20 Stores that Understand Fashion for Middle Aged Women

Fashion for middle aged women?

No, it’s not an oxymoron!

I’m one of the millions of middle aged women in Australia that still want to look fashionable and stylish – without breaking the bank.

But it’s not always an easy goal to achieve. So what do middle aged women look for when it comes to fashion?

• We want to look good;
• We enjoy keeping up with the latest looks;
• We realise that looking a million bucks doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune;
• Our bodies have filled out over the years (even before we start battling the dreaded middle-aged spread) and are likely to have more lumps and bumps than when we were teenagers;
• Being comfortable is important to us;
• And, life’s too short for ironing, handwashing and the like!

Thankfully, there ARE some stores that understand fashion for middle aged women – so on your next shopping spree, why not give these a try?

20 Stores that Understand Fashion for Middle Aged Women

In alphabetical order (mostly!):

1 – City Chic

Browsing in this store is one of those rare occasions when I wish I was a bigger size. The clothes are gorgeous, but designed for plus sizes. Alas, I’m *only* a size 14 to 16 😉 . Some of the range is definitely aimed at a younger demographic, but there are plenty of styles for the fashion forward mature woman as well. And, they have a great range of formal wear!

2 – Cotton On

While a lot of their stuff is more suited to younger (skinnier!) women, I *have* found some good stuff at Cotton On over the years, making them worthy of inclusion on this list.

3 – Country Road

I Must Confess: I’m about to commit fashion blogger suicide by admitting that this Australian classic is way out of my price range – and sadly, their sales tend to feature only smaller sizes so are no use to me. Boo!

4 – Crossroads

I love love love Crossroads! They just seem to “get” the shape and style needs of middle aged women, stocking sizes 8-22, and the prices are very reasonable. I often joke that I am a walking, talking, Crossroads advertisement!

5 – Flower

Pricey, so wait for the sales if you can. And, it has to be said, some of their styles look better on coathangers (thin, tall women) than on “average” shaped middle aged women like me. But some of their stuff is gold.

6 – H&M

It’s only recently that I’ve discovered H&M. Although not everything is geared to the more mature female, there is still a lot to love.

7 – Jacqui E

This is a great place for middle aged women looking for corporate style, or occasion dressing – and I’ve found some great bargains at the outlet store.

8 – Just Jeans

I’m particularly a fan of Second Skin jeans at Just Jeans, which are the best I’ve ever found for my apple-shaped figure. Again, some styles are aimed at a much younger demographic, but there are some real treasures for us older gals too.

9 – Katies

Another hot favourite of mine. Katies has a similar vibe in many ways to Crossroads, although slightly more expensive – but they have some amazing sales.

10 – Millers

If you’ve always thought of this store as the home of granny clothing, think again. I’ve been shopping there for years, and when others admire my clothes they are often surprised to learn they are from Millers. And, they’re cheap as chips! Millers has been my little secret for years – but now I’m sharing it with you!

11 – Myer

Myer has a great range of brands for middle aged women, such as Piper, Jump, and Wayne by Wayne Cooper. Although pricey, again, Myer has some great sales. Don’t bother with the Miss Shop though, as my bloggy mate Renee explains!

12 – Noni B

This is a great place to go if you are looking for special occasion wear. Some styles are more suited to older ladies, but don’t let that put you off.

13 – Rivers

Nobody understands comfort like Rivers; they do a great range in clothing and shoes and the price is right. I find they usually have just the thing when I am looking for an everywhere dress, and I’ve bought a lot of their shoes over the years too.

14 – Rockmans

I always get compliments when I wear this outfit I purchased from Rockmans a few years ago now.

15 – Suzanne Grae

I still remember when Suzanne Grae burst on the scene back in the early 80’s; it was one of my favourite stores when I was a teenager. These days, Suzanne Grae is aimed solidly at the middle aged market.

16 – Sussan

I find Sussan to be a little bit expensive for my budget, BUT the cut, fit and styling is usually excellent for this middle aged figure!

17 – Target

Like any department store, a great range to choose from – although not the “Hot Options” or “Lily Loves” ranges unless you are petite, as the sizing seems very small.

18 – Tree of Life

Want to embrace your inner hippy chick? Then Tree of Life will have something for you!

19 – Witchery

Another one that is not really in my price range, but they are very popular with women in the middle aged demographic, if most Australian fashion bloggers are to be believed.

20 – And finally – Op Shops!

You just can’t beat op shops for bargain buys, and for an enormous selection of brands.

This is by no means a complete list: it is mostly compiled of the brands I personally know and trust.

I’ve also found gems in other stores, such as Ally, Valley Girl, Jay Jays, etc, but it’s more the exception than the rule (the only reason I’m in those stores is because I am shopping with Miss 19, and nobody is more surprised than I am if I actually find something that fits!).

What shops would you like to add to my list of stores that understand fashion for middle aged women?!

Are you a mature woman, looking for a blog you can relate to?

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