10 Brands Beyond Zara
If you're looking to shop elsewhere and need options, look no further
Let’s face it: While Zara is a fan favourite, there are many other stores that can give you similar options (and better). I know Zara has many of us in a chokehold for different reasons, but to elevate your wardrobe and give you alternatives, I’ve personally selected a list of places you can shop from. Each store has something a little different to offer, and hopefully, I can introduce something new to you - I’ve also dropped a bit of info about each brand so you know what they’re about and can decide if it tickles your fancy. It’s a long one! So be sure to scroll all the way for all the gems.
P.S The website links are for the UK stores, but I’m sure it will update for you wherever you’re located 🌍
1. DISSH
DISSH is a female-founded Australian fashion brand.
A purpose-led brand driven by female empowerment and the want to make real positive change and impact. Spearheaded by CEO and Creative Director, Lucy Henry-Hicks, who draws on years of experience and a legacy within the fashion industry. Established in 2001 by her mum (can you name a more iconic duo), in 2020 Lucy became the Director and led the brand through a major evolution. Guiding the brand towards a sustainability-minded model with refined collections designed in-house with intention – resonating and connecting with a now global community.
So, look good and feel good? Yes, it turns out you can do both.
We’re all about creating refined silhouettes with a natural affinity for feeling laidback (even when your day is far from it), reflecting our roots in the sunshine state of Australia. With feel-good natural fibres, thoughtful detailing, and longevity in mind, our collections are crafted to uphold a new model of conscious fashion. Our design team leads with intention, bringing you considered collections that arrive with the season, but become a seasonless addition to your wardrobe.
2. ALIGNE
British style without compromise
Mindful, unapologetic and current: ALIGNE is the missing piece disrupting the fashion industry. Luxe in approach, high-end in feel and brilliantly accessible, ALIGNE is powered by a small, London-based, female-run team that’s united by a love of style – whether that be a well-structured suit, the silhouette of an easy denim dress or a firm commitment to making better choices for our planet.
Born in 2020, ALIGNE seeks to bring about big change through every contemporary collection, striving to constantly improve and make responsible choices, while delivering styles that make you feel and look incredible. That's our promise. From clean cuts and sharp tailoring to intricate embellishments, we encapsulate British style, without comprising on quality.
Our clothing is meticulously made to be worn now and forever. Expect timeless statement-making staples that will service for years to come. We guarantee you’ll reach for ALIGNE pieces time and time again.
3. FREE PEOPLE
Free People shed its junior image and evolved into a more mature, contemporary brand. This allowed twenty-something women to appreciate the line of clothing that catered to their intelligence, creativity and individuality, while keeping with its great quality and affordability.
And that's just who we wanted to reach: a 26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to its limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between. Who loves Donovan as much as she loves The Dears, and can't resist petting any dog that passes her by on the street.
Today we draw, design, sew and buy for her. We offer her countless options within our own Free People collection, so that even if she takes her best pal shopping, they won't come out looking at all alike. And if she wants her colours and patterns all mixed up, that's even better, picking through our sweaters, knits and skirts. And our design team is expecting to offer even greater variety in our intimates and accessories business.
https://www.freepeople.com/uk/
4. MADEWELL
We work hard so that you can look effortless, with a focus on the kind of cool (and the kind of quality) that lasts. Count on us for refreshingly unfussy pieces you can wear again and again.
Every great look begins with great jeans, so our team of design experts source the world’s finest fabrics and refine our fits until they’re just right. You can feel the difference in every pair. Our in-house coolhunters go all over the world to bring you the best of the best new labels, along with one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Hey, we’re always ahead of the curve—and right here for you.
We believe in doing better for our planet and its people. Check our latest Do Well report to learn more about our responsibility efforts.
We want people of all bodies and backgrounds to feel seen and represented, so we are committed to expanding the range of sizes we offer online and in stores. Madewell has also taken the Fifteen Percent Pledge to dedicate 15 percent of our Labels We Love program to Black-owned companies, plus, we spotlight our favorite AAPI-owned brands with a dedicated shopping spot.
We’re dedicated to keeping clothing in circulation for as long as possible, so we offer upcycled collections, one-of-a-kind vintage and preloved Madewell styles. Got a piece that’s finally, truly through? We’ll help you recycle it responsibly.
5. ALBARAY
A sustainable womenswear brand created by an all-female trio with over 25 years experience in the fashion industry. We design with purpose and believe that sustainable fashion doesn't have to compromise on quality – or cost the earth.
‘Alba’ – derives from the Spanish and Italian for dawn
‘ray’ – symbolises a ray of light or hope
These words connect to a sense of positivity and optimism which reflect the mood of the Brand. Albaray was born during the pandemic in 2020, when founders Paula Stewart, Karen Peacock and Kirstie Di Stazio had the opportunity to press pause and reflect on their roles in the fashion industry.
One thing was constant; an unwavering desire to move forward with a more thoughtful, environmentally conscious approach to a fashion brand. Reconnecting with women, who, like them, love clothes, but are questioning their impact. After a year of enormous change, what began as a passionate Zoom conversation between friends, is now a considered curation of uplifting styles with an uncompromising attention to detail.
A collection of versatile styles to stand the test of time. Designed for everyday – from wear-anywhere dresses to feel-good loungewear - all made with sustainability in mind.
6. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Abercrombie & Fitch believes that every day should feel as exceptional as the start of the long weekend. Since 1892, the brand has been a specialty retailer of quality apparel, outerwear and fragrance – designed to inspire our global customers to feel confident, be comfortable and face their Fierce.
https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk
7. NA-KD
NA-KD is a Swedish fashion company that offers the latest trends in clothing, accessories, and beauty products.With a focus on trends, community building and social media, NA-KD has quickly become a go-to destination for fashion-forward consumers around the world.
At NA-KD you will find the most passionate and talented employees in the industry, with years of expertise in both fast and high fashion. The company was founded in 2015, and has collaborated with and been seen on the hottest influencers and celebrities globally.
We believe in a people-first fashion landscape and that the customer is everything. Working year-round with talented forces in the industry we push the envelope in art direction, social media curation, and design to ensure that our high-quality pieces reach a global audience.With love, NA-KD
8. REFORMATION
Reformation began by selling vintage clothing out of a small Los Angeles storefront in 2009. We quickly expanded into making our own stuff, with a focus on sustainability. Today, we make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way.
Reformation began by selling vintage clothing out of a small Los Angeles storefront in 2009. We quickly expanded into making our own stuff, with a focus on sustainability. Today, we make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way.
Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re # 2.
https://www.thereformation.com/
9. ME & EM
I don’t believe that modern women should have to choose between quality and cost; between contemporary trends and clothes they can actually function and look great in. That’s why I founded ME+EM in 2009.
There are no compromises to be made here. We call this ‘Intelligent style’ because of the great deal of thought that goes into each and every piece to ensure it is flattering and functional, with wear-forever appeal. We refer to this as ‘The Three F’s’ and they are the pillars of ME+EM. If a piece doesn’t tick off all three, we don’t make it.
The secret to ME+EM is what we don’t have: middlemen. I’m obsessed with quality and in order to offer the highest standard at an accessible price, we handle everything ourselves, in-house. No third parties mean no unnecessary mark-ups. It’s the very simple reason why we no longer have to choose between luxury and cost. I’m proud to say that ME+EM was the very first luxury brand in the UK to disrupt the market in this way, paving the way for a new vision of womenswear.
10. ASOS
We believe in a world where you have total freedom to be you, without judgement. To experiment. To express yourself. To be brave and grab life as the extraordinary adventure it is. So we make sure everyone has an equal chance to discover all the amazing things they’re capable of – no matter who they are, where they’re from or what looks they like to boss. We exist to give you the confidence to be whoever you want to be.
We don't do fashion like anyone else does fashion. Our ASOS Brands, created by our London design team, look between the lines to bring you the freshest clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts. When it comes to our curation of brands at ASOS, we select the best of those to give you the biggest variety, amazing exclusives and coolest collaborations. And in case that wasn't enough, we've also got a range of first-rate Face + Body products you can express yourself with, too. There are no rules – just endless ways to be you.
*I do not own the rights to any images and most are sourced from the brand websites
🔎 If you haven’t already watched, remember I post new content every week on YouTube on Sunday at 7 pm. Check out my recent ASOS and H&M for some alternatives to Zara and for new-in Summer pieces ☀️