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There’s no age limit on having good style. In fact, it’s the complete opposite; the greatest fashion icons have historically become more famous, and fabulous, with age. Consider Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton, Linda Rodin, and the late Iris Apfel, who was synonymous with eccentric and eye-catching clothes, as prime examples of how getting older is a barometer for how well-dressed one is.

But what we need from our clothes changes as life goes on, especially after we turn 50. For one, more responsibility can mean leaving behind the insouciant silhouettes we favoured by in our 20s, 30s and 40s, replacing them with outfits that carry lasting value. That can mean putting away some of the livelier clothes, jewellery, and accessories in our wardrobes, saving them only for special occasions, and having a capsule wardrobe, with hero pieces on rotation to suit busy lives. With age comes an appreciation for things that serve a purpose, and fashion is no different. 

Professional women will often have a penchant for put-together style and tailored work clothing that carries them from the boardroom to family events—which, contrary to popular belief, can be done without breaking the bank. In many ways, fashion for women over 50 is a whole new world, and one that can feel tricky to navigate at times, given the breadth of options in stores and online. Here, Vogue edits down the best brands for women over 50 to shop.

Vogue’s top picks

• Best formalwear brand for women over 50: Camilla & Marc
• Best casual brand for women over 50: Ganni
• Best everyday brand for women over 50: Sportscraft
• Best Australian brand for women over 50: St. Agni
• Best affordable brand for women over 50: Uniqlo
• Best designer brand for women over 50: Max Mara

The best fashion brands for women over 50

Cos

Swedish brand Cos creates fundamental clothes for the everyday, designed to be lasting both in composition and design. Expect a Scandinavian pragmatism and cool-girl edge, in monochromatic colours and understated cuts and finishes, perfect for bridging gaps between dress codes. Its denim has also attracted a devoted base of customers, as have its shift dresses, midi skirts and shoes, currently including point-perfect ballet flats.

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Uniqlo

The beauty in Uniqlo’s expansive offering is that the pieces in their core range rarely change. The Japanese label also does collaborations with well-known style icons, including the model Ines de La Fressange, who has an ongoing partnership with Uniqlo, and British designer Clare Waight Keller (formerly of Givenchy and Chloé). Each of these ranges feature outerwear as well as knitwear, T-shirts, and accessories, like bags and leather belts, which are updated seasonally.

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Camilla & Marc

Well-made (and well-priced) suits are just one of Camilla & Marc’s main drawcards. The Sydney-born label also creates party attire, trench coats and daywear dresses as well as tailored blazers and trousers; all incorporate its signature clean-lined aesthetic and neutral palettes, often free of patterns. 

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Sportscraft

Australians have trusted Sportscraft’s durable clothes for generations since the label began as a Melbourne-based tailoring business in 1914. Aside from linen shirting, striped shirts, jean skirts and practical cotton tees, Sportscraft’s double-breasted blazers have become one of its most popular items in recent years. All its clothes are favoured for their endurance; it’s little wonder Sportscraft has become the official uniform supplier for the Australian Olympic Team at Paris 2024.

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Country Road

Australia’s own Country Road is a trusted location for classic clothes that extend across all dress codes, from casual to formal. New pieces from the heritage brand evoke a modern sensibility with an effortless edge, like structured blazers with a slightly oversized fit to remain wearable and comfortable. There’s a reason Country Road is a favourite across all generations.

SHOP NOW at The Iconic

Trenery

Considered Country Road’s more formal sibling, there’s plenty to covet at Trenery, from elevated tailoring and blazers to pencil skirts with a dressed-up edge, and wide-leg trousers that bring dimension to even a casual outfit. The brand has also launched a new range of silk skirts, wool blazers, and cosy sweaters just in time for Australian winter, while its other lightweight fabric pieces, including T-shirts, can be worn year-round.

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St. Agni

In addition to offering suiting and diaphanous party dresses designed to be remembered, one of the best things about St. Agni is its footwear, which was one of the brand’s first inventions. Its accessories are also something to covet; consider the new soft crescent bag, made to be slung under the shoulder, or the minimal everyday leather bag, which is the perfect carry-all.

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Ganni

B Corp-certified Danish label Ganni is, again, perfect for women of any age. Its playful takes on classic clothes—from trench coats adorned with leopard print to knee-high boots—combined with its diverse sizing, creates a brand you’ll be tempted to shop for your daughter as well as yourself. Keep an eye peeled for Ganni’s collaborations, too; recent ones have been with Mejuri, a brand known for its maximalist as well as minimalist jewellery, and the perennially comfortable footwear brand New Balance.

SHOP NOW at Farfetch

Oroton

The Oroton that exists now is not the Oroton you once knew. That’s thanks to a brand reinvention by creative director Sophie Holt, which has repositioned the heritage Australian accessories maker as a full-fledged fashion brand, with clothes that represent our laid-back lifestyle, including wrap dresses. As for the accessories—including Oroton’s famous handbags and wallets—they’re just as good, if not better now.

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Polo Ralph Lauren

With its commitment to both tailoring and off-duty clothes, the iconic Polo line by Ralph Lauren is an exemplar of a label that’s perfect for all ages. Dress up an outfit with a bold-coloured polo shirt but invest in a fitted blazer and pair of trousers for simpler days. Keep an eye out for Polo’s statement scarves, which are the perfect amount of prep.

SHOP NOW at Myer

Saba

Languid tailoring, outerwear and practical accessories are all major categories at Saba, the Australian brand capable of servicing every element of your wardrobe, including footwear. The brand even has a dedicated ‘desk to dinner’ category which toes a line between office formality and after-hours elegance; think silk blouses, linen pants, flowing midi skirts and high-neck tops, which service several dress codes at once.

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Scanlan Theodore

Clothes by Scanlan Theodore have a boldness to match their utility, from A-line dresses to powerfully-structured suits and accessories. It’s little wonder the Australian label has become a staple in the wardrobes of many powerful women, including Miranda Kerr and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

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Max Mara

‘Enduring’ is the best word to describe Italian luxury brand Max Mara, which makes clothing for lifelong wear. The ‘Teddy’ coat is one of its most famous inventions, but it’s also well-known for camel coats, classic trench coats and cashmere sweaters, which are often passed down generations and were a favourite of Grace Kelly. Its diffusion line, Weekend Max Mara, sits at a more attainable price point with a breezier and more understated take on Max Mara’s hero pieces.

SHOP NOW at Net-A-Porter

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