By now, your closet is likely a solid mix of pieces from fast-fashion powerhouses you picked up in a last-minute panic, trusty designer investments you made years ago, and still don't regret, thrifted finds you bought just because they were cheap, and maybe even some hand-me-downs from your BFF. But with a new year comes the perfect time to shift your attention to the items (and the designers behind them) that will make your wardrobe feel fresh again.
Since nothing starts a conversation like a cool jacket or pair of a shoes from a brand that only you have heard of, we've rounded up 20 newer labels you might not own yet, but should consider shopping this year. Because if you really want your wardrobe to reflect the rest of the positive changes you're making in your life, you might want to leave the old-reliables behind and enter unchartered territory.
Click on to meet the labels that'll change your closet for the better.
Though this Madrid-based label is still fairly new, it's already built up a solid fan base of Instagram fashion-girls. The best part isn't even how cute its on-trend tees and sweatshirts are — it's that they'll barely put a dent in your bank account.
Rarely Arigato Tee, $65 $39, available at Rarely.
Have a penchant for logos and an overall streetwear vision that's equally wearable and badass? X-Girl recently collaborated with Opening Ceremony on a capsule collection of sporty jackets, tees, backpacks, and more, and the results are pure magic. But then again, what else would we expect when two of the coolest brands we know come together?
X-Girl x Opening Ceremony China Coach Jacket, $250, available at Opening Ceremony.
If, like us, you've become slowly but surely obsessed with It-girl Gilda Ambrosio, you may want to become equally as familiar with her line, Attico. Its selection of effortlessly dressed-up pieces mean looking fancy can be cool and edgy, rather than stuffy and boring.
Attico Annamay Embroidered Velvet Minidress, $1,645, available at Net-A-Porter.
If this off-the-shoulder top looks familiar, it's likely because you spotted it on your Instagram feed by many-a fashion girl. Made by Orseund Iris, a seasonless, New York-based label, this piece (and many of its others) feature stand-out details, like intentional underwire.
Orseund Iris Off-shoulder Knit, $260, available at Orseund Iris.
Remember Free City, the brand that brought back the "vintage" sweatshirt craze in the early-aughts? Its designer, Edwin Lora, is back with a new label that holds craftsmanship and comfort to the same standards. Now we just need to get our hands on this puffer piece...
Water Puff Fav Sweatshirt, $225, available at Water.
Worn by the likes of Leandra Medine, Eva Chen, and Pandora Sykes, Saks Potts' cozy creations are furry, warm, and seriously eye-catching. Meaning: If you're going to invest in one coat this winter, this should be it.
Saks Potts Shearling Coat, $1,529, available at Saks Potts.
Seriously, we can't get enough of Pansy's ethical undies. Made in California out of domestically-grown organic cotton, this brand basically made us realize our underwear drawer needs a major overhaul — starting now.
Pansy Bra, $48, available at Pansy.
We first fell in love with Christy Dawn's dreamy dresses, but its product offering has grown to include some sick outerwear and handbags, too. Consider it all "added to bag."
Christy Dawn The Chandler Jacket, $258, available at Christy Dawn.
This is not a drill: No.21 just recently launched e-commerce, so these amazing bowed mules can be yours with just one click of a mouse.
No.21 Botanical Embellished Black Satin Flat Bow Mules, $675, available at No.21.
A Finnish brand with an eye on sustainability, Samuji has all the essentials for the grown-up wardrobe you've been tying to build for years. Not only is the quality palpable in every piece, but it just opened its first store in New York City, too (swoon!).
Samuji Himani Jacket, $613, available at Samuji.
Plus-sized ladies, listen up: If you haven't shopped at Universal Standard just yet, it's high time you do. The brand's elevated essentials for sizes 10 to 28 are more refined, minimalist, and cool than anything you'll find elsewhere. You can quote us.
Universal Standard Thames Fog Dress, $80, available at Universal Standard.
Inspired by old movies and the female gaze, this Portland-based label offers up everything from feminist graphics to structured separates and artful embroidery — all while operating a zero-waste studio.
Laurs Kemp Hangry Feminist Tee, $44, available at Laurs Kemp.
Paying homage to traditional American sportswear and the freedom of movement, Year of Ours is ideas for lovers of brands like Outdoor Voices and Yeezy (think on-trend spandex). Plus, it all boasts that Made in the USA stamp.
Year Of Ours Ribbed Tank, $57, available at Year Of Ours.
It can be tough to find an It bag that feels all your own. But for an option no one else will have, look no further than Okhtein, a luxury brand committed to supporting Egyptian craftsmanship. It's an outfit-completer and a conversation-starter in one.
Okhtein Mini Studded Red, $418, available at Okhtein.
We knew we'd love this New York-based brand as soon as we heard its tagline: "For women who dress for women." Combining considered design, simplicity, and ease, House Dress takes a size-free approach to clothing, meaning its pieces are flow-y, effortless, and easy-to-layer.
House Dress Caryall Slit Back Blazer, $520, available at House Dress.
If you're ready to splurge on some jewelry this year, we'd suggest investing in a piece from Anissa Kermiche, a new brand making serious waves in the fashion industry. The entire range sold out on Net-A-Porter within the first 10 days, and the particular earrings seen here have been best sellers at MatchesFashion. Hot commodities!
Anissa Kermiche Paniers Dores Earrings, $438, available at Anissa Kermiche.
If you're in need of a lingerie revamp, Kent's natural collection of organic silk basics in neutral tones are designed to contour the body. Buy separates, or purchase one of its handy box sets that comes with all the must-haves.
Kent Organic Silk Box Set, $235, available at The Dreslyn.
Love a good block heel (and gorgeous shoe labels like Maryam Nassir Zadeh)? Add Loq to your lust list of perfectly minimalist suede and patent shoes that are sure to be your new go-tos.
Loq Villa, $325, available at Loq.
We fell in love with BreeLayne's luxurious details and fabrications last year, and, quite frankly, her collections just keep getting better. Pre-order her spring offering now so by the time warmer weather rolls around, your wardrobe will be all set.
BreeLayne Ember Top, $298, available at BreeLayne.
A brand inspired by social and political movements? Yes, please. We're particularly fond of Conflict of Ego's graphic hoodies and super-silky blouses that are easy to dress up or down.
Conflict of Ego Well Fed Hoodie, $146, available at Conflict of Ego.
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