30 mid-priced designer brands that are great for a wardrobe update
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30 mid-priced designer brands that are great for a wardrobe update
A few decades ago, us shoppers tended to fit into two clear categories: those who bought on the high street and those who filled their wardrobes with designer products. However, due to a number of factors (including social media, influencers and a heightened understanding of sustainability), the industry has changed in a big way over the past few years – and with this has come a rise in the number of contemporary labels, which fit somewhere between the affordable and luxury camps.
So, if you are someone looking to move away from the high street, but not able to spend at the top end of the designer spectrum, then you are in luck because there have never been more or better mid-priced luxury labels on offer.
Below, we round up 30 of them, all of which are loved by fashion editors the world over. From well-known names including Ganni and Faithfull to new-to-the-market labels who are making a splash, here are the mid-range brands to know for your next wardrobe update.
Find out more about the rise of the mid-range designer market here and shop our edit of the best mid-range designer handbags here.
Jeremy Moeller - Getty Images - 2/29
1) Nanushka
Although Nanushka was actually launched back in 2005 by London College of Fashion graduate Sandra Sandor, it is only more recently that it has hit the mainstream when the Budapest-based label chose to start showing at New York Fashion Week. Now worn by everyone from Gigi Hadid to Charlize Theron, its ethically-produced classic pieces with a contemporary twist are a hit.
We go there for: Outerwear and tailoring.
nanushka@Instagram - 3/29
2) Sir
Aussie brand Sir was founded on the premise of filling a woman's wardrobe 24/7 with its stylish pieces, hence its name, which is an acronym for separates, intimates and ready-to-wear. From backless dresses (which you will likely have seen all over Instagram) to linen two-pieces, it is a great label to turn to during the warmer months.
We go there for: Great summer dresses.
sir_thelabel@Instagram - 4/29
3) Baum und Pferdgarten
An effortlessly cool Scandi label that is wildly popular with fashion influencers and editors alike, Baum und Pferdgarten is known for its punchy prints, unexpected silhouettes and relaxed attitude to style.
We go there for: Playful pieces.
baumundpferdgarten@Instagram - 5/29
4) Rixo
Now a firm favourite on the London Fashion Week scene, British brand Rixo is known for its bold prints that are inspired by vintage and retro clothes, which are perfect for making a statement everywhere from work to weddings.
We go there for: Bold occasion-wear.
rixo@Instagram - 6/29
5) The Frankie Shop
Sometimes a brand lands on every fashion editor's radar with just one piece – and this was certainly the case for The Frankie Shop, whose utilitarian jumpsuit was worn by anyone who could get their hands on it during New York Fashion Week.
We go there for: Great tailoring that looks far more expensive than it is.
thefrankieshop@Instagram - 7/29
6) St Agni
There are more than a few great contemporary labels to come out of Australia, and one of our favourites is St Agni. Founded by a husband and wife in Byron Bay just over five years ago, the brand is known for its elegant and timeless pieces, which are designed to be in your wardrobe season after season.
We go there for: Classic, easy-to-wear dresses and accessories.
stagnistudio@Instagram - 8/29
7) Ganni
Undoubtedly one of fashion's favourite mid-priced labels, Copenhagen-based Ganni is known for injecting Scandi cool into the wardrobes of women all over the world. From its unexpected prints and cuts to its cult accessories, this is one brand to put on your radar immediately, if it isn't already.
We go there for: Statement pieces.
ganni@Instagram - 9/29
8) Faithfull The Brand
Bali-based, travel-friendly label Faithfull The Brand has fast become a favourite with the style set for its incredibly chic take on holiday-wear. With ethics and sustainability at the forefront of everything Faithfull does, there is little wonder it has earned itself such a fanbase over the past few years, even becoming royally-approved.
We go there for: Our holiday wardrobe.
faithfullthebrand@Instagram - 10/29
9) Awake Mode
Awake Mode, aka 'All Wonderful Adventures Kindle Enthusiasm', is a London-based label known for creating unique, art-inspired pieces which are perfect for adding something a little different to your wardrobe.
We go there for: Statement officewear and chic shoes
awake_mode@Instagram - 11/29
10) Reformation
A well-known force in the fashion industry, Reformation is the Los Angeles-based, ethical boutique known for its cool dresses, fun flares and celebrity-approved fashion. A-list fans include Emily Ratajkowski, Kaia Gerber and Behati Prinsloo.
We go there for: Summer frocks, Seventies separates and anything for wedding season.
reformation@Instagram - 12/29
11) A Day's March
Once geared solely towards menswear, this Swedish label recently branched into women's wardrobes. The brand was founded on three principles; to make clothes without an expiration date, to minimise its impact on the environment as far as possible, and to sell directly to the consumer, which helps to keep the costs down, meaning you can expect a high-quality product for less than you may expect to pay.
We go there for: Relaxed tailoring.
adaysmarch@Instagram - 13/29
12) Yasmina Q
Saudi-born, London-based designer Yasmina Q has recently launched her namesake label, one which focuses on "thoughtful dressing", encouraging women to embrace their most beautiful selves and feel confident through her simple, yet well-made designs. The brand works only with community-based production facilities, who make small runs, supporting individuals displaced by difficult circumstances, and supporting and paying back into training programmes and apprenticeships. Yasmina Q also only uses fabrics that are either classed as dead-stock or sustainably sourced.
We go there for: Elegant dresses for any occasion.
_yasminaq_@Instagram - 14/29
13) Lisou
Rene Macdonald is a former stylist who launched Lisou with the aim of providing consumers with chic, wearable pieces, much of it based on vintage styles and injected with a serious amount of colour.
We go there for: Workwear and summer dresses.
lisoulondon@Instagram - 15/29
14) With Jéan
Aussie label With Jéan may only be a few years in the making, but the brand already has something of a cult-like following. Created by Sami Lorking-Tanner and Evangeline Titilas, the team's design premise was to create fun pieces that could easily be teamed with jeans or denim jackets, elevating the casual wardrobe. Many of the label's designs sell out fast and it is not unheard of for them to reach 1,000-person wait lists, so it is fair to say that we are not the only fans of the label.
We go there for: Vintage-inspired pieces that dress up our everyday looks.
withjean@Instagram - 16/29
15) Aligne
Another great sustainable, mid-range label to have on your radar is Aligne. The brand uses eco-friendly fabrics as far as possible and aims to create collections which are made to last. However, Aligne is not afraid to have fun with fashion as the bold printed dresses and colourful tailoring proves.
We go there for: Easy-to-wear summer pieces.
aligne@Instagram - 17/29
16) Paris Georgia
A label loved by supermodels, Paris Georgia is a New Zealand-based brand which specialises in Nineties-inspired minimalism and aims particularly to design pieces that will last more than a few seasons.
We go there for: Sleek, versatile separates.
paris__georgia@Instagram - 18/29
17) Staud
If you're wanting to add a little something different to your wardrobe, look to Los Angeles-based Staud, a brand famous for its colourful, unexpected accessories, voluminous dresses and punchy prints.
We go there for: Accessories that will liven up any outfit.
staud.clothing@Instagram - 19/29
18) Loéil
Los Angeles label Loéil was founded in 2015 and has remained one of the fashion world's best-kept secrets ever since. The brand prides itself on superb quality and effortless, understated minimalism but it's the trend-led separates that keep us coming back.
We go there for: Knits, trousers and accessories that look like they've come straight off the catwalk.
loeil_official@Instagram - 20/29
19) Merlette
If it's beautiful billowing dresses you love, then New York-based Merlette should be on your radar. The label, which launched four years ago as a resort-wear brand, has grown into an affordable ready-to-wear destination whose collections are created with any lifestyle in mind, whether for holidays, the city, the evening or the office. The label's silhouettes are designed to fit any body type and are made to a high quality, while also being easy to take care of.
We go there for: Statement yet comfortable summer frocks.
merlettenyc@Instagram - 21/29
20) Rouje
If it's your dream to dress like a French girl, then you need to know about influencer Jeanne Damas' amazing line. Filled with classic pieces that will effortlessly help you to build a capsule wardrobe, Rouje is a destination every fashion editor relies on.
We go there for: Pretty spring dresses and jeans.
rouje@Instagram - 22/29
21) Tyrell
Toronto-based designer Tyrell Harriott launched his namesake label just two years ago, but we foresee the slinky dresses and separates becoming a favourite among influencers and supermodels in no time. From tie-dye frocks to cute co-ords, your holiday-ready party wardrobe awaits.
We go there for: Partywear.
tyrellbrand@Instagram - 23/29
22) Haight
If your summer wardrobe is in need of a freshen up, let us introduce you to Haight, the Brazilian beachwear label whose flattering bikinis, swimsuits and dresses are just the ticket for breathing some new life into your summer look.
We go there for: Great swimwear.
haight_clothing@Instagram - 24/29
23) Kitri
This London-based brand creates stylish clothing that looks far beyond its price tag. From elegant eveningwear to fashionable tailoring, Kitri will help you to solve plenty of wardrobe conundrums.
We go there for: Easy-to-wear but stylish dresses and separates.
kitristudio@Instagram - 25/29
24) Réalisation Par
You'll likely recognise the brand's pretty floral dresses, which have been seen on several members of the A-list. These are the bread and butter of the brand, but you'll also find cool T-shirts, slip dresses and girly tops.
We go there for: The prettiest of tops and dresses.
realisationpar@Instagram - 26/29
25) The Line By K
The Line By K was founded by blogger-turned-designer, Karla Deras in Los Angeles, who wanted to create high-quality pieces that would elevate every part of a woman's wardrobe. Described as "basics that are anything by basic", Deras aims to inspire confidence in her customer through her pared-back but beautiful designs. Think colourful knit dresses, excellent shirting a really, really great jersey separates.
We go there for: Amped-up basics.
thelinebyk@Instagram - 27/29
26) Amlul
Amlul is a Spanish label created based on the concept of "no more seasons". Creative director, Gala González hopes to encourage more responsible consumption with her company approach, which sees small runs of limited-edition, high-quality yet affordable pieces. The concept has already been a huge hit – the brand's Instagram account has amassed over 40,000 followers in just one year, while the likes of Lucy Williams and Dua Lipa have already been seen in the designs.
We go there for: Unique pieces that will never go out of style.
amlul@Instagram - 28/29
27) Bassike
Bassike is one of the most exciting sustainable designers to come out of Australia in recent years, with the label focussing on a very minimalist aesthetic. Strapless cotton sun dresses, sleek separates and an elegant take on loungewear make up its current collection, all of which is made through sustainable practices.
We go there for: Grown-up summer separates.
bassike@Instagram - 29/29
28) Alexachung
The eponymous line from Noughties style icon Alexa Chung is a great name to know if you want to inject some understated glamour into your wardrobe. The brand – which launched in the summer of 2017 – mixes vintage inspiration with London cool, which is exactly what you would expect from the star.
We go there for: Cool, colourful knitwear, ladylike dresses and suits.
alexachungstagram@Instagram
