If you are looking to elevate your style, own well-made clothing, but don’t want to break the bank, today’s post is for you. I am sharing my favorite affordable luxury brands—brands that look great on women over 50 who like modern classic style. You may find these items online, at a department store, or in a boutique. The first thing you will note is the high-quality construction and beautiful fabrics that we enjoy in luxury goods, and because they are classics, they will look great and wear well for years to come.
As many of you know, here are Sharing A Journey, we are about creating a strong classic wardrobe, but keeping it modern with a few accent pieces to keep our wardrobes current and fun.
Some of these brands have been popular for years, while others are making a comeback thanks to social media.
In this list you won’t find designer knockoffs at bargain-basement prices, nor will you find the very latest trends, instead, you will find luxury items at a lower price that rival the very high-end brands, just without the price tag. For example, it would be great to have a Balmain blazer, but a Veronica Beard blazer is very well made with many of the same features at a quarter of the price point. For some, that price may still be too high, but for others, a Veronica Beard blazer is a perfect alternative, and an item to be worn and enjoyed long after the trend has passed.
Some favorites include household names like Tory Burch, Coach, and a portion of the Louis Vuitton brand. I love mixing an affordable designer label with vintage styles to keep my look from being “last year” if you know what I mean. I think that today’s modern classic look is a blend of brand-name pieces mixed with older and vintage pieces to create a unique, modern stylish look.
Whether you like the street style and cutting edge design or like to go with more traditional clothing brands. In addition, many luxury fashion brands have lines that feature similar styles and quality at a lower price point.
What is modern classic style?
Knowing your personal style is important, especially when investing in your wardrobe. Classic style is a favorite of mine, but I like to elevate it with modern touches or add a statement piece to an otherwise neutral or traditionally classic outfit. For example, I will style a button-down with jeans and an interesting or modern belt, shoes, and bag. I will style an unexpected top under a blazer, or choose an interesting boot or shoe with a classic wrap dress. I look for cashmere, silk, fine wools, and high-quality cotton the fabrics of true luxury–which we have seen less of in the fashion industry in recent years, especially at an affordable price. I have found I have to look pretty hard to get nice things at a lower price point. As you consider designers, think Ralph Lauren, marc jacobs, and kate spade new york–all of whom have clothing at a wide range of pricing.
What is affordable luxury?
Affordable luxury is beautiful fabrics such as linen, cashmere, silk, and fine cotton, excellent craftsmanship, and finishes such as high-quality buttons, beautiful tailoring, and a beautiful fit (which you can have tweaked a bit by a tailor to get the perfect fit.)
How I chose these brands to feature:
Many of the brands featured here are brands I routinely shop such as Reiss and Veronica Beard. A couple of them are my friend’s favorites such as Trina Turk-a favorite of blogger Ask Suzanne Bell, and Tori Burch who is a favorite of several friends here in Tampa–we see the Tori Burch flip-flops all over the place here.
*Photo from the Veronica Beard Website
Veronica Beard
Their story: Two sisters-in-law with the first name Veronica came together to create a vibrant modern classic clothing line. Like many brands, they are interested in giving back to the community with their make it happen hashtag.
Style note: Great blazers with zip-in dickeys–an innovation that creates greater versatility. Change your dickey, change the whole look of the outfit. The look is blended with soft boho silk dresses and skirts. I love this modern romantic take.
Best Pieces from the brand: The blazers and the jeans. I LOVE the Beverly Jean I have two pair, and I have two blazers this one is a huge favorite–and a must for a modern classic wardrobe.
Splurge pieces from the brand: Leather blazers–they come out with a beautiful leather blazer every year.
Trina Turk
Their story: Trina Turk is a designer from California who loves modern, forgiving silhouettes that are perfect for women who love a bold, yet relaxed vibe.
Style notes: Bold prints and bold designs,
Best Pieces from the brand: Swimwear and coverups are hugely popular.
Splurge pieces from the brand: If you love bold colors and patterns or are looking for an accent piece that makes a statement, this is your brand. This dress is super cute and would be great from spring through fall–just add a jacket and some boots. This dress would be fun for a party.
Ted Baker London:
Their story: Elegant British luxury label
Style notes: If you are looking for a tasteful special occasion look, Ted Baker is a perfect choice. I love the feninine silouettes and beautyifl florals this brand offers.
Best Pieces from the brand: Dresses
This dress is great for parties and special events, while this one is great for work and this one for every day.
Riess:
Their story: Modern, elegant clothing and timeless design
Style notes: Modern, sleek, and tailored.
Best Pieces from the brand: I love so many pieces from this brand—their sweaters are amazing, the dress trousers fit like a dream and are super comfortable and each season they come out with great casual pieces like the jumpsuit above. I have these trousers, and love them–and these are great too.
What are your favorite go to brands? Let me know in the comments below.
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