Introduction
Recently, I’ve been busy moving and organizing my wardrobe, going through a massive decluttering process. Yet, I still held onto some of my favorite pieces that are perfect for both work and personal life. Inspired by this, I decided to write about my go-to clothing brands that have been staples in my wardrobe over the past few years as a financial consultant.
Closet Reveal: My Top Brands
1&2. Sandro & Maje ($300-$600)
Sandro and Maje are two rival fashion brands that I feel should be discussed together. They are both part of the French fashion group SMCP, and their styles and price ranges are quite similar. While Sandro leans more towards a neutral aesthetic, Maje is known for its vibrant colors and feminine designs—subtle differences that make them both great options.
Over the past few years, their collections have only gotten better, with increasingly diverse styles. From the classic Parisian chic look to more gender-neutral and athleisure pieces, Sandro and Maje have evolved beautifully.
I first discovered them through their elegant, versatile French-style dresses. Whether it’s for work or a date night, these two brands offer a wide range of styles worth exploring. Some standout pieces in my wardrobe include tailored blazers with sharp lines, timeless little black dresses, and silk blouses.
3. Theory ($50-$300)
Theory is a brand that many professional women—whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned in their careers—are familiar with. They cater to a wide range of price points, offering chic, minimalist designs in neutral colors like black, white, and grey. Their clean cuts and versatile styles make Theory a go-to brand for those who prefer polished, understated outfits.
Whenever I have a last-minute call or urgent meeting, I can always rely on my Theory coat and basics to create a professional look on the go. Their petite sizes are also perfect for women with smaller frames, offering well-fitted clothing that emphasizes the waistline. I highly recommend their blazers and winter coats!
4. Rachel Zoe ($100-$600)
Founded by the famous Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe, this brand is all about luxe, vintage-inspired fashion. Known for wide-leg pants and elegant blouses, Rachel Zoe’s designs are luxurious yet accessible. Her signature style is bold, vintage, and effortlessly chic, with clear influences from the 1960s and 1970s.
Her dresses are especially well-designed, catering to different tastes—whether you want something bold and statement-making or more understated. Keep an eye out for their frequent sales, where you can snag a $600 dress for just $100!
5. Ann Taylor ($90-$200)
If you’re looking for affordable yet classic workwear, Ann Taylor is the brand for you. Known for its timeless styles, Ann Taylor is a go-to for young professionals or anyone seeking subtle but polished changes to their work wardrobe. Founded in 1954 in Connecticut, with headquarters in New York, Ann Taylor is a brand I discovered during my first interview at Ernst & Young on Fifth Avenue.
Their tailored suits, trousers, and work dresses are dependable, offering everything from cropped pants to classic straight-leg designs in professional colors like navy, black, and charcoal grey. While their styles may not be groundbreaking, Ann Taylor is a solid choice for well-made, affordable workwear.
6. Alice + Olivia ($100-$1,000)
Alice + Olivia is one of my favorite brands, with designs that truly resonate with my personal style. Founded by designer Stacey Bendet in 2002, Alice + Olivia quickly became a staple in the wardrobes of vintage fashion lovers worldwide. This brand offers everything from chic casualwear to elegant date-night outfits, perfect for a wide range of occasions.
Whether it’s a silk dress for the office or a stylish, high-waisted jumpsuit for a night out, Alice + Olivia has something for everyone. Their price range is a bit broad, but with frequent discounts, you can find affordable yet stylish pieces.
7. MaxMara ($1,000-$4,000)
MaxMara is the epitome of luxury outerwear, famous for its stunning wool and camel hair coats. Founded in Italy in 1951, MaxMara’s double-breasted wool coats are the pinnacle of timeless fashion. I first fell in love with their coats after seeing one on Instagram and eventually bought the same style worn by the character Wang Manni in the hit drama Nothing But Thirty.
Their coats are an investment, with classic silhouettes that will last for years. Whether you go for their iconic teddy bear coat or their robe-style coats, you’re sure to find a piece that combines luxury with practicality.
8. Club Monaco ($100-$300)
A part of the Ralph Lauren Group, Club Monaco is known for its clean lines and sophisticated, minimalist designs. They excel at creating professional yet comfortable clothing, making them ideal for office wear. I’ve purchased several skirts and sweaters from them, all of which are simple yet well-tailored.
If you value simplicity and comfort in your work attire, Club Monaco is a fantastic option. Their sales make it even more accessible, offering great value for stylish, well-made pieces.
9. LOFT (Under $100)
LOFT is the younger sister of Ann Taylor, offering business casual attire at even more affordable prices. Perfect for those who need a variety of blouses to suit different occasions, LOFT offers simple, practical designs at great prices.
Their store is conveniently located near the Ernst & Young office in New York, and I often find myself stopping by after work to browse. With basic designs that are easy to mix and match, LOFT is great for everyday office wear.
10. Zara ($20-$100)
No list of affordable fashion brands is complete without Zara. Known for its on-trend designs at budget-friendly prices, Zara has long been a favorite for fashionistas everywhere. Their designers are constantly rolling out new collections, making it easy to find stylish pieces on a budget.
However, in recent years, I’ve been more cautious with Zara purchases due to concerns about quality. While their designs are beautiful, the fabrics don’t always hold up well. If comfort and durability are a priority, you might want to be selective when shopping here.
