We love to keep you updated on brands to watch, and based on past readership numbers, you enjoy reading about them! Some of these brands may be repeats of prior mentions, but we wanted to err on the side of too many vs. too few to make sure you have all the info. SO, we have broken it up into three blogs so you don’t get overwhelmed.
These brands, many of which tend to have higher price points, have been included because they make quality clothing that is both stylish and appropriate for women who may not have the figure of a thirty-year-old, but who are active and want to be chic and current (and comfortable!).
The founders of Apiece Apart wanted to create a minimalist, versatile wardrobe that could fit into a carry-on and mix and match seamlessly—“a minimal closet with maximal results.” Sounds good to us! Some of their items we like best include the Merida Pants, Merida Chill Pants, Roca Pleat Top, Neli Maxi Dress, Magna Twisted Tank Dress, Bettina Maxi, and Light as a Feather cashmere scarf. Their collections often spotlight linen basics, fluid maxidresses, tailored blazers, and easy separates. We also love that their site allows you to buy and sell previously worn items.
AYR (it stands for All Year Round and is pronounced “air”) is a contemporary women’s—and increasingly menswear—brand launched industry veterans from J.Crew, Calvin Klein, Madewell, and Bonobos. It has thoughtfully designed basics that are versatile and made to be worn, as the name implied, All Year Round. Their denim staples, like their Secret Sauce and Knockout jeans (they hold you in but are still comfortable) and their Deep End button-downs with a large breast pocket, put them on the map. Their tees, like the Early Mornings Tee, the Half Day and the Practice Tee are also terrific.
Bernadette
If you’re looking for a fun dress to wear to an event, we love Bernadette. Bernadette is a luxury ready-to-wear label founded by mother and daughter Bernadette and Charlotte De Geyter in Antwerp. Their collections are defined by easy-to-wear silk dresses and refreshing prints, designed exclusively in-house. Each floor-sweeping dress has a fun, ageless appeal that you’ll wear for seasons to come. The Real Real has a good selection of Bernadette dresses.
Essentiel Antwerp
Jo discovered this brand years ago in London. This Belgian label is known for its bold prints and vibrant colors. It blends laid-back luxury with fun, and it’s a go-to for pieces that bring personality to your wardrobe – bright colors, sparkles, and fun added details. Now with an outpost in SoHo, the brand is moving stateside, is available for US shipping, and can be found in Bloomingdale’s. Jo loves the colorful dresses, blouses, and sweaters.
Favorite Daughter
We’ve featured the classic Favorite Daughter Trench Coat before, and we love love love the classic simplicity of all their products. This LA-based brand was founded by sisters Erin and Sara Foster in late 2020. Their goal was to create stylish yet comfortable everyday wardrobe staples, such as high-waisted denim, cozy hoodies, and clean tailoring—a go-to label for elevated everyday looks. The Jane Trench, The Favorite Blazer, and The Ex-Boyfriend Shirt are classics that will last forever. Jo’s 26-year-old daughter wears The Favorite Pant (available in 7 great colors) for in-person work, and the quality is great for everyday use.
Guest in Residence is a luxury knitwear brand founded by Gigi Hadid in 2022, specializing in 100% cashmere pieces designed to be timeless “future heirlooms.” FabLister Carolyn B. highly recommends it. The brand offers a range of gender-neutral styles, including sweaters, hoodies, joggers, and accessories, all crafted from high-quality cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia. Their Cozy Crew (available in 9 colors), Airy Polo, and Everyday Cardigan and just a few of their luxurious cashmere offerings.