Where can I (a woman) shop for simple but fashiony/interesting/structured basics?

October 7, 2012 10:45 AM

Where else can I shop for structured, simple-but-fashiony basics? I am a woman in my late-20s.

I'm a woman in my late 20s and constantly run late/feel completely frustrated because I feel like I have nothing to wear. I live in NYC and work in the arts, and so I generally like things that I can wear to work or on the weekends - casual dresses, blouses with jeans or black pants, or sweaters. I've been working on figuring out what exactly I look for in clothes so that I can build a better wardrobe to choose from on a daily basis. I've hit a sort of wall, though, in that I can't figure out where else to shop.

The one store where I consistently find things I like is Uniqlo - I especially like pieces that are very simple, but with some sort of edge (an interesting detail, unusual structure or cut, etc.). I'm looking for suggestions for similar stores that I might be able to shop at, either in person or online.

If any ideas come to (the hive)mind, I would really appreciate them. Thanks in advance!

posted by lxs to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I also live in New York, am around your age, and work in a creative field. I tend to surf along that stretch of 5th avenue just north of Union Square when I need to do in person clothes shopping. There's Zara, Madewell, Anthropologie, and J. Crew, as well as a huge Gap (with the big underwear section, score), and probably some places I'm not thinking of. There's also lots of shopping over on Broadway in that same area, and you can walk down to the square to hit up Nordstrom Rack, DSW, etc.

Outside that neck of the woods, maybe TopShop? Might be trendier than what you're looking for, but also might inspire you in new directions.

Muji doesn't carry much in the way of clothing, but what they have hits a similar "classic/quirky" sweet spot a la Uniqlo.
posted by Sara C. at 10:57 AM on October 7, 2012

I know this will seem wrong at first, but: Anthropologie. You might think "but everything is covered in floral prints and flowy hippy-ness", but that's just because that's what makes for interesting looking store windows and catalogues. I buy a ton of stuff at anthro, but all if it is the 'simple with a twist' stuff i like, like this and this and this and this, and like this when i do want some colourful fun with out all the woo-woo.
posted by Kololo at 11:11 AM on October 7, 2012 [2 favorites]

This previous question might be helpful.

And thirding that Anthropologie works surprisingly well for this kind of clothing. Also Nau, though their design has gone downhill in the last few years.
posted by dizziest at 11:14 AM on October 7, 2012

Agree with what others have said but also, don't forget accessories. That's an easy way to make an outfit look more awesome and I don't think it'll will make it take you longer to get ready in the morning. Just grab a great necklace or scarf and run out the door.
posted by kat518 at 11:15 AM on October 7, 2012

Take a look at AllSaints.
posted by needled at 11:27 AM on October 7, 2012 [2 favorites]

I recommend Theory. The current lines are very much in the vein of what you describe. There are also three Theory shops in Manhattan.
posted by yellowcandy at 12:07 PM on October 7, 2012

It's more expensive than Uniqlo or others mentioned here, but I like the French brand A.P.C. for really nice basics. On the more affordable end, Brooklyn Industries often has simple but slightly edgy dresses, tops, etc.
posted by three_red_balloons at 12:16 PM on October 7, 2012

If you ever go to Europe, try Cos. Cos is *amazing* -- I buy half my clothes there. Good quality fabrics, cheap, and they have cuts that range from avante-garde to pure basics. Similar to Helmut Lang, T by Alexander Wang, Acne or Rag and Bone. But cheap!
posted by Susan PG at 6:34 PM on October 7, 2012