The UPDATE You’ve Been Waiting For! More Than Madewell: 17 Similar Brands To Shop For Comfortable, Stylish, Wear-Everyday Pieces

What’s that thing called where the clock strikes midnight, you turn 30, and suddenly you’re like, “uh, where am I supposed to shop now?” If you’re like me, or Em, or literally anyone who has ever worked at EHD the answer has probably been “Madewell” – but what happens if you want to expand your options a bit?

THAT’S WHERE I COME IN, PAL! Today, I’m introducing you to 17 tried-and-true retailers at different price points who capture that same cool, effortless, Madewell aesthetic that we all know and love. Each brand is labeled with their available sizing – I’m recommending some businesses that carry sizes through 4X! – and I’ve also noted the price points (from $ to $$$$, to avoid any “Say Yes to the Dress” syndrome where you fall in love with something that’s not currently in the budget). Let’s begin with an EHD fav…

ABLE

1. Becky Straight Leg Jean | 2. Nera Sneaker | 3. The Merly Jacket | 4. Ella Backpack | 5. Katie Sweater Knit Tank | 6. Harris Oversized Button Down Shirt

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – 3X
Our Review: Ooooh, y’all are gonna love this one: ABLE is a sustainable brand working to create jobs for women…and their leather goods, jewelry, apparel, denim, and shoes are heirloom-quality at an achievable price, to boot. (Amy Poehler had it right: women do get things done!) Check out ABLE for quiet, cool, put-together looks and ethical Madewell lookalikes.

Alex Mill

1. Mariner Striped Rollneck Sweater | 2. Standard Short Sleeve Jumpsuit | 3. Britt Work Jacket | 4. Anna Double Breasted Blazer | 5. Prospect Tee | 6. Taylor Striped Cardigan

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XXL, 24-33, 0-14
Our Review: If you also love scrolling the Alex Mill website, it’s for a good reason: this is some LEGACY good design. The team behind the scenes? Alex Drexler (the OG, who started selling shirts in 2012), Somsack Sikhounmuong (the former Creative Director of Madewell and J. Crew), and, uh, Mickey freakin’ Drexler (founder of Old Navy and Madewell; former CEO of The Gap and J. Crew). If you’re missing the Madewell and J. Crew of yore – you know, the kinds of clothes with clean colors, simple silhouettes, and fresh, delightful details – THIS IS WHERE THEY’RE ALL AT NOW. You’re welcome!

AYR

1. The Deep End | 2. The Beat | 3. The Extra Extra | 4. The Easy Breezy | 5. The Early Mornings Tee | 6. The Good Aura

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 24-34
Our Review: The Deep End button-up inspired this entire post, actually! Last year, I mentioned that AYR’s button-ups were the best out there (this is coming from a gal who name-drops two Madewell pieces in her author bio) and it turns out that a lot of you agree! Visit AYR for quality, true-to-size, coastal Nancy Myers movie-esque pieces that’ll last the test of time (seriously, this is even one of Oprah’s go-to basics brands!). And while you’re at it, be sure to peek at their sale section for huuuuuge markdowns. I love a business that knows how to throw us a deep discount, you know?

COS

1. Gathered Waist Midi Dress | 2. Balloon Sleeveless Top | 3. Pleated Barrel-Leg Wool-Blend Pants | 4. Striped Knitted Mini Polo Dress | 5. Scarf Detail Linen Dress | 6. Boxy Double-Faced Wool Jacket

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-L, 24-32, 2-14
Our Review: Elephant in the room: COS has work to do on the sizing front. But if you fall into the “straight size” basket right now, this is a great source for chic, interesting, on-trend clothing that won’t feel dated this time next year. COS excels at the classic details (those pleats!), but they can also make a basic piece feel a little extra special (the neck on that dress is incredible).

Everlane

1. The Utility Barrel Pant | 2. The Washable Clean Silk Short-Sleeve Square Shirt | 3. The Day Heel | 4. The Half-Zip | 5. The Carpenter Jean | 6. The Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS-XXL, 23-33, 00-16
Our Review: If you’re also a little nosy (I am), you’ll LOVE the material cost breakdowns at the bottom of each product. Everlane’s whole thing is “radical transparency” – they were one of the first movers to embrace the “cutting out the middleman to reduce our prices” messaging that the world’s since come to know and love. Check them out for well-fitting denim, breezy linen, organic cotton tops, and special pieces that can take you from office to night out (hi, cute heels!).

Frank & Eileen

1. Ireland Long-Sleeve Playsuit | 2. Rory Maxi Shirtdress | 3. Wicklow Italian Chino | 4. Olive Original Capelet | 5. Jameson Utility Jogger | 6. Patrick Popover Henley

Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: XXS-XL, 0-12
Our Review: This is one of Em’s favorite brands! (You can watch her video review of the romper above right here.) If you’re the “save up, buy once, buy for life” type, Frank & Eileen ABSOLUTELY needs to be on your radar. They’re a women-owned, women-led business producing ethical, sustainable pieces that’ll stand the test of time. I mean, that dress? Those chinos? Even the cut of the henley is considered and a little special! If you have the budget and you’re ready to buy *THE* basic that you’ll turn to for the rest of your life, this is a great option. Also if you would like a little discount use code: ESCAPE and it will remove $50 from your cart at checkout. One time use only and is good through 9/1/24.

The Great

1. The Pleated Short | 2. The Arbor Dress | 3. The Hemingway Top | 4. The Cargo Dress | 5. The Dock Jean | 6. The College Sweatshirt

Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: 0-3 (read: 0-14, for us normies who only know regular sizing numbers)
Our Review: Had to fit in one more splurge-y recommendation for those of you on the hunt for investment pieces! The Great is an incredible resource for the kind of clothing that people will stop you in the street to ask about (and I know this for a fact, because Em gets a BANANAS number of DMs on Instagram anytime she appears in stories wearing a piece from here, haha). If you’re a Madewell lover who also enjoys the quirk and charm of Anthropologie, spend a few minutes browsing The Great’s website – it’s fun, even to just look, I swear!).

J. Crew

1. Camp-Collar Shirt | 2. Jolie Top | 3. Scalloped-Trim Shift Dress | 4. Pintuck Midi Dress | 5. Elena Puff-Sleeve Dress | 6. Sailor Slim Wide-Leg Chino Pant

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS-3X, 23-37, 00-24
Our Review: HOLD UP. J. CREW IS SO, SO, SO GOOD AGAIN? There were a few years there where it felt like J. Crew kind of fell out of the cultural conversation, but if you haven’t shopped there in a second, pop back in – OLD J. CREW IS BACK. Simple cuts, easy-to-mix-and-match basics, UNBELIEVABLY flattering dresses, MAJOR sales, and all in a beautifully-selected, curated color palette. I did a major wardrobe refresh with a ton of stuff from J. Crew and have been THRILLED with how well everything’s held up so far (and it all looks good together, too!).

Monrow

1. Soft Denim Short Sleeve Shirt | 2. Stripe Poplin Oversized Shirt | 3. Supersoft Zip Up Hoody | 4. Basic Crew Neck Tee | 5. Indigo French Terry Seamed Dress | 6. Supersoft Vintage Sweats

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-XL
Our Review: Monrow is a go-to shop for those cool girls who embody the “I woke up like this/I just threw this on” vibe. Their pieces drape beautifully, come in gorgeous earthy colors, and are cut in such a thoughtful way! Their sizing leaves a bit (or a lot) to be desired, but the oversized fit and flexible construction of their clothing means that their XL still feels comfortable and breezy. And, I mean…how good is that denim top?

Nisolo

1. All-Day Heeled Mule | 2. Catalina Slide Sandal | 3. Go-To Flatform Sandal | 4. Emma d’Orsay Oxford | 5. Stella Go-To Block Heel Sandal | 6. Women’s Huarache Sandal

Price Point: $$
Sizes: 5-11
Our Review: As the owner of not one, not two, not three, but SIX pairs of Nisolos, I say this: these shoes last forever and look better with age. I grabbed my first pair – the d’Orsay oxford – in 2019 after joining the team at EHD, and my collection has only grown since. Their summer sandals and slides are so cute, but their Chelsea boots and winter flats are ESSENTIAL (I survived multiple walking tours in icy, salted-out Quebec in these heeled boots). Their pieces come in a variety of colors and tones, so you can find a nude shade that works for you! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Old Navy

1. Tie-Belt Jean Trench Coat | 2. High-Waisted Vintage Crop Flare Jeans | 3. Split-Neck Button-Down Top | 4. Waist-Defined Crepe Top | 5. High-Waisted Jean Midi Skirt | 6. High-Waisted Utility Pants

Price Point: $
Sizes: XS-4X, 0-30 (plus petite and tall offerings!)
Our Review: OK GIRL, I SEE YOU. If you’re used to the Old Navy of olden times – you know, the place where you’d stop in to buy an American flag shirt on your way to a July 4th celebration – you’re missing out on high-quality, SUPER size-inclusive clothing that looks and feels WAY more expensive than you’d expect. I mean, be real – if this didn’t say “Old Navy” up top, I would have assumed these were from Madewell! Pop on over to the site and enjoy being pleasantly surprised by the new Old Navy.

Pact

1. Canopy Linen Blend Tank Dress | 2. Coastal Double Gauze Wide Leg Pant | 3. Sunset Lightweight Cotton Classic Shirt | 4. Sunset Light Gauze Notch Neck Dress | 5. Canopy Linen Blend Tulip Back Tank | 6. Daily Twill Crop Pant

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-3XL
Our Review: We were introduced to Pact when Emily did a partnership with them last year. We all really loved that they focus on basics, have a better size range than most, AND are super sustainable! Aside from comfort, it’s their main focus – “We don’t just claim sustainability, we certify it. We proudly partner with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard and SimpliZero to ensure our products, and our processes, support both people and planet.” This is a great and affordable brand you should absolutely check out!

Quince

1. Cotton Modal Muscle Tank | 2. 100% Washable Silk Skirt | 3. Organic Cotton Twill Overalls | 4. 100% European Linen Jumpsuit | 5. Washable Silk V-Neck Cami | 6. 100% European Linen Strapless Maxi Dress

Price Point: $
Sizes: XS-XL, 25-33, 0-16
Our Review: Quince will be a new brand to a lot of y’all, and you’re in for a treat! If you’re looking at these prices and thinking “Wait, you can’t sell a responsibly-made, washable silk skirt for $60?” – QUINCE DOES, AND IT ROCKS. (Thousands of nearly-unanimous 5-star reviews can’t be wrong!) The founders of Quince built their careers working at high-end brands but wanted to make the same high-quality essentials at an achievable price point for the average person. Mission accomplished, right?

Reformation

1. Francisca Dress | 2. Lucy High Rise Capri Jeans | 3. Rhett Dress | 4. Louise Knit Top | 5. Renna Top | 6. Marielle Dress

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 0-12, 14-24
Our Review: Before I praise their clothing, I wanna take a second to call them out: Reformation, GIRL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Why are the extended sizes banished to separate listings in a niche, difficult-to-find part of the website? It’s SO FRUSTRATING. I don’t want to “Where’s Waldo” my way around your website, I just want to buy a cute dress that I saw on Instagram! (For ease, here’s the separate link to shop if you’re a 14-24.)

ANYWAY. If you can manage to navigate the website without pulling an Andy Bernard (screaming; punching a hole in a wall), Reformation does make gorgeous, sustainable clothing. They’re most well-known for their dresses – you may recognize them as the go-to wedding guest dresses of millennial women across America – but their everyday basics, like these jeans or this tank top, are well-made and durable. (And to give them their flowers, they do have models with diverse body types! And they do make clothes that fit larger bodies! Except again, it does feel like it’s been banished to the boonies, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.)

I clearly have a love/hate relationship with Reformation, but I do have a platform here, and maybe it’s big enough that they’ll stop making my fellow 12/14 + gals feel like freakin’ lepers when we’re just trying to give them a bunch of money! Anyway. Great clothes that will make you look/feel like a princess, UI that actively works against extended-size shoppers. PLEASE FIX IT, REFORMATION! (I’ll buy so much more, I swear!!!!)

Sezane

1. Eulalia Dress | 2. Sandy Skirt | 3. Will Jacket | 4. Ulysse Shirt | 5. Caprice Dress | 6. Tomboy Shirt

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: 2-14, 23-36, 0-16
Our Review: Here’s another one of Em’s recent go-to brands! (You may recognize the Leana Dress from our Article shoot or from this video review – be sure to follow us on LTK for more real-time fashion reviews!) ANYWAY. Man, Sezane does it so right. That button-up shirt is covered with sweet white embroidered flowers, but their pieces come with tons of different color/print options! If you’re looking for clothes with an effortless, charming, Parisian vibe…look no further. Happy shopping 🙂

Target

1. Square Neck Cami Vest | 2. Nikita Fashion Sneakers with Memory Foam Insole | 3. Mid-Rise 90’s Baggy Jeans | 4. Ruched Maxi A-Line Dress | 5. High-Rise Modern Gauze Wide Leg Pull-On Pant | 6. Rib Bodysuit

Price Point: $
Sizes: XXS-4X, 00-30
Our Review: PSA: The ‘A New Day’ line at Target, in particular, is FILLED with good Madewell dupes. (I’ll let the photos speak for themself.) But let me call out two pieces in particular – that bodysuit has a fuller-coverage bottom, which is a DREAM for those of us who don’t love thong bodysuits; Then I can’t get over that CUTE Cami Vest. Target is only continuing to elevate while keeping the prices so affordable and we LOVE it!

Tradlands

1. River Henley Sweater | 2. Sea + Pattern Limited Edition Drop Necklace | 3. Nell Dress Crinkle Cotton | 4. Jenna Bee Blue Stripes Sisal Bag | 5. Shelter Cotton Cardigan | 6. Birdie Sleeveless Dress

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS-4X
Our Review: A final, super-size-inclusive brand for my slow fashion fans! The cuts here are simple, oversized, and clean and the details are SO thoughtful (think reinforced buttons, fabrics that get better with each wash, and constant product iterations based on real customer feedback). If your style is unfussy, a bit earthy, and timeless…Tradlands might be your new favorite store, I think.

That’s it for me today – are there any brands you’ve tried that you’d like to recommend to the class? We’re all ears… xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Some Cute New Fall Clothes I’m Wearing On My Body…