Being a cost-conscious shopper does not mean having to sacrifice style or quality. Lucky for many of us, there are a number of brands that offer quality pieces that are either timeless or right on trend without costing an arm and a leg. However, these are not super low end brands.
I believe in buying quality rather than quantity, so I feel that you need to buy quality first. I believe that the following brands offer great value for many, as their prices are reasonable and their clothes are usually good quality. Of course, you need to be picky with your choices. Not all the clothes from these brands will suit everyone and not everything is of high quality.
Here are brands and stores that offer high quality clothing with affordable pricing. Right now, a number of them are offering deals and sales that will keep you fashionable throughout all seasons. The items featured below are all under $100.
Savvy shopper hint: If you sign up with most of these brands you can access special deals which might just allow you to get that “have to have it” skirt in every color.
Banana Republic
Classic-Fit Shirt – Sheath Dress
The Gap’s older sister that offers modern and chic to the point looks, Banana Republic is a go to for high quality and affordable clothing.
The Classic-Fit Shirt is a great versatile option for skirts, trousers, and jeans. The Sheath Dress has excellent stretch and recovery for a smooth, supportive fit that won’t lose its shape.
Shop more Banana Republic items below
Ann Taylor
Tie-waist longsleeves shirt– Stripe cardigan
Known for high quality pieces that offer much versatility across seasons, Ann Taylor pieces (such as this tie-waist long sleeves shirt) can go from day to evening with the right accessories. Be stylish and get cozy with this striped cardigan that is perfect to top over your plain tanks.
Club Monaco
Linen blend sweater – Ankle pants
A member of the Polo Ralph Lauren family, Club Monaco is a reliable source for high quality pieces that won’t break the bank.
This linen blend sweater is a must have for your wardrobe. These ankle pants have a polished cut with a touch of flare at the hems and are designed for a smooth, clean fit.
StyleSaint
Silk top – Ribbed mock top
StyleSaint offers ethically and sustainably sourced fabric that is both stylish and affordable. You can’t go wrong with quality basics from this fashion insider favorite for basics. The closet staple basics such as the black silk top and ribbed mock top (goes with everything!) fit in seamlessly with jeans, to work with a skirt, or tucked into trousers.
Shop more StyleSaint items below
Mango
Structured linen jacket – Textured bow dress
With fashion icon Kate Moss as the face of this brand, it is almost hard to believe that the clothing is so affordable. This luxe linen jacket staple. This red bow dress is perfect for a both casual and formal looks – just choose the perfect accessories to match it with.
Shop more Mango items below
Trouvé
Floral duster – Floral open-front long cardigan
Trouvé specializes in turning ready to wear runway trends into affordable pieces every stylish women can own. Add a little edge to your closet with these floral duster and long cardigan over a pair of skinny or slim fit jeans. Warm things up with this figure flattering cover-ups.
Shop more Trouvé items below
White House Black Market
Colorblock sleeveless sweater – Midi cardigan
White House Black Market has always consistently offered modern and affordable pieces with enviable clean lines. Go colorblock with this sleeveless sweater. The white midi cardigan is another versatile and affordable must have that will be great to match with any colors.
Shop more White House Black Market items below.
Uniqlo
Blocktech coat – Linen sleeveless top
A good place for relaxed basics, Japanese label Uniqlo can be a good first port of call for classic t-shirts, sweaters and jeans. You’ll also find plenty of on-trend pieces, with many items under $50. There are also regular designer collaborations from the likes of Jill Sander and JW Anderson, making covetable design more affordable.
This blocktech coat is perfect when the temperature starts to drop while this linen sleeveless top is your go-to apparel when the weather is starting to warm up.
Shop more Unqilo items below.
Amazon Fashion
Amazon is so underrated as a fashion destination, but it has lots of hip and affordable clothing options. Because there is such variety, however, you do need to take quality into account.
Make sure you look at the material, at where the item is coming from and, importantly, at the reviews from other customers. These will give you an idea not just of the quality but of the sizing so you know whether you ought to go up or down a size. Zoom in on the images so you can get a better idea of the quality and texture of each piece.
A poncho is a good transitional piece. Easy to throw on over a pair of jeans when heading out for a weekend walk. You can also try this swing dress that could be worn in both casual and formal occasions.
Shop more Amazon fashion items below.
Target
Cropped jumpsuit – Ruffle shirt
Along with chic homeware, Target has some stylish clothing options. It’s a good place to try for denim basics thanks to the Denizen by Levis brand, and for trying out new trends if you think you’ll only wear a piece for one or two seasons. Target’s A New Day brand is great for stylish, classic clothing for women over 40.
This chic jumpsuit and ruffle shirt could be dressed down with sneakers and a jacket, or worn with heels and statement jewelry for evenings out.
Shop more Target items below.
H&M
Knit wrapover top – V-neck blouse
H&M may be seen as the younger sister to COS but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t stylish, and affordable, options which are flattering for women over 40. Most pieces are under $50 (with the exception of coats).
These wrapover top and v-neck blouse can be your most versatile wardrobe pieces. Wear it over slim fit jeans, or tucked in a skirt or trousers.
Shop more H&M items below.
Walmart
Striped cropped jumpsuit – Trench coat
Not just for your groceries, Walmart may not have had a great reputation for bang-on-trend fashion. But, it’s recently introduced new brands like Time and Tru and upped its style game.
This jumpsuit is a staple wardrobe piece. You can also get this trench coat for a very great deal for only $29.99. This is an easy way to get the layered look for fall.
Shop more Walmart items below.
Yoox
Yoox is part of the Net-a-Porter group and it’s definitely not for you if you like to buy the latest trends each season and then push them to the back of your closet, never to be seen again.
It could be for you, however, if you like to pick out timeless pieces that you will wear year after year. The concept is to buy overstocked or last-season pieces from big-name designers and sell them at a discount.
So, while there are certainly a lot of pieces here which aren’t exactly cheap, it’s definitely a more affordable way to add designer pieces to your wardrobe. Plus, because a designer piece is a real investment, I really see no issue with buying out of season. After all, you’ll be planning to keep it for a long time!
Jill Sandals sandals – See by Chloé ankle boots
It’s one of those sites that is a bit like going to a yard sale. You have to be prepared to have a rummage around for a while, some things won’t be in your size, and there’s not a lot of stock of each thing so you may find it sells out if you don’t grab it. You can’t go in looking for a specific piece, but you may just come out with the perfect addition to your closet!
Designer shoes such as Jill Sandals sandals and See by Chloé ankle boots are now on great deals. Let me know if you find a designer bargain!
Shop more Yoox items below.
6pm
Vince Camuto printed blouse – Taylor wrap midi-dress
6pm is part of the Zappos brand and offers discounted fashion. You may just find a designer bargain. It’s another store where you have to move quick if you spot something as designer stock sells out pretty quickly.
Get these Vince Camuto printed blouse and Taylor midi-dress for a classic style that you could wear for a lifetime.
Shop more 6pm items below.
The RealReal
Gucci leather knee-high boots – Jimmy Choo glitter peep-toe flats
This one’s for you if you love thrifting. Particularly if you love luxury thrifting! It stocks pre-owned designer brands like Gucci and Chanel.
So, you may well find a designer piece at a fraction of its original price, enabling you to afford a brand you never thought you’d have in your closet. When I looked, there were Gucci skirts from $30 and sunglasses from $50.
Obviously, there’s only one of each piece, so if you see something you really love, I’d snap it up before someone else does!
These shoes are a steal! Get these Gucci leather knee-high boots and Jimmy Choo glitter peep-toe flats for less than $100. I’d love to know if you find anything!
Shop more The RealReal items below.
Nordstrom
For a one stop shop for stylish and high quality brands that are affordable, Nordstrom should definitely be on your list. Here are three great brands you can find at Nordstrom that always have closet worthy pieces available.
CeCe by Cynthia Steffe: Fun and feminine are perfect ways to describe CeCe by Cynthia Steffe. Try this floral print skirt that will carry you through multiple seasons and looks.
Cece by Cynthia Steffe floral print skirt – Halogen v-neck top – Vince Camuto straight leg pants
Halogen: If timeless pieces with modern details describe your style, you should definitely take a look at Halogen. Try their versatile v-neck top, which can be dressed down with jeans for a weekend look or taken to work with an A-line skirt.
Vince Camuto: Vince Camuto is the go to powerhouse for modern, affordable, and quality products ranging from shoes to coats. Grab a hold of this season’s straight leg pants (without breaking the bank, of course).
Interested in more affordable fashion from Nordstrom? Take a look below for our favorite picks.
Nordstrom Rack
Asymmetrical hem crepe blouse – Asymmetrical hem knee skirt
Last but not least, there’s Nordstrom Rack, which is the younger sibling of Nordstrom. While some pieces are specially made for Nordstrom Rack, others are from previous seasons at Nordstrom.
Cop these asymmetrical hem crepe blouse and skirt for an edgier and flattering look.
Shop more Nordstrom Rack items below.
Anna got these chic suede block heel tall boots in Nordstrom Rack.
Other great brands to check out include Zara and Cos.
Who are your go to brands for both affordable and high quality options?
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Feature image by: @zestystyleonthego
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What about the lades who are 80+? Don’ we count anymore? Not all of us live in nursing homes. We like to look uo-to date too!
This website is for ALL women over 40 which includes ladies in their 80s 🙂
The best of all worlds can be yours if you learn to search your preferred brands and sizes on eBay. Over the years I’ve scored big on labels recommended her (such as WHBM) as well as those outside my regular budget (Vince, Cabi, Karen Kane, etc.). It’s great to be able to search for your size and color without flipping through rack after rack in store after store.
Here in Spain, Mango and Zara are considered fast fashion, i.e. buy one season, throw out the next with quality not top priority, nor sustainability. I shop in Spanish shop and designer, Adolfo Dominguez, at sales time …on my budget. Beautiful quality, and original designs, with good fabrics that fall and fit well. Sometimes they can be a bit ‘oversize’ for my body shape, but everything I have from there has got loads of compliments, including a young guy taking a photo of me in my faux leather red jacket last week in London! I am 56 by the way…! I also have some really beautiful pieces from U.K company Baukjen. Again, sales are good, and good quality, a bit Euro chic as you would put it. I prefer one good piece from either of these stores than 10 items from zara any day!
By far the best option for me is the thrift stores! – we have fabulous ones in Austin. I dress far better than I did when I bought straight retail. SO MUCH CHEAPER! There is so much room for creativity – literally the selection is throughout the decades. So no corporate entity telling you what is ‘in style’ or on trend – you get to decide. And you can chose from styles that look good on you but may not be the current trend. Not to mention the reuse aspect.
I completely agree with you.Second hands are best options for those who would love to lok expensive and stylish.I believe that it is not where you shop but it is all about how you shop. Looking expensive does not depend on brands but on the quality of fabruc you choose, flattering colour and style/cut that suit you.
I will check all these sites out. I am a short waisted petite, 5’ tall ((short!). Most of these do not cater to my body shape. Suggestions for me?
I have some shop recommendations at https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-when-you-are-short-petite/
I love Club Monaco, although it is on the more expensive side. Banana Republic and Ann Taylor have some great clothes too, although if I’m trying to stick to a budget outside the sales then you can’t beat Zara!
Julia / http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
I think Ann Taylor has lovely clothes. Would love to buy there. But…. all your addresses are for US shoppers. And I do not order from the States anymore. Too much hassle, too expensive in shipment and customs.
Don’t feel bad, you cannot please everyone and I know where to find other places to shop LOL.
I have good luck with Club Monaco. After trying on several items and making a purchase in a NYC store I had a good idea of their sizing and quality. Since there is no store near where I live I tried buying on line. Knowing my measurements (+21 Steps Style Course – thanks!) I was able to successfully buy nice pieces from the Sale area at attractive prices. Even better – if you are willing to give them your email you will periodically receive emails with discount offers. I recently bought a beautiful white sweater that was marked down, then applied the discount (40%). Instead of +$200 the piece cost $84.
I don’t see any plus size.
I have an extensive list of the best shops for plus size women here https://40plusstyle.com/best-online-stores-and-brands-plus-size-women/
Unfortunately, all of these options are still out of my budget.
Wow–you don’t think that Banana Republic and Ann Taylor are expensive? I do!
I think their regular prices items can be expensive, but there is almost always some kind of sale going on (especially if you get their emails) and I’ve scored some fabulous deals at both places!!