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Quiet luxury’s a new buzzword, but it’s an enduringly classic look if you consider one brand we love: Eileen Fisher. Fisher started the brand in the ‘80s after a trip to Japan in which she’d admired a kimono; today wearers both old and new are clamoring for the brand’s minimalist clothes, like a cap-sleeve Merino turtleneck ($228) or a washable ponte wide-leg pant $198). As The Wall Street Journal put it recently, “Once gently jibed for its earth-grandmother spirit, the classic brand is a hit with Gen Z fans, now in thrall to its sustainable minimalism.”
1. Anine Bing
From a humble beginning in the eponymous former model’s Los Angeles garage in 2012 to today’s international luxury brand, Anine Bing is synonymous with taste, restraint and Euro chic. The pieces are never too revealing, but instead depend on the allure of quality fabrics and classic silhouettes, usually with a big je ne c’est quoi of slouch. The all-season wool blazers like the classic blazer ($550) and oversize button-front tops including the Tio Shirt ($200) are pieces you’ll treasure forever.
2. Everlane
Everlane’s philosophy is to make beautiful essential pieces without traditional markups. The brand’s neutral-toned tops, dresses and accessories are well-priced and blend right in with every wardrobe, whether you’re working in a bank or retail. The linen collection is especially versatile, with camp tops ($78; $55) popover tops ($88; $66) and a tweedy draped trouser ($138; $104) we’ll wear well into fall.
3. Pari Passu
When the designer Shanna Goldstone consulted on Melissa McCarthy’s fashion start-up, she was confounded to discover that plus-size women didn’t have a range of simple and classic apparel that wasn’t full of garish color and pattern. (And that wasn’t just full of elastic pants.) She innovated this line, with good-looking blazers like the Charlie Pinstripe Coat ($698, $418), that organizes sizes into body shapes (bottom heavy, thick waist, hourglass) plus seven sizes (14 to 24). The line is very chic—our favorites include the Tace Tie Maxi shirtdress ($248) and the going-out top Tammy Satin Button-Up Shirt ($168).
4. Frank & Eileen
Known for the artfully wrinkled button-front shirt (from $218) that’s a staple of luxury hotel gift shops nationwide, this California-based, female-founded company specializes in what you’d wear to take Instagram pics at a farmer’s market. And now with the Travel Sets collection, Frank & Eileen have created no-fuss and flattering top-and-pant sets in triple fleece, named for bougie destinations worldwide. The Carmel set ($406) has a soft collared V-neck and cropped raw edge hem drawstring pants; the Montauk set ($426) includes a funnel-neck capelet top and a patch-pocket tapered-leg pant.
5.COS
Short for “collections of style,” this brand is part of the H&M group and distinguishes itself from its more fast-fashion sibling with pieces that look more profesh and skew toward the minimal, for example this maxi shirt dress ($175) and the sleeveless pleated maxi dress ($135) we’re seeing layered over a T-shirt. Stated responsibility initiatives include using only organic or recycled denim and manufacturing so that pieces can be passed on, easily repaired and recycled.
6.Quince
Direct-to-consumer brand Quince is known for its wide selection of washable linen (I wear this Euro linen set ($60) to bed and to run errands) and silk (this tank dress earned a rave review). What’s less well known is that it has a number of petite-friendly sizes, such as the stretch crepe pleated ankle pants ($60) with a 25-inch inseam and the performance tech wide-leg pants ($50) with a 24-inch inseam.
7. Amour Vert
Creative eco-consciousness is the philosophy at this San Francisco-based company that uses deadstock fabric, plants a tree for every T-shirt sold and hosts an online re-sale marketplace for its designs. Besides this brand’s eco bona fides, the wide collection of jumpsuits reminded us of Eileen Fisher. Standouts are the Bijou Denim Jumpsuit ($230) with its forgiving short sleeves and the Fantasia Jumpsuit ($250; $125) made of Tencel, a popular sustainable fiber made from eucalyptus trees that’s softer than silk and cooler than linen.
8. Cuyana
Founded by two women in 2013, this brand’s ethos is that buying fewer pieces of higher quality is the most ethical consumerism. We’re in agreement, especially with these elegant pieces at this high-but-not-punishing price point. Pieces are classic, but with a nod to current cuts, such as the balletcore-inspired French Terry Wrap Top ($128). Another piece you’ll find yourself reaching for first in your closet is the Silk Pocket Front Cropped Shirt ($228). And, pro travel tip—the System Flap Bag ($128) is the perfect size to fold up your travel itinerary in and stash your passport.
9. Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne’s California chic empire includes furniture, personal care products and shoes, all ready to take their closeup in a Nancy Meyers film. But the real star of the show—and something her design team has perfected—is the gorgeous sweater assortment. From the oversize cotton fisherman sweater ($375) to a bestselling cashmere cocoon cardigan ($445) in ten neutrals, these investment pieces will elevate any outfit from meh to quiet luxury.
10. Able
This Nashville-based brand is staffed by 93 percent women, and working conditions both in Nashville and globally are their stated priority. We appreciate the flattering, simple designs of the Addie Ruched Dress ($148), as well as the sizing from XXS to 3X. Layering? The Micah Drapey Blazer ($158; $126) is just the lightweight jacket, in viscose and modal, you’ll warm up to.