Where to Shop for Women's Clothes
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Questions
- Nice-looking clothes for 34 year old
- Seeking well-made, comfortable professional work clothes
- Where to buy nice clothing for a professor?
- Funky fun clothes in my forties
- Plus size shops
Nice-looking clothes for 34 year old
Oct 2010
I need to buy some new clothes, but I never know where to shop! I am 34 and dress casually (jeans, slacks, tshirt, nicer shirts for work) and wear a size 14 pants, large shirts (5'7' tall). I want something not to expensive, but nice looking and easy to maintain. I don't need anything fancy or sophisticated and I don't care about the brand name really, as long as the clothes are good quality and durable. Where to people show for clothes? I don't have a lot of time so I want to go somewhere I can find clothes I like and I can wear and can afford. It seems like small shops tend to have really small sizes. So where do normal or larger size people go? need more variety in my wardrobe
I am about your size just a few years older. I go to Macy's. Some clothes can get pricey but you ARE paying for quality. I do not recommend Target or Old Navy even though they are cheap, because the clothes are made of cheap materials, very thin and have no structure. Nordstom's is nice for a splurge, but I wear Macy's clothes to work. anon
your description seems to match me almost exactly. I've found myself almost exclusively shopping at the Gap on Lakeshore. Cat
Seeking well-made, comfortable professional work clothes
Feb 2009
I haven't bought clothes for years but I will be returning to work and realize that what I have will no longer fit my middle-age, post-child body. So, I need to find comfortable (loose), well-made, professional clothes at a reasonable price. I'm just looking for basics and am not searching for anything trendy or fashionable...I just want to be well-dressed and appropriate. I absolutely hate shopping so I'm hoping there might be recommendations of a store/catalog that would meet my needs. anon
I recently went back to work after being home for five years and like you had nothing to wear. I tossed all my old clothes that kept taunting me and replaced them with practical, comfortable work clothes almost entirely bought at Macy's. I hate shopping but for some reason I can stomach a couple of hours there, maybe it is the really good sale prices! To cover my middle aged, post child birth body I have bought a lot of tunic tops which cover the tummy and have found some higher waisted comfortable work pants with a little bit of stretch in them. I am not an experienced shopper but Macy's seems to have a reasonable selection of clothing for women with normal bodies like you and me. But I do find that a half hour won't do it. You really need an unhurried chunk of time like a couple of hours. Happy shopping! anon
Comfortable clothes for work - I would recommend Eileen Fisher (there is an outlet store in San Leandro) or J. Jill. J. Jill is a catalog order company which has a store in Corte Madera. JZ
There are two great places that I've found, where I buy much of my clothes. Both stores have styles and sizing that are stylish, cute and sophisticated, but also a lot that will fit and flatter women of many shapes. Both carry slacks, skirts and cute jackets and sweaters suitable for most jobs, as well as casual clothes.
1) Two Star Dog (also called TSD) specializes in mostly natural fibers. Their outlet store is behind REI and always has great deals, lots of stuff for $20-30. Two Star Dog Outlet 1370 Tenth Street, Berkeley 510-525-1100 www.TwoStarDog.com
2) J.Jill I am quite short, so also like that they carry petite sizes. They have stores in many shopping areas, including Emery Bay, downtown Walnut Creek, and the Corte Madera Mall. They also sell on-line and have great sales on line. Karen
well made + comfortable + loose + professional = Eileen Fisher!
Macy's has them, Eartly Goods in Berkeley has them (nice place to try on clothes - roomy, unhurried). Once you find your size you can order online.
Where to buy nice clothing for a professor?
May 2008
After living in the east bay for more than 5 years, I am exasperated at the absence of places to buy the kind of women's clothing I like. Most of what I wear was bought when I lived on the east coast, but it's starting to look worn. I need to replace it, but I can't find decent clothing. I'm a professor, so I want to look professional but not like a lawyer or business executive. I prefer wool and cotton and other natural fibers because they have a nicer texture and weave, and they hang better on me. I only wear deep earth tones - deep brown/chestnut, olive,deep, burgundy, grey, black, will not wear pastels or patterns, yuck. I like solid colors and especially look for interesting textures or patterns in the weave, for example herringbone, and I like nicely-tailored looking styles - not close fitting but rather elegantly cut. An elegant button-down cardigan that falls at the lower hip or high thigh in a rich color, a short jacket in a nice light wool fabric with an autumn color and simple but elegant style... I can't find what I like anywhere. I have children so I don't have much money to spend on clothing so expensive boutique clothing is not for me, but I'm sick of going to the mall in Walnut Creek or Concord and coming back empty handed, the stores are full of cheesy looking loud clothing. Once in a blue moon I'll find something at Ross. Help! Where the heck can I find professional elegant looking clothing that looks natural and not synthetic and that won't break the bank? Are there any boutiques that sound like me that have sales from time to time? Missing Filene's Basement
The Eileen Fisher Outlet is in San Leandro right off the Marina Exit on 880. Her clothing is classic and comfortable and usually made with beautiful fabrics. She also does ''bold'' colors but always has black, raisin, blue, grey, etc. The prices there are 50% of list price and often with further reductions. I would also tell you that the merchandising in SF is often different than WC, even in the major department stores. You might find things more to your taste in the SF stores. Good luck. Elizabeth
If you don't mind driving a bit, you might find something you like at Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue 'outlet' or Last Call Neiman Marcus. Both of these stores are located at the Great Mall in Milpitas and can have good sales and stylish clothing that comes from their regular department stores.Also located in the same mall is the Banana Republic Factory Store. If you want a place in the East Bay, you could also try the Nordstrom Rack in San Leandro. However, it is rather inconsistent and can be a big mess to sort through. Good luck! Judy
Hi, I'm in the same boat as you (in fact, I think you're describing me!). I haven't looked much, but the only store I've found is Earthly Goods on Vine near Shattuck in Berkeley. And, I can only afford to shop on their sales rack. I've adjusted my taste somewhat and now enjoy wearing Weston Wear, which I can find there, at Macy's, or at a boutique shop in SF 569 Valencia St(between 16th St & 17th St) www.westonwear.com. Again, I can only shop on their sales racks. I also shop at J Jill online. But I do go back to Filene's or Daffy's when I'm on the East Coast! I look forward to other responses. Thanks for the question! miss Filene's, too
I think you would like Eileen Fisher clothes. I recommend visiting Earthly Goods in North Berkeley to try them on and find your size, and then go to Ebay to buy last year's styles for a fraction of the cost. I have an email alert system on eBay that sends me email about Eileen Fisher clothes in my size NWT (new with tags). You can also get Eileen Fisher on garnethill.com but you'll pay full price so you might as well shop locally! Earthly Goods has other clothing that you might like too, and they often have good sales. Also check out Molly B's next door which has less conservative more interesting clothing that you probably won't be able to find on eBay! cheapskate with high end taste
If Earthly Goods on Vine is out of your budget, then I would suggest finding consignment stores. There is one on Solano Ave. where I've gotten some pretty nice pieces. There is Rockridge Rags on College Ave. I also shop at thrift stores, where you can find nice clothes that are gently worn for very inexpensive. Or what about Ann Taylor at the Mall? You might find a few things at H & M if you are a small size. Yea, it's slim pickin's here. I have an on-going annual clothing swap with friends who wear ABOUT the same size. We all bring what we haven't been wearing in a while and trade. You might think about starting your own. Don't forget the snacks and wine! not going to work nude yet!
Loehman's, in San Francisco (union square/financial district). It's similar to Filene's Basement - nice, quality clothing at a huge discount. -anon
Funky fun clothes in my forties
May 2005
Here's my dilema. I am 39 yo, have 2 little girls and am a stay-at-home Mom that will be looking for work soon. All my life I have been an ''edgy'' dresser. Nothing shocking (unless you count the phase in the early 80s when I wore 1950s bullet bras as outerwear but that's another story) but mostly mixed vintage looks. Anyway, I am having so much trouble finding some fun, funky clothes that I can feel comfortable in. Any suggestions for shops? Here's my three criteria:
1. I don't want to look like one of those 40 year-olds who are trying to look 20.
2. Must carry clothes for real women - I'm not an itty bitty size (probably an 8 or 10).
3. Not too expensive - I can't spend $200 for a pair of jeans or anything.
Please share any cool stores - I can't look like an OLD NAVY clone it's ruining my self-esteem. Thanks! lynn
Why don't you try Crossroads on Shattuck or College Ave.? I always find great funky stuff there, the clothes are good quality, and you can find a great outfit for less than $35. Seriously. They carry a lot of different sizes, too. I'm in my 20's, but I often find things for my somewhat-funky 50ish mom there. Funky shopper
I asked my teen daughter who shops mainly vintage and she says: My main suggestion would be Stop the Clock (on Addison near Shattuck). Others that are slightly more 20-s geared are: Wasteland (the Haight), Mars (on Telegraph), Step Back (I think this is what it's called)(the Haight). Also, Buffalo Exchange is always good, though not quite as excitingly vintage. I second the ''Stop the Clock'' suggestion. R.K.
Try The Outback in Emeryville on 66th Street between San Pablo and Hollis Avenue. They have great prices on Citron, Cutloose, and Natori. Berkeley rather than S.F. edgy but definitely NOT Old Navy. They also carry local designers, GREAT shawls and interesting jewelry. Karen H.
As much as I wish I knew all about fun and funky clothes, I don't. What I do know is that there is a website: http://www.punkymoms.com that is all about fun and funky moms like you. I bet they'd be a great source of cool shopping ideas.
Hello, I am a 40 year old mother of 2 babies. I have finally started shopping back for myself. I have always dressed nice, so here's my recomendations. First of all, there is nothing wrong with Old Navy. You can mix & match with their items for such a good price. Here's the places I love to shop, clothes are comfortable & cute & most of the time I find great items on sale. New York Company, Target (yes Target), Banana Republic, Lauren's Closet, AND Old Navy. Shelly
Try some of the nicer used clothing stores for nice, sometimes sophisticated, sometimes fun clothes. My favorite is Sol y Lucy up above 4th street shops (directly up from Peets, above 5th st). I always find something very nice or unique and it's never too expensive because it's used. There are others in San Rafael 4th st area as well. Anonymous
Plus size shops
March 2004
Hi. My parents are visting at the end of the month and my Mom is looking to do some clothes shopping. She is a larger sized lady and I was wondering if there was a good spot for shopping for clothes. Nothing too expensive, but not cheapy stuff either. Thanks! Lisa
In Full Swing, in Oakland, I think on College Ave. margo
Try ''Avenue'' either in El Cerrito Plaza or in Pinole. And then there's ''Lane Bryant'' in Hilltop Mall, Richmond. Good quality stuff, moderately priced (some things a bit pricier) but definitely not cheapy. anon
Really nice expensive clothing at Harper Greer in San Francisco, Says Who? on Piedmont has cool hip clothing, also a bit expensive. Consignment at Seams to Fit on Telegraph, which may have some of the above. In Full Swing has some nice things, on College. Good Luck.
All the More to Love is a plus-size consignment store on Park Street in Alameda -- they have great clothes. anon
I would say Nordstrom. For in-shopping experience.
I was surprised, but this year I found a ton of wardrobe basics at Target. Sometimes the stores have xxl. I order 1x on line and have it delivered to my home. Returns to target are easy.
If you go with solid base colors, you can build the foundation and get the special pieces to pull it all together.
Also, I found some BR Factory in XXl esp. Blazers.
J Crew, but you’ll need to order online. Have not found much xxl and larger in stores.
Anthropologie isn't cheap but has a great range of super cute and trendy plus size dresses, tops, work & more casual pants. Not sure if they have them in-store, but do a search on plus size on their site and you'll find lots of options.
Anthropologie offers plus sizes and would definitely be age appropriate. Styles range from casual to formal. I do not know how well they stock plus sizes in the store vs online but it might be worth checking them out. I would try the Walnut Creek location since it’s a lot bigger than the Berkeley store. They also offer complimentary styling/personal shopper services that I believe you schedule in advance. It might be worth calling to discuss your needs and scheduling an appointment.
Harper Greer in Lafayette! They are super helpful, have wonderful clothes for plus size, lots of "not ugly" poly flowered old fat lady clothes!
I’d recommend “In Full Swing” 5937 College Ave, Oakland. They carry very nice clothing and are really helpful. It is on the pricey side because of the quality of the clothing. But for a few nicer casual items and some dress-up clothing, I think it would be worth exploring.
FYI Old Navy also has great selection of business casual, eg their Pixie pants, in a great size range. (But I often shop ON online for the full size range.)
For higher end, the Nordstrom personal shopper service is terrific! It’s free too. You tell them your size, price range, needs, likes, etc. The shopper will have a huge selection of fashionable clothes ready for you to try at your appointment. They also do alterations (some free). It’s a great way to start a new wardrobe!
Thred Up is an app/online store that sells gently used clothes of all sizes. You can search by brand for high quality items and return items that don’t fit. Happy hunting!
In Full Swing - in Rockridge right by BART
https://infullswing.com/
Macy's has quite a nice selection in some stores of 'plus' size clothes for all occasions, Nordstrom may as well.
Hi! I'm not sure of your budget or this person's style, but I think Wray is a great brand that has lovely and very fashion-forward designs in a huge array of sizes (may be worth to wait for a sale if the prices are out of your range, I don't think I've ever bought anything there full price). I particularly like their jeans since they often have thoughtful additions like elasticated waistbands in the back, and they also just show their clothes on a variety of sizes which is so helpful. Another option could be Universal Standard for more classic pieces.
Believe it or not, I have had great success with JCPenney, both online and in person. Not designer, but for example the Liz Claiborne line can be good.
Some Macy’s have an extensive plus size section. The one at Strobridge Mall in Pleasanton does. J.Jill is also at that mall and while many of the clothes there may feel too old for your daughter, some might work.
Depending on where in that size range, Uniqulo. Mine also does most of their shopping at Old Navy. We've had some luck with pants from BetaBrand (online). Also Universal Standard (mostly online.)
"In Full Swing" on College Ave for in person shopping. Sometimes Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack.
As a plus size person myself, quality clothes are the way to go, they have good tailoring that emphasizes the right curves.
Check out Full Swing on College Ave. Oakland, Ca a few blocks away from Market Hall.
https://infullswing.com/collections/all
The intersection of in-person, high-quality, and "not old lady clothes" is a challenging combination, unfortunately! You can usually get at least two out of those three at Torrid, Target, Kohls, JC Penney, Macys, Nordstrom, Talbots. I highly recommend eShakti for fit and style options, especially for more formal occasions, but it is online only. My (plus sized and tall) 20yo tends to wear basic tops, leggings, and jeans from places like Kohls, mixed with more unique pieces that fit her style from online vendors and craft fairs. And some of her favorite skirts are ones I've made for her, so don't discount that option if either of you sews or is interested in learning.
Nooworks!
A fabulous local women-owned business that sells high quality sustainable clothing in sizes up to 5XL.
They feature colorful prints as well as solid colors that could work for more formal occasions. They have a store in San Francisco if your daughter wants to shop in person.
I have a mix of ideas for you for in-person shopping. Macy's in-house brands are good. Bar III is younger / trendier. Inc is stylish professional clothes. Haven't been lately, but the location in the Sunvalley Mall in Concord has had a large plus department. Nordstrom Rack in Emeryville usually has several racks with plus-sized clothing and some good finds. Lesley Evers on College Ave is fun and creative. Their largest size (2X) is about a 20-22. I also recommend bras that actually fit and are comfortable. Fantasie and elomi brands are great. You can find those at Revelation in Fit on Piedmont Ave or at Nordstrom.
Not in-person, but she may also want to try clothes box deliveries from Stitch Fix and/or Dia. Dia is only plus sizes. The benefit of these over regular online purchasing is that your credit card is only charged after you try something on and decide to keep it. You do need to return unwanted items fairly quickly. But, overall, it's fun, and I've gotten some good work clothes at the price point that I choose.
Good luck and have fun!