I've Worked in Fashion for 5+ Years—These Are the 9 Brands I Always Wear

As a fashion editor, I feel quite lucky to get paid to do something I actually love. I've always been an avid shopper, but since making fashion my full-time career back in April 2014 (here's how I got my first fashion job), I've really nailed down my aesthetic and the brands that best help me to achieve it. Sure, I'm always to try emerging brands and my wardrobe certainly consists of more than these nine brands, but as far as the ones that can literally do no wrong in my book and that I seek to add to my wardrobe each season, these are them.

Inspired by my fellow Who What Wear editor Kristen Nichols who did the same last year, I'm sharing my aforementioned holy-grail brands with you; from each which I selected my favorite current items for you to add to your wardrobe as well (if you're so inclined). So without further ado, scroll away for the nine brands I find to be wearable yet trend-driven, well-made, versatile, and, of course, so very stylish.

Staud

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Staud. My obsession started with the bags, but it's grown to include the clothes and shoes. It just keeps getting better and better.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672094683-image

Wearing: Staud jacket

Totême

I don't really consider myself a minimalist, but Totême is one of the only brands that makes me want to be. I aspire to have a wardrobe filled with the Stockholm-based brand's elevated basics, but for now, I'm splurging on the shoes, outerwear, and trousers.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672091495-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Totême boots

At least once a week I say, "Wow, & Other Stories is so good right now." The sweaters, dresses, and outerwear, in particular, are constant favorites of mine, and the prices are quite low, considering the quality.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672096668-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: & Other Stories cardigan

Reformation

I honestly don't know what I would do without Reformation. I've been wearing it since the early days, and I'm even more addicted to it now that it makes denim and shoes, but the brand's bevy of pretty dresses will always hold a special place in my heart.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672097421-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Reformation jacket

Nanushka

Nanushka is well known at this point for its luxurious vegan leather, but don't sleep on its knitwear or literally anything else it makes either, folks.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672093448-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Nanushka trench

Aritzia

"Thanks, it's Aritzia" is a phrase I say a lot. It's impossible for me to scroll through the site without adding at least 10 things to my cart. It's a Who What Wear editor favorite for a reason—everything it makes is cool and easy on the wallet (the outerwear is more of an investment, but worth it!).

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672092301-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Aritzia jacket

Ganni

It's hardly groundbreaking that a fashion editor loves Ganni, but I'm going to talk about it anyway. Whenever I need something cool to wear for a special occasion, or a statement coat, or some fun new pieces to punch up my everyday wardrobe (I could go on), I often turn to Ganni. What ever did we do without it?

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573679213461-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Ganni suit

Donni

Donni focuses on accessories, tops, and bottoms that are perfect for lounging, and I want all of it. It's no wonder the brand's fleeces and thermals are constantly selling out—details like pearl zippers set them apart from the rest.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672095466-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Wearing: Donni pullover

Dôen

Dôen is known for making ridiculously pretty pieces, and what's not to love about that? It's an obvious choice for summer dresses and breezy blouses, but the sweaters are equally lust-worthy.

most-stylish-fashion-brands-283752-1573672098866-image

(Image credit: @allypayer)

Next up, 33 really good winter dresses from my favorite brands right now.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.