There Are No Perfect Solutions—So What Are You Okay With?

Enjoyed this post and all the comments and definitely agree with the frustrations. Prior to having my children, I was all about investment pieces and quality clothing however, since then I no longer have the budget. I too have found the quality is not what it used to be and being a working mom I don’t have the time to research and be comfortable with dropping a lot of money on a piece. I also am done with plastic clothing and prefer natural fibers but a little spandex is OK! I avoid Amazon unless I’m desperate. Even what other influencers recommend just never works for me and often the styles are more for a 12-year-old than an adult. I now I shop at lower end stores mostly Old Navy gap Banana Republic, J.Crew, factory, etc.. I will spend a little more on a nice leather purse or a good wool coat or ski coat but for most items it’s just not worth it for me. I just went on a search for some new white summer T-shirts and ended up keeping the ones from Old Navy and Walmart! The fit was right, my stomach didn’t show when I raised my arms, they were not see-through and for about six dollars each, I don’t feel bad about tossing them at the end of the summer if they’re stained or worn out. In recent years, I’ve moved to more of a capsule wardrobe, so I’m only buying a few things here and there. So much easier and better for the budget! Love your posts and appreciate all the research you do!

Yes this is spot on! I am beyond frustrated! Thank you for stating the problem so well. I would prioritize fit but I am not a standard shape so have to have many things altered anyway. I now live in the coastal south so I flat out refuse to buy anything made of fabric that doesn’t breathe. Once I find something I like And that fits I tend to wear it forever so am willing to pay a little extra but can’t afford things that are too expensive. I will buy a trendy item but am happy for lower quality low cost if I can’t keep it a while. You do a wonderful job. Thank you for your advice.

Dear Megan, Thank you for your frankness and honesty. As a Brit, 5'6", long in the body and arms, here's my take: I value quality and fit. I avoid synthetic fabrics unless, like spandex, they're really working. I'm making a lot of use of my local tailor, and have started getting clothes made to reflect my style. I appreciate your work - I've bought many things based on your recommendations, and wish you success.

I’m 50+, and though I’m not rich, I’m over buying on Amazon (and any fast fashion, if possible). Even when influencers say things are good, I look at the bad reviews (even if 4.4 stars) and the bad reviews tell all I need to know. I went to Spain last fall and did the same thing…wanted a cute burgundy top for a special dinner, bought one on Amazon, wore it, wasn’t in love and probably will never wear it again. I will spend more on quality linen, cotton and leather (no vegan bags/shoes). I will buy Old Navy pants because I’m close to 5’10” and I’m sure they’re considered FF but I’ve had good luck with their pants. I’ll also buy Gap/BR etc because they have talls so kind of stuck. Currently liking Garnet Hill, POMP, Brave Leather, Quince, Garnet Hill and Nordstrom’s if I’m lucky, but those get pricey. Been checking out Boden recently but don’t know much about them and some stuff is too out there for me 😉

Honestly, for me, I no longer step inside a brick and mortar store. I follow you and a couple of other influencers and make my purchases from your recommendations. I try to ensure I follow your links or refresh them when I’m ready to purchase. I definitely want you to get the credit! This does mean that I have to prepare, and be prepared. When you post outfits for the season. I make sure I purchase them. I find that all the stores you use include easy returns. This way I’m prepared for whatever comes up and I don’t have to run to any stores for last-minute vacation trips. So for me, this is my compromise, to not wait until the last minute but actually shop your posts!

I enjoy your posts, and agree with your observations regarding modern day shopping. As a retiree, I'm slowing down on investment shopping. I will splurge on midi/maxi dresses, but usually set a limit of $200. However, I refuse to pay $125-150 for a white cotton Tshirt!!! I'm talking to you Ayr and Frank & Eileen!

The prices are outrageous for the average middle class woman! I am shocked and will not spend over $200 for a blouse!

This post and the comments are so interesting! Apparently we all share the same problem of finding nice clothes that fit. For me, I’m 5’10” and size 8-10, so I can only buy pants and shorts that are tall, which limits me almost exclusively to online shopping. I dislike online shopping and typically return 9 of 10 items for reasons others describe- poor quality, uneven sizing, or poor fabric. I used to enjoy shopping but rarely go anywhere. I like Banana Republic, Loft, Old Navy and TJMaxx.

I go for fit over the perfect fabric. I’m 69 and don’t always need really good investment pieces because I might not get a lot of wear out of the piece. Depending on the price if it doesn’t last for several years that’s ok. I have good pieces like blazers and dresses but sometimes I just want something quick and stylish. I go to Amazon a lot too and find several nice things to wear. I just found a very lightweight cardigan to wear for spring and summer and it looks really nice on me. And it will go with jeans or dress pants.

Choose quality and buy less. I have a wardrobe that works well for my casual, retired lifestyle, with much thanks to your practical advice. And like you, I love to buy a few new things for a trip. My husband and I are going to England in May, so we gave each other Barbour coats for Christmas. We will get a lot of use out of them at home in VA, too. I always have at least a few classic, packable dresses, so I don’t have to run out to get a new one unless I really like what I see. I am a fan of Lafayette 148, even at their crazy prices. I hope your and your husband have a wonderful trip to Miami.

I look for fit, which means retailers with size options (I'm petite.) I also like decent fabrics. I have my go-to retailers because I understand which ones I need to size up or size down on something. Fashion changes so often and I'm at an age that makes me lean toward basics that I think will last a few years of regular wear.

I think fit is the most important. If something is ill-fitting, it looks bad, whether it’s Amazon or Versace. I love investment pieces but if you can’t afford to spend that extra price, you can console yourself that you can get new clothes more often. We’re always being told about an “updated classic” so people don’t keep those blazers or basics for 10 years anyway.

I agree. Shopping in department stores and malls over the last few years has left me frustrated. The clothing either isn't appropriate, it is extremely cheaply made (I can buy the same quality of some items at Nordy's at Target for a lot less), or it is stupidly expensive. I'm 59 and a professional. I would like to see more capsules and classic pieces that aren't for one season. I don't mind investing in pieces I'll wear, but more importantly, pieces that make me feel great with my changing body. I just struggle to find them. For trendy items, I'm okay with Amazon. But Amazon can be so overwhelming.

I forgot to add to my very long post that in addition to J Crew and Ann Taylor (with very occasional purchases at Talbots) I also buy denim at Everlane and Madewell...and that I shop at Nordstrom.

Thank you, Megan! After going gray these past few years I just had colors analyzed from Color Me Beautiful/Color Alliance consultant Jill Wylott and discovered another reason why I'm having such a difficult time shopping online for my still-but-not-typical autumn coloring (31 different types of autumn). What I have near my face to make ME shine in the best way has got to be priority, and pricewise I've got to go with mid-range brands tops and factory and sales where possible to get my entire wardrobe back on track. I'm also tired of feeling dressed in saran wrap in summer with all the polyesters and thus leaning toward more natural fibers and investigating tencel and lyocell. Your mall experiences tell me that department stores won't offer much more variety. Things start to look the same, especially when searching for more colorful options rather than go-to white and black. The places I've found scattered gems, often thanks to you, are Old Navy and J Crew & Rack, Quince, Nordstrom sales & Rack, also Loft sales and Talbots for color.

Thank you, Megan, for tackling this one. Probably at the higher end of your readership: 74, 5’5”, size 2. Actually i find myself compromising on every piece i consider. I enjoy wearing a crisp Ralph Lauren button down, I thought hard, but didn’t mind paying for it. When i found a mock-neck navy sweater jumper, above the knee length with gold buttons at the shoulder—that FITS—was i OK with paying only $9? A WalMart sale from $26…i know i have several merino wool Banana sweaters that will fill the bill…purchased some Amazon navy tights, to go with knee high boots… This is piece which will elicit “what a cute outfit”! Am I OK with buying it at WalMart? Yes. Am I OK with ONLY paying $9? The color and style were ++, sweater fabric +, price: just get it and think later…!

Recently you recommended a Girlfriend long sleeve white T from J Crew Factory. It’s literally the only thing i saw in the store that was worth the $15 i paid. so i got two. I will not compromise on oversized styles. I will not compromise on too short jeans or pants. I will not compromise on shoes with a heel higher than 2.5” Nearly any bag from Dooney & Bourke is on my spend list, but i love a good deal there, too. I have yet to see a dress this season that doesn’t look like someone from our 8th grade sewing class made it. Particularly the high-waisted midi styles with self-belt. UGH. Wrinkled cotton. Instead i will go for a blazer with lovely tailoring!! Especially if i own a pant or jean that will work with it…with a silk scarf and a pointy to shoe. The scarf and shoe need to give me a price break to spend on the jacket….the other gals can wear the dresses. Look forward daily to your email! So glad you & Bri are getting away!!

Hi,

I have followed you for over ten years and used one of your consultants to transition my wardrobe when I retired in 2015. I know you don't do that particular service anymore but it was a great experience. I so enjoy your clothing suggestions and have enjoyed your transition into broader issues. I agree with you about the lack of choice in many stores, therefore I find myself shopping on line most of the time. My wardrobe is much more casual since I am retired. I am trying to find a weight I both feel good in and can maintain so that creates a few clothing challenges as you too have documented. I find I follow many of your suggestions and this fall purchased many items that you had researched and suggested. I find that so helpful. I am no longer willing to have a lot of investment pieces but also don't want to waste money on trendy items. My biggest challenge is figuring out a few outfits that I can use on the rarer occasion that I want to dress up, not formal but look nicer than wearing a pair of jeans. Thank you for all of you do and for sharing so much of your life. Keep up the great work.

I totally get the frustration! I love to shop. I like to feel the fabrics and check the construction of different pieces. Lately, I am disappointed in so many things. Cheap fabrics and poor construction are commanding exhorbitant prices. And, if you are 5'4" and curvy, you have to add alterations on top, too tall for petites and too short for regular sizes. I'm not 25 or even 35 anymore and have had 3 children. I can't and shouldn't wear some of what I see in the stores. I'm resisting shopping online as I return so much of what I buy, and at a cost. I shop some at Talbots, but their quality is not what it used to be. Ann Taylor is also a favorite. I like Dillards for a department store. I will pay for a good quality basic item, or something for a special event. I find I'm wearing the same things over and over. I like your many ideas and take your advice frequently. Thank you.

Since retiring and getting ready to hit 70 in a few months, I am so okay shopping from lower end fashion. Old Navy and Amazon are my go-to's. They actually offer size options that so many retailers have cut back on. I can easily fit the body I now inhabit with them. I don't work the boardroom and gala circuit anymore. I've done the St. Johns Knit power dressing and quite honestly? It feels like overkill now that I lead the more-casual Florida-retiree lifestyle.

I am okay buying trend pieces at a lower price, knowing they won’t last. Trends change with the seasons. I rather spend my hard-earned retirement dollars going places & doing things.

Totally agree with everything you wrote! I'm in the middle of perimenopause-menopause so finding clothes that fit has become a challenge. We just finished a min remodel of our house including our bedroom so ALL my clothes are out and I am taking time to go through and find out what I have, what fits, etc.

My go-to stores are Ann Taylor and Talbots, with some JCrew in the mix. With all three stores I find that sizing is all over the place and I have to order multiple sizes in order to find the right fit.

I have had better luck with a local boutique near my house that has a variety of brands - KUT, Sanctuary, Veronica M, Michael Stars, etc. The owner is my age, but has a fun variety of clothes that are not investment pieces but ones that I can wear for several seasons/years.

So appreciate all your posts and information!

I do not enjoy shopping any more! Is is my age or the frustration due to lack of product quality? I am willing to spend more if the quality is there but I have purchased several high end brands and am not really impressed with the quality. Many times a sweater from Old Navy will wear as well as one from Vince. I used to buy a lot of CAbi clothing but it does not hold up well for the price point. I will always choose fit over fabric. I am petite and find it very hard to find anything that fits. I do shop lower end fashion for trendy pieces since I frequently only wear them a few times. I am more of a classic person. I always shop Amazon for my warm weather vacation clothing. Living in the Midwest I rarely wear that type of clothing when at home.

I completely agree. Our local mall has nothing. I primarily shop online. I’ve been disabled for a few years and can walk but not a lot of big days of shopping. I primarily shop at Tuckernuck Garnet Hill Gap Nordstrom three dots for T-shirts Banana Republic J.Crew. I pretty much know my size in most of these companies so I’m able to order and not return as much but it’s taken years to figure this out. I will spend more on good basics and capsule like clothing, But there is nowhere to go and try on clothes. I live an hour from Boston and we’ll go down there for specialty things, but even 2 mother of the bride dresses for my daughter’s weddings I found online stores just don’t have what they used to so disappointing. Thank you for all you do

I love your posts and ideas on where to find the latest but not too trendy pieces. I am 59 but don't want to dress 59! I love that you show all price points; I had not considered Old Navy or Amazon. I would love to see more Amazon clothing - basic pieces or fun warm weather clothing - tops & dresses maybe?- that are cute for vacations and going out. I am working on a capsule wardrobe that fits my life - work, going out, working from home and athleisure type pieces. I LOVE White House Black Market but I think they can be slightly trendy for some of the prices. I wait for their sales, but keep finding their sale jeans are always sold out in my size (short & curvy). I would love to see more of your ideas on basic pieces as well as what is the latest that is not too trendy. Thanks for all that you do!

I love quality and try to buy for 2 or more seasons. I have classic pieces like Tommy Bahamma or Calloway (yes the golf brand) for warm areas. I use inexpensive blouses and accessories to be current. Depending on the vacation, I'm good with Columbia and Northface too.

Great question! I appreciate your thoughtful approach to women's style. I'm on the older end of your target demographic and range in size from 2-4. I buy most of my clothes at Ann Taylor and J Crew. I buy a few things at Talbots, Banana Republic and Old Navy. I find shopping frustrating for several reasons. You've hit one of them squarely on the head. 1) It feels like quality is not at all linked to price. Traditional retailers seem to scale back their quality every year. Some (like Ann Taylor) have increased their prices a lot but then reduce them quite steeply. Their reduced prices seem comparable to what I paid a few years ago at the same retailers on sale. On the other hand, I've bought WOW jeans at Old Navy that have lasted well and looked fine. 2) Fit is a big concern. I'm short waisted, not quite a petite, and pear shaped. I love shorter tops and have welcomed the current shorter and cropped lengths. I also love higher waisted pants. As a result, I rarely buy anything at Talbots because their things are so long waisted. 3) Fabric matters to me--but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. I find denim too hot when the weather is above mid-70s so I buy a lot of skirts. (I love J Crew pleated slip skirts--though I find it challenging not to look over dressed.) I don't buy from Amazon because I have a mall nearby and like to feel the fabric before I buy. I used to work in the environmental field and think that our current level of consumption of clothing is a bigger problem than the type of fabrics we buy. I'm not particularly a fan of "sustainable" fabrics unless they look good and perform well. (Many sustainable fabrics pill or otherwise seem like they'll self destruct after 1 season.) I've bought cashmere sweaters from Quince and Naadam that pilled a lot after the first wear or two! I hate ironing and don't buy 100% cotton or linen clothing because I don't like having all my ironing efforts undone by the seatbelt of my car by the time I arrive at my destination. (For example I've really wanted a white skirt for the last several summers but haven't found any wrinkle resistant options.) Thanks for asking for our thoughts.