These 3 Affordable Brands You Might Be Overlooking Have Some Incredible Summer Staples
We were honestly pretty floored.
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by The Candidly Team
Here is what we loved most about the mall circa 1999. You’d walk in with an idea (maybe even a line-itemed list!) of what you wanted, you’d shop, and by the time you swung your bags back to the car, you had the deep-seated satisfaction that your time wasn’t wasted. You knew in your heart that getting dressed every day would now be easier BECAUSE of that trip to the mall.
Well, recently we had this experience … online. And it was at 3 different stores that might be as nostalgic as the 90s mall itself.
Shopping online at each one, we had that very rare experience of finding ALL the staples and a few of the tingly accent pieces we wanted for the season. They’re all affordable. Their quality was perfection. And. every piece felt much, much more expensive than it was. The dream!
Naturally, we had to share. So, here are the 3 brands you can save yourself loads of time and money shopping if you want to look effortlessly chic all summer. And, of course, some of our favorite pieces from each, many of which we’ve already purchased and took photos of, so you could see them on a non-model.
1. Banana Republic Factory
WHY WE LOVE IT:
For chic basics and skirt sets.
The quality is similar to brands 3X the price.
Tons of sales further reduce the price.
WHAT WE’VE SHOPPED:
Strapless Soft Stretch Top
Don’t be afraid of strapless. It’s actually more flattering than a tank on thicker arms. And somehow 3x chicer. Not to mention nothing balances better with a flowy bottom. We wear it over THIS* comfy bra that gives us incredible shape and never need to adjust.
Price: $12.50
Linen-Blend Drawstring Pull-On Pant
Our question was never “do we need a pair of elongating and light linen pants to survive the summer?” It was only “which ones?” Well, these are the ones.
And here one of us is wearing them with the above top:
Price: $45
Eyelet Cropped Cami and Pleated Eyelet Midi Skirt
A skirt set means we can look our best without having to put a second of thought into it. The top on this one is smocked in the back for the perfect fit. The skirt is high-waisted enough to only show a sliver of the narrowest spot on your stomach. It’s even better in person. Might have to go back to buy it in black.
Price: $49 for the top, $65 for the skirt
Knotted One-Shoulder Cropped Bustier
A top that turns all our shorts and pants and skirts into styled “looks” all by itself. But here’s the real kicker: it is shockingly comfortable. Like a smooth, buttery, holds-you-in tee.
Price: $25
Linen-Blend Drawstring Pull-On Pant
Are these the same pants from above but in stripe? Yes, they are. What can we say? When we find the right fit, we buy multiples and call it a day.
Price: $45
Pleated Cropped Top And Poplin Dropped-Waist Maxi Skirt
Same impeccable fit as the aforementioned skirt set. It comes in other colors and also in solid, but having a standout print like this is the perfect way to break up our basics and add some excitement to our suitcase when we go on vacation.
Price: $30 for the top, $60 for the skirt
2. Gap
WHY WE LOVE IT:
For polished, linen pieces, dresses that look designer, and some of the best underthings.
The design sensibility has shot through the roof since Zac Posen took over as creative director.
Frequent collabs with luxury brands and designers. (Downside: How fast those pieces sell out).
The size range is *chef’s kiss.*
WHAT WE’VE SHOPPED:
Compact Jersey Mixed Media Maxi Dress
Would you be surprised to see this ultra-flattering silhouette being sold at some bougie boutique for 4X the price? We would not.
Price: $71
Linen-Blend Crop Shell Tank Top
This top is like the summer version of a crisp, white button down. Just the epitome of elegance with every bottom. And so pretty as a backdrop for our beloved necklaces.
Price: $50
365 High Rise Linen-Blend Shorts
We didn’t honestly know shorts could be chic. Yet, with the above top, meet our “quiet luxury” summer uniform.
Price: $50
Gap × DÔEN Eyelet Midi Dress
One of those lustworthy collabs we mentioned. And somehow, magically, as of when we wrote this article, still not sold out.
Price: $158
Cotton Gauze Easy Barrel Pants
This is the kind of genius we’re talking about. Take a gauzy pant we could sleep in, it’s so comfortable but cut it in a “fashion” shape that makes legs look longer and leaner.
Price: $80
Organic Stretch Cotton No Show Thong
We all knoooow we’re supposed to be wearing the breathable, organic underwear, and now we finally can without having to worry about lines showing. Huzzah!
Price: $11
3. Aerie
WHY WE LOVE IT:
For cozy summer staples we live in that don’t make us look like total slobs.
Half the designs are “for the kids” but the other half are amazing, wildly affordable finds for us 35+ ladies.
The fits are beyond comfortable but always have a twist that makes us look cute and “put together.”
WHAT WE’VE SHOPPED:
Oversized V-Neck Boyfriend T-Shirt
It’s soft with just the right amount of slouch, but the. neckline makes it both classic and a weeeeee bit sexy.
Price: $21
Baggy Barrel Leg Fleece Pant
Be warned. You will want all 3 colors, as they’re very, very hard to ever stop wearing.
Price: $35
Faux Wrap Maxi Skirt
If this isn’t the idyllic swimsuit cover we’ve been longing for for 20+ years, I don’t know what is. We also have it on our carts in “soft oat” for a lighter look.
Price: $33
Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan
At last, the perfect little layering piece for hot days. We love it open over swimsuits in one of its many colors but also buttoned with the above joggers.
Price: $30
No BS Tank Top
Behold the tank we’ve long been hailing as our constant, go-to, essential, flattering tank. And it’s less than $15.
Price: $14
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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