Places To Shop: 20s, 30s & 40s

As Vogue puts it, your 20s are a decade in which you are “...no longer hiding behind the forgiving curtain of teenage years.” It’s a beautiful thing to emerge from the acne-riddled years of your youth and start discovering your personal sense of style. It’s a time to experiment with different aesthetics and invest in pieces you’ll wear for decades to come—especially considering your 20s are typically the time when you start to be able to splurge every now and then. On that note, the brands below are all known for their on-trend, affordable collections. From the slinky cocktail dresses of Reformation to the athleisure staples of Alo Yoga, scroll on to familiarize yourself with the best brands for those in their 20s.

Abercrombie: Known for its quality apparel, outerwear, and fragrances, Abercrombie is a top choice for those who enjoy preppy, timeless-looking style.

Reformation: Reformation began as an LA-based vintage clothing boutique. Today, fashion lovers swear by the brand’s elevated, sustainably made designs.

Free People: A name most of us will recognize, Free People is a popular stop for shoppers looking for feminine, boho pieces.

Zara: A titan of trends, Zara is a Spanish-headquartered, global retailer that never fails to move fashion forward.

Revolve: Revolve self-identifies as a next-generation fashion retailer for Gen Zers and millennials. Some of the most popular brands on its site include AGOLDE, Amanda Uprichard, and SNDYS.

H&M: Everyone knows H&M—it’s one of the most affordable brands on this list and one that offers styles for teens to twenty-somethings.

Aerie: Looking for cute swimsuits, undergarments, or loungewear? If so, Aerie is a top choice.

Alo Yoga: As the name suggests, Alo specializes in yoga gear, but the brand also makes tennis, running, and loungewear.

Aritzia: Everyday luxury is what Aritzia is all about. From blazers to bike shorts, Aritzia's styles take sleek to the next level.

Skims: The brainchild of Kim Kardashian, Skims is a shapewear and clothing brand designed to flatter every body type.

If you’re in your 30s, there are a few things you know by now—like the invaluable nature of a pair of jeans that fit just right. Your 30s are the decade where staple styles reign. From structured blazers that transition from office to happy hour to button-down blouses you’ll never run out of ways to style, now is the time to identify the essential pieces in your wardrobe. Luckily, brands like Gap, Madewell, and Quince make it easier than ever to sneak a little luxury into your daily uniform.

Gap: Since 1969, Gap has been delivering high-quality, everyday styles. We’re talking tees, jeans, and sweatshirts you’ll want to wear over and over again.

lululemon: In the world of workout apparel, lulu is beloved for its buttery-soft fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and super popular belt bag.

Madewell: Denim and leather—that’s Madewell’s bread and butter. That said, the brand has a variety of blouses, dresses, and accessories to love too.

MANGO: Barcelona-based clothing brand MANGO launched its women’s line in 1984. The company’s most recent collection serves as a contemporary ode to Mediterranean culture.

Quince: If you haven’t heard of Quince, here’s the headline: Online retailer makes luxurious clothing more affordable (and loveable) than ever.

Anthropologie: Anthro is Free People’s grown-up cousin. Both brands are owned by Urban Outfitters, but Anthro offers home decor and bridal styles in addition to clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Shopbop: If variety is your thing, Shopbop is the place to go to find it. Over 1,000 designers are featured on Shopbop’s website, including Acne Studios, Citizens of Humanity, and Paige.

Athleta: Athleta is an activewear brand that is all about female empowerment. In 2016, the company launched the “Power of She” campaign to inspire women to empower one another.

Girlfriend Collective: With sporty dresses and workout sets for bodies of all shapes and sizes, Girlfriend Collective is an inclusive one-stop shop for all things athleisure.

Hill House: Hill House is best known for its Nap Dress, a feminine, flowy style that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and night. That said, you can find everything from robes and swimwear to bedding and kids’ clothing on Hill House’s website.

Being in your forties is fabulous—you’re well-established and sophisticated, but still a ton of fun. It’s a decade in which you get to know yourself better than ever. And during this era of self-discovery, you may decide that bold silhouettes are your thing; or perhaps you’ll feel empowered to start a collection of cocktail dresses inspired by Carrie Bradshaw's closet. Whatever you get into, you can rely on the likes of LOFT, Banana Republic, and Boden to make your wildest wardrobe dreams come true.

J.Crew: A longtime favorite for its seasonal color palettes and practical pieces, J.Crew specializes in modern takes on timeless designs.

LOFT: If you’re a fan of Ann Taylor, you’ll love LOFT. You’ll find plenty of work-appropriate pieces on LOFT’s site, but there’s no shortage of tees, jeans, and accessories to shop too.

SPANX: Famous for its shapewear, SPANX has only grown in popularity since introducing a range of pants, dresses, and swimsuits that are all just as slimming as the brand’s iconic pantyhose.

Banana Republic: Most of us know and love Banana Republic. A brand owned by Gap, Banana Republic is a reliable retailer for everything from slacks and sweaters to cologne and coats.

Everlane: Does it get any better than vintage-inspired jeans, Italian shoes, and Pima cotton tees? Not when you’re shopping at Everlane, a company known for its improved-upon staple styles.

AYR: Also known as All Year Round, a Vogue quote about this brand says it all: "Like a gift from the denim gods."

Boden: Boden was founded in 1991 as a mail-order fashion retailer, but is now a global fashion brand that excels at applying fun prints to interesting silhouettes.

Modern Citizen: With designs made to be loved long after their debut, Modern Citizen is the blueprint when it comes to balancing quality and affordability.

Sezane: Sezane is a French fashion brand that prioritizes creativity and quality in its designs. Check out its “French Heroes” collection, a curation of classic Parisian styles, shoes, and handbags.

Brochu Walker: With sustainability always top of mind, Brochu Walker has built their ethos around timeless and evocative designs that are the true essence of “conscious luxury.”