Fashion People Love to Gatekeep This Elevated-Basics Brand, so I Tried It IRL

The word "gatekeep" in the context of fashion exists for a reason. In an environment where an item that feels unique and different from every other ubiquitous viral sensation can easily meet that same fate following one successful TikTok video, we can't exactly blame fashion people for keeping some of their secret go-to brands under lock and key. After all, we've seen how hard the social media platform has made getting reservations at new, hot restaurants. It's no different with clothes.

Thus far, the fashion crowd's been fairly successful at keeping their mouths shut about and their closets full of Raey, the in-house label that London-based luxury e-tailer Matches launched in 2015. Known for its baby-soft knits, cool oversize denim, and perfectly tailored outerwear, the brand's become a beloved staple for elevated basics, much like The Frankie Shop, Loulou Studio, and Toteme. Unlike those much-discussed labels, Raey flies under the radar for the most part, but I'm bursting its bubble. After trying on 10 pieces by the brand, I can't seem to keep my mouth shut about how good it is. 

Scroll down to read all about the pieces I reviewed IRL and shop them, of course. 

Wool Tailored Jacket + Button-Up Cashmere Jumper + Wool-Blend Pencil Skirt

One thing that first stood out to me about Raey and the pieces I tried on for this article is how versatile they all are. Many have specific pairs—like a blazer with trousers or a matching skirt—but they just as smoothly collaborate with mismatching items. For proof, just see this cream-colored blazer paired with a mossy-green column skirt, which actually goes with a different item featured later on. Though I'm sure it would've looked beautiful as a duet, I love the way the two separates in green and ivory come together and feel so natural. Underneath, I wore a tissue-thin cashmere henley that felt illegally soft. Though it is pretty sheer, that's what I loved most about it, especially when worn underneath the blazer. 

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Gabardine Wool Coat + Wide-Leg Jeans

I'd always heard that Raey's outerwear was outstanding, but given that I'd previously only owned denim from the brand, I couldn't accurately say that until I'd tried it. Now that I have, I can concur that it's just as high quality and luxurious as everyone says. Like many of Raey's pieces, this coat is pretty oversize. Luckily, that's how I like my outerwear, especially since I like to layer in the winter. (Hello, I am from Chicago.) You can always size down, though, if you want a more snug fit. Underneath, I kept on the above henley and added a pair of baggy, wide-leg jeans with elevated front pleats that make them feel unique compared to all of the many wide-leg jeans on the market right now. 

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Sheepskin Aviator Coat + Cashmere Cardigan + Low-Rise Jeans

Continuing on the outerwear train, I slipped on this chocolate-brown leather aviator coat—which features a buttery soft and extremely warm shearling lining—on top of a tissue-thin navy-blue sweater and cream-colored jeans that were dangerously hard to send back. Though this coat is nothing to scoff at, the top underneath is really what blew me away in terms of quality. It feels like you're wearing nothing at all while simultaneously being rich to the touch. I'm already saving up to add it to my closet permanently. And then there are these jeans. I love how they're fitted at the waist but loose and relaxed throughout the hips and legs, eliminating the need for a belt unless you're adding one for aesthetic purposes. They're perfect and especially great if you own too many pairs of blue and black jeans and want a style that feels different from the herd. 

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Wool-Blend Tux Blazer + Wide-Leg Trousers

Remember when I referenced a moss-green suit that went with the above maxi column skirt? Here it is in all of its glory. Like the cream blazer I tried on, this green one is slightly oversize but still has that tailored feel with larger shoulder pads and cool statement lapels. The details make it worth splurging on, though, with touches like cloth-covered buttons that keep the palette monochrome and clean so you can play around with accessories. Now, let's move on to the trousers. Size plays a big role with these, as I wore my normal size. They were quite fitted, but I imagine one size up would look just as good and slouchy like in the e-commerce images. Neither option is wrong—it all comes down to personal preference and how you plan to wear them. I'd say the fitted route is more formal and office-esque, while the baggier size would be better for pairing with a tee or bodysuit and wearing on a casual weekend. 

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