What were you wearing 10 years ago? It's safe to say many of us would be embarrassed by our fashion sense a decade ago, but if you look carefully, I bet you'd notice some common themes between your past and present wardrobes. For me, I realized that I still buy some of the tried-and-true brands I used to wear before I became a fashion editor. (I had to look at my LinkedIn to confirm, but it's been about six and a half years since I first nabbed a full-time editor job.)
Right now, I'm obsessed with fashion-girl brands such as Ganni, Staud, Maje, and Dôen, but I definitely haven't always been able to afford these labels. Plus, I was too shy to experiment with trends when I was younger, and I hadn't really developed a sense of style yet. It was all about basics back then. That said, I'm never one to turn down a good Madewell tee or Topshop dress in 2020, and I still rely on these labels for affordable pieces. Scroll down to shop the five brands I wore before becoming a fashion editor and still wear now.
Free People
I'll be the first to admit that sometimes Free People gets a little too literal with the boho theme, but that hasn't stopped me from buying from the brand for many years. My two go-to pieces from Free People are romantic blouses and band tees.
What I'm wearing: Free People blouse; J.Crew jeans; Dôen shoes; Montunas bag
Topshop
Topshop definitely has a knack for interpreting the most popular trends in wearable and affordable ways. This photo above is about five years old, but Topshop continues to make super-cute summer dresses just like this one.
What I'm wearing: Topshop dress; Cotton On hat
Vans
As a born-and-bred San Diegan, my closet has been stacked with Vans for decades. My favorite styles are the Authentic Sneakers and Old Skool Sneakers. Even though I wore them every single day in high school, I still haven't tired of Vans.
What I'm wearing: Madeworn T-shirt; J.Crew jeans; Tory Burch bag; Vans sneakers
Madewell
While I sadly no longer get the student discount at Madewell, I still turn to the retailer for quality basics and pretty dresses, blouses, and swimwear.
What I'm wearing: Vintage blazer; Madewell T-shirt and jeans; Dôen shoes
Superga
Superga is another brand that I purchase over and over. I'm obsessed with the Cotu Classic Sneakers in white, which I've thrown in the washing machine and lived to tell the tale.
What I'm wearing: Maison Alma coat; J Brand jeans; Casa Chiqui bag; Splendid turtleneck; Superga sneakers
Next, January Jones's cute new bikini got over 70,000 IG likes.
-
These Throwback Sneakers Will Be the Talk of 2025They're beloved by the likes of Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski.
-
The Bag Charm Trend Is Very Me, and Now I'm Trying It on My SneakersA vibe.
-
Let Me Guess: You Weren't Expecting Ashley Olsen to Wear These Under-$150 SneakersNeither was I.
-
I've Banished Ballet Flats in Favor of All These Chic Spring SneakersLoads of newness, plus the buzzy style that's *finally* back in stock.
-
I Didn't Think This "Ugly" Sneaker Color Trend Would Last, But It's Cooler Than Ever in 2025Still celeb approved.
-
This Sneaker Color Trend Makes Black Pants Look So Much PrettierYou know you're curious.
-
I Find Closet Staples at Zara, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Vince, and Madewell—These 30 New Items Are ChicSweaters, jackets, suiting, and more!
-
I'm Ready to Embrace a Capsule Wardrobe—29 Madewell Items I'm Starting WithIt has nonbasic basics on lock.
