Lately, I’ve had a lot of conversations with friends and readers who feel stuck when it comes to shopping. They want to look current and put-together, but not like they raided their daughter’s closet. I get it. Somewhere along the way, shopping got harder, and finding clothes that feel modern without skewing too young or overly trendy can feel frustrating.
Since I pretty much shop for a living, I’ve narrowed in on the brands and retailers that consistently strike that balance between current and age-appropriate for those of us in our 50s and beyond. If you’re in that in-between phase, where you’re reassessing your style or just craving some fresh ideas, this list is a great place to start.
Favorite Brands & Retailers for Modern, Wearable Style
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a solid starting point. And if you have a favorite brand or retailer you love, I’d genuinely love to hear. Feel free to share it in the comments!
Nordstrom: Best all-around wardrobe destination

Nordstrom cashmere sweater // Treasure & Bond belt // CoH jeans // Sam Edelman boots
I know, you’re shocked! But seriously, Nordstrom has long been my department store of choice because they carry so many of the brands I wear regularly. I also love that I can shop for clothing, shoes, bags, and beauty all in one place. Their high level of customer service, along with free shipping and returns, makes online shopping especially convenient. It’s the first place I check when I’m shopping for something specific, but I also love browsing their new arrivals for outfit inspiration.
They have an especially strong selection of shoes, from brands like Sam Edelman, Marc Fisher, Dolce Vita, Vince, and Veronica Beard, among others. Whether I’m looking for everyday sneakers, classic pumps, or casual boots, I can usually find exactly what I need.
And if you’re on the hunt for great-fitting jeans, I put together a post a few years ago with all of my favorite denim brands at Nordstrom. Check it out HERE.
I also try to keep an eye on Nordstrom’s in-house brands like Treasure & Bond, Caslon, Halogen, Zella, and Nordstrom. These lines are a great way to try out a trend or fill a wardrobe gap without spending a lot. They tend to have really good layering pieces and everyday basics.
Shop my current Nordstrom favorites here!

LOFT: Affordable Workwear & Everyday Pieces

LOFT wedge sweater // KUT from the Kloth jeans // PAIGE sandals
LOFT has been a bit hit or miss over the past few years, but lately it feels like they’re making a comeback. It’s a reliable option for affordable workwear, and I often find easy tops, sweaters, and the occasional dress that fits well and feels effortless. I’m also hearing great things about their new denim line launching soon!
Shop my current LOFT favorites here!

Gap and Gap Factory: Modern Basics & Everyday Essentials

Gap Factory Fair Isle Sweater // MOTHER jeans // Vince booties
Gap has been popping up on my radar again lately. I haven’t shopped there regularly in a while, but I’ve seen several pieces recently that make me want to give them another look. Their casual basics and denim have a clean, classic feel that fits well with my everyday style, and I’m planning to explore more of their current lineup this season.
Shop my current Gap favorites here!
Gap Factory has also become a reader favorite over the past few years. I’ve heard from many of you that you’ve found some great everyday essentials there. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options that still feel stylish and put-together, it’s a great one to keep in the mix.
Shop my current Gap Factory favorites here!

Aritzia: Polished Basics with a Modern Edge

Aritzia The Only Coat // Gap Factory fair isle sweater // MOTHER jeans // La Canadienne boots
Aritzia is another retailer worth mentioning, especially for elevated basics like knits, trousers, and outerwear. I personally love their coats, and their tailored pants are also a strong category if you’re looking for clean lines and modern proportions. I shop here selectively, but it’s a good option for streamlined pieces that feel current without being overly trendy.

Quince: Elevated Basics at a Great Value

Quince Bella Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans // Icewear sweater // rag & bone boots
Quince is a newer discovery for me, and it’s quickly become a go-to for elevated basics. Their pieces feel modern and streamlined, and the price point makes it easy to invest in quality staples. If you’re rebuilding your wardrobe or filling in gaps with pieces you’ll wear again and again, Quince is a great option.
Shop my current Quince favorites here!

White House Black Market: Bold Details & Modern Workwear

WHBM v-neck sweater vest (M) // MOTHER jeans (29) // Dolce Vita sandals (7.5)
White House Black Market hasn’t been on my radar as much in recent years, but I still keep them in the mix because every once in a while I find a gem—like the red vest I’m wearing above. Their pieces tend to be a little different from what you see everywhere else, often with fun details or bolder prints. They’re designed for grown women without skewing frumpy and offer a good selection of workwear and occasion dresses, along with polished weekend wear.
Shop my current WHBM favorites here!

Bloomingdale’s: Great Denim, Elevated Brands

PAIGE jeans // EVEREVE sweater // Dolce Vita boots
Bloomingdale’s is one of my favorite places to shop for denim, especially when I’m looking for premium brands and newer styles. They often carry a strong assortment from brands like MOTHER, AGOLDE, and PAIGE, and I like that I can compare fits and washes all in one place. It’s a great complement to Nordstrom if you’re serious about finding jeans that really work for you. I also occasionally shop there for shoes, outerwear, and other elevated pieces.
Shop my current favorites from Bloomingdale’s!

Talbots: Classic Style & Inclusive Sizes

Talbots sweater // MOTHER jeans // Quince box bag
Talbots leans a bit more conservative, but if you appreciate classic style, it’s worth keeping in the mix. My advice is to choose selectively and mix their pieces with other brands to keep outfits feeling current. Their sizing is inclusive, and the quality is typically very good and made to last.

Tuckernuck: Polished & Preppy with Personality
Tuckernuck isn’t a retailer I shop often, but I consistently hear great things from friends and readers who love their mix of classic and modern styles. Their aesthetic leans polished and preppy with a bit of personality, and they always seem to offer fun statement pieces alongside elevated basics. It’s also a great place to check when you’re shopping for resort wear or special occasion pieces.

Shopbop: Fashion-Forward Brands in One Place
Shopbop is a great destination for finding premium brands and pieces that aren’t always available at other retailers. It’s where I often discover new denim styles from MOTHER or AGOLDE, and they also have a strong footwear selection. Since Shopbop is owned by Amazon, you can use your Prime membership for free shipping and returns. They carry a wide range of designers, so I usually filter by brand or category to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Other Modern Brands I Shop In My 50s
There are a handful of brands I keep going back to because they fit well, hold up over time, and work with my everyday style. They may not be as widely known as some of the bigger retailers, but they’ve become regulars in my wardrobe.

Rails blouse // PAIGE sandals // MOTHER jeans
Rails, Sanctuary, and Splendid are all great options for casual pieces that feel a little elevated. Rails has beautiful dresses, sweaters, and accessories, while Sanctuary is known for elevated basics like twill pants, tops, and jackets. Splendid makes some of the softest tees and loungewear around. You can find these brands at retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Shopbop, EVEREVE, and other big box retailers, or you can shop directly from their websites.
rag & bone and AllSaints are known for slightly edgier styles and very high-quality pieces. Both brands offer great leather goods—think boots, jackets, and belts—along with luxe knitwear, and rag & bone also does excellent denim.
Vince and Veronica Beard are my go-tos for more minimal pieces that still feel polished. Vince sweaters and blouses have a quiet luxury feel without being overly trendy, while Veronica Beard is especially known for their jackets—though I’ve also had really good luck with their shoes. I usually shop these brands at Nordstrom, but both have extensive websites if you prefer to shop directly.
Clare V is a great go-to for accessories, as well as trendy tees and sweatshirts. Their handbags add personality to an outfit without feeling over the top. I’ve picked up a few over the years, and I always get compliments when I carry them, plus the quality is excellent.

MOTHER The Bookie Sneak // Dolce Vita boots // J.Crew topcoat
And when it comes to denim, I generally rotate between MOTHER, PAIGE, FRAME, and KUT from the Kloth. The premium brands are definitely an investment, but the fit and fabric are worth it. MOTHER jeans tend to have a bit more stretch, while FRAME and Paige have more structure and a clean silhouette. KUT from the Kloth is a great mid-range option that I often recommend because they make a variety of styles that work for different body types.
AYR and ÉTICA are newer to the denim scene, but I’ve been pleased with the quality when I’ve tried them and plan to explore them more in the coming months.
I hope this post gives you some fresh ideas and makes shopping in your 50s and beyond feel a little less overwhelming. Finding a few brands you trust can go a long way in building a wardrobe that really works for you.
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