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

I could never afford to drop $100 on one shirt, blouse, dress or shoes. So I go to mid range stores. My Nordstrom shopping consists on if I find something that I like and that fits well from Nordstrom Rack. For me, I am kind of a Jean wearing woman. I like more casual button down shirts or a nice tee shirt. I like elbow length or long sleeve shirts because I don’t like my upper arms. As for shoes, give me a nice pair of cowboy boots any day.

Boy! You hit the nail on the head today! I'm a 67 retiree and follow you for ideas.

I will spend a little more for quality, but not outrageous amounts. Honestly, Gap Factory prices are my comfort zone. I've purchased many of your Amazon finds and have been pleased with them. I have learned to look for natural fabrics.

Given a choice I choose fit over fabric. I started on my fashion journey about 2 years and have found that fit makes a huge difference in my appearance.

I do shop lower end fashion (Gap Factory, Loft Outlet) because I don't feel comfortable spending more with the ever-changing fashion cycle.

I have the added frustration in that the closest mall with good store options is over an hour drive for me. Online purchases need to be from retailers with a good return policy.

Thanks for all you do!

There's always a trade-off. I find I almost always have to have pants altered, and because I'm long-waisted it's really hard to find any that will fit even with alterations. Tall sizes fit better in the stride, even if I have to have them hemmed, so I tend to shop at stores that carry talls for pants, which tend to be cheaper quality, unfortunately. I hate cheap fabric, but I buy them anyway because that's all I can find. Even expensive clothes now are frequently made from cheap fabric. I am tired of buying cheap things that don't hold up, & am trying to transition to spending more per item & not buying as much. Like your experience, I can't find anything in the stores. I hesitate to order from places like F&E due to the cost. It's hard to justify without being able to try on first and see if I love it. Anyway, I'm interested in seeing what other people have to say. Also would love to know what you got at H&M. I've gotten a couple of things there that were surprisingly good for the price, but it's very hit or miss.

Such a great post as this is such an issue. I am petite, so for me, fit is going to be the bottom line and I think I will go from there. No matter, if something looks or feels cheap I'm not going to buy it -even if it costs $395 ( and I've seen that).

I share your frustrations! For me, it depends on what I am looking for. . The dress to wear out to dinner in Miami, I would go for the inexpensive, lower quality, choice, because I won’t have much use for it in my day to day life. I am very hard on shoes and bags, and for for fit in the former, because I am hard to fit. In the latter, I go cheaper as I know they won’t last either way. I have been disappointed in some investment pieces, like blazers, that went out of style (too boxy, etc) but we’re still in good condition. And then,of course, there is the fact that my weight fluctuates a bit, and that investment piece may no longer be flattering!!! Now I go more with midrange pricing, Banana Republic Factory, JCrew Factory, etc, where I feel I get better quality than H&M without the huge price tag!

Boy did you hit the nail on this. Don't even get me started with sizing. It is so frustrating to know that you wear a certain size and then purchase it online for it to arrive being way to big or small. Not to mention, every single retailer uses a different sizing standard. Also, it is aggravating and time consuming for returns. I've even encountered this for different colors of the same item from the same retailer.

That being said, I will not pay more for cheap fabrics. I would prefer a decent fabric that will last so that I can have it altered. I'm a larger petite and have very limited choices as far as retail. I also prefer to just wait until I find the right item. Recently I've found it easier to shop off-price stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I realize that this does not help you to reach a mass audience but it works for me. I can try it on and feel the quality while I'm in the store. Since I'm retired, I'm lucky to have that luxury. I also love that you feature Old Navy since they carry petites.

I do buy trendy items but will not pay a premium for them since I tend to rotate these out of my closet frequently.

Thank you for what you do. You are my absolute favorite site for ideas. I appreciate your honesty and takes on what we need to stay fashionable.

I’m willing to forgo all that “premium” denim and buy my jeans at Old Navy. The fit is good, lots of style options and washes. I recently tried a pair of Mother brand jeans because they were on sale for $168 and, honestly, I was not impressed. (Phew!)

I live in a town of 40k in eastern Oregon and i do not even have a mall to shop in. I do my shopping at consignment stores, thrift stores and yard sales in town and when i travel. I have some very nice clothes as i know brand names to look for. I wear Chico's, Doncaster, Anne Klein, as well as Target, Old Navy and unknown brands to name a few. I wear predominantly autumn colors so that is a guiding though limiting factor. So i "settle" for quality and good price points. I realize this is not everyone's comfort zone but i love treasure hunting and i know this is good for the environment as well.

I feel your pain....My husband has no idea how I can spend 3 hours shopping and come home with nothing. I'd rather buy nothing and make due with what I have than overspend or waste money. I live on a strict budget so I only splurge on shoes, coats, my glasses and a few pieces of jewelry.

Oh gosh, this is such a dilemma these days! In my heart, I would prefer to buy things that come from "sustainable" sources but what does that really mean? I will not buy things that come directly from China if I can avoid it and yet, brands that used to be made in the US or Great Britain now come from China or countries I've never heard of. Seems there's no avoiding that situation.

I prefer natural fabrics. Yesterday I wore a cotton jacket purchased at Talbots probably 13 years ago. Miraculously, it still is in fashion and looks great because it has been dry cleaned when needed. Cashmere or cotton sweaters are definitely my go-to. I have bought some really cute polyester sweaters but if the weather's not just right, I feel like a sweaty Betty.

I am willing to pay the prices you'd find at a nice department store but honestly, the day won't come that I will pay $300+ from F&E or other such brands. They make beautiful things but it would be just my luck to ruin it somehow. Overall I probably would not spend more than $150 on a top or pants. Am I cheap?

I am focusing on nice basics that fit well and trying to put fun tops and jackets with them. Also focusing more on nice accessories such as belts, handbags, and shoes. You are a big help with that.

Thank you for all you do, Megan! I will be back to read the comments that others leave.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, and I’m frustrated too. I’ve recently been ordering a lot of my wardrobe at Old Navy because they have stylish clothes at a good price and I can get them in a petite. I’ve purchased a few fun dresses and some fun tops too. I’ve also learned from one of the sale girl that it’s cheaper to order online than buy in the store. 🤔

I am usually disappointed shopping at the mall and it gets exhausting as well as frustrating. I would prefer a good and comfortable fit regardless of price. Megan, you do a great job of pointing us in the right direction. I had never shopped at Old Navy until I started following you. Right now, I am wearing the high waist straight leg jeans and a sweater from there. Both recommended by you. I love the Old Navy sweaters. Many of my sweaters come from Talbots, but Old Navy seems equal in quality. Thanks for trying everything on for us!

I share your frustration. Your column has been a godsend of information and help on what is good and what is not so good. When I go to the mall OR shop on line, I find that I end up with LLBean, LandsEnd, and Talbots. I like JJill and Jcrew; but I cannot stand going to those stores (some do not have a petite section with much selection) so I have to rely on catalog orders; trying clothes on and then returning what does not work. Shopping has become frustrating which is why I end up using the same stores. SOmetimes it does feel like I am settling!! THere is not that great a selection or else I can't seem to get it together; it looks different in person or wrong size - which is why the returns

I find I just don't buy or i buy really basic pieces. My wardrobe looks like it too.

Megan,

Thanks for this post. It validates my feelings and frustrations. I am an Ann Taylor/Talbots girl for work clothes (I lean a bit preppy and classic), but I don't make an entire wardrobe from those stores, so I fill in with Saks Off Fifth (shoes), Nordstrom Rack (shoes), Macys can have nice shoes at reasonable prices, and I also find good clothes fill ins at Loft and TJ Maxx occasionally. Also, some Banana Republic and J Crew.

I struggle with "casual" clothes just as you described. I find some nice linen dresses at TJ Maxx and Saks Off Fifth and some cotton dresses from Loft as well. I have ordered some dresses and casual outfits from Frank and Eileen (more expensive, but very good quality) and from J. McLaughlin (great for travel).

I look forward to reading your posts about this issue!! Love your community and look forward to daily ritual of reading your posts while I am drinking my Earl Grey tea!!! You are a gem, and I appreciate your generosity and great content............. Hugs, Deb

I am quite a bit older than your target demographic, but have the same frustration. I typically shop Eileen Fisher for both the fabrics and fit. Her line has changed greatly in recent years, but the fabrics and quality are fantastic still. Prices are wild, so I almost totally shop her sales (which are great). And once I find my size in her pieces, I shop on line. It has brought the fun back in shopping for me.

I know exactly what you are talking about, I spent the last 8 months loosing some menopause weight, which coincided at the end with me deciding to get a personal trainer once a week and committ to a gym schedule all of this with the substack 28 day challenge, it really made me think about “do I need 10 pairs of black pants now” etc, I still meet with clients several times a week, I go into the office a few times and then work from home. I came up with what I think is a balance of Amazon tops (basic) for working at home with jeans, 2-3 pairs of black pants and I already have a couple of investment blazers, so now when I see something I really think hard on how many different ways will I wear this and how can I style it, because prices are way to much in most areas. So I’m looking at more life experiences and self care verses a closet full of things I buy just because I like them.

A great post as always. For me I have to go for quality and sometimes end up paying more than I want. I am a tall petite and in between sizes so I have to have everything altered. Cheap fabrics and less quality made items in my opinion, do not alter well. Unfortunately that also means I end up spending a lot more when you add in alteration costs. As a result, I just do not shop very often and if I do it has to be amazing because I know I'll have that additional cost. It is extremely frustrating and limiting.

I completely agree with everything you said about trying to purchase clothes! I really want nice quality basics, but where are they? Maybe your next phase of helping women get well dressed will be your own line of fashion? You would know and understand what we all want and need. Thank you for being you, totally honest!

I think you hit the nail on the head. Now that my kids are finished with college and I have more disposable income, I have a hard time finding clothes that I like. The materials just feel awful. I tend to focus on fit since the material I like is so expensive. I look forward to whatever creative solutions you come up with. Thanks for all that you do!

Willing to pay more if doesn’t require dry cleaning. Frank and Eileen, MM LaFleur as examples