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…
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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