My Style Is Simple, and These Are the Brands I've Been Buying for Years
As you may know by now, I describe my personal style as "simple"—and I’m very proud of it. Just what do I mean by that? Well, while I love a statement piece every now and then, my overall vibe is more attuned to a cross between minimal and classic, and I live in jeans, tees, what I like to call best-of basics, and neutral colors. This can be seen in the way I dress, the types of outfits I look to for inspiration, and of course, the way I shop. Since I’ve covered both one and two on the above list—at great length, if you ask me—I thought today I would give you an inside look in the brands I’ve been buying (and wearing) for years.
From high-end designers that are definitely an investment to acquire but have proven worth it, to my go-to affordable brands for fast-fashion as well as essentials, I’m breaking down all 15 of my longtime favorites below. Just keep scrolling to read about and shop each.
Saint Laurent
Cotton Citizen
Aritzia
Ariel Gordon
Proenza Schouler
Somehow, Proenza Schouler has mastered the art of making really cool, statement items that don't feel overly trendy and you can wear for years. I find myself wearing the brand's dresses, skirts, and jackets over and over again every season. Plus, it's one of the few brands that fits my 5'2" frame perfectly without needing to be tailored.
Pixie Market
Manolo Blahnik
I've been "collecting" Manolos since college, and I use that word intentionally because I like to think that's really what I'm doing. The shoes literally never go out of style, so I plan to wear them for decades to come. I'm confident in this because I've stolen several pairs from my mom that were purchased anywhere from 10 to 20 years ago, and they're still as cool as they were then. The proof is in the pudding.
Levi's
Loewe
Zara
You didn't think I'd leave out Zara, did you?! While I do have an admittedly on-again, off-again relationship with the retailer—at times taking Zara "breaks" to keep myself from impulsively making fast-fashion purchases—I have to admit that aside from nailing the whole trend thing, its selection of basics and essentials is also spot-on. If you do it right, a Zara buy can last you years, not just a season.
I've randomly been on the hunt cargo pants that "aren't too intense," and Lauren, our resident Zara expert recently pointed out that these might be the ones for me.
The Row
There's a reason I'm (and seemingly every celebrity) obsessed with this brand. It has managed to perfect every fashion essential but make it feel uniquely The Row. From bags to boots to outerwear (the latter of which I've yet to save up enough for but, believe me, I'm working on it), its pieces are timeless and truly investment-worthy.
Reformation
Isn't every fashion girl a Ref girl? Reformation's approachable approach to every trend makes it my go-to any time I want a cool piece that's not too much. IMHO Reformation really thrives at making dresses and summery sets, but in recent years its outerwear has also begun to work its way into my heart.
Alice McCall
Uniqlo
Because even fashion editors need Heattech! But really, Uniqlo is the best for affordable winter essentials. I even get my gloves from their kid's section, and on any given winter day at least one of my layers is from the brand.
Vrai Oro
I have this in rose gold and it's one of four necklaces I never take off.
Up next? A color trend even minimalists will love.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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