Best Women's Clothing '96

Best Women's Clothing

Dillard's
Three locations

READERS' PICK: When you don't know what you're looking for but you know you only want to look for it under one roof, Dillard's is the light at the end of the shopping mall. They carry a variety of good clothes with and without designer labels, in lots of sizes and often on sale. Those off-season racks are a ganga, and the shoe sales legendary. Well, legendary among those who pass on helpful shopping hints from generation to generation, anyway. No matter how many independently owned stores you patronize, there comes a time when you're in a pinch and you need to call out the big guns. No more driving. No more overzealous sales clerk peeking over the dressing room door. Just sweet anonymity and endless racks of seasonal clothing. That's when the buying power of Dillard's really comes through.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Rochelle K, 5350 E. Broadway.

STAFF PICK: Mastering the art of casual elegance is a challenge to every woman who lives in the Old Pueblo. Passion Play, in the Broadway Village Center at 14 S. Eastbourne Ave., can make it nearly effortless with a stylish selection of clothes designed for women who want to look polished without a lot of fuss. Featuring beautiful fabrics and easy tailoring, active women can find something to suit every occasion from work to play at a price that won't break the budget. The atmosphere is relaxed and the friendly staff will help you accessorize that new outfit, answer questions, or allow you to browse unmolested.

1998 Winner: Buffalo Exchange
1997 Winner: Dillard's
1995 Winner: Dillard's