A few years ago, I was invited to a fancy cocktail party but had nothing to wear.
I scrambled last minute to find a cute outfit but everything was either way out of my budget or poor quality.
That’s when I discovered Assembly and fell in LOVE.
The clothes were so stylish and well-made, without costing a fortune. It literally saved me for that event!
Since then, I’ve been on the hunt for other brands that offer that same level of style, quality and affordability.
And let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy!
But after much searching, I’ve compiled this list of my top favorite Brands just like Assembly:
Everlane
Known for their minimalist, everyday basics, Everlane has become hugely popular for offering high-quality essentials at reasonable prices.
They tout their “radical transparency” by revealing the true costs behind each product. Their simple tees and tanks are made of lightweight, supple fabrics that feel amazing.
I especially love their cotton crew neck tees that come in a huge range of versatile colors. They are substantial enough to hold their shape but still super soft and breathable.
Their denim is also excellent – I’m obsessed with the high-rise skinny and the ’90s cheeky straight jeans. The material has the perfect amount of stretch while retaining structure.
If you love Assembly’s simple, versatile staples, you’ll definitely appreciate Everlane’s aesthetic and ethics.
COS
This brand from H&M focuses on timeless, functional pieces with a minimal Scandinavian vibe. The quality is much better than standard H&M, with sleek silhouettes and quality fabrics.
Their clothes have a very modern, architectural feel to them. I especially love their tailored pants – they have slim leg trousers and wide leg culottes that look so sharp and sleek.
Their asymmetric tops and dresses are also gorgeous – they have unique geometric details that add visual interest while still being versatile enough for everyday.
The prices are also more affordable than designer brands with a similar aesthetic. It’s a great option for elevated contemporary style on a budget.
M.M.LaFleur
If you’re looking for work-friendly attire, M.M.LaFleur is a go-to. They offer high-quality, thoughtfully designed pieces that transition seamlessly from desk to dinner.
The brand focuses on creating flattering silhouettes from luxury materials like Japanese crepe and lightweight Italian wool.
Their blazers are amazing – structured yet comfortable, and the material doesn’t wrinkle easily.
I also love their Foster pant – it’s a pull-on ponte style that’s as comfy as leggings but looks polished and professional. And with their Bento Box program, you can try on items at home before committing. It’s an easy way to keep your work wardrobe fresh and stylish.
Naadam
This brand uses ethically sourced cashmere and other high-end fabrics to create timeless knitwear and accessories.
Their cashmere sweaters are heavenly – they’re fully fashioned so there are no bulky seams, and the fabric is incredibly soft while still holding its structure.
I love their boyfriend crew neck sweater – it’s slightly oversized with a relaxed fit that makes it perfect for everyday wear.
Their cashmere Essential $75 v-neck is also fabulous for the price. If you’re looking for luxury quality at a fraction of the cost, their cashmere can’t be beat! They also have a great selection of MongoDB wool outerwear and accessories like hats, gloves and blanket scarves. Prepare to be obsessed!
Outerknown
Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown combines coastal cool with ethical production.
They use earth-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester and ECONYL® to craft laidback, beachy styles you can feel good about wearing.
I especially love their Blanket Shirt – it’s a cozy oversized button-down that’s perfect as a light jacket or loungewear.
Their popular S.E.A. jeans are also amazing – made from recycled denim and plastic bottles, with a relaxed tapered leg. If you dig Assembly’s California vibe but want more sustainable options, this is your brand.
Thought Clothing
Another eco-friendly brand, Thought Clothing features natural, sustainable fabrics in relaxed, comfortable designs.
They’re best known for their soft organic cotton basics and super soft tees. I’m obsessed with the Crush It Vee – it’s the softest material that drapes beautifully.
Their shorts are also great – I love the Organic Cotton Chino Shorts for their loose, breathable feel. Whether lounging or running errands, Thought Clothing is an easy choice for feel-good fashion.
Reformation
This LA-based brand is mega-popular for their playful, vintage-inspired dresses and feminine styles. They use sustainable fabrics and production practices to craft sexy, on-trend pieces.
Their silk dresses and wrap styles are perfect for weddings and events – I get so many compliments whenever I wear them!
They also have great separates like their printed blouses and lightweight linen tops. Their jeans fit amazingly as well – the wedgie style is flattering and hugs in all the right places. If you love Assembly’s romantic maxi dresses and flirty tops, you’ll love exploring Reformation’s offerings.
Rag & Bone
Known for luxury staples with an edgy, New York vibe, Rag & Bone masterfully blends tailoring and fluid fabrics for a relaxed yet put-together look.
Their attention to detail and fabric quality is amazing – their knits hold their structure while feeling soft and supple.
I love their merino wool crew necks and v-necks for everyday wear. Their leather jackets are also phenomenal – super soft with the perfect slouchy, worn-in look. While the prices are steeper than Assembly, you can catch sales to nab quality investment pieces.
Madewell
Madewell is my go-to for high-quality denim and wear-everywhere basics. The fits are always flawless, and the pieces have a vintage, lived-in feel.
Their skinny and straight jeans have the perfect amount of stretch without losing their shape. I’m also hooked on their oversized button-downs, plaid flannels and striped tees.
The quality holds up impressively over time. Madewell is an easy pick for casual closet staples.
Aritzia
This Canadian brand has expanded quickly in the US for their stylish, contemporary pieces with a bit of edge. They offer a mix of professional and casual wear, with lots of cozy knits and soft fabrics.
Their TNAbuttery soft leggings and sweats have stayed trendy for years. They also have gorgeous faux leather pants that look so edgy and cool.
For work, their blazers and button ups skim the body perfectly while looking professional enough for clients. The prices are very reasonable for the quality. Plus they have new arrivals constantly, so you’ll never get bored.
Lacoste
Most know Lacoste for their iconic polos, but the brand offers so much more! From sleek separates to sporty dresses and more, Lacoste brings a polished preppy aesthetic with versatile, wearable style.
Their polos are made from breathable pique cotton that’s perfect for staying cool in the summer heat. I also love their casual-chic wool sweaters, skirts and belts.
Their pieces truly stand the test of time. It’s a great option if you love Assembly’s classic American style.
Vince
Known for their everyday luxe essentials, Vince creates unfussy staples from premium fabrics like cashmere, silk and Superfine cotton.
Their cashmere sweaters feel like an absolute dream – they have amazing drape and don’t pill easily. I also love Vince for slouchy tee shirts, drawstring pants and silk blouses you can dress up or down.
While the prices are high, the quality investment is worth it. This is perfect for achieving Assembly’s relaxed luxury vibe.
Aday
This technical womenswear brand creates versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from work to workout to weekend.
The fabrics are specially engineered to be sweat-wicking, anti-odor, cooling and more. Their WorkIt pant is perfect for looking professional but feeling like you’re in leggings.
And they have cute structured blazers that don’t wrinkle, along with exercise-friendly tees and tanks. If you love wearing Assembly’s casual-chic style for all aspects of life, Aday will rock your world.
Grana
Based in Hong Kong, Grana offers high-quality essentials directly to consumers. They skip the middlemen to offer luxury basics at reasonable prices.
Their silk tops are lust-worthy – the fabric is the perfect weight that drapes beautifully without clinging. And their cashmere crews and turtlenecks feel so decadent.
Everything is seamlessly designed for layering and mixing and matching. It’s an easy way to affordably add staples from silk and cashmere into your wardrobe.
Misha Nonoo
Known for her “shirt dresses”, Nonoo designs polished, feminine separates and signature prints. The aesthetic is minimalist meets menswear meets versatility.
I love her button-down shirt dresses that can be dressed up or down seamlessly – they’re great for work with heels or weekends with sneakers. Her lightweight printed blouses are also perfect for linking professional polish with a playful vibe.
The pieces are designed for mix-and-match layering. If you love Assembly’s ability to take you from boardroom to bar, you’ll appreciate Nonoo’s multifunctional elegance.
Of Mercer
This NYC-based brand creates everyday essentials from luxurious Italian fabrics like lightweight cashmere.
Their cashmere crews are incredibly soft and keep their shape over time. I’m also obsessed with their Mongolian Cashmere Boyfriend Polo – it’s an elevated take on a classic.
The quality and craftsmanship is impeccable, with affordable prices compared to other luxury brands. Of Mercer is perfect for subtle luxury that takes you seamlessly from errands to evenings out.
Known Supply
Ethical, sustainable style is at the core of Known Supply’s mission. They use eco-friendly fair trade fabrics like organic cotton, hemp and alpaca to create versatile, timeless essentials.
Their Alpaca Crew is heavenly – it’s soft as cashmere but much more affordable. Their denim, tees and accessories are also stand-outs.
The quality and craft is top-notch but without the outrageous designer prices. It’s feel-good fashion you can feel good about wearing.
Cuyana
Cuyana is an elegant, minimalist brand focused on timeless essentials and quality craftsmanship. Based in San Francisco, they create versatile pieces meant to last from sturdy Italian leathers, soft cashmere, and sustainable wool.
Their aesthetic has a very modern, polished vibe. One of my favorite items from Cuyana is their Cable Cashmere Crew. It’s made from 100% Mongolian cashmere in a mid-weight cable knit, perfect for layering. The fit is oversized while still feeling luxe.
I also love their leather tote bags – the leather is super supple yet structured enough to hold its shape. And their belongings case/jewelry roll is a game-changer for keeping your accessories organized when traveling.
The craftsmanship and materials are truly top-notch while avoiding flashy logos or trendy frills. If you love Assembly’s focus on quality over quantity, Cuyana is a brand to know.
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
Velvet by Graham and Spencer focuses on soft, relaxed basics with a laidback SoCal vibe. They’re known for their insanely soft tees, tanks, and sweatshirts made from a custom blend of cotton, modal and spandex.
Their fabrics truly feel like velvet, just as the name suggests. Everything drapes beautifully while keeping you comfy. I’m especially obsessed with their tissue weight tee – it’s so light and airy for hot summer days but doesn’t cling or show every lump and bump.
Their hoodies, joggers and dresses are also perfect for lounging and running errands while still looking pulled together.
The shape and fit of each piece is spot-on. While the aesthetic stays pretty casual, the elevated fabrics and craftsmanship make this a go-to for premium basics without big logos or bells and whistles. Think of it as California chic meets luxurious fabrics.
Nordstrom’s Caslon Line
Nordstrom’s in-house Caslon line offers elevated basics and everyday staples at an affordable price point. The quality and fit exceeds expectations for the cost.
Their ultrasoft tees are a worthy dupe for pricier brands likeATM and Feel the Piece. And their denim, button-downs and sweaters stand up impressively over time. I especially love their Plus Size collection – the on-trend pieces are actually cut to flatter curves.
Their tie-waist, wide-leg culotte jumpsuit is perfect for looking dressy but feeling like pajamas. Caslon is my go-to for closet staples that feel high-end but without the sticker shock. From workwear to weekend wear, their versatile style transitions seamlessly for life’s adventures both big and small.
Year Of Ours
Year of Ours brings together minimalist shapes with bold, vivid prints and colors. This LA-based brand creates sculptural yet comfortable pieces from technical, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
Their tailored trousers, wrap dresses and cable knits manage to feel both luxe and laidback. I especially love their workout-friendly apparel – their leggings, bras and bike shorts are super flattering with clever design details.
Their swimwear is also phenomenal – their one-piece suits are sexy and supportive with a retro vibe. Year of Ours makespieces that can perform during life’s adventures while maintaining a chic, minimalist look. While certainly splurge-worthy, they offer high-end quality without the eye-popping price tags of other technical fashion brands.
ADAY
ADAY is a technical womenswear brand that creates versatile, innovative pieces to go from work to workout to weekend.
Their clothes feature fabric technology to offer moisture-wicking, odor control, UV protection, cooling, and more—all in sleek silhouettes. Their Throw and Roll pants are perfect for travel since they don’t wrinkle or cling.
Their WorkIt pant has the polish of trousers with the comfort of leggings. And their Renew bodysuit provides core control that’s hidden beneath any outfit.
ADAY avoids trends and flashy logos, opting instead for timeless minimalism that transitions seamlessly throughout life’s adventures.
The clothes are designed to layer, mix, match and move without restriction. If you love Assembly but want added performance, ADAY’s technical savvy will upgrade your wardrobe in the best way.
Kotn
Kotn is a Toronto-based brand focused on ethical essentials. They use only Egyptian cotton sourced directly from farmers they work closely with. By removing middlemen, they can ensure fair wages while keeping costs down.
Their classic tees, crews and polos are wardrobe staples. Everything is super soft yet substantial – the fabric doesn’t wear thin or stretch out overtime. Their henleys are also phenomenal – with subtle ribbed details and a relaxed fit. Beyond basics, Kotn offers loungewear like joggers, dresses and utility jumpsuits.
The quality and craftsmanship exceeds expectations for the price point. Kotn proves that ethical, sustainable fashion can also be impeccably designed. If you love Assembly but want more transparent, socially-conscious clothing, Kotn delivers.
ADAY
ADAY creates technical, innovative womenswear designed for life on-the-go. Based in NYC, their pieces go seamlessly from work to workout thanks to special fabric technology.
Moisture-wicking, cooling, stretch recovery and more — their clothes can keep up with your busiest days. Their Throw and Roll pant has a tailored look that magically doesn’t wrinkle. The WorkIt pant delivers office-appropriate polish with yoga pant comfort.
And their Renew Bodysuit smooths and shapes your core under any outfit. ADAY eschews trends and loud logos in favor of timeless, versatile style crafted to support women’s active lives. If you love Assembly but want performance features, ADAY has you covered.
Naadam
Naadam sources certified-ethical cashmere and wool to create elevated basics accessible to all budgets. Their $75 cashmere sweater disrupted the market, offering pure Mongolian cashmere for a fraction of the typical cost.
Everything is impeccably made — with no bulky seams on their sweaters and perfectly-weighted fabric. Beyond cashmere, their merino wool, silk, and cashmere-blend pieces are heavenly. The quality and craftsmanship exceeds expectations.
Naadam proves luxury materials don’t have to break the bank. If you love Assembly’s quality but want specialty fabrics, Naadam delivers affordable luxury.
Amour Vert
Amour Vert uses sustainable fabrics and ethical production to create effortlessly chic pieces. Based in San Francisco, they focus on everyday wearability and versatility.
Their silk tops and dresses are stunners — with ingenious design details like built-in bras and convertible straps. Their hemp tees have a luxuriously soft handfeel.
And their structured basics flatter without the dry-clean-only maintenance. Amour Vert avoids trend-driven pieces in favor of thoughtful design and ecologically-friendly materials. For sustainable fashion that flatters, Amour Vert is a perfect pick.
Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch offers laidback essentials rooted in California cool. They create unfussy, quality-crafted classics designed to be lived in.
Known for their shirts, their fabrics have superior softness and durability. Their Denim Chore Pant maintains structure but feels like sweatpants. And their anti-microbial tees and polos are perfect for adventures near and far.
With transparent production and fair labor practices, Taylor Stitch makes ethical clothing you want to wear daily. If you love Assembly’s aesthetic but want more casual versatility, Taylor Stitch delivers wardrobe heroes.
