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The 2025 UPDATE You’ve Been Waiting For! 19 Brands Like Madewell – 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! And what’s even better is that this list has been completely updated for 2025! Today, I’m introducing you to 19 tried-and-true retailers at different price points who capture that same cool, effortless, like 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 $$$$, to avoid any “Say Yes to the Dress” syndrome where you fall in love with something that’s not currently in the budget). Let’s begin with an EHD fav…
Abercrombie
1. Sunday Slash Top | 2. Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean | 3. Asymmetrical Button Sweater Tank | 4. Relaxed Mockneck Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket | 5. Essential Polished Body-Skimming Tee | 6. Long-Sleeve Half-Zip Fleece Jumpsuit
Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – XXL (+ “Curve Love” Jeans Line)
Our Review: In case you haven’t noticed, the EHD team has been VERY impressed with Abercrombie’s comeback. I sing their praises weekly! We all can remember the dark, heavily perfumed stores, filled with shirtless men. In 2025 things are different! Sure, the lighting is still moody, but the perfume scent level is very normal, and everyone is fully clothed. But that’s not even the best part! The clothes are CUTE and chic and reasonably priced. It’s giving affordable Reformation and in case you missed this jean post or dress post we did, take a peek:)
ABLE
1. Becky Straight Leg Jean | 2. Skylar Swing Top | 3. The Merly Jacket | 4. Elsa Basketweave Backpack | 5. Gloria Graphic Tee | 6. Harris Oversized Button Down Shirt
Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – 3X
Our Review: Ooooh, y’all are gonna love this one: ABLE is a sustainable brand working to create jobs for women…and their leather goods, jewelry, apparel, denim, and shoes are heirloom-quality at an achievable price, to boot. (Amy Poehler had it right: women do get things done!) Check out ABLE for quiet, cool, put-together looks and ethical Madewell lookalikes.
Alex Mill
1. Elle Striped Sweater | 2. Standard Zip Jumpsuit | 3. Jane Mid Rise Straight Jean | 4. Chiltern Street Jacket | 5. Garcon Tee | 6. Taylor Striped Cardigan
Price Point: $$$
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 Half Day | 2. The Secret Sauce | 3. The Bloom | 4. The Shimmy | 5. The Deep End | 6. The Voila
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 24-34
Our Review: The Deep End button-up inspired this entire post, actually! Last year, I mentioned that AYR’s button-ups were the best out there (this is coming from a gal who name-dropped two Madewell pieces in her author bio) and it turns out that a lot of you agree! Visit AYR for quality, true-to-size, coastal Nancy Myers movie-esque pieces that’ll last the test of time (seriously, this is even one of Oprah’s go-to basics brands!). And while you’re at it, be sure to peek at their sale section for huuuuuge markdowns. I love a business that knows how to throw us a deep discount, you know?
COS
1. Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress | 2. Fluid Wrap Front | 3. Twisted Detail Linen Top | 4. Side-Belt Midi Shirt Dress | 5. Sculpted Bangle | 6. Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt
Price Point: $$
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).
Emerson Fry
1. Mandarin Collar Top | 2. Platform Slide | 3. Frances 4 V Dress | 4. Frances 3 Dress | 5. Super Wide Leg | 6. Basalie Top
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XL
Our Review: Emily was the one to introduce us to Emerson Fry, and wow, is it awesome. The light fabrics, the pretty draping, and lots of really good patterns and textures. Their pieces feel classic and unique at the same time, which is such a dream. What isn’t a dream is their lack of inclusive sizing. We REALLY hope that changes soon. We do, however, love how dedicated they are to being sustainable and eco-friendly. One of their main goals is to be a zero waste company, making things to order/producing limited runs. They are also very transparent about the fabrics they use and why. Oh, and their products on made in the USA. So, not perfect, but if you are in the straight size range and have a slightly bigger budget, this is a wonderful option for you!
Everlane
1. The Way-High® Jean 2.0 | 2. The Boxy Oxford | 3. The Day Glove | 4. The Ribbed Cardigan | 5. The Seamed Dress | 6. The Way-High® Sailor Jean
Price Point: $$
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 flats!). Oh, and this is also where Jess gets all of her jeans. She’s obsessed:)
Favorite Daughter
1. The Thinking About It Shirt | 2. The Whitney Top | 3. The Alexis Blazer | 4. The Cropped Charles Trench | 5. Making Me Blush Top | 6. The Lila Skirt
Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: XXS – XL
Our Review: Simple and chic are the defining words of Favorite Daughter. Owned by the Foster sisters, Erin and Sara (and creators of Nobody Wants This on Netflix), they really nail the cool woman aesthetic. The pieces are more high-end end but Jess got a few of their pieces on sale on LOVES them. As many other brands, they NEED to expand their sizing. But their pieces are super beautiful if you want to take a peek. I mean, look at that awesome blazer with the exaggerated slit up the back. So pretty!
Frank & Eileen
1. Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt | 2. Rory Maxi Shirtdress | 3. Wicklow Italian Chino | 4. Pointelle Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater | 5. Jameson Utility Jogger | 6. Gabi Popover Shirt
Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: XXS-XL, 0-12
Our Review: This is one of Em’s favorite brands! If you’re the “save up, buy once, buy for life” type, Frank & Eileen ABSOLUTELY needs to be on your radar. They’re a women-owned, women-led business producing ethical, sustainable pieces that’ll stand the test of time. I mean, that dress? Those chinos? Even the cut of the sweater is considered and a little special! If you have the budget and you’re ready to buy *THE* basic that you’ll turn to for the rest of your life, this is a great option.
The Great
1. The Manor Top | 2. The Reverie Dress | 3. The Big Bandana | 4. The Wide Leg Cropped Sweatpant | 5. The Crochet Cardigan | 6. The Super Bloom Eyelet Skirt
Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: 0-3 (read: 0-14, for us normies who only know regular sizing numbers)
Our Review: Had to fit in one more splurge-y recommendation for those of you on the hunt for investment pieces! The Great is an incredible resource for the kind of clothing that people will stop you in the street to ask about (and I know this for a fact, because Em gets a BANANAS number of DMs on Instagram anytime she appears in stories wearing a piece from here, haha). If you’re a Madewell lover who also enjoys the quirk and charm of Anthropologie, spend a few minutes browsing The Great’s website – it’s fun, even to just look, I swear!).
J. Crew
1. Étienne Oversized Shirt | 2. Gwyneth Flounce Hem Slip Skirt | 3. Lace-Trim Pintuck Top | 4. High-Rise Flare Jean | 5. Berkeley Bucket Bag | 6. Montauk Pullover Sweater
Price Point: $$
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. Brushed Thermal Drawcord Waist Sweatshirt | 2. Mini Corduroy Bomber Jacket | 3. Teddy Fleece Relaxed Sweat | 4. Textured Tri-Blend Basic Crew Neck Tee | 5. Wool Cashmere Half Zip Sweater | 6. Cashmere Polo Sweater
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL
Our Review: Monrow is a go-to shop for those cool girls who embody the “I woke up like this/I just threw this on” vibe. Their pieces drape beautifully, come in gorgeous earthy colors, and are cut in such a thoughtful way! Their sizing leaves a bit (or a lot) to be desired, but the oversized fit and flexible construction of their clothing means that their XL still feels comfortable and breezy.
Nisolo
1. All-Day Heeled Mule | 2. Mira Fisherman Sandal | 3. Go-To Flatform Sandal | 4. Emma d’Orsay Oxford 2.0 | 5. Carmen Chelsea Boot 2.0 | 6. Carina Cross Strap Mule
Price Point: $$
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. High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans | 2. SoComfy Oversized Raglan Sweatshirt | 3. Canvas Barn Jacket | 4. Button-Down Ruffle Shirt | 5. Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans | 6. Oversized Rugby Polo
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. Coastal Double Gauze Poet Sleeve Dress | 2. On The Go-To Legging Set | 3. Featherweight Slub Muscle Tee | 4. Luxe Stretch Jersey Slim Turtleneck | 5. Fit & Flare Midi Dress | 6. Coastal Double Gauze Rolled Cuff Pant
Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-3XL
Our Review: We were introduced to Pact when Emily did a partnership with them. We all really loved that they focus on basics, have a better size range than most, AND are super sustainable! Aside from comfort, it’s their main focus – “We don’t just claim sustainability, we certify it. We proudly partner with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard and SimpliZero to ensure our products, and our processes, support both people and planet.” This is a great and affordable brand you should absolutely check out!
Quince
1. Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Link-Stitch Dolman Sweater | 2. 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress | 3. Bella Stretch Kick Flare Jeans | 4. Italian Leather Handwoven Square Toe Ballet Flat | 5. Luna Stretch Flare Jeans | 6. 100% Washable Silk Skirt
Price Point: $
Sizes: XS-XL, 25-33, 0-16
Our Review: Quince may be a new brand to a lot of y’all, and is so you’re in for a treat! If you’re looking at these prices and thinking “Wait, you can’t sell a responsibly-made, washable silk skirt for $70?” – QUINCE DOES, AND IT ROCKS. (Thousands of nearly-unanimous 5-star reviews can’t be wrong!) The founders of Quince built their careers working at high-end brands but wanted to make the same high-quality essentials at an achievable price point for the average person. Mission accomplished, right?
Reformation
1. Carolina Silk Skirt | 2. Elowen Denim Mini Dress | 3. Walker Knit Top | 4. Collie Oversized Cotton Crew | 5. Milo Knit Dress | 6. Elani Top
Price Point: $$$
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 capri jeans or this sweater, 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. Clyde Trench Coat | 2. Sandy Skirt | 3. Will Jacket | 4. Thalyna Blouse | 5. Capri Jeans | 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! 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. Long Sleeve Eyelet Tie-Front Poplin Blouse | 2. Sia Knit Woven Mary Jane Flats | 3. High-Rise Sailor Wide Leg Ankle Jeans | 4. Button-Down Cardigan | 5. High-Rise Drawstring Denim Beach Shorts | 6. Scoop Vest
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.) Very cute clothes at affordable prices.
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…
Two recommendations:
Designed, made and sold from Oakland, California, Lesley Evers’ clothes are colorful, comfortable, and fun. She models the clothing herself and has customer photos on her website so that you can see everything on real bodies. Her silk scarves are lovely too. My closet is definitely more colorful since my friend in Berkeley tipped me off to the brand!
For edgier and more expensive, organic cotton hoodies and other clothing that have unique and flattering cuts, check out Prairie Underground from Seattle. Their long, shapely Prairie hoodie is the most famous and comes in a ton of colors. I love their Knack pant for a super-flattering cropped style; I have it in a few different fabrics.
Both companies are woman-owned and manufacture the clothing locally.
I JUST ordered my first Lesley Evers dress yesterday! The patterns and designs are so fun, I can’t wait for my dress to arrive.
Thank you for highlighting more sustainable fashion brands. I cut out fast fashion five years ago and appreciate when slow fashion brands are featured. (I still love J. Crew but just occasionally buy their things secondhand.) :) For anyone else looking to shop more ethically, I’d recommend the “Good On You” app, which rates clothing brands according to their environmental, labor, and animal welfare practices. I’m not affiliated in any way; it’s just been a helpful tool when I don’t have the time to do deep dives into a company’s business practices. Obviously sewing clothes myself and buying secondhand are also great, but sometimes a gal just wants a pretty new dress! :)
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I tried to resist, but just ordered a basket of items from Quince, lol. Appreciate the different price points and the acknowledgment of when sizes are/not inclusive. Fingers crossed that this kicks of summer of feeling comfy and chic!
Me too-love that red dress especially and hope the pieces are as cute and comfy as pictured!
Honestly I’ve been disappointed with what I’ve ordered from Quince. Joggers felt really cheap and a tee was nothing special, Target-quality. I’m so confused by all the high ratings on the site… maybe they censor? Returns were free and easy though and their customer service was good.
Good to know! Customer service is always my biggest question knowing there’s a good chance I’ll need to return something.
Same, I bought an ivory cashmere sweater first, so thin you could see right through it. Their ads, though, just kept on coming. Two years later, I bought a two piece linen pj set. Way too nice for just sleeping, I took it with me to Europe and wore the top during the day, both pieces for sleeping, so I’ll stay on their mailing list, just count me out for sweaters.
That was my experience too. Tried their cashmere a couple of times, which is where they made their name, and always sent everything back.
Quince has been hit or miss for me, but I LOVE their cotton fisherman sweater and cotton cropped cardigan. Both 100% cotton, true-to-size, and I bought off Poshmark for peanuts. I wear them alllll the time.
I have several pieces from Quince that I love, but personally would not go for any jersey knit items. I’ve tried on t-shirts from them, and my sweatpants from them are very comfy, but got a hole within a few months. HOWEVER, all my linen, silk, and cashmere pieces are gorgeous, chic, and have held up impeccably. I’ve also had great success with their homewares (also linen and velvet). TLDR: yes to all Quince but maybe not tees and sweats
I love Tradlands! I have several cotton sweaters from there that I wear constantly, and they have held their shape perfectly/ never start to look worn. Their clothes are super well-made. (I love Madewell, but my Madewell sweaters / clothes do not hold up even half as well).
I second Tradlands! I bought one of the long short sleeve dresses in black gingham fabric. I loved it so much I immediately went back and ordered three more dresses. The material is so high quality and comfy. Washes well and is just easy to wear. Check them out! Also, Elizabeth Suzann. She is just the best at making slow clothing for all size ladies.
Thank you for sharing all these options for classic clothing, it’s clear a lot of research went into this! I’ve never worn Madewell (in part because we didn’t have one in our area till recently) so the way everything is framed in comparison to that one brand strikes me as odd. But as a 47 year old, I have shared the conundrum of where to find clothes that feel right so I’m glad to have some new ideas.
Thanks for this roundup. There are several companies I’ve not heard of. One more population that’s hard to find a good selection of options is petites. I need a petite top and dress and that really limits my options.
Old Navy online often has tons of petite options.
Was coming here to say the same thing — petites are hard to find, especially in small brands! J crew has a lot of petites as does Gap and Old Navy. But I wish more small brands could make petite dresses especially.
Boden! Lots of their dresses come in petites.
I was surprised Boden wasn’t on here. Their price point with sales is great and their stuff is cute. I love that dresses.
Also some brands look like they have smaller sizes only to find out they aren’t really meant for real petite people. Thank goodness for alterations even though it’s an added expense!
White House Black Market has petites, and I’ve found their clothes are also really flattering as your body starts to change in your 30s/40s.
I’m also petite and have been using ShortStory, a subscription service for petite women for a few months. I’ve bought one or two things from each box. You might want to look into it.
Oh my gosh, how I have needed this article! Being a new-ish Mom my closet needs some help. Everything that fits now is either years old or worn out from surviving newborn life. Thank you so much for doing the research for me!
Same, girl, same. The struggle is real.
This is an awesome list (and very dangerous for my wallet). I’ve been upgrading my wardrobe the past few years with fewer but better quality pieces and my go-to shops are Alex Mill, AYR, and Everlane, all of which I can highly endorse.
Question: Where did this whole “wear-a-blouse-with-one-flap-out” trend come from? It’s all over Instagram (and in these retail images) but I never see actual women walking around with one flap of their shirt tucked in and the other out. Why? Because it just looks dumb. #mytwocents
LOL. I think it just “evolved” from the French tuck. Slouchy, roomy clothes seem to be in as I am watching 20 something influencers look increasingly like my 80s high school classmates. Embracing pleats, trousers and boxy tops. But in the 80s we tucked everything in so you could make out a waist/mid point. In the spirit of old but new, the goal of the one flap tuck is to define a waist if only for a moment and from a fixed camera point of view. I’m with you tho, so many ‘lewks’ don’t hold up as soon as people are walking around and doing non-pose movements. I do, however, appreciate the front tucked, back open as it is forgiving on middle age spread and wide hips. I’m sure I will be doing it long after it is considered cool. Maybe already missed that memo…
One more question: I’m seeing a lot of slip skirts for spring/summer. Isn’t that slip material kind of hot for summer? And if you’re sweating on a hot day in slip skirt, doesn’t that tend to show easily on the fabric? Just wondering how practical these slip skirts are for this season?
Depends on the weather where you live, I suppose? I could and would NEVER in Houston, TX. It’d be swamp-ass city LOL.
I’m in Houston too, and same. I go for loose cotton dresses that touch my skin as little as possible and allow for airflow. But I could do a silk skirt at work where I’m in the ac all day.
A slip dress made of silk, linen, cotton poplin? Great for a long hot summer. Polyester? The pits.
Yes, also the popular satin material SNAGS on outdoor seating, public transportation and will soak up any moisture it comes in contact with – whether you created it or found it after sitting. But the texture does look pretty and for an evening of al fresco dining or graduation or wedding event is gorgeous. It’s popular because it is both dressy and casual, which is an artful line. I opt for chambray/cotton variations of the slip dress. Linen is also easier to wear. They wrinkle, but if I can choose my suffering I choose that. I don’t share the opinion that dresses are best in hot, humid sweat making weather. But it feels like a minority opinion except when I look at what people actually wear.
I usually skip fashion posts here, but I clicked this one on a whim. I’m so happy to see the care you took with discussing size inclusivity. Thank you!
This was the exact post I needed to see today, after browsing through Madewell’s site yesterday and feeling uninspired by the options. Thanks Caitlin!
The first thing I look at when I go to a new clothing website is their return policy since I never know what will fit. Able charges $5 just to return an order at a Happy Returns Bar (something I’ve done many times before for free). I get that returns are expensive for brands, but for a clothing company without a storefront, that’s like charging someone $5 to bring their clothes into a dressing room. It would make more sense to me to just build the cost of returns into their prices.
I recommend Boden, which I can only shop online but the thing I appreciate most is they have garment measurements for every single item. Why can’t every company do this?!? This is one of the only “fast fashion” brands I like, and their swimwear is great. I was in court every day for many years and they were my go to for suiting when my twins were little because their blazers could go in the washing machine and come out looking perfect. Many items in sizes up to 20/22 so somewhat size inclusive, and many items offered in petite and regular and tall. Very nice quality and meant to last and they offer frequent discounts, too.
Most of the rest of my wardrobe is slow fashion, acquired slowly over many years as the pieces tend to be expensive. I now trade slow fashion brands through an app called lucky sweater and search for special pieces secondhand – there is a pretty robust buy-sell-trade community for just about every brand out there on social media. Several of the brands included in this post are readily available on poshmark, the real real, and BST groups.
I second Boden! Their pieces wash and wear really well, great for work and so far I’ve been impressed with the quality.
The only thing I don’t like about Boden was the return process. It took them 2 seconds to take my money and it took them over a month (!!) to reimburse me after they’d received something I’d returned. That was ridiculous and it’s stopped me from buying anything from Boden again.
Boden is available on Nordstrom and their returns are always easy. They probably don’t carry the full line though.
I love Boden too! Most things come in tall and petite too which of great if you are short like me!
Also throwing in for Boden! Love them and their stuff lasts!
Thank you so much for this article. I don’t enjoy clothes shoping, keep a fairly small wardrobe, and fall squarely into the “where do I shop now? Ok guess Madewell is it” category for every day clothes. As a petite no one beats their options, especially in denim. But I am SO jazzed to expand my options without having had to research this whole list myself. I also really appreciate the focus on expanded sizing and sustainability. The blog really seems to shine lately and have a new energy and just want to say how much I appreciate it (always do but especially the last few weeks)!
Re: old navy
You took the thoughts out of my brain as I was reading. Lol.
Thank you, this is great! I would like to also recommend the Portland, OR based Bridge & Burn.
Thank you so much for this post! Madewell has been my go to for years and recently I’ve been looking for other brands to try. This is so helpful!
These are great! One recommendation, it will forever be my favorite clothing maker, Elizabeth Suzann. She had to rebrand to Elizabeth Suzann Studio during the pandemic but man, she knows how to make comfortable, real life, gorgeous clothing. Her clothes were even amazing on my postpartum body.
I didn’t realize they reopened! Thank you for sharing, Mandy!
Elizabeth Suzann’s harper tunic is perhaps the best item of clothes in the world. dress up, dress down, so chic.
Also – new brands to search Poshmark for! :)
And ThredUp!
I didn’t even know I needed this round-up, lots of brands I have never even heard of! Anyone ever purchased from ? Her designs are so good and I have wanted to buy for awhile now…..
Notorious for inconsistent sizing! Many people recommend trying to buy this brand secondhand so you can get the actual garment measurements and not rely on the size charts!
i second the idea to buy Rudy Jude secondhand! I own two pairs of her pants – one pair of jeans and one utility jeans in an ink color – they’re both size “3” but one pair is slightly larger. I kind of like the two sizes because one pair is just a big snugger, while the other is looser and comfier. Just slightly different silhouettes.
I would try Noihsaf Bazaar – THE BEST place for secondhand in my opinion. Tons of Rudy Jude… Ace and Jig… Lots of “indie” brands.
I was so excited to see a new to me place to shop in Quince! It looks amazing but they don’t ship to Canada ?
Target too! I was so disappointed when they pulled out of Canada and then stopped shipping to us too. Please come back Target!
I feel like Madewell’s quality has shifted in recent years – some pieces are poorly constructed, and thus overpriced. Jeans are still solid, though.
Worth noting that Everlane has been accused of union busting in recent years – I’d love to hear from any workers there to hear how things are progressing. I appreciate the transparency around manufacturing, but US-based workers deserve that too!
I saw a young woman in the grocery store recently wearing the Target kelly green eyelet dress w a light blue denim jacket (sleeves rolled up) and some cute sandals. She looked pulled together and adorable! I have some pieces from COS that I always get compliments on and some pieces from Everlane that have held up very well for several years. I also buy some pieces at Zara from time to time but their website can be difficult to navigate, for me anyway, and it deters me as I don’t have a store nearby. I agree w Old Navy comments they have come a long way and I actually love their athletic wear and find it quite comparable to some higher priced brands. I also shop Nordstrom for Top Shop and also for their proprietary brands in these price ranges being discussed here. And for shoe selection, Nordstrom online is the industry gold standard IMHO.
I would also add Tuckernuck to this list as well and for some fun moderately priced hand drawn scarves look at Swells ( I currently live in the south (GA) and we are not shy when it comes to color!
Wanted to add J. Jill to the mix. Very good range of sizes, affordable, great basics.
I always buy j Jill when I see it in the resale stores. Very often linen or linen blends and hold up well.
Half of my wardrobe is J.Jill. Pima cotton tees for the win. They don’t die.
This article is spot on! Two other brands I like that have that Madewell-vibe are Faherty and Marine Layer. Really liked the atmosphere of the Marine Layer store in Bridgeport – relaxed, 70’s, beachy? And they have mens items too.
Love both of those brands! FYI for folks in the comments- Faherty is pricey but has a ‘second chance’ section on their website where you can buy secondhand clothes. I’ve had a lot of luck with Marine Layer on Poshmark as well. I’ve even converted my husband to ML because they offer in-between sizes (like medium, marge, large sizing).
I like these posts and when others comment by making suggestions. I use to purchase from Boden, but have not for many years. I will check it out again. An update of this blog post will be appreciated.
Thank you because I was just in Madewell yesterday and left empty handed. Either I’ve suddenly aged 10 years in the past year or their clothing has done the reverse. So many bra like tops and things that look like what I’d consider beach wear.
It feels like everything is a bra top or crop top or weirdly body con. I’ve been shopping Madewell forever and really not a fan right now.
Cuyana is a great store for basic clothing with a twist as well as great leather bags/wallets/accessories. I have had a few of their purses and clothes for several years and everything has held up wonderfully – which for me justifies the prices they charge.
For these kinds of posts, it would be fantastic if, alongside the upfront info on pricing and sizing, you told us whether international shipping is available. For those of us outside the US, that’s often the biggest “say yes to the dress” hazard.
Also Uniqlo – yes they are fast fashion but the quality is unbelievable – I’ve had things for 8 years plus that I wash and wear regularly – they are great for basics and their collaborations are outstanding – I’ve got a Uniqlo x Anna Sui summer dress I think I’ve worn once a week for the last 3 summers.
I’d also add that the COS sizes are a bit all over the place – so while they should absolutely do something about it and be more size inclusive it’s worth checking out because you might find that a size that would not normally fit does as they can run big. And their accessories are amazing! Just be aware they are owned by H&M if that’s an issue for you.
Agreed on Uniqlo. By far the best quality for the price of any of these shops. And they also make the most durable, highest quality, best fitting basic tee shirts.
I recommend Mango and Zara. Their clothes are very well made for the price point.
Thank you. I got where I shopped mainly one brand because of sizing (plus petite), quality, and styling. It saved so much time but I have been uninspired lately. Partly because I have most of their basics in my closet. This has been fun looking through all these recommendations.
I like Carly Jean Los Angeles for their capsule wardrobe style and great sales, made in the USA! Not the best return policy though, only store credit.
I would also add Garnet Hill to the list. They offer some petite-sized items. All of the pieces I have are great quality and timeless in style. I especially love their t-shirts (from sleeveless to long-sleeved). As a petite person I usually buy pants from most of the places already listed (but wish more companies offered petite length pants!), and then buy tops from Alex Mill or Garnet Hill. Whenever possible I leave my petite-pants-wishes in my comments to the companies in hopes they will consider expanding their sizing to include bus shorter people.
I just ordered from Quince for the first time – a long, cream cardi. I wore it all weekend. Really nice quality. I’m going back for more from them.
I wanted to comment just to thank you for putting the prices right below the picture. That way I can click on what’s within budget. It’s annoying when there are no prices and you have to visit the site to figure it out.
Emerson Fry, Rachel Pally and Clare V are favorites. The price point is a little more, but they are women-owned businesses and the quality is great. I second Cuyana for their clothing and bags!
thanks for the extensive review! Love Madewell and loved checking out the alternatives!
I also like Tanya Taylor:
Quince now offers *some* items/colorways in extended sizes (1X-3X). Like Reformation, these are frustratingly in a separate section of the site. Reviews are few but good! Thought this was worth including as quality affordable basics are so hard to find in this size range.
oh that’s so good to know!!!
Great post really! As someone who adores both practically and reformation clothes I didn’t know why I was so annoyed at suggesting they do their set up of sizing differently. So I chat GPT with the word practical to give another perspective. Summary of Practicality in Size-Specific Sections When it comes to shopping for clothes, having a separate section for extended sizes is not only practical but also necessary for efficiency. This approach helps shoppers find what they need quickly and without frustration, especially since not all styles are available in every size. Understanding and accepting the practicality of this arrangement ensures a smoother and more enjoyable shopping experience for everyone. Apologies if this arrangement causes any discomfort, but it’s driven by practical reality: just as size is a non-negotiable factor for you, it applies universally. Here’s why separate sections are practical and beneficial: Examples of Size-Specific Sections 1. Travel-Size Toiletries • Highlight: When you need travel-size toiletries, you go directly to that section because size is the non-negotiable factor. This saves time and ensures you get exactly what you need without sifting through standard-size products. 2. Footwear (Wide and Narrow Shoe Sections) • Highlight: Stores have specific sections for… Read more »
that’s an interesting take! i’d counter that this is a website, which isn’t mentioned in any of the examples cited, and as a person between 12-14, it makes this the least practical and least efficient manner of shopping.
if you’re also between sizes or on the plus size side, do you prefer having separate sections? i’m still struggling to see any benefits, beyond that reformation gets to tote their standard-sized photos while hiding their plus-sized models. it looks (and feels) icky to me, so interesting to hear you feel so passionately in the other direction!
I would say that the sequestered “extended sizing” section is extra infuriating because the average American woman falls into that category (Google tells me between size 16-18)! Why are we shaming the majority of women for being outside “the norm”? Wouldn’t practicality dictate that we put the smallest sizes in their own separate space, so most people wouldn’t have to look through them? Reformation and other brands are signaling who their ideal customers are through these choices, and it does leave me feeling icky about buying from a brand that prioritizes thinness.
I would prefer all sizes together and to use use the filter function to narrow down the size…
OMG! I was SO EXCITED when I saw those Monrow sweatpants that I didn’t look at the sizing before I immediately clicked on them and then was SO SO disappointed in their sizing! I thought I had FINALLY found the Holy Grail for what I have been searching for for years now…the perfect SLIM fit vintage looking sweatpants in my size (18/XXL). I am looking for a lightweight and slim fit with a vintage look (ESP with that vintage looking wider drawstring waist and NOT an elastic one!). I’ve found some that came close, but nope. IF ANYONE ON HERE KNOWS OF A BRAND THAT LOOKS ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE THESE BUT WHO CARRIES BIGGER SIZES PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT WHERE TO FIND THEM ON THIS FOR ME! I will give you the biggest virtual HUG ever! :-))). I am also only 5’5″ and have shorter legs/long torso, so this is a hard road hunt for moi! Most are just too bulky, etc! Okay so, I checked out Tradlands as I had never heard about them but…er…does anyone else hate every item on there? Everything just looks SO ill fitting to the body and not stylish at all?!! Am I missing something?… Read more »
I discovered Alex Mill a few years ago (from your recommendation!) and immediately felt my love of style return after years of floundering. Thank you for this list of beautiful sophisticated grown-up clothes for real people! My only hesitation is that many of these lines are more aspirational ($$$) than my budget, but I have found that it is fun and easy to find all these second-hand on websites like ThredUp, where I can spend less AND feel great making a more sustainable purchase. Win win win.
I second not sleeping on Old Navy. Their luxe line of tees are soft and drape beautifully, especially for those of us who are slightly larger, and they last forEVER. They have tall sizes available on their website if you like your shirts a little longer. Their Summer Linen items should also be mentioned, I have several of them, they have lasted for years, and if you buy at the end of season sale, they are super reasonable.
Agree. I Buy their linen shorts every year. The waistband is sewn down so no twisting and they don’t put that sloppy cuff in the hem. I’m also a fan of their cotton peasant shirts. Will check out the Luxe line. Thank you.
Amen on Reformation’s Where’s Waldo site disorganization. Thanks for putting it out there!
A lot of these brands are available at Nordstrom if you’re like me and hate trying new brands because you don’t know how the sizing is or how easy the return process is. Nordstrom returns are always so easy. They probably don’t carry the full lines though.
I’ve been buying a lot of Vince clothes lately, just nice quality with elevated style. Their original prices are ridiculous so I wait for sales on Nordstrom (or other sites) or shop the brand on Nordstrom Rack.
Tons of Vince on the real real and Poshmark!!!
I saw the Nisolo Chelsea boots for nearly $300 and I thought of my Caslon Chelsea boots which are my everyday shoe in cold weather. They’re under $100 and I recommend them highly.
The shoes used to be great, and maye still are, but they were recently sold and I’m not sure the new owners are ehtical. I bought a $500 subscription before the sale that they are not honoring so they basically stole money from me and the other subscription members. I won’t buy from them again, sadly!
“The Five for Five program officially ended with the foreclosure and dissolution of Nisolo LLC in January 2025. We regret the impact on program participants. Our company, Project Bound Inc, purchased the Nisolo brand through the foreclosure sale process, but has no affiliation with Nisolo LLC. As the new caretakers of the Nisolo brand, we cannot replace the Five for Five program or its full benefits.
Nisolo is the company I’m describing, not Caslon. Sorry for the confusion!
I also lost out on the 5 for 5 program. I’m not really willing to buy from them again. I wish the new owners would honor it rather than just offer a discount.
I have those Caslon boots and am OBSESSED. So comfy, go with everything!
Great ideas! I was just reading through the comment section hoping someone else had asked where Emily’s adorable blouse is from?
Thanks!
The Ozzi Ruffle-Sleeve Buttondown Shirt by Pilcro in Ivory from Anthro (also in Indigo). The Gingham Straw Tote Bag was from the Gap
Thanks so much!!
Ok I’m just going to say it: some of these labels are boring and so over-focused on dated feminine ideals. Why would you even shop at Reformation when they treat you like that?? I recommend Big Bud Pres. They are devoted to being gender and size inclusive, sustainable practices, and their clothes are well made, fun and for every day use. I live in their brightly hued Work Pants. Highly recommend. (they are also SUPER about returns and exchanges).