Stock up on "rich-mom" basics for the office and beyond at Ann Taylor. (Ann Taylor)(Ann Taylor)More
Growing up, personal style was explained with simple, one-word descriptors like preppy, goth, girly or athletic. These days, thanks to social media, more niche terms such as "coastal grandma" or "mob wife" have entered our cultural lexicon. Another that's become sought after recently? The "rich mom" aesthetic.
Dressing like a rich mom involves wearing pieces that are comfortable, well-tailored, largely neutral in color and constructed from quality fabrics. Need some examples? Think of characters in Big Little Lies or Apple TV's more recent Your Friends and Neighbors. Or conjure up actual affluent moms like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow. In cooler climes, rich moms throw on white jeans with a white blouse or swap a denim jacket for a longer trench. In the summertime, anything flowy and linen is a go. There are no overt labels or bold designs. The look is not flashy, and it doesn't follow the latest trends. It's timeless.
The irony is that you can dress rich mom-esque even if you're on a budget. You don't need Hermès sandals or a Bottega Veneta bag to pull it off — just a collection of quality, classic basics you can mix and match season after season. If you want to build your own "rich mom" capsule, we recommend starting with this list of stores. Some are a little pricier than others, but almost all have sales from time to time and solid clearance sections.
Ann Taylor was founded in 1954 in New Haven, CT, to dress the modern, fashionable American woman. Many of us grew up thinking of it as the place to grab a suit or a pencil skirt for the office. In 2025, however, Ann Taylor has undergone a rebrand and women are loving it for more than workwear. Think colorful, floral frocks and blouses and pretty, patterned silk pants ... there's even a "Weekend" section that makes it clear the brand has moved beyond purely professional attire. What has it retained from its original DNA? Clothes that are still well-tailored and tasteful. In other words, fashion that's fit for a "rich mom" or anyone else who wants to look like they just came from a C-suite-level meeting or country-club brunch.
Shop some of our favorite Ann Taylor pieces:
If you like a side of whimsy with your wealth — because not all "rich moms" are into neutrals — go for gentle pops of color and chic prints in quality fabrics, all things Anthropologie does well. While you can still grab basics like linen pants, you'll find plenty of unique items here too. A good place to start is with the brand's bestselling Somerset Dress. It's gone through many iterations — long hem, short hem, satin, denim and more — but the silhouette has remained the same flattering A-line skirt and cinched waist.
Shop some of our favorite Anthropologie pieces:
Banana Republic is a great place to stock up on quality basics, but it's also a little pricey. Instead, try its outlet, Banana Republic Factory. You can shop similar designs at discounted prices online and in stores. And yes, we said similar, because the popular retailer's outlet doesn't just stock last season's leftovers. It's a great spot to pick up a sundress for your next vacation or a work-appropriate coat without breaking the bank.
Shop some of our favorite Banana Republic Factory pieces:
If you've noticed that Gap has stepped up its game, there's a reason for that. Last year, Gap Inc. appointed American fashion designer Zac Posen to executive vice president and creative director. You can find the same great comfort and prices you've come to expect from the longtime retailer, but with a little more flair. Check out its timeless denim, classic maxi dresses, monochromatic cotton sets and more — and prepare for plenty of compliments.
Shop some of our favorite Gap pieces:
When you think of enduring fashion — or modest, preppier pieces — J.Crew might come to mind. The brand says it makes "modern classics with character" constructed from quality fabrics that will last a long time. When the brand collaborated with rich-mom Demi Moore last year, she revealed she still had J.Crew sweaters, boots and more from the '90s in her current wardrobe. How's that for timeless quality? Go all in on its jackets, flow pants, high-neck tanks, linen dresses and more for an effortlessly cool but sophisticated vibe.
Shop some of our favorite J.Crew pieces:
Nordstrom has a little something for everyone, but its own labels like Open Edit, Caslon and Zella offer classic styles and solid basics at reasonable prices. From linen frocks and pants to silk tops and tennis court-ready dresses, you'll find everything you need to build your own "rich-mom" wardrobe. And, whether you shop online or in-store, you can book an alteration at most Nordstrom locations for an even more authentic fit. The consultation is free as are most basic alterations, but pricier fixes will depend on the garment and your Nordy Club status.
Shop some of our favorite Nordstrom pieces:
You can also score stealth-wealth finds at Nordstrom Rack — and usually at even lower prices. Shop high-end brands and designer looks for up to 70% off. If you're a Nordy Club member, you'll get early access to some of its sales and earn points that translate to cash off future purchases. There are so many ways to save, but no one has to know you bought your "rich-mom" outfit at a discount.
Shop some of our favorite Nordstrom Rack pieces:
If you like Ann Taylor for dressier styles, think of its sister brand, Loft, as still polished but more casual. We especially love its petite section — if you're under 5'3" and don't have time or money to get your clothes hemmed, at Loft you won't have to. The brand's Versa line is a small capsule collection of mix-and-match staples, which are great if you only go into an office on occasion and want to look effortlessly pulled together.
Shop some of our favorite Loft pieces:
Prefer your "rich-mom" aura with a side of East Coast preppy? Check out Tuckernuck. While it's not the most affordable option on this list, it does have a great sale section and brand lines like Hyacinth House and Pomander Place that offer styles under $200. Here's where you'll find a standout fit for the country club, a striking school-fundraiser dress or a casually put-together PTA-meeting look.
Shop some of our favorite Tuckernuck pieces:
