What are YOUR favorite women’s clothing stores … and what makes them special?
I need a good atmosphere, good service and of course great clothes.
My favorite women’s clothing stores hit the spot on all counts!
9 Favorite Women’s Clothing Stores
1. Athleta
Athleta is a favorite for stylish travel wear. I appreciate the good quality and wearable materials. They’re easy to wear in town, country or on the go with styles tht are trend conscious without being overly trendy if you know what I mean.
Athleta has a 30 day return policy, with the Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee. If it doesn’t perform, return it within 30 days of the delivery date.
I’m not the most patient shopper, so I appreciate that clothes that go together are grouped making browsing easier.
For sales and offers, sign up for emails. It’s easy to shop all their brands – Gap | Banana Republic | Old Navy | Athleta through one website and combine items to get free shipping.
Athleta offers international shipping HERE.
2. Nordstrom
If you’re lucky to live close to either Nordstrom or the “Rack”, no explanation is needed.
Nordstrom offers hundreds of quality brands under one roof or online. Their buyers know what they’re doing and you’ll find all the latest trends and shops within the store with your favorite brands. The Nordstrom shoe department is in a class by itself.
Customer service is consistently good at Nordstrom. Alterations are free on full price items and Nordies has a liberal return policy. Use their styling service to find your perfect look. Here’s the scoop on personal styling services too. Free shipping? Yes please.
Nordstrom offers international shopping through Borderfree.
3. Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack is the place to find marked down current or last years styles from Nordstrom, plus some Rack only brands.
The Rack features mostly mid price range fashion with the occasional designer item hiding amongst the racks (if you’re lucky!) I’ve noticed some Racks seem to get better inventory than others and it all depends on your local market. When I travel I love to check out new Racks!
Expect to find Tahari, Eileen Fisher and more. I gravitate to the Rack for footwear and jeans like Joe’s Jeans and Kut from the Kloth – two of my favorites. They just seem to fit me better than any other brand (except Gap)
Select stores offer alterations and tailoring services for both in-store and online purchases. Simply bring your item(s) and receipt or packing slip to a select store. Shipping in the US is free over $89. and under $89. it’s $9.95.
Nordstrom Rack does not offer international shipping at this time.
4. J. Crew
You’ll find updated classics you find at J.Crew and I love their t-shirts and sweaters because they’re timeless. Classics go in and out of style, but there’s always a place in our closet for them isn’t there?
Love to hunt for reduced price basic T’s on the sale rack. Usually they’re cotton, with good color options and well made for the price point. Love the indigo dye options but then I’m a fan of blue.
Don’t forget to browse their hair accessories and affordable costume jewelry. I’ve found some keepers over the years.
I feel I know what I’m getting with J. Crew, so shopping online is easy. Returns or exchanges can be made in store.
J.Crew ships around the world with flat rate shipping and duty free shopping in your currency.
5. Madewell
Madewell is owned by J. Crew and I find that styles skew to a slightly younger demo, which is fine. Again I go for their good quality t-shirts, bags and accessories.
Madewell is probably best known for their jeans which come in a wide selection of US sizes of 00-14.
Like it’s sister store, J. Crew, Madewell also ships worldwide. A huge plus for those of us who crave more shopping options!
6. TJ Maxx
I’ve shopped at TJ’s for decades! If you’re a hunter, TJ Maxx is the store for you. Just be prepared. Some days you’ll find fantastic pieces and other days you’ll walk out empty handed! Finding a unique piece that you wouldn’t find anywhere else is the lure. I did find a beautiful Italian wool military style cardigan for under $60. several years ago but haven’t turned up any treasures recently.
What you need to know is that all TJs aren’t created equal.
The neighborhood drives the selection – like Nordstrom Rack. You’ll find a better designer and brand pieces in the better neighborhoods.
Considering that it’s past season inventory, sometimes pricing is on the high side, so be prepared to dig for the bargains.
Some better TJ Maxx stores have The Runway, a stylish section of high end designer clothes within the women’s department.
The TJ Maxx brand includes Marshall’s, HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense (in the UK(
Free shipping on orders $89 and over in the US.
Outside the US, shop TK Maxx in the UK for £4.99 on orders under £100. Or other stores throughout Europe.
7. Old Navy
If you’re looking for inexpensive basics, you can’t go wrong with this lower priced retailer. Yes it could be considered fast fashion but I think Old Navy is a cut above due to it’s affiliation with the Gap.
Old Navy is my go to for shorts, inexpensive tops, lounge wear and stretch pants like their Stevie pants. For some reason all Gap lines, including Athleta, Banana Republic just seem to fit me off the rack, especially the pants and jeans. The fact they offer multiple lengths for petites or talls is a big plus!
Did I mention they have endless deals, coupons and sales? Get on their mailing list and get 40% off and more
8. Mango
Two favorite retailers I’ve discovered in the UK and Europe are Mango and Zara who have stores worldwide. Find Mango in the US too.
Not quite as flimsy as some fast fashion, both chains feature trends interpreted in synthetics but also wool and cotton.
Pricing is mid range – $40-100 for sweaters or jumpers. These are clothes that will last more than a season. I recently found an Italian wool coat at Mango for £130. and I’ll wear it for years to come. I’m still loving the olive green trench coat I found in a Mango store in Spain!
Zara has really been upping their trend game. We have a new store in Bath and it’s rare when I’m not tempted by something.
Zara homeware stores has some chic good quality linens, and nightwear.
If you’re like me you love to save money on the basics to splurge on better quality pieces that lift your wardrobe. Shoes and boots for example. I always spend a little more on footwear and bags because they make a look, don’t they?
9. DSW Shoes
My first stop when I’m looking for a particular shoe at a good price. is DSW or Designer Shoe Warehouse. They don’t carry the extensive selection they did before the pandemic in my opinion but DSW is still worth a look. Don’t forget to browse the racks at the back of the store for out of season bargains.
A fairly liberal return policy. “DSW will gladly accept returns of most unworn, undamaged, or defective merchandise for a refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase.”
Free shipping for members – no minimum order. 5% back in rewards and a free birthday gift. What’s not to like?
Favorite go to STORES
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Rack
- Athleta
- Banana Republic
- Eddie Bauer
- J. Crew
- Madewell
- Old Navy
- Mango
- DSW shoes
As I noted some of these retailers DO ship outside the US. Be sure to check customs and shipping rates to your country otherwise those costs can seriously blow your budget! I prefer to shop in store if possible – but sometimes we have to shop online for extra sizes and options don’t we?
Have fun shopping and let me know your favorites!
