For anyone who is a regular on Instagram, you know the phrase “Instagram vs. reality.” That couldn’t be more true when it come to lesser-known apparel brands that often appear to users via ads based on the algorithm. Quite often, those clothes don’t look quite the same when they arrive on your door step compared to how they looked on the model in the ad.
That said, we tried out a number of independent, up-and-coming fashion brands found on Instagram that are worth your consideration.
Bellemere
Bellemere is known for its luxury cashmere and merino wool garments, which makes it a good place to start looking for winter accessories, from hats to gloves to coats, and much more. Bellemere uses high-quality hand-loomed cashmere, ensuring that their clothing is always comfortable and non-irritating. Everything below retails for $220 and under.
Franne Golde
For anyone looking for clothes to wear when going back to the office but want those clothes to feel like what they wore while working from home, this is the place to shop. Franne Golde’s Magic Pants, in particular, are an especially popular choice given they were named as such by Oprah.com. Other choices that can mix and match well are the The Katharine Buttondown 2.0, made with a luxe jersey material for a softer feel and more flattering fit than traditional buttondowns.
Musier Paris
Black is a staple color every person should have in their wardrobe—it’s timeless, classic, chic, and goes with everything. But basic doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Musier Paris produces black knit tops and dresses with pearl beading, cutouts, and contrasting white piping—all while using sustainable methods and materials.
Myles Price
With its knitting mill and factory in downtown Los Angeles, Myles Price produces super-lux versions of the basics, from plain white t-shirts to hoodies and joggers. Each garment is carefully hand-crafted and undergoes numerous fittings and revisions, with cotton that has extra-long fibers, making the fabric make softer and more durable than standard cotton.
Parisienne et Alors
French label Parisienne et Alors touts itself to be a socially-conscious brand. Based in Paris, the brand consolidated all of its manufacturing sites within France to support the country’s textile industry and to reduce its carbon footprint. And all of the factories are OEKO-TEX certified. (An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric means that it has been checked at every stage of processing—raw materials, yarns, dyeing—and the fabric does not contain any chemicals that are harmful to personal health.) With all of that in mind, this is a great stop for elevated basics, such as black trousers with gold buttons running down the side and a structured black sweater top with shoulder pads.
Sofia the Label
Monochrome from head-to-toe is the look du jour—perhaps not just a reflection of the collective mood over the last two years, but it helps that it’s usually a flattering style. (And its undeniable that the monochrome trend has been further popularized by Kim Kardashian West’s Skims and Kanye West’s Yeezy fashion labels.) Sofia the Label is an independent women’s clothing brand, established in Perth, Australia in 2016. Truly encapsulating “effortlessly chic,” Sofia offers a number of neutral knits and dresses, layering textures and patterns that help the wearer stand out in a more subtle way.
St. Roche
Having at least one formal item is a must. Founded in 2014, St. Roche is a responsibly designed and manufactured, trans-seasonal clothing company based in Los Angeles. Having designed for prominent fashion labels like Tocca and Alexander McQueen, cofounder Sue Stemp aimed to design English-inspired clothes for women on-the-go. This Victorian-esque embroidered cotton tulle dress, for example, features a ruffle collar, voluminous puff sleeves, and a viscose slip underneath for total coverage and style, perfect for upscale events, virtual or IRL.
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