I Live in the South, and These Are the Brands I Wear Year-Round
This is Style in the South, a series in which our South-based editor, Allyson, shares her insights into the trends and shopping habits that Southern girls follow (and don't follow). She'll also share her own personal experience with how to dress since returning to the South after more than a decade away. Whether you live in the South, are visiting, or are simply curious, she's here to give her Who What Wear perspective about all things Southern style.
The common perception is that it's always either warm or hot in the South, but believe it or not, the weather (at least where I live in Raleigh, North Carolina) can be pretty wild. It rains a lot and sometimes even snows. There are lengthy heat waves and equally lengthy (very) cold snaps. You get the idea. This is why a versatile wardrobe is very much required. Since moving back to the South a few years ago, I've really tried to fill my closet with pieces that can be worn in multiple seasons, and there are certain brands that never fail to provide ultra-stylish pieces for every season and climate. These versatile fashion brands may not be under-the-radar or groundbreaking, but I buy their pieces almost every season, so they're clearly doing it right.
Read on to shop my picks from the 12 brands I wear year-round in the South.
& Other Stories
Every single time I scroll through & Other Stories' offerings, I find multiple things that I wouldn't hesitate to buy. Proving the brand's versatility, the sweaters are as good as the shoes.
My Pick
Staud
My Staud obsession started with the bags, but it's definitely infiltrated the rest of my wardrobe with its unique fashion items and, now, gorgeous footwear.
My Pick
Alo
I frequent a lot of workout classes and therefore spend a lot of time in Alo pieces.
My Pick
By Far
By Far shoes and bags have been beckoning me ever since the brand launched. Each drop seems to get better and better, and the sandals and boots are equally desirable and well made.
My Pick
Ganni
Every fashion girl I know is obsessed with Ganni, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. What really gets me about the popular brand is that both its puffers and summery printed dresses are distinctively Ganni, which is no small feat.
My Pick
Aritzia
Aritzia is consistently one of my favorite sources for both affordable basics and fun seasonal pieces (like the jacket I'm wearing below).
My Pick
Paige
I've long been a fan of Paige's jeans and clothing, and now that it's making shoes (very comfortable, stylish ones at that), I love the brand even more.
My Pick
Reformation
No explanation needed. We all love Reformation. It's probably gotten more of my money than any other brand over the years.
Tibi
Tibi has long been a favorite of mine for investment pieces that will get you tons of compliments. (Pro tip: Its seasonal sales are epic.)
My Pick
Pixie Market
Pixie Market pieces (especially the tops, sweaters, and jackets) get a lot of wear in my life, and the prices are tough to beat.
My Pick
Re/Done
I'll just say that I wear Re/Done so much, I probably tag the brand more than any other on Instagram.
My Pick
Madewell
The fact that I've been shopping at Madewell for about a decade is proof that it's always been a great source for special basics and so much more.
My Pick
Next up, nine basics everyone forgets to buy, according to a personal stylist.
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.
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