It may not feel like it yet on the East Coast but it is, in fact, spring. Even if we have to suffer through a few more weeks of wind chill and (indignity of all indignities) not-iced coffees, change is gonna come. All this to say, it’s time for a wardrobe refresh.
And when researching what to acquire during said end-of-winter shopping spree, where better to look than the closets of our favorite fashionable It girls who, when it comes to cool contemporary clothing brands, are always a step or five ahead of the pack? From the chicest tiny sunglasses maker in the game to a fun Vetements dupe, click through the slideshow above for eight up-and-coming clothing brands that every Insta-girl has in her closet, plus the pieces you need to own. And not to worry — Hadid-approved as they may be, most of ’em are pretty affordable.
[ Next: THE Most Popular Products From 13 Top Makeup Brands ]
It Girl Brands
-
Roberi & Fraud
If you've spent any time at all on Instagram lately, you're likely familiar, in sight if not in name, with tiny sunglasses maker Roberi & Fraud. The brand is a favorite of fashion royalty like Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid, Millie Bobby Brown and Paloma Elsesser, to name just a few. So ubiquitous are Ali Mehrdad and Stefan Foster's Matrix-like designs, it's hard to believe the New York and Dubai-based label launched but a year ago, in April 2017. Apart from the 90s vibes, what really gets us going is the label's sub-$300 price point (a rarity in the world of luxury shades).
Image: @milliebobbybrown
-
Roberi & Fraud
Red Doris, $195 at Roberi & Fraud
-
Roberi & Fraud
Frances, $250 at Roberi & Fraud
-
Orseund Iris
Bella Hadid. Emily Ratajkowski. Reese Blutstein. These are the names that helped put New York-based label Orseund Iris on the map. Designer Alana Johnson launched the (now non-seasonal) line several seasons ago, and after a couple of years of (relative) anonymity, it's become the street style set's go-to for reworked classics. Fans of exposed underwire, corsets and Spring 2018's prairie trend, prepare to be psychotically obsessed.
Image: @double3xposure
-
Orseund Iris
Off Shoulder Knit in Nude, $260 at Orseund Iris
-
Orseund Iris
Cha Cha Top in Ivory, $185 at Orseund Iris
-
Miaou
Downtown It girl and Miaou founder Alexia Elkaim first came onto the design scene in 2016. What began as a collection of universally flattering kick flares featuring built-in belts (interchangeable, with the option of rope or chain) has evolved into a full-on ready-to-wear line complete with early 2000s reminiscent bustiers, dresses, jumpsuits, mini jackets and even more cheeky, cheekily printed bottoms. Needless to say, the label's been worn by all the usual suspects — Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid and Elkaim's BFF Paloma Elsesser — partially because it's cute AF, and partially because it's truly for all: Miaou's signature denim goes up to a size 32.
Image: @miaou
-
Miaou
Embroidered Mimi Pant, $395 at Miaou
-
Miaou
Cayce Dress in Black, $375 at Miaou
-
Réalisation Par
Alexandra Spencer and Teale Talbot launched Réalisation Par (French for "made by" or "styled by") back in 2015. And while the Australian label hasn't caught on quite as quickly as its eco-friendly cousin Reformation (which touts the same sort of vintage-leaning, French-girl-cool aesthetic), it's getting there. Celebs (Alexa Chung, Kaia Gerber, Emily Ratajkowski) and Instagram influencers luxuriate in the feel of the brand's 100 percent silk, under-$250 wares, and with sundress season well on its way, why not treat yourself to a pretty, printed frock?
Image: @arlissa_xx
-
Réalisation Par
The Juliet in Rouge Fleur, $225 at Réalisation Par
-
Réalisation Par
OG Baby Tee, $69 at Réalisation Par
-
I.Am.Gia
Let's talk I.Am.Gia. Co-founded by Alana Pallister and her sister, Stevie Cox, it's sort of like affordable Vetements, in that its bad-taste-meets-good-taste aesthetic has generated a whole lot of Instagram buzz. (Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber and Jordyn Woods have all co-signed the brand.) Is the widespread appeal of its sporty-sexy cargos and barely-there bodysuits an ephemeral reflection of the moment? Most definitely, but everything's under $200, so color us unbothered. Who is Gia? Who knows. (And frankly, who cares.)
Image: @emrata
-
I.Am.Gia
Cobain Overalls in Black, $140 at I.Am.Gia
-
I.Am.Gia
Madison Skirt in Black, $78 at I.Am.Gia
-
HVN
Back in 2016, Harley Viera-Newton — DJ, It girl and sister to NYMag.com beauty contributor Rio Viera-Newton, over whom we Stan with a capital S — delved into the fashion world with HVN, a collection of retro-minded frocks. (Side note: Does anyone else read that as "Heaven"? Are we supposed to?) Victoria’s Secret Angels like Taylor Hill and Karlie Kloss are often sighted in the modest, super-girly dresses (think bright cherry, gingham and floral prints), as are Selena Gomez, Alexa Chung, Caroline Issa and Natalie Joos. Not big on dresses? For the more "tomboyish" among us, there's the brand's recent Urban Outfitters-sponsored Champion collab.
Image: @karliekloss
-
HVN
Morgan Heart-Print Silk Long Dress, $725 at Matches Fashion
-
Champion + HVN for Urban Outfitters
Cherry Reversible Bucket Hat, $35.00 at Urban Outfitters
-
Laura Lombardi
Laura Lombardi's eponymous jewelry brand is known for its “simple, but bold style” (Lombardi's words, as told to the Cut). “It can qualify as statement jewelry,” the designer explained, “but it’s super pared-down and really raw and versatile. It’s meant to be interpreted in a number of different ways.” More klouty fans of the sculptural, semi-affordable, raw brass-based baubles include Emily Ratajkowski and model Kate Bowman. We can't fault their taste.
Image: @kateofficial
-
Laura Lombardi
Anima Earring, $128 at Laura Lombardi
-
Laura Lombardi
Verge Earrings, $150 at Laura Lombardi
-
Manning Cartell
For sustainable day-to-night dresses, statement trousers and accessories (all very important parts of anyone’s wardrobe), look to Manning Cartell. Last year, the need-to-know Aussie label finally hit the U.S. market (by way of Barneys) and attracted a slew of cool new customers, including Bella Hadid, Amal Clooney, Margot Robbie, Hailey Baldwin, Jeanne Damas and Zendaya.
Image: @manningcartell
-
Manning Cartell
The Agenda Pant, $399 at Manning Cartell
-
Manning Cartell
Feather Weight Mini Dress, $499 at Manning Cartell
