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Having good style is not limited by age. On the contrary, the best fashion icons have always grown more renowned and stunning as they have aged. Think of the late Iris Apfel, who was known for her quirky and striking clothing, Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton, and Linda Rodin as shining instances of how age is a good indicator of one’s level of style.
However, as life progresses, particularly after the age of fifty, our needs for clothing shift. For starters, assuming greater responsibility may require us to abandon the carefree styles we favored in our twenties, thirties, and forties in favor of ensembles with enduring worth. This can include having a capsule wardrobe with hero pieces rotated to accommodate hectic lives and putting aside some of the more colorful clothing, jewelry, and accessories in our closets for special occasions. As people age, they have a greater respect for functional items, and fashion is no exception.
Contrary to popular assumption, professional women can look put together and wear fitted work clothes that carry them from the boardroom to family gatherings without breaking the bank. Given the variety of alternatives available in stores and online, fashion for women over 50 is, in many respects, a completely other world that may occasionally be difficult to traverse. The top brands for women over 50 to purchase are curated here by Vogue.
The Swedish brand Cos Cos makes basic clothing for daily use that is made to last in terms of both composition and style. Anticipate a cool-girl edge and Scandinavian pragmatism in monochrome hues with subtle cuts and finishes that are ideal for bridging dress code gaps. Its jeans, shift dresses, midi skirts, and shoes—which now include point-perfect ballet flats—have all drawn a loyal following of buyers.
The Uniqlo
The best thing about Uniqlo’s wide selection is how frequently the items in their main line change. The Japanese brand also collaborates with well-known fashion luminaries, such as British designer Clare Waight Keller (formerly of Givenchy and Chloé) and model Ines de La Fressange, who has a current connection with Uniqlo. In addition to outerwear, each of these collections includes knitwear, T-shirts, and seasonally updated accessories like leather belts and bags.
Marc and Camilla
One of Camilla & Marc’s primary selling points is their well-made (and reasonably priced) suits. The Sydney-based brand also produces fitted blazers, pants, trench coats, party wear, and daywear dresses; all of these pieces feature its distinctive clean-lined style and neutral color schemes, which are frequently devoid of patterns.
Since Sportscraft started as a tailoring company in 1914 in Melbourne, Australians have relied on the brand’s long-lasting clothing for many generations. Among Sportscraft’s best-selling items in recent years are double-breasted jackets, along with linen shirting, striped shirts, jeans, and functional cotton t-shirts. Given how durable all of their clothing is, it’s no surprise that Sportscraft has been chosen as the official uniform supplier for the Australian Olympic Team in Paris in 2024.
The Country Road
For timeless clothing that fits into every dress code, from casual to dressy, Australia’s own Country Road is a reliable source. Structured blazers with a little oversized shape to be wearable and comfortable are examples of new pieces from the legacy brand that express a modern sensibility with an effortless edge. There’s a reason why people of all ages love Country Road.
Trenery
Wide-leg trousers that provide dimension to even a casual ensemble, pencil skirts with a dressed-up edge, and sophisticated tailoring and blazers are just a few of the items that can be found at Trenery, which is regarded as Country Road’s more formal brother. Just in time for Australian winter, the firm has also introduced a new line of cozy sweaters, wool blazers, and silk skirts. Meanwhile, its T-shirts and other lightweight fabric items are suitable for all seasons.
Agni, St.
One of the greatest things about St. Agni is its footwear, which was one of the brand’s first creations, in addition to its suits and delicate party dresses that are meant to be remembered. Consider the minimalist everyday leather bag, which is the ideal carry-all, or the new soft crescent bag, which is designed to be thrown over the shoulder.
Once more, Ganni, a Danish brand approved by B Corp., is ideal for ladies of all ages. Because of its varied sizes and whimsical spins on classic clothing, such as knee-high boots and trench coats with leopard prints, you’ll be tempted to buy from this store for both yourself and your daughter. Keep an eye out for Ganni’s partnerships as well; recent ones have included the enduringly cozy footwear company New Balance and Mejuri, a company renowned for its maximalist and minimalist jewelry.
Oroton
You no longer know the Oroton that exists today. This can be attributed to creative director Sophie Holt’s brand makeover, which has transformed the traditional Australian accessories manufacturer into a full-fledged fashion brand with items like wrap dresses that reflect our carefree way of life. The accessories, such as Oroton’s well-known wallets and handbags, are now on par with or even better.
Ralph Lauren Polo
Ralph Lauren’s renowned Polo collection is a prime example of a brand that appeals to all age groups due to its dedication to both tailoring and off-duty attire. For easier days, invest in a fitting blazer and pants, but dress up an ensemble with a polo shirt in a striking color. Polo’s signature scarves are the ideal finishing touch, so keep an eye out for them.
Saba is an Australian brand that can handle all aspects of your wardrobe, including shoes. Its main categories include relaxed tailoring, outerwear, and useful accessories. Think silk blouses, linen slacks, flowing midi skirts, and high-neck tops that satisfy many dress codes at once. The brand even has a special “desk to dinner” category that draws a line between business formality and elegance after hours.
From A-line dresses to suits and accessories with strong structures, Scanlan Theodore’s clothing exudes a boldness that befits its practicality. It’s no surprise that the Australian brand has become a mainstay in the closets of many influential ladies, such as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Miranda Kerr.
Max Mara
The Italian luxury company Max Mara, which creates clothes for long-term wear, is best described as “enduring.” One of its most well-known creations is the “Teddy” coat, but it is also well-known for its cashmere sweaters, camel coats, and vintage trench coats, all of which have been handed down through the generations and were a favorite of Grace Kelly. Its diffusion brand, Weekend Max Mara, features a more subtle and breezy interpretation of Max Mara’s hero pieces at a more affordable price point.
