I was just browsing my favorite store White House Black Market the other day and realized they don’t have every cute style I’m looking for.
So I did some digging to find similar brands with that same elegant and sophisticated vibe. Get ready to meet your new fave fashion destinations!
But first, a quick funny story:
Last week I wore my new WHBM dress to work and my boss said
“Wow Jane, looking sharp today! Got a hot date tonight?”
I just laughed and said “Nope, just celebrating Payday Friday with a new outfit!” Priorities, am I right ladies?
Did you know it was actually started in 1985 by two friends with a boutique in Baltimore?
The name comes from their sophisticated black and white clothes.
Now let’s dive into the good stuff:
Chico’s
Like WHBM, Chico’s has elegant and polished styles for women of all ages. Lots of details like embroidery, patterns, and feminine silhouettes.
The prices are moderate and they always have sales. Some of my favorite pieces are their printed blouses with fun details like ruffles, ties, and pintucking.
I also love their pants with comfort waists and stretch fabrics in ankle lengths, crops, and wide legs.
Their woven jackets and cardigans are perfect lightweight layers, and don’t get me started on the dresses! Fitted sheaths, maxi dresses with slit skirts, wrap dresses, shirtdresses – all in vibrant prints and colors.
Chico’s also has a great selection of jewelry, bags, shoes and other accessories to pull your whole look together.
Ann Taylor
This classic brand has been around since the 1950s and is known for timeless workwear like blazers, sheath dresses and pencil skirts.
I love their curated collection of professional and stylish pieces. Ann Taylor offers a wide selection of versatile work-ready pieces like ponte sheath dresses, crisp button downs, and tailored trousers.
Their suiting is always spot-on with jackets and pants in classic silhouettes like straight leg and bootcut. They use high quality fabrics like stretch cotton, tropical wool and machine-washable suiting.
I also appreciate Ann Taylor’s focus on wear-to-work essentials like pointy toe flats, leather totes and structured satchels for carrying laptops and files. And you can always find seasonal staples like cozy cardigans and ballet flats alongside their classic but never boring styles.
Loft
Similar to Ann Taylor, Loft offers stylish work-ready clothing at budget-friendly prices. Lots of versatile staples and comfortable fabrics like lightweight sweaters and stretchy ponte pants.
I’m obsessed with Loft’s outfit-making mix-and-match pieces like patterned button-up blouses, skinny ankle pants and cute cardigans.
Their casual pieces transition seamlessly from desk to dinner, like utility jackets, floral wrap dresses and striped swing skirts.
Loft uses lots of comfortable stretch fabrics in their pants, skirts and dresses so you can move and bend with ease.
And everything is so affordable – you can easily refresh your work wardrobe each season without breaking the bank.
I especially love browsing their seasonal sales to find staples like denim, tees and casual dresses at unbelievable prices.
Banana Republic
Think sleek and minimalist styles with natural fabrics and colors. Banana Republic is perfect for building a modern capsule wardrobe.
Their collections are very WHBM-esque. Banana Republic has mastered smart, polished clothing for the modern professional.
Their esthetic is tailored and timeless, with interesting updates each season that keep their signature style fresh.
You’ll find crisp button-downs, tailored trousers, and sleek sheath dresses as wardrobe essentials. I appreciate their focus on high quality natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen in solids and subtle patterns.
Banana Republic is also a go-to for elevating business casual looks with well-cut blazers, structured leather totes and pointed toe flats.
And their sophisticated color palette of muted tones, neutrals and rich hues makes mixing and matching effortless. Their clothes are an investment but worth it for their enduring style and quality construction.
Express
This brand is all about helping women dress their best for work and play. At Express you’ll find cute dresses, mix-and-match separates, denim, shoes and accessories. Plus their 1MX shirts are amazing! Express has fashion-forward pieces at accessible price points.
Their huge selection has everything you need from dressed up separates for work to flirty dresses for date night.
I especially love their Portofino shirts in colors and patterns that are always on-trend. Their jeans come in all the latest silhouettes – wide leg, distressed, short and flare – along with classic skinny and bootcut too.
And Express really shines for making mix-and-match outfits easy with complementary tops, cardigans and skinny pants in coordinating colors and prints.
Their jersey knit dresses are flattering, comfortable fits that take you from desk to dinner with just a jacket or heels. Don’t forget to browse the sales and clearance for incredible deals!
NY Company
NY Company has really upped their style game in recent years with on-trend pieces at an affordable price point.
Lots of patterns, prints, and going-out looks. Great for the woman on the go!
NY Company keeps up with the latest trends while still offering great quality at an affordable price point.
Their mix-and-match pieces make wardrobe building easy. Think sleek cold shoulder tops, wide leg culottes, and flirty fit-and-flare dresses.
Their vibrant prints, fun florals and chic stripes offer plenty of personality. They also carry stylish basics like stretchy ponte leggings, denim jackets and sleeveless sheath dresses. The going-out looks at NY&Co are so fun, like off-the-shoulder tops, strappy heels and metallic minis.
And the prices are generally under $100 for dresses, under $50 for blouses and pants, and under $30 for tees and tanks. Sign up for texts to get the inside scoop on all their incredible sales too!
Talbots
Classic, feminine pieces for women who appreciate quality and want to look polished. Talbots offers timeless silhouettes in natural fibers like cotton, wool and silk.
Talbots truly epitomizes timeless style with their tailored silhouettes and focus on natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk. They offer enduring essentials like crisp button-downs, pleated trousers, petite blazers and sheath dresses.
I appreciate that they design specifically with fit and comfort in mind. Their button-downs feature bust darts, sleeves and hems tailored to flatter. Their trousers sit at the natural waist and have hidden elastic waistbands.
Their jersey knits keep shape while draping comfortably over curves. Talbots also has beautiful, elevated layers like open-weave cashmere cardigans and lightweight pashmina shawls. Their understated palette of solids and muted prints exudes sophistication.
J.Crew
Preppy and nautical-inspired styles abound at J.Crew. You’ll find well-tailored basics, eye-catching patterns and colors, and accessories to pull any outfit together. J.Crew is the ultimate one-stop shop for preppy-chic style.
Their silhouettes have a tailored, vintage feel that’s so classically prep. But they add modern twists with fresh colors, prints and details each season.
Their basics line (aptly named ‘Essentials’) features well-fitted tees, button-ups and sweater in iconic solids with timeless style. J.Crew’s suiting is always impeccably tailored yet comfortable, from pants and blazers to dresses and jumpsuits.
And they offer covetable, elevated layers like silk button-down tunics and tissue turtlenecks. J.Crew’s accessories totally pull together the prep look, from patterned headbands to two-tone flats and monogrammed leather totes. Sign up for their emails to get first dibs on discounts and seasonal sales!
Ann Taylor LOFT
This sister brand to Ann Taylor offers laid-back weekend and office-appropriate wear at lower price points.
Lots of florals, stripes, soft knits and relaxed denim. Ann Taylor LOFT makes casual Friday dressing a breeze.
Their relaxed fits in stretchy, comfortable fabrics effortlessly go from work to weekend. I especially love their knits because they’re lightweight, packable and machine washable – genius! Soft tees, cozy cardigans, swingy pullover tunics, and cute platform sneakers are staples here.
Their denim is always on-point with relaxed straight legs, cute flares and even jeggings.
LOFT is also my go-to for flirty dresses at an affordable price point – think fit-and-flare silhouettes, wrap styles and off-the-shoulder necklines. And keep an eye out for their 40% off sales to score major deals!
Lucky Brand
For boho infused fashion, check out Lucky Brand. Flowy fabrics, embroidery, off-the-shoulder and wrap styles plus jeans and tees. Lucky Brand masters effortless boho style with laidback pieces that are still feminine and chic.
Their signature floral embroidery and macrame details elevate basic tops and dresses. I love their easy fits in lightweight woven fabrics like gauze and voile that drape beautifully. Their denim is always super soft and comfortable with just the right amount of stretch.
You’ll find cute flared, wide-leg and bootcut silhouettes along with skinny jeans. Lucky’s casual dresses are perfect for weekend and vacation, with smocked peasant tops and flowy maxi skirts. And you can dress them up too with wedges or block heels. Their prices are mid-range but they often have 40% off sales online and in stores.
Vince Camuto
Contemporary pieces with unique details and textures, Vince Camuto has lots to offer the modern fashionista.
Great shoes and handbags too! Vince Camuto brings elevated style at an affordable luxury price point. Their pieces feature interesting details like tassels, grommets, contrast panels and hardware. I appreciate that their styles are modern and fashion-forward while remaining versatile and wearable.
Vince Camuto’s mixed media prints, faux leather and woven fabrics elevate basic silhouettes. Their dresses seamlessly go from day to night with easy shapes like sheaths, shirtdresses and fit-and-flares.
And their shoes and handbags pull any outfit together – think stacked heel booties, printed clutches and buttery soft leather totes. Sign up for their newsletter to get sneak peeks at new arrivals!
Eliza J
This brand makes dressy yet comfortable pieces perfect for both work and events. Lots of interesting necklines, wrap dresses, mixed prints and colors. Eliza J masters feminine style with romantic prints, intricate details and flattering silhouettes.
Their wrap dresses cinch at the waist to accent curves. Flowy maxi dresses and fit-and-flares are perfect for events. And they use stretchy jersey to ensure their sheath dresses and pencil skirts move with you. I love their bold prints and color-blocking, which adds drama and interest.
Small touches like ruffles at the neckline and flutter sleeves make their blouses and dresses special. Their fabric mixes textures like ponte, scuba, eyelet lace and chiffon for depth. And everything at Eliza J is so affordable, with most pieces under $100 full price.
Tahari ASL
Sophisticated workwear essentials for the professional woman, Tahari ASL has tailored suits, sheath dresses, and feminine blouses. Style and comfort meet! Tahari ASL masters polished workwear with impeccable tailoring to flatter your shape.
Their two-piece suiting features structured cuts in fabrics with stretch for comfort. Tahari’s sheath dresses cinch at the waist and flare subtly at the knee for an hourglass silhouette. Blouses are feminine with details like pintucking, tie-necks and 3/4 bell sleeves.
Even when pieces look delicate, like filmy chiffon blouses, they use silk underlays so you never have to worry about sheerness. Their crepe fabrics hold shape while draping softly over curves. And everything at Tahari ASL emanates professional sophistication.
Karen Kane
Bohemian details meet modern silhouettes in this breezy collection. Karen Kane uses lots of soft jersey, lightweight woven and knits. Karen Kane infuses boho sensibility into thoroughly modern pieces.
Their mixed media prints, embroidered cutout details and tassel trim elevate basics like tanks, cardigans and pullover dresses. Silhouettes drape beautifully in soft jersey, gauze, chiffon and rayon. Easy relaxed fit pants, soft denim and midi skirts channel 70s vibes with a contemporary twist.
I especially love their selection of lightweight woven tops and dresses that feel polished yet carefree. And everything layers together perfectly. Karen Kane also has an eco-friendly focus with sustainable fabrics, low-impact dyes and ethical production.
Lafayette 148 New York
Luxe fabrics and meticulous tailoring make Lafayette 148 a go-to for elevated workwear. Clean lines, minimalist aesthetic and high quality. Lafayette 148’s impeccable tailoring and luxe fabrics make their collections timeless and investment-worthy.
They’re a go-to for sharply tailored suiting, sheath dresses and blouses. Everything is designed for fit and comfort, with clean lines and a minimalist modern aesthetic. Natural fibers like wool gabardine, tropical wool, silk shantung and cotton voile drape beautifully.
Integrated stretch offers ease of movement. Details like piping, seam detailing and angular cuts keep their minimalist look interesting. The quality and construction is evident, with fully lined jackets and reinforced seams. The price point reflects the exquisite fabrics and craftsmanship.
MM.LaFleur
This direct-to-consumer brand offers seriously stylish workwear engineered for comfort and confidence. Lots of wrap styles and cool textures. MM.
LaFleur makes desk-to-dinner dressing effortless with their polished yet comfortable essentials. They’re obsessed with fit, using innovative fabrics with strategic stretch for sculpting and flexibility. Wraps, pleats and ruching cinch waists and conceal any problem areas.
Their texture mixes add visual interest too – pairing ponte with tweed or twill with pinstripes. Everything is so versatile – their dresses, jumpsuits and pants can be dressed up or down seamlessly.
MM.LaFleur also offers complimentary styling services to help you build the perfect work wardrobe! Shop their Bento Box monthly rental to test pieces.
Lulus
Lulus is an online boutique with trendy and affordable dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories. Their huge selection covers all your fashion needs, from figure-flattering cocktail dresses to casual weekend wear. Prices are budget-friendly, with most dresses under $100.
Lulus keeps up with what’s hot now, so you’ll find relevant styles like midi dresses, jumpsuits, cropped wide leg pants and puff sleeve tops. And they add new arrivals daily! Their dresses come in every silhouette – think wrap styles, fit-and-flare, off-the-shoulder, strapless and more.
Lots of fun prints and colors, too. Lulus’ casual pieces are perfect for mixing and matching. Soft knit cropped tees, high-waisted jeans, button-down blouses, dusters and kimonos. Shoes and accessories pull looks together, with cute block heels, woven totes and boho jewelry.
Lulus focuses on flattering details like cinched waists, flutter sleeves and thigh-high slits. The quality is impressive for the price, and they have fast shipping and returns.
Francesca’s
Francesca’s captures boho chic style with feminine dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories at affordable prices. Everything is so cute and trendy! Browse an endless array of flirty dresses in prints, lace, embroidery and smocked details.
Flowy peasant tops, paper bag shorts, wide leg pants capture laidback boho vibes. Lots of crochet, pom poms, beading and macrame add artisan texture. Francesca’s carries feminine footwear like strappy sandals, block heels and gladiator flats to complete your look.
And the prices are amazing – most tops are under $30, dresses under $50. They also have a great mix of fine and fashion jewelry. Francesca’s store associates are so helpful for styling entire outfits. Sign up for email and get first access to sales – they run 40-50% off specials all the time. Everything ships and returns for free too!
Draper James
Draper James is Reese Witherspoon’s Southern inspired fashion and lifestyle brand. It captures charm, sophistication and playfulness! Browse gingham, Liberty floral prints and vibrant solids crafted into feminine silhouettes.
Draper James shines for dresses, with fit-and-flare midi styles, strapless cocktail options and breezy maxis. Their tops feature details like smocking, tie-necks, ruffles, puff sleeves and gingham. Denim comes in cute washes, cropped lengths and wide legs.
Draper James also has the chicest accessories – straw bags, colorful scarves, patterned flats and dainty jewelry with Southern motifs. While prices are on the higher end, the styles are timeless keepsakes.
Draper James often has tiered sales too – 15% off $150+, 20% off $250. Free shipping and returns make browsing easy. This brand encapsulates feminine confidence with a unique Southern spirit.
Leith
Find on-trend fashion essentials for work, weekends and nights out at Leith. This Nordstrom brand offers mixed prints, easy soft knits and elevated basics with prices mostly under $100.
Transition seamlessly from desk to dinner with their knit sheath dresses, printed kimono jackets and fluid wide leg pants. Leith shines for outfit-making staples like striped tees, embroidered pencil skirts and 3/4 sleeve utility jackets.
Lots of great layering options too – cozy dusters, lightweight cardigans and infinity scarves. Their denim comes in cute cropped, kick flare and high-waisted silhouettes. To complete the look, browse cute block heels, woven totes and trendy hoops. Leith uses comfortable fabrics with stretch and their quality rivals higher end brands. Sign up for Nordy Club and get early access to their Anniversary Sale!
Sanctuary
Discover bohemian inspired fashion with a modern, romantic vibe at Sanctuary. Flowy fabrication, relaxed silhouettes and rich jewel tones define their aesthetic. Sanctuary shines for dresses in silky fabrics and maxi lengths – perfect for date night.
Intricate lace details, tassels and embroidery elevate their feminine blouses. And they have cute matching sets like cropped camis and shorts in soft jersey. Their relaxed denim comes in flare, wide leg and bootcut fits – so flattering.
Mix in their open weave cardigans, strappy sandals and fringed leather bags to complete your Boho look. Sanctuary uses lots of soft fabrics like rayon, linen, cotton voile and tissue jersey that drape beautifully.
Everything layers together seamlessly too. Prices are mid-range but they frequently run BOGO free sales online and in stores.
