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 15 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 $$$$, to avoid any “Say Yes to the Dress” syndrome where you fall in love with something that’s not currently in the budget). Let’s begin with an EHD fav…
1. Ann Twill Straight Leg Pant | 2. Nera Sneaker | 3. The Merly Jacket | 4. Mamuye Classic Tote | 5. Ginnie Wide Leg Jean | 6. Harris Oversized Button Down Shirt
Price Point: $$
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.
1. Phoebe Pant | 2. Nico Chunky Cardigan | 3. Double-Button Shirt | 4. Indigo Dyed Crosby Half Zip Pullover | 5. Button-Back Crewneck Sweater | 6. Britt Work Jacket
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XXL, 24-33, 0-14
Our Review: If you also love scrolling the Alex Mill website, it’s for a good reason: this is some LEGACY good design. The team behind the scenes? Alex Drexler (the OG, who started selling shirts in 2012), Somsack Sikhounmuong (the former Creative Director of Madewell and J. Crew), and, uh, Mickey freakin’ Drexler (founder of Old Navy and Madewell; former CEO of The Gap and J. Crew). If you’re missing the Madewell and J. Crew of yore – you know, the kinds of clothes with clean colors, simple silhouettes, and fresh, delightful details – THIS IS WHERE THEY’RE ALL AT NOW. You’re welcome! (The back on that white shirt? Worth a peek. And that button-back crewneck sweater comes in solids, too!)
1. The Pool Boy | 2. The Beat | 3. The Extra Extra | 4. The Easy Breezy | 5. The Deep End | 6. The New Age
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 24-34
Our Review: That yellow striped button-up inspired this entire post, actually! A few weeks ago, 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?
1. A-Line Short-Sleeved Shirt Dress | 2. French Toile Linen Shorts | 3. Draped Open Back Mini Dress | 4. Elasticated Pleated Midi Skirt | 5. Boxy Short-Sleeved Poplin Shirt | 6. Pleated Elasticated Pants
Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-L, 24-32, 2-14
Our Review: Elephant in the room: COS has work to do on the sizing front. But if you fall into the “straight size” basket right now, this is a great source for chic, interesting, on-trend clothing that won’t feel dated this time next year. COS excels at the classic details (those pleats! Toile shorts!), but they can also make a basic piece feel a little extra special (the back on that dress is incredible).
1. The A-Line Denim Short | 2. The Tread-Bare Sneaker | 3. The Tencel™ Way-High® Taper Pant | 4. The Boxy Oxford | 5. The Linen Boxer Short | 6. The Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank
Price Point: $$
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 (can confirm: those shorts are a dream), organic cotton tops, and special pieces that can take you from office to night out (hi, printed pants!).
1. Ireland Long-Sleeve Playsuit | 2. Mcloghlin Utility Shirt | 3. Wicklow Italian Chino | 4. Theo Perfect Tee | 5. Jameson Utility Jogger | 6. Patrick Popover Henley
Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: XXS-XL, 0-12
Our Review: This is one of Em’s favorite brands right now! (You can watch her video review of the romper above right here.) If you’re the “save up, buy once, buy for life” type, Frank & Eileen ABSOLUTELY needs to be on your radar. They’re a women-owned, women-led business producing ethical, sustainable pieces that’ll stand the test of time. I mean, that shacket? Those chinos? Even the cut of the t-shirt is considered and a little special! If you have the budget and you’re ready to buy *THE* basic that you’ll turn to for the rest of your life, this is a great option.
1. The Sea Stripe Boxy Cardigan | 2. The Bonfire Short | 3. The Hemingway Top | 4. The Short Nightingale Dress | 5. The Sailboat Lodge Cardigan | 6. The Dakota Dress
Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: 0-3 (read: 0-14, for us normies who only know regular sizing numbers)
Our Review: Had to fit in one more splurge-y recommendation for those of you on the hunt for investment pieces! The Great is an incredible resource for the kind of clothing that people will stop you in the street to ask about (and I know this for a fact, because Em gets a BANANAS number of DMs on Instagram anytime she appears in stories wearing a piece from here, haha). If you’re a Madewell lover who also enjoys the quirk and charm of Anthropologie, spend a few minutes browsing The Great’s website – it’s fun, even to just look, I swear!).
1. Slim Demi-Boot Chino Pant | 2. Natasha Skirt | 3. A-Line Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Dress | 4. Squareneck A-Line Dress | 5. Gwyneth Slip Skirt | 6. Maxine High-Neck Shift Dress
Price Point: $$
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 feels 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 (I bought this one and will be writing a full-length ode to it tomorrow, never fret!), MAJOR sales (the pink version of that slip skirt is on sale for $36!), and all in a beautifully-selected, curated color palette. I did a major wardrobe refresh with a ton of stuff from J. Crew last December and have been THRILLED with how well everything’s held up so far (and it all looks good together, too!).
1. Utility Pants | 2. Supersoft Fleece Boyfriend Sweatshirt | 3. Supersoft Sweater Knit Flare Pants | 4. Poplin Shorts | 5. Supersoft Sweater Knit Checkered Bomber | 6. Poplin Maxi Dress
Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-XL
Our Review: Monrow is a go-to shop for those cool girls who embody the “I woke up like this/I just threw this on” vibe. Their pieces drape beautifully, come in gorgeous earthy colors, and are cut in such a thoughtful way! (Like the back of that maxi dress – low enough to be a little flirty and breezy, but high enough that you won’t be the subject of conversation at your next family barbecue.) Their sizing leaves a bit (or a lot) to be desired, but the oversized fit and flexible construction of their clothing means that their XL still feels comfortable and breezy. And, I mean…how good is that bomber sweater?
1. All-Day Woven Heeled Mule | 2. Catalina Slide Sandal | 3. Go-To Flatform Sandal | 4. Emma d’Orsay Oxford | 5. Stella Go-To Block Heel Sandal | 6. Women’s Huarache Sandal
Price Point: $$
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.
1. Linen-Blend Tie-Shoulder Top | 2. Striped Linen-Blend Boyfriend Shirt | 3. High-Waisted Jean Shorts | 4. Flutter-Sleeve Mini Swing Dress | 5. Slouchy Jean Cut-Off Short Overalls | 6. Fit & Flare Mini Dress
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.
1. Cotton Modal Muscle Tank | 2. 100% Washable Silk Skirt | 3. Organic Cotton Twill Overalls | 4. Washable Silk V-Neck Cami | 5. 100% European Linen Jumpsuit | 6. Fit & Flare 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?
1. Bea Skirt | 2. Frieda Linen Dress | 3. Marla Zip Sweatshirt | 4. Catarina Dress | 5. Bucatini Linen Dress | 6. Kathleen Dress
Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 0-12, 14-24
Our Review: Before I praise their clothing, I wanna take a second to call them out: Reformation, GIRL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Why are the extended sizes banished to separate listings in a niche, difficult-to-find part of the website? It’s SO FRUSTRATING. I don’t want to “Where’s Waldo” my way around your website, I just want to buy a cute dress that I saw on Instagram! (For ease, here’s the separate link to shop if you’re a 14-24.)
ANYWAY. If you can manage to navigate the website without pulling an Andy Bernard (screaming; punching a hole in a wall), Reformation does make gorgeous, sustainable clothing. They’re most well-known for their dresses – you may recognize them as the go-to wedding guest dresses of millennial women across America – but their everyday basics, like this skirt or this quarter-zip, are well-made and durable. (And to give them their flowers, they do have models with diverse body types! And they do make clothes that fit larger bodies! Except again, it does feel like it’s been banished to the boonies, so ¯_(ツ)_/¯.)
I clearly have a love/hate relationship with Reformation (like why do this and this have to have totally separate pages? You could link a pair of shoes, but not the same dress in a larger size?), but I do have a platform here, and maybe it’s big enough that they’ll stop making my fellow 12/14 + gals feel like freakin’ lepers when we’re just trying to give them a bunch of money! Anyway. Great clothes that will make you look/feel like a princess, UI that actively works against extended-size shoppers. PLEASE FIX IT, REFORMATION! (I’ll buy so much more, I swear!!!!)
1. Leana Dress | 2. Tomboy Shirt | 3. Solana Dress | 4. Marino Trousers | 5. Nicolo Shorts | 6. Aurena Dress
Price Point: $$$
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 recent 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 blue embroidered dots, but their pieces come with tons of different color/print options – embroidered flowers, sweet stripes, you name it! If you’re looking for clothes with an effortless, charming, Parisian vibe…look no further. Happy shopping 🙂
1. Ribbed Tank Bodysuit | 2. Danica Platform Loafers | 3. Picnic Midi A-Line Skirt | 4. Sleeveless Eyelet Sun Dress | 5. High-Rise Wide Leg Pants | 6. Relaxed T-Shirt
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; I will scream about those $6 t-shirts ad nauseam until EACH OF YOU tries one. (I bought mine years ago – including one in that olive color – and they’re the best t-shirts I own. Drape-y without clinging, perfect cut, nice sleeve length, and fabric that holds up to hundreds of washes. Feel one in person on your next Target run!
1. Nico Dress | 2. Mandrn Atlas Woven Fann Pack | 3. Paloma Linen Pant | 4. Shelter Cotton Cardigan | 5. Midi Heirloom Claw | 6. Box Button Up
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: Styling by Suzanne Trudelle | Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Six Fall Sweaters I’m Loving (+ How To Wear Them)
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
