As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
Finding petite women’s fashion over 50 hasn’t been an easy task for me. I don’t want to wear clothes that look too young for me. But I also don’t want to wear clothes that make me look like I shop at Forever 81!
To be honest, my personal style isn’t exactly chic. My main goal is to look put-together while being comfortable at the same time.
I’m happy to say I’ve finally found a few choice stores where I can find classic styles in petite sizing. You’ll find my list further down the post.
Why regular sizes don’t fit petite women
The problem that I’ve had with regular-sized clothing is that they don’t provide a perfect fit for petite women. The reason, of course, is because regular clothes are designed for different body proportions.
I’m 5 feet tall and have shorter arms, smaller shoulders, and a small frame. If I buy regular sized pants, I always have to get them hemmed.
I can get away with a longer sleeve length if I roll them up a bit at the cuffs. It’s not always the look I’m going for, however. It can make my appearance seem a little sloppy or obviously oversized.
I don’t like figure-skimming clothes, but I definitely want my shirts and blouses to fit around the shoulders. Of course, the other problem with regular sized clothing is that the shirts are too long for my body.
Regular sizes are usually designed with longer torsos, higher waistlines, and wider shoulders. This can overwhelm a petite figure!
It’s more than just the blouse
I have to admit that even some petite clothing stores have pants that are a little too long for me. They’re not quite long enough to have hemmed, but they can pool around my ankles.
Unless you’re really good at altering clothes, or want to bring all of your clothing to a seamstress for alterations, it’s best to stick to stores designed specifically for petite ladies.
Don’t forget the accessories and makeup to finish your look!
Finding perfect fitting petite clothes for women over 50 is not an easy task.
Sure, there are plenty of clothing options, but you have to feel great in what you wear.
Once you’ve found the perfect outfit, make sure to complete the look with the right makeup and accessories.
For tips, read: 25 Ultra Best Lipstick Colors for Over 60 Mature Women
You might also be interested in: 9 Attractive Shoes for a High Arch That Don’t Look Old
Petite clothes that make me feel like garbage
As a petite woman, there are a few clothing choices I’ve learned to steer clear from.
One of those choices are capri pants. Look, if you love them and feel wonderful in them, that’s great! I, however, just feel shorter and a little frumpy.
In the summer, my preference is shorts with a 5 inch inseam and a t-shirt.
Hey, I told you I wasn’t a fashionista! In the winter, I’m mostly happy to wear my housecoat but occasionally I do have to go out.
When that happens, I opt for straight leg jeans and a blouse or a light sweater (because…hot flashes).
Are these stores for you?
In Canada, I tend to get my petite purchases from Reitman’s or Cazza Petites. That said, there are a number of other petite fashion stores that offer a nice range of clothing options.
The following are 7 best stores for petite women’s fashion over 50, in my personal opinion.
7 Best Stores for Petite Women’s Fashion Over 50
The clothing stores listed below either have a separate petite section or are dedicated to petite women. I’ve given a brief overview of each store including their shipping and return policies.
That said, it’s important to check before you buy. Most stores have their return policies embedded in their Terms of Service page. In some cases, discounted items are not returnable.
1. Talbots’ (Petite Section)
I’ve shopped at Talbots and I have to say that the quality of clothing is excellent.
Be careful if you’re the kind of person to throw everything in the washer and dryer though. I’ve had to learn the hard way to check the washing instructions before buying from any store.
​Style
Talbots is known for its polished, modern classics. You won’t find anything “edgy” there, but you will find quality pieces.
Their clothes emphasize timeless sophistication with modern updates, making them perfect for petite women who appreciate elegant styling.
Price Range
​Moderate, with frequent promotions and seasonal discounts that make quality fashion more accessible.
Highlights
​Talbots’ is known for using high-quality fabrics, exciting color schemes, and clean lines. Petite women can create a put-together, professional look for both casual and business casual occasions.
Each garment is proportioned with care, from sleeve lengths to inseams, to flatter a smaller frame without sacrificing style.
Availability
Available both online and in-store across the USA and Canada, making it easy to access Talbots’ range of petite styles wherever you are.
Return Policy
Talbots has a customer-friendly return policy that allows items to be returned within 60 days of purchase, whether bought online or in-store.
To qualify for a return, items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached. Customers can choose to return items either by mailing them back or by taking them to a Talbots store.
Shipping
Talbots occasionally provides promotional codes for free shipping. Additionally, Talbots Credit Card holders who achieve Premier status can also enjoy free shipping on their orders
2. J.Jill (Petite Section)
J.Jill offers a beautiful clothing selection for petite and tall women. The sizes range from XS-4X. You’ll find everything from tops, tees, sweaters, outerwear, shirts, pants and accessories at J. Jill.
​Style
You’ll find stylish petite women’s fashion over 50 that blend comfort and elegance, with an emphasis on relaxed silhouettes and versatile designs.
Their clothing caters to shorter women looking for fashionable options that fit beautifully and suit a variety of occasions.
While I can’t speak directly to the quality of the clothes, I would compare what I’ve seen to the types of clothing I buy at Reitman’s. Have a look for yourself!
Price Range
The pricing is moderate, with frequent promotions that make it accessible for those looking to invest in high-quality, stylish clothing.
Highlights
The J. Jill petite collection features a thoughtfully designed range of apparel specifically tailored for petite frames. You’ll find well-fitted tops, pants, and dresses that flatter and enhance the figure of shorter women.
The brand focuses on using quality fabrics, ensuring that each piece is not only stylish but also comfortable.
With an eye for detail and modern cuts, J. Jill is a great option for those seeking to build a wardrobe of chic, flattering pieces that can transition from casual to dressy.
Availability
J. Jill’s petite range is available both online and in their retail locations across the USA and Canada.
Return Policy
Items can be returned within 90 days of purchase as long as the items are unworn and unwashed. Keep your receipts for proof of purchase, otherwise you’ll only be able to get a store credit.
Shipping
The shipping fees charged depend on the total cost of your order. For example, if your order is over $150, the shipping is free. Any merchandise total under $150 will cost $9.95.
​3. Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor offers a stylish selection of petite women’s clothing that emphasizes a polished and sophisticated look.
Their petite line features a range of fashionable pieces designed to fit and flatter petite women, incorporating tailored silhouettes and elegant details.
Style
The styles available at Ann Taylor include versatile dresses, tailored blouses, chic trousers, and sophisticated skirts.
Their designs often reflect current trends while maintaining a classic appeal, perfect for both work and casual settings.
Price Range
Ann Taylor’s price range is generally moderate to high, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship of their clothing.
You can find items priced from around $35 to over $500, depending on the piece and its complexity. For me personally, $500 is too much money for a pair of pants or a sweater. That said, their clothing is beautiful!
Highlights
Highlights include an extensive variety of choices specifically designed for petite sizes.
They focus on high-quality fabrics and thoughtful designs that are flattering for petite women.
If you’re a mess-maker like I am, you may want to have a look at how washable the clothing line is. I’ve noticed some pieces that are machine washable, but I suspect clothing in this price range likely falls in the dry-clean only category.
Availability
Ann Taylor’s petite clothing is readily available online and in physical stores throughout the United States and Canada. They frequently update their collections with new arrivals to keep up with fashion trends.
Return Policy
Ann Taylor provides a flexible return policy, allowing items to be returned within 60 days of purchase. Items must be unworn and in their original condition. For online purchases, returns can be initiated via their website.
Shipping Policy
Shipping is typically free for orders over $150. For orders under this amount, standard shipping fees may apply. Ann Taylor also offers expedited shipping options for an additional charge​
4. Eileen Fisher (Petite Section)
I love the look of Eileen Fisher clothes, but – again – I just can’t afford the price tag. Honestly, I wish I had the lifestyle to wear velvet tapered pants that cost over $300.
Check out the website to see what I mean. You’ll find a wide variety of petite women’s fashion over 50, from tops to pants and everything in between.
Style
​Eileen Fisher is renowned for its effortlessly chic style, emphasizing quality and comfort in every piece.
The petite section features a range of polished looks designed for the modern woman. With an array of petite tops, dresses, and versatile layers, the collection showcases timeless silhouettes that easily transition from day to evening.
Price Range
​The price range is mid to high, reflecting Eileen Fisher’s commitment to durability and the use of eco-friendly fabrics.
While the initial investment may be higher, the longevity and quality of the garments make them worthwhile additions to any wardrobe.
Highlights
​Eileen Fisher’s petite line is characterized by its timeless, understated pieces crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials.
Each design prioritizes simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for creating a stylish wardrobe without sacrificing comfort.
The brand’s focus on clean lines and versatile styles ensures that petite women can enjoy both comfort and sophistication in their daily wear.
Availability
Eileen Fisher’s petite sizes are available both online and in-store throughout the USA and Canada.
Return Policy
The general return policy is acceptance of unworn merchandise with receipt and the original tags attached within 30 days of purchase.
That said, you will not get your money back. Instead, you can expect a credit issued in the form of an Eileen Fisher gift card.
Check out their website for their newest return policy.
Shipping
Free shipping and returns on all US purchases.
5. Nordstrom (Petite Department)
Nordstrom is a department store with many categories. You’ll find a lot more than petite women’s fashion over 50. Here, you’ll find clothing for men, women, shoes, your home, and much more.
Style
​Nordstrom’s petite department features a varied selection of modern, on-trend styles across several well-known brands.
This department caters to women looking for both casual styles and more polished options, ensuring a versatile wardrobe that suits different occasions.
Price Range
​The price range at Nordstrom is moderate to higher-end, offering a wide variety of prices to accommodate different budgets.
From affordable basics to investment pieces, shoppers can find clothing that meets their needs without compromising on quality.
Highlights
Nordstrom’s petite department is diverse with a variety of options to choose from. There’s a lot to see on their website. I suggest curling up with a cup of hot coffee (or tea!) and browsing the site for petite selections.
Availability
Nordstrom’s petite sizes are available both online and in-store across the USA and Canada.
Return Policy
Free returns in store or by mail.
Shipping
Nordrom offers a range of shipping options for online orders.
6. Banana Republic
I’ve always loved the clothes at Banana Republic. They offer a large selection of petite options including dresses, tops, pants, and blazers.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, my style tends to be a little more casual than what you’ll find at Banana Republic.
Style
​Banana Republic is known for its modern, sophisticated styles that cater to the contemporary woman.
Price Range
The price range at Banana Republic is moderate to higher-end.
Highlights
​The petite department at Banana Republic includes a variety of options suitable for different occasions.
Their collection features tailored dresses, blazers, and comfortable clothing that flatter petite figures.
Availability
Banana Republic’s petite sizes are available both online and in-store across the USA and Canada.
Return Policy
​Customers can return items within 45 days of receipt, as long as the items are unused, unwashed, and unaltered.
Shipping
Free standard shipping on orders over $50 for U.S. customers.
7. LL Bean
I would like to wear long velvet pants while making dinner every night. That, of course, is far from practical. Instead, I tend to lean heavily on the affordability and casual line found at LL Bean.
Style
​L.L. Bean is celebrated for its classic, outdoorsy style that emphasizes functionality and durability.
The petite section offers a selection of comfortable and stylish clothing designed for active lifestyles.
With options ranging from casual shirts to practical outerwear, the brand ensures that petite women can find well-fitting pieces suitable for various occasions.
Price Range
​The price range at L.L. Bean is moderate, with many items priced reasonably for the quality offered.
The brand is known for its commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it a reliable choice for customers willing to invest a bit more in durable clothing.
Highlights
​L.L. Bean’s petite collection is thoughtfully designed to fit shorter frames without compromising on style.
The brand incorporates quality fabrics into its pieces, ensuring a polished look that also provides comfort and ease of movement.
Popular items include petite-sized jackets, pants, and comfortable tops, making it easy to create a versatile wardrobe perfect for both outdoor activities and everyday wear.
Availability
L.L. Bean’s petite sizes are available both online and in-store across the USA and Canada.
Return Policy
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within one year of the purchase date! Check the website for conditions.
Shipping
Free shipping for orders over $75. Note: Check their website for more options on their shipping information page.
Summary
Finding petite clothing that look and feel great isn’t an easy feat. If you’re anything like me, you stick with a brand once you’ve found what you like.
I hope you’re able to find something you’ll love in the selection of stores noted in this post. Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error.
It’s worth the effort, though. Trust me!
