothes (business casual). Good quality, I know what fits and the styles and sizes to buy. I also had good luck at LOFT.

Truecolors

(website)

I'm getting a GREAT list of online (and brick and mortar) shopping destinations from all of you, and a lot of consensus. Shopping by age, per se, is limiting, so most of you choose your shopping destinations because they cater to either a) your body type, b) your style preferences, c) business-appropriate garments, or d) price, return policy and customer service. Did I miss anything?

Here's the list I've compiled from you so far:

Norstrom
Net-a-Porter
Zara
Chicos
Talbots
Ann Taylor
J. Crew
Club Monaco
Banana/Gap
Jjill.com
Zappos
Shopstyle.com
Massimo Dutti
Piperlime
Saks
Bloomingdales
Athleta

Please weigh in if I've missed one of your favorites. Thanks!
L.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I love Revolve http://www.revolveclothing.com/ for a hipper, trendier look. It's better quality than H&M or Zara but along those lines, style wise. Asos is good, too. I'm 44 but don't like a lot of things targeted for over 40. I am not a conservative dresser simply because I fall into a certain age demographic 6pm is good, too, for deals.

Truecolors

(website)

Mo, thanks for the additions. I, too, am over 40, and I don't dress conservatively by any means. I still have the same body shape as when I was in my 20's (better eating habits? more regular workouts?) In any case, I still don't like to wear really short dresses or babydoll tops as I feel silly in them. I strive for a more sophisticated, chic, but still fun, signature style.

kkards

Veteran

Shopbop-- besides the great clothing, it's easy to shop,and free shipping ( both ways if you return with 15 days). And if your a member of amazon prime, you can use it on the site.
I would caution that some of the sites you've listed don't offer free returns, so be sure to check before placing your order. And if your ok with it, then I'd add boden to the list.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am a month shy of turning 49 and shop online at so many places...
even Forever 21 , but I am not into dressing my age...LOL.... some other favorites, are TJ Maxx, Chadwicks of Boston, and 6pm.com .

JayS

Veteran

If you're looking for a specific brand, always check Amazon. I've bought True Religion denim and Chie Mihara shoes at amazing discounts there.

Anonymous

For an overall mix of brands, I would say Macy's is another to consider.

Truecolors

(website)

Okay, this is turning into a really good list, so let's specify whether or not these sites offer free shipping and returns.

So far, for free shipping both ways I've got:
Nordstrom
Zappos
Shopbop (within 15 day return)
Asos (orders over $25 free)
Zara (free returns; free pickup at store locations)
6pm (free standard shipping; pay for returns)
Chicos (free shipping and returns???)
Macys (orders over $99 free; free returns U.S. only)
Athleta (orders over $50 free; free returns)

Flat rate shipping:
J Crew ($5 flat rate for shipping; returns free to store; pay for shipping returns)

Fee for shipping:
Jjill.com

What other sites should we include in this list? Are there any more free shipping sites to mention?

Thanks!
L.

bj1111

Veteran

barneys, good sales. free shipping both ways

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

My top 5:

Nordstrom
Anthropologie
Ann Taylor
Banana republic
Ebay

retailgirl

Veteran

Well, I'm over fifty and I like talbots, ( surprise). My credit card says I've been a customer since 1982. But I like to think I choose the unfrumpy pieces and put them together in an unfrumpy way! Anyway, it's a good resource for basics and tall length pants, for me. Plus, I like some of their jackets. But I would never shop Chicos or Coldwater Creek. And Coldwater Creek may have gone out but it's going to be reincarnated as a catalog only operation.

I also shop Brooks Brothers, but mainly in the stores. Their website doesn't do their beautiful clothes justice.

But my favorite is Nordstrom...great selection, free shipping both ways and the same wonderful service that you get in the stores.

Also, I have a Nordstrom bank Visa, (love those rewards points) and there is no comparison when it comes to the service you get compared to other credit card companies. You can talk to real live people!

rosinaricci

I always like to buy dresses from dressspace.com .I love all the dresses from this store.

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