Escada

The brand known for ’80s excess is modernizing by playing up its Reagan-era fabulosity while simultaneously paring back and simplifying silhouettes and fabrics. “It’s a tiny bit gauche and a little bit over the top, but in a cool way. Still sexy, but sexy for a still cool older woman.”

Appealing to a customer with memories of Escada’s peak-shouldered pantsuits is wise. The brand’s tailoring still has a strong customer base; now it comes in soft colors like cream and cornflower blue. Soigné day-to-night dresses in Julie Verhoeven–illustrated prints and stamped leather car coats flesh out the serene offering here, smartly clashed with one metallic gold mini suit and a bralette dripping in black pearls.