Contemporary Brands Are Winning Right Now
Contemporary staples- cream blazer, tweed cardigan, shearling jacket, lace blouse, slip dress, camel sweater and leather pants. Modern versatile style.
Why Contemporary Feels Right, Right Now
• Prices are out of control. Even die-hard luxury lovers are taking pause.
• Quality meets trend. These labels know how to do modern tailoring, feminine details, and elevated basics that don’t feel “less than.”
• Accessible without feeling disposable. You’re getting well-made pieces that last beyond one season.
The Brands Leading the Charge
• Veronica Beard, Anine Bing & Polo Ralph Lauren – Staples with a twist. Their blazers, jeans, and day-to-night dresses hold up in a closet built for real life.
• Alice + Olivia – Color, fun, and femininity in styles that rival runway vibes.
• Ba&sh; + Sandro + Maje – Parisian polish at price points that are chic but still achievable.
• A.L.C. & Ulla Johnson – Elevated bohemian and refined cool, for those moments when you want effortless sophistication.
• Staud – Contemporary It-bags, playful silhouettes, and pieces that feel designer without crossing into luxury sticker shock.
The Bigger Picture
These brands remind us that style isn’t about spending more, it’s about spending smart. You can build a wardrobe of mix-and-match staples—blazers, feminine dresses, great denim, a bag with personality—that stand toe-to-toe with luxury pieces. The sweet spot? They let you invest in more than one item without feeling like you’ve blown an entire season’s budget on a single piece.
The Edit by JRD POV
My philosophy has always been mixing high and low—a Celine bag with a Veronica Beard blazer, or H&M; basics paired with Staud accessories. Contemporary brands are the connective tissue in this mix. They make it possible to look polished, modern, and current while still keeping fashion fun and approachable.
