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25 colorful, eclectic brands you need to start the funky, quirked-up wardrobe of your dreams, part two 🧢💖🌹🩵🩵💋🧵🎶🗯️💘

Maia McDonald — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:05:10 GMT

This is part two of maiazine!’s list of the twenty-five colorful, eclectic brands you need to start the funky, quirked-up wardrobe of your dreams. Find part one here.

And don’t forget to comment on both!

`[Note: This list is numbered, but not ranked in any particular way. So if a brand is listed above another one, that doesn’t mean it’s better than the ones below it. Got it? Okay, great.`

`Also! This post is too long to be read via email, so consider hopping over to Substack if you’re currently reading this in your inbox.]`

14. FARM Rio

FARM Rio is a Brazilian-owned clothing brand for the gal whose favorite hobbies are racking up travel rewards, getting new passport stamps, and sipping cocktails on a lush, beach somewhere far away from home. That’s not me (I am an anxious flyer, have never flown outside the country, and am not often one for the beach), but it may be some of you reading this post, in which case, Farm Rio is a brand you may want to know.

The brainchild of creative director Kátia Barros and co-founder Marcello Bastos, for nearly 30 years, FARM Rio sells clothing and accessories full of color, patterns, and borogodó, a Portuguese word that’s hard to neatly translate into English, but is something like an effortless Brazilian charm. FARM Rio’s team of creatives crafts more than 700 prints and 4,500 designs each year, according to the FARM Rio website, great if you love flowy, tropical fashion and standing out in a crowd. Expect lots of warm colors, botanicals and floral prints, and more classic, mature cuts.

Their size range could definitely be better, only going up to XL in many styles, and prices typically are anywhere from $100 to $500+, depending on what you’re buying, so keep that in mind. Though if the island vibes are your thing, at least maybe give their website or Instagram a scroll. I do think they do marketing pretty well. Plus, they recently came out with a super cool winter collection of puffers, snow pants, and other items suited for skiing on a set of slopes somewhere cold. This puffer in particular is so stinking cute!

Recommended Pieces:

15. Kina and Tam

There are probably some of you out there tired of hearing the internet’s latest favorite buzzwords and phrases: “physical media,” “analog,” or “whimsy.” But if you’re like me, and the last one especially hasn’t gotten old for you, and you’re looking to inject some whimsical fun into your wardrobe, Kina and Tam is a good place to start.

Kina and Tam is an Australia-based brand for those of you who grew up with Ms. Frizzle as one of your style icons, but were looking for somewhere selling clothing with a similar energy, just a bit more casual. At Kina and Tam, you’ll find loads of sweaters and knits, and fun colors. I’ve got a few of their vests myself, and they’re a good option for adding some personality to an outfit without having to do a whole lot. They also have a pretty good size range—up to 4XL in many styles, and prices typically stay between $50 to $130. Just a heads-up: they seem to be between restocks at the moment, so just be patient if you see something in your size sold out.

Recommend Pieces:

16. Celia B

Celia B is a brand that kind of reminds me of Sister Jane, featured in the first half of this list, in that they like to sell dramatic, romantic, feminine pieces, ones typically suited for more formal settings, but with an artsier, more maximalist lean. Named after its founder, Spanish designer Celia Bernardo, Celia B offers fun statement and everyday pieces with lots of color, texture, patterns, both the more traditional, reflective of Bernardo’s heritage, and more modern, inspired by her love of travel and culture.

Their size range is okay, XS to XXL, could be better, and, as a designer brand, the pieces are definitely more pricey. But if you’re looking to invest in something fun and quality, I think Celia B has good options!

Recommended Pieces:

17. Strawberry Western

Okay, to be fair, Strawberry Western doesn’t have a huge selection, mostly selling athleticwear, bags, and other accessories, but I think what they do offer is very cute. I don’t own any of their pieces, but I believe a lot of their products are inspired by Japanese street style. Even if it’s not super explicit, the vibes are, for sure, there, in my opinion. They also have a pretty good size selection, too—XS to 3XL—and prices ranging from $18 to about $300. I’ll be keeping my eye on this brand, ‘cause from what I’ve seen of their stuff so far, I think there is plenty of room to grow. Plus, the font of their logo perfectly encapsulates the “strawberry western” concept and briefly shifts to the same phrase in Japanese Katakana, the writing system used for foreign words, when you scroll over it, which I think is a good touch. I also believe they’re Black-woman owned (!!!), absolutely a plus in my book.

Recommended Pieces:

Choco Sherpa Jacket - $210
Coco Sports Bra, Rococo Print - $64
Coco Exercise Dress, Rococo Print - $110

18. Dreamers Rebels

Another entry of the whimsical girlies! Dreamers Rebels is pretty cool, in my opinion: they’re a slow fashion brand, and use deadstock fabrics in many of their pieces, and rework vintage for the other garments they sell. The result is a nice collection of soft, ethereal clothing items that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of a fairytale book. Or an early 2000’s rom-com protagonist’s closet. It’s so my vibe. I do even own one of their pieces, the Ruffle Oversized Raincoat in Pink. It’s pretty roomy, especially for someone as short as I am at a nice, statuesque 5’2”. But it’s a showstopper, for sure. It even comes with a removable hood!

Dreamers Rebels has lots of matching sets and a good number of signatures: soft, delicate fabrics like vintage satin, cotton, lace, and viscose; ruffle collars; bows; knit sweaters; puff sleeves; polka dots; and a color palette of pastels, red, black, and off-white.

They’re based in London and Poland, but don’t worry, for those of you from the States shopping on their website: taxes and duties are included in the prices, so you’re paying for everything up-front. Most prices are between $50 and $300+ USD. I believe their Etsy specifically ships out of London.

You can shop from Dreamers Rebels on their website, Etsy, and Depop, and they offer sizes from a US XS (UK6) to a US XXXL (UK18). PLUS! You can get their pieces custom-made to your measurements if you don’t neatly fit into their established size range. How freaking cool.

Recommended Pieces:

Pink bunny short wool coat - $328.52 USD
Puff elastic set - $205.33 USD
Ruffle Oversized Raincoat in Pink - $232.70 USD
Red polka dots set - $280.61 USD
Sage green coat - $246.39 USD

19. Amy Lynn

Amy Lynn is a UK-based brand with lots of variety. They sell plenty of tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, and more. All sorts of things you’d find in a well-rounded wardrobe. Good bases for a variety of outfit combinations. At the moment, because we are very much still in the thick of winter, there’s a significant portion of their offerings awash in darker colors, but in a few months, when we roll back around to warmer weather, I think there’s gonna be a lot of fun things to nab on Amy Lynn.

I especially like their puffball dresses, midi length with a straight-across bodice and puffed skirt, which come in several colors. There’s also a non-insignificant number of Amy Lynn’s garments in plaid and polka dot prints, which I think can be fun additions to any wardrobe. There are definitely brands on this list with generally more flashy visual identities, but I think you can find some real gems on Amy Lynn.

Amy Lynn’s clothing comes in a US XS (2) to US XXL (12), or a UK 6 to UK 16, so not bad, and the prices are pretty comparable to what you see on ASOS if you’re familiar with that fashion retailer, which does carry Amy Lynn, funnily enough, so most items are between $100-$200. A couple of their dresses have been on my wishlist for ages, and I’m looking forward to the moment I can take the plunge on them.

Recommended Pieces:

20. Desigual Clothing

I also don’t own anything from Desigual Clothing, another Spanish brand and one of the oldest on this list, with its founding in 1984, but that really has to change at some point. They really seem to have such funky statement pieces and do the whole carefree, unapologetically-you vibe really well: cool, abstract graphics; stripes and colorful florals, plenty of body-hugging silhouettes, lots of texture, too, all done in an edgy, almost Cyberpunk-y way.

Desigual has plenty to choose from if you find their futuristic, dark floral sensibilities your speed. Additionally, their size range goes up to XXL, which is okay (all brands can stand to expand their size range), and prices are typically between $100 to $300 dollars. Overall, Desigual’s great if you love to stand out in a crowd, and the more cutesy, kitschy brands on this list aren’t really your thing. Totally the kind of clothes I’d expect to see at some cool, exclusive gallery showing in one of Chicago’s trendier neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, or the West Loop.

Recommended Pieces:

21. Nooworks

Another brand with a stellar website design and cute clothes to match. I mean, the text highlight color is a bright lime green. So good.

But back to the clothes!

Nooworks is a woman-owned and -run business out of California that partners with artists for limited-run collections, screenprinted at one of Los Angeles’ last industrial rotary printing facilities. Their products just scream personality, which you’d figure is the case when they’re all the work of independent artists that specialize in the “wildly fun, quirky, cute, and sometimes totally over the top” style Nooworks likes and boldly proclaims on their website. It’s the best kind of serotonin-boosting clothing for those of you who treat dopamine dressing like an Olympic sport.

Also, the size range is great—up to 5X!, or a US size 24, and the prices are pretty comparable to those of the other brands on this list, around $100 to $200. You can also learn about the artist who designed the print on each clothing item via a short bio on the product page, which I think is really cool, and you have the option of shopping via the clothing item type—jumpsuits, dresses, tops, bottoms, or the prints you like. They remind me a lot of Lucy and Yak, mentioned in the first half of this list. So if you’re into that brand and looking for an alternative to avoid the rigamarole of international shipping, Nooworks may be a good option.

Recommended Pieces:

Zoey Cosmic Floral - $168
Linen Garden Suit Wormiverse - $158

22. Nikki Chasin

Nikki Chasin, as a brand, seems to lean more minimalistic than I tend to go for, but some of their pieces have certain quirks to them that are just so “Maia.” Cardigans knitted in the perfect shade of bubblegum pink, the most darling puff-sleeve jacket, all sorts of colorful tops, dresses pants and more. Definitely more understated overall, but good if you’re looking for colorful clothing options.

I’ve eyed their Smith Puff Jacket in Cream for months now after seeing one of my favorite fashion creators, Michelle Norris (who has a Substack if you’d like to check her out), include the mostly sold-out Red Flower version in an outfit video for NYFW back in 2024. I have a vision of dyeing it a nice hot pink, something I usually do when I find clothing items offered in shades of white, but not my signature color. Prices are definitely higher, usually $200 to $450 per garment, and the size range could be a bit better, XS to XXL, typically only up to XL in most items. You can purchase MEALS Clothing and other brands from Nikki Chasin, too.

Recommended Pieces:

Sheba Cardigan Sweater - Dollhouse - $422
Smith Puff Jacket - Black - $328
Sabine Sweater Vest - Dollhouse - $288

23. Boyko

Funnily enough, I think Boyko is another brand that got put on my radar because of Michelle Norris, who is, like, one of the queens of color and maximalist dressing, and it’s no wonder why they’re a brand she wears. Of all the brands on this list, I think Boyko, named for its founder Haley Boyko, is one of the most vibrant, with many of their products bright, almost neon shades of red, yellow, blue, green, and lavender. It’s pretty whimsical as well, dresses sporting large bows, cardigans crafted to look like picnic blankets overrun with ants, coats with 3D flowers, and more. So, so fun.

And if you’re a lover of hot pink like me, there’s more than a few pieces to add to your wardrobe, including a hot pink trench coat (I mean, come on!), hot pink short-sleeve button-ups, along with a couple of dresses and trousers. In fact, I do have the hot pink button-up and the hot pink trench coat, the latter of which I wear all the freaking time. So if you need a second opinion before you snatch her up, I’m officially recommending you go for it. There’s also the (unfortunately sold-out) Bobbie dress that kind of reminds me of Fairy Godmother from Disney’s Cinderella, at least in silhouette. I remember seeing photos of someone at a Polyester Zine magical girl themed event wearing it a couple of years ago, I believe, which seems like a perfect occasion to wear something so lovely and dramatic. I'm praying she restocks one day.

There’s more than a few things on Boyko sold out at the moment, but definitely others you could nab today. Size range is XS to 3X, and most prices will run you $85 to $300.

Recommended Pieces:

24. Rachel Antonoff

I wasn’t too familiar with Rachel Antonoff before I started working on this list, but I think, after looking into them a bit, I think they fit pretty well with the rest of the other brands on here. Rachel Antonoff has a style sensibility that I think is pretty akin to what you see from Tyler McGillivary, in that they have plenty of pieces with fun prints, playful details, and matching sets. In other pieces, though, they also remind me of Lisa Says Gah! and FARM Rio, with the prints of colorful botanicals, food, and cocktails. The kind of clothing you wear if you’re a regular shopper of Fishwife’s tinned fish and other products, which isn’t me, but is a pretty sizable demographic of folks out there, I’m sure.

I also love all the plus-size models they use in their product photos, and their pretty good size range: up to 3X. Definitely room to expand! Most prices seem to be anywhere from $100 to $400, but you can find quite a few on sale.

Recommended Pieces:

25. Unique Vintage

Last, but certainly not least on this list, we have: Unique Vintage! Now, the name might imply that this is a seller of vintage clothing, but really, it’s retro-inspired clothing that you can find at this brand, which is pretty different from the actual vintage the brand once sold. Still though, within the niche that Unique Vintage occupies, it being a brand that makes modern clothing inspired by the fashion from the 1920s to early 2000s with a modern eye, I think it’s a good option for lovers of feminine, retro fashion.

It’s also size inclusive, both in its marketing (so many of their product images feature plus-size models) and size range (up to 6X with a dedicated plus-size section). Lots of fit-and-flare dresses, midi skirts, and collaborations with brands like Barbie (recreations of throwback Barbie looks, which is so, so Maia; you don’t even know) and Disney. You can also shop by occasion and era, which is super convenient. I don’t own anything from Unique Vintage, but they seem to have cute, fun clothing if you’re going to a sock hop or throwback bar somewhere.

Recommended Pieces:

And with that, we have finished! I hope you’ve enjoyed this two-part post, because it honestly took more work than I was anticipating 😅 (note to self, make a shorter list next time). But I hope it helps some of you out there who’ve been itching to become the colorfully-dressed, quirked-up fashion girlie you were always meant to be. It’s always fun when you’re trying to find your personal style and come across something that really resonates with you. Of brands whose clothing I’ve actually purchased that are featured in this list, many of their pieces have helped me feel that way, which I’m really grateful for, as someone who has struggled to embody confidence nearly my whole life.

Still, though, it’s important to remember not to get too excited right off the bat and immediately start buying a bunch of new clothing. It goes without saying, but that’s a poor financial decision, and two, it’s time that will really reveal to you what it is you like. That means getting to know yourself, seeking out inspiration both on and offline, and trying out thrifting and hitting up local estate sales and flea markets, which are the real treasure troves of unique fashion pieces. Either way, you got this!

Think you need a bit more help? Check out these posts from Substackers whose work I enjoy that I think could help! ⬇️

Gatekept

The Fashion Diet I'd Put You On

To celebrate 34,000 subscribers, this week’s Gatekept Guide is free. You all bring me a lot of joy—thank you endlessly. <3…

4 months ago · 255 likes · 5 comments · Morgan Vogel

DIGITAL FRUITS

Your Closet Is an Altar and You're the Priest

6 months ago · 36 likes · 3 comments · Emma Lou Cogan

extra dressed

Always on brand! Easy ways to find and refine your personal style.

I recently met up with some friends for drinks and my friend’s husband commented on the “frock” I was wearing. The frock in question was a button-up shirt with an oversized peter pan collar from Maje. His wife told me that when he sees other women wearing this style of shirt (frock), he’ll comment on how it looks like something I would wear…

a year ago · 59 likes · 5 comments · Caylee Ashwell

If there’s a brand on this list you’re particularly interested in, let me know! Is there a really obvious brand I missed? Let me know, and I’ll keep them in mind for a future edition! I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to check out the first half of this list if you haven’t already!

Looking for other places to follow me before you go? Find me on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

And, don’t forget to leave a comment before you leave!

25 colorful, eclectic brands you need to start the funky, quirked-up wardrobe of your dreams, part one 🛍️🎪🌀🌀✴️👛👔💞💞

Maia McDonald — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:00:57 GMT

… gone into detail about how my time spent at home during the pandemic got me hooked on social media, where fashion creators, similarly stuck at home, created oodles of content due to lockdown restrictions. Although I did become, unfortunately, far too online as a result of the months spent at home not working, the time also opened up fashion, style, and getting dressed as new creative ways for me to express myself.

I can’t say I was a fashionista before 2020: my time working as a community reporter in Chicago’s West Side and five years studying broadcast journalism during college in mid-Missouri meant I developed a uniform of mostly plain sweaters, ill-fitting jeans (not designed with curvy gals like me in mind), and sneakers. Comfortable, but not particularly interesting, showy, or very “Maia”. Now, years later, I can definitively say that through fashion, I’ve really begun to find myself, having grown into the colorful, gaudily-dressed individual I truly feel I was always meant to be. That transformation wasn’t immediate or happen in some quick, burst of sparkles à la Sailor Moon or some other Japanese magical girl transformation.

To figure out what worked for me, it took time, consideration, and wearing a lot of outfits that were, in hindsight, not very good, or in some cases, downright a little ugly (I’ve gotta be honest, I’ve worn a lot of stinkers; I can see a few of them so vividly in my mind still and I just cringe). Through that time, though, I’ve come across more than a few brands that helped me to develop a nicely sized wardrobe of colorful, eclectic, and overall pretty funky clothing that helps me pop everytime I where them. A lot of clothing that you probably wouldn’t expect a hard news journalist to wear, but I do think dressing more like myself, as opposed to the way journalists are often expected to, has helped me feel more confident in my walking through the world as a Black woman reporter.

Perhaps you’re also looking to feel more confident in your personal and professional lives. Maybe you’re a longtime fan of minimalism who’s looking to try something new and need a good place to start for your 2026 rebrand. Or maybe you just want to inject a bit of fun and color into your closet. Whatever the reason is you clicked on this Substack post, here you’ll find a list of brands I either personally wear or have been a fan of on social media that you may want to get more familiar with yourself. Any one of them can get you off to the right start. Before we dive in to things, though, one thing to keep in mind: as many of these are independent and/or slow fashion brands, the prices tend to be higher. You know, since ethically-made clothing isn’t typically cheap, Shein prices. A lot of the pieces I’ve linked (which aren’t affiliate links, by the way) will be more expensive to acquire, so carefully consider what wardrobe addition, if any, to invest in and buy when you’re financially able. Or not at all! That’s an option, too!

`[Note: This list is numbered, but not ranked in any particular way. So if a brand is listed above another one, that doesn’t mean it’s better than the ones below it. Got it? Okay, great.`

`Also! This post is too long to be read via email, so consider hopping over to Substack if you’re currently reading this in your inbox.`

`Lastly, if you’re wondering why post is dated January 19, but published on the 31st, well some mysteries are better left unsolved.😉]`

1. Big Bud Press

If there’s one brand I can point to that had the most significant impact on personal style becoming what is currently, Big Bud Press would probably be it. Although my style these days tends to be less casual than the offerings at Big Bud Press, I would, for sure, not have found my more maximalist leanings if not for the brand opening me up to more colorful, eye-catching clothing.

Check them out if you’re looking for good quality, colorful basics! They have a great size range (XXS-6XL), do artist collabs, drop collections with really unique patterns, and have mystery sample sales with discounts a couple of times a year, I believe, for folks who can’t normally afford their pieces, usually between $100-$200+. Drops usually happen Thursdays!

I have so much Big Bud Press in my closet, and I really do love their stuff, especially their work trousers, as someone who stopped buying denim jeans from other brands years ago because I could never find any that fit me the way I wanted. Big Bud Press’s extensive size selection and elastic waistband hug my curves and never leave a gap in the back. Plus, their pieces pair well with other brands, and can be dressed up or down!

They also have physical stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Palm Springs if you’re looking to try on something in-person.

Recommended Pieces:

Work Pants - Butterfly Kaleidoscope - $165
Printed Action Pants - Wallpaper - $159

2. Outsiders Division

Outsiders Division is so freaking cool.

Created by David Méndez Alonso in 2012, Outsiders Division is a Barcelona-based brand that describes what they sell as being “clothes from [the] kids section but in adult sizes,” and that feels pretty accurate if you scroll their website or Instagram feed, even for just a moment. Their clothes are just bursting with color and kitschy, nostalgic motifs: puppy dogs, teddy bears, ducks, and kitty cats. It’s the kind of stuff I think an adult Harper Finkle would wear, which is totally up my alley. Sort of like elevated pre-school teacher chic.

I got tired of seeing the same old stuff in the fashion industry, everything felt so generic. I wanted to create something for people who weren’t afraid to to care about following the crowd. The name “Outsiders” reflects this core idea. - David Méndez Alonso.

Their pieces are a bit pricier, ranging from around $50 to $400, so buying anything would be more of an investment. But there’s plenty to choose from: funky tops and sweaters, bow-appliqued scarves and hats that look like cats, jackets that look like houses, and skirts with frills and floof like clouds made of tulle. They even had a recent collaboration with Lazy Oaf, another brand that shows up later on in this list.

I don’t own anything from Outsiders Division just yet, but trust! They are on my list, and I will cop something from them eventually. Everything is just so, so good.

Recommended Pieces:

3. Tyler McGillivary

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or TikTok in virtual spaces inhabited by fashion creators that enjoy “cool girl” fashion, you may have already heard of or come across Tyler McGillivary, the eponymously named New York-based brand known for its botanical and scientific prints, nostalgic inspirations, and recognizable silhouettes. Since 2019, designer Tyler McGillivary has released a ton of really fun collections, and they’re truly one of my favorite brands currently.

One of my favorite collections they released last year was their “Sweet Treat” collection, featuring tops, dresses, and skirts printed with images of vintage cakes, candies, and other sugary goods just dying to be worn to a summertime birthday party somewhere with a spritz of Annabel’s Birthday Cake by Marissa Zappas on the wrists, already stacked with neon beaded bracelets from Tarina Tarantino. Super cute! I had to nab a couple of pieces myself. I do have a winter birthday (it’s next month in fact), so there’s little chance the weather will permit me wearing them. But the perfect occasion to be dressed like an ornate birthday cake will soon arise. This, I believe. I also really like the slightly more wearable ‘60s diner-inspired prints in their collaboration with Lisa Says Gah!, another brand on this list.

Tyler McGillivary’s SS26 runway show last fall was one of my favorites from New York Fashion Week last year as well. The fantastical nautical-inspired, mermaidy pieces just absolutely came to life on the Wavertree Ship, which I learned is a historic 19th-century shipping vessel that once docked in New York and is now part of the Seaport Museum there. Sara Paxton, who played the bleach-blonde mermaid Aquamarine in the 2006 film of the same name, even closed out the show!

There was also model Kitty Lever’s iconic and viral runway walk for Tyler McGillivary AW25 the year before, too. Talk about putting on a show! Like, this is a brand that does runway shows really well.

Tyler McGillvary is also good at going-out pieces and fun tops and bottoms that serve as jazzy wardrobe staples, so if that’s something you’re looking for, I’d give their stuff a look! They also have multiple sales a year and restock popular products often.

Recommended Pieces:

Dottie Dress - $178
Fairytale Top - $125
LSG Collector Skirt - $168
Brandy Jacket - $365 (I own this coat! She’s pricey, but very warm. I got her discounted in a sample sale, though, so I’d wait for another to roll around if you really want to grab her)

4. Lucy and Yak

My style tends to be more over-the-top, moreso than other people’s probably is. Diving into more maximalist fashion can be a bit intimidating initially, especially if you’re used to more understated clothing and silhouettes. There are also probably some of you looking for a brand that does colorful, eclectic style in a more casual way. If that’s either of those sounds like you, Lucy and Yak is a pretty good place to start.

Based in Australia, Lucy and Yak is the place to go for colorful basics and quirky patterns. They’re especially known for their dungarees and have a great size-inclusive selection of pieces made from organic, sustainable fabrics to choose from. They also release an impact report every year to increase transparency about their manufacturing process and impact on the environment.

Their mouse cursor is also a dinosaur right now, probably because of their collab with the National History Museum, and little Maia who loved rewatching the Jurassic Park movies over and over as a kid is really into that.

Recommended Pieces:

5. Lazy Oaf

Man, do I love Lazy Oaf. Like, really love it. If Big Bud Press is the brand that got me into colorful clothing, then Lazy Oaf is the brand that defines my love of kitschy-cute maximalist style. Seriously.

Since 2001, this London-based brand has cranked out men’s and women’s alternative fashion and streetwear, releasing collections that are equal parts cutesy, nostalgic, artsy-fartsy, and quirky. If you’re into alt fashion or London streetstyle, I’m sure you have heard of Lazy Oaf, but if not, just know that Lazy Oaf has some of the coolest clothes in the whole United Kingdom and beyond. While you’ll probably recognize some of the same design elements across several collections (like their iconic Happy and Sad print, the puffed sleeves and baby doll dresses, etc.), they also switch things up with different funky patterns, oversized silhouettes, and a bright color palette that’s hard to beat.

To limit waste, their collections are smaller, so if there’s something they’re releasing that you like, you may want to grab it sooner rather than later, especially since there’s a good chance it’ll sell out and styles aren’t always restocked (usually only if it’s significantly popular and demand calls for it; in those cases, they’ll sometimes do restocks in the form of preorders). You can get lucky sometimes, though, and catch certain pieces on sale, so you just have to see sometimes.

Lazy Oaf is one of my favorite clothing brands, probably Top 3, for sure, and I have a good chunk of their pieces in my wardrobe, but unfortunately, it’s gotten prohibitively expensive to shop from them over the last year if you’re in the U.S. like me. Donald Trump’s tariffs have led overseas brands like Lazy Oaf to charge duties upfront to have items shipped to the States, sometimes upwards of $100 extra on top of shipping costs, which then increase the more items you buy, not to mention factoring in the exchange rate that does not favor the dollar at the moment This has, unfortunately, meant missing out on some really cool collections in recent months, like the Lazy Oaf x Outsiders Division collab, the Monchhichi collab (oh my goodness, the button-down lives in my dreams), the Hannah Michelle collab. Any of the collabs, really. There’ve been a lot of good ones lately. It's saved me money, but at what cost?

Still, though, I suggest this brand for anyone looking for really unique pieces and clothing that just scream “fun.” You can find some older Lazy Oaf on secondhand sites like eBay and Poshmark, or shop on the U.S. site if you’re a real big spender. I’m so looking forward to the day when I can shop from them directly again. Back in the day, you used to be able to find some Lazy Oaf pieces on Dolls Skill, a fashion retailer I no longer support and suggest you avoid, but that’s a thing of the past. Me and Lazy Oaf will find each other again someday, though. This, I believe!

Recommended Pieces (for those of you who can swing those pricey duties)

Sunny Days Zip Cardigan - $131
Frill Zip Through Hoodie - $118
Abstract Shirred Dress - $135
Monchhichi x Lazy Oaf Long Sleeve Shirt - $120
Oaf Sailor Shirt - $104
Monchhichi x Lazy Oaf Cloud Puffer Coat - $228

6. Fashion Brand Company

Fashion Brand Company is the EPITOME of cool girl fashion. Of weird girl fashion. Of fashion for those looking to take the style road less traveled. Truly, in this, they probably have many other fashion brands beat. Their website and overall aesthetic lean slightly more minimalistic, I’d say, with more muted colors and styling in general, but each piece has a discordant quirk to it, something off that just adds to the overall enigma that is Fashion Brand Company, founded in 2018 by Los Angeles-based artist Penelope Gazin.

They have a gown made entirely of clear PVC material, a matching set made to look like a bikini has been sewn onto it, harlequin-esque pieces with a multicolor diamond pattern that SNL cast member and comedian Sarah Squirm wore in an editorial for her collab with John Fluevog, curve-hugging trousers that look like they’d be good for the office but have a cut-out on the for “fart ventilation,” the website says, and a dress inspired by vintage birthday cakes. That’s the kind of quirky we’re working with here.

The website will also implore you to “please wake up” if you’ve navigated away from it for a while, and you can buy some of their signature pieces in children's and lizard sizes. Just Fashion Brand Company tings.

Overall, I think their stuff gives a bit office siren, but, like, if the office siren ate people in her spare time and liked watching Monty Python films, playing pickleball on the weekends, and hitting up the gun range with her friends. Their stuff is kind of sporty and a bit “Monster of the Week,” in that it’s all definitely kooky, but with a sexy, physical edge. Every piece isn’t completely my style, but I really like the clear vision you can see in their overall brand aesthetic and they have such a unique voice and visual style. I also love how often they use plus-size models and commit to the offbeat energy in their marketing and fashion photography.

Their pieces are definitely more expensive, so, again, these would be investment pieces, but they have a size range that goes up to 4X, donate portions of their proceeds to nonprofits like the Center for Reproductive Rights, Reclaim The Block, For The Gworls, and Planned Parenthood, and are committed to sustainability: reusing scrap fabric over two inches in new garments and packing orders in recycled or biodegradable materials. You can also sometimes catch their stuff on sale. Penelope Gazin is pretty active on Instagram stories, so I’d give her a follow if you want to see what new pieces she’s working on for Fashion Brand Company.

Recommended Pieces:

Moth Mini Dress - $178
Sex House on Fire Cotton Sweater - $238
Bikini Bod Zip-up Sweatshirt Blue/Green - $148
Good Girl Soft Linen Dress Forest Camo - $298
Blue Stripe Tencel/Wool Blend Mini Romper - $178
Prom Dress Pink Satin - $148

7. Sister Jane

Sister Jane is a clothing brand more formal than many of the other brands on this list, but I like the whimsical, romantic approach to eveningwear they take. It’s nostalgic, eccentric, lovely, and downright darling if you have an event you need to get more dressy for. Or if you’re looking to be the best-dressed person in the potatoe chip aisle of the grocery store.

Sister Jane sells both womenswear and menswear, utilizing satiny, shimmery fabrics, poofy sleeves and skirts, dramatic lines, and dreamy shades for both in equal measure. Their garments are exactly what I gravitate toward when I need to find an outfit for events I’m slated to attend. I’ve personally worn Sister Jane dresses to more than one journalism awards ceremony in my city and definitely think they’re good for turning heads.

I’ve also found that Sister Jane isn’t hard to find on secondhand sites like Poshmark, eBay, and Depop, so I would check those if you’re looking to save a bit on one of their pieces. Though their prices typically range between $100-$200+, they often have stuff on sale and even a discounted preloved section, so if their designs are resonating with you and your style, it shouldn’t be hard to find something you like for a good price.

The one thing I will say about Sister Jane is that their size chart is a bit difficult to understand. At least to me. They’re a London-based brand, so sizing is a bit different off-rip. Their size guide includes UK, EU, Italian, U.S., and Japanese sizes, but I just find the size conversions on Sister Jane a bit inconsistent with the sizes I know myself to be in other brands. Maybe it’s just me, because I have a different body type (really thick on the bottom, but smaller up top). Their size guide can be viewed in both centimeters and inches, and is broken down into the different clothing types Sister Jane sells and the differing sizes for womenswear and menswear. It even includes mini, midi, and maxi lengths, which is good because I’m so short, it’s really easy for me to drown in fabric, which has, admittedly happened with a Sister Jane item I own. They did change and extend their size range back in 2022, so the size guide includes both and may be something you have to account for if you’re shopping for secondhand Sister Jane pieces.

Still, Sister Jane is a great brand to incorporate into your wardrobe if your style is less eclectic and more whimsical. Also check out their sister brand Ghospell, a bit more minimal, feminine, and less formal than Sister Jane tends to be.

Recommended Pieces:

DREAM Narrative Jacquard Top - $194
DREAM Illusions Jacquard Midi Dress - $309
DREAM Starlight Embellished Blouse - $194
DREAM Cabaret Floral Midi Dress - $344
Illume Spot Coat - $203

8. Lisa Says Gah!

Okay, admittedly, I haven’t shopped from Lisa Says Gah! in more than a few years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think you should if you’re able and like their clothing. Lisa Says Gah! is a Los Angeles-based brand that I think is pretty well-known in some online fashion spaces for a more understated approach to colorful, trendy clothing. You won’t find super-exaggerated details or flashy, bright graphics generally, but I think they do well at more classic silhouettes that serve as good bases for pairing with other, fancier pieces. If you’re looking for a brand that can help bolster what you already have, instead of starting completely from scratch, Lisa Says Gah! may be the way to go.

I think they’re known for their trendy prints (last year or so, I believe they were the brand to go to if you wanted to get into the sardine trend—y’all remember that?—and showcase your love of tinned fish to the world) and sort of a brand if you would where if you were, like, a New York City-based food influencer that shared recipes online. So expect lots of food motifs.

I have a couple older pairs of pants of theirs that I’m just a bit to curvy for now (truthfully, I feel like they weren’t really designed with curvier bodies in mind; they were snug on me even back when I bought them), but I will say, I loved Lisa Says Gah!’s Polly Pocket collab from last year and really wish I had managed to grab something from them when it dropped. I think they could do better about showing more plus-size folks (considering their sizes go from XS to 3XL, a size range that could, for sure, be expanded) and people of color in their marketing and on their socials, but I do think they have good pieces for not that expensive (usually between $100-$200). They also collaborated with the iconic Bob Baker Marionette Theater this past holiday season, which has to count for something.

One aside before I move on: Lisa Says Gah! has the cutest UI on their website! I mean, my goodness, the bunches of falling flowers that follow the cursor, the tomato red and butter yellow, the serif fonts, and flower borders the page numbers? It’s all so fun, and giving me a lot of ideas as I work on my own little indie site.

Recommended Pieces:

Perri Top - $128
Siren Skirt - $148
Dalston Jacket - $168
Chelsea Pant - $158

9. Damson Madder

Damson Madder is another brand with a more minimal, classic sensibility, kind of similar to Lisa Says Gah! in that way, and a proclivity for polka dots, checks, stripes, and plaid. Though their more austere style can also be seen in the pretty standard cuts to some of their blouses, trousers, dressers, and other clothing items they sell, as well as in some of the shades in Damson Madder’s preferred color palette—lots of tans, browns, blacks, greys, and whites—you’ll find just as many offerings in bright reds, greens, blues, pinks, and the occasional butter yellows and leopard print, plus the all of the ruffles, texture, puff sleeves, bows, and other details.

To me, a lot of pieces give sort of modern preppy vibes, almost akin to Rowing Blazers if you’re familiar with that fashion brand, just executed differently. It’s all very cozy, even their homeware line, which offers pillows, placemats, aprons, pajamas, and other items.

I don’t have any Damson Madder in my wardrobe just yet, but there have been a few pieces I’ve had my eyes on, so maybe that’ll change in the future.

Damson Madder’s sizes go from a UK 6 to UK 20, or a US 2 to US 16, so they could definitely stand to expand their size range, as well as show more plus-size models in their marketing. Prices are typically between $50-$300 for their clothing items. They are based in London, but they do cover the costs of duties and tariff charges, which is so nice if you’re in the U.S. and would like to shop with them directly. You can also buy Damson Madder items on the Lisa Says Gah!, Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and other websites.

Recommended Pieces:

sofia pleated trench - light stone - $260
malinda super smocked mini dress - olive - $110
octavia skirt - burgundy spot - $110

10. Samantha Pleet

If you grew up with your favorite movie being The Craft (1996), Twitches (2005), or Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), or if The Love Witch just spoke to you when it came out back in 2016, then I feel like you’re going to really like Samantha Pleet.

There aren’t many designers whose clothes I think scream “whimsigoth,” a pretty specific aesthetic with mystical, celestial, and gothic dark elements that was popular in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, especially since it’s not really my style, but if I had to, Samantha Pleet would be where I’d point folks looking for that. In addition to the retro cuts of their trousers, vests, balloon-sleeve button-downs, and sorceress-sleeve dresses, their illustrations and color palette are what really bring things home: mystical harpies, fearsome dragons and mandrakes, and lush botanicals, all depicted in rich, deep colors and jewel tones.

Samantha Pleet is named for its founder, who started the independent, family-run brand in 2007, and later expanded it with her architect husband, Patrick Pleet, in 2012, to bring “real magic into the world through an ever evolving collection of supernatural clothing,” according to the Samantha Pleet website. While Samantha takes charge of fabric quality and garment construction, Patrick often designs the prints.

Because it’s more of a designer brand, Samantha Pleet’s prices are a bit higher than some of the other clothing brands on this list, typically around $200 to $400, so that is something to consider. Though the size range is pretty good: US XXS to 5X (00 to 22). If the witchy, gothy look is what you’re into, or if you’re an enjoyer of art history in any capacity, I’d definitely have Samantha Pleet on your radar.

Recommended Pieces:

11. MEALS Clothing

MEALS Clothing sells food that looks like clothing. They say so themselves on their website’s About page.

“Cooking and clothing production are strikingly similar. To make pants, cotton is grown, milled, cut, sewn, and dyed. To make salad, romaine is grown, chopped, washed, and drizzled in olive oil.
MEALS bakes ‘food culture’ into apparel, blurring the lines between the clothes we eat and the food we wear.”

I think a food-themed clothing brand is pretty cool. In fact, all of MEALS’ offerings are either named after food items or reference clothing a chef may wear. Case in point: the Chocolate Work Pant, the Carrot Work Vest, the Blueberry Forager Coat. It’s a naming convention that I think works pretty well for a brand that leans more utilitarian in construction, while bursting with fun, bright colors: blue, green, orange, pink, and more. It’s a unique marketing approach I think sets them apart from a lot of other brands with a similar functional style.

Their size range goes up to at least a 3XL, though what exact sizes are offered varies across each garment, and prices can go up to around $200, which isn’t too bad. Again, no Meals Clothing in my wardrobe yet, but I like what they’ve got going on at the moment, and definitely looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow.

Recommended Pieces:

Donut Box Pink Chef Pant - $140
Watermelon Forager Coat - $200

12. Irregular Choice (secondhand)

Okay, I know that Irregular Choice is not a clothing brand, and it stopped operating last month due to struggles leftover from the pandemic, rising costs, economic uncertainty, and other challenges, but I just had to include them in this list. There’s no way I can talk about colorful, quirky fashion without at least shouting out one of the most well-known maximalist footwear brands operating until very recently. From 1999 until last December, Irregular Choice made shoes whose overall vibes I saw someone on Reddit call “Betsey Johnson meets [John] Fluevog.” Lots of funky colors, prints, appliques, florals, cutesy creatures, and their signature concept heels shaped to look like dice, gingerbread men, cats, Care Bears, and more. Irregular Choice could always execute a theme with whimsy, fun, fantasy, and kitschy aesthetics.

To this day, I mourn the collections I missed out on before Irregular Choice got on my radar, mostly the older collabs like The Little Mermaid shoes with the heels filled with water like a snow globe, the Mickey and Minnie Mouse boots and heels that I still check secondhand sites for to this day. I mean, literally anything from the Muppets collab. Irregular Choice was a brand unmatched in their field, and it’s such a shame they’ve had to shut down. I’ve loved buying from them when I could (I own a few pairs of their heels and a couple of their scarves), as their pieces are such unique additions to a wardrobe. The brand’s owner has recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help them begin operating once again. If you’re able to, I’d consider donating.

But back to why they’re on this list, by virtue of Irregular Choice being a brand that sold thousands of pairs of shoes for nearly 30 years, there’s plenty you can find on secondhand sites like eBay and Poshmark, and think they’d be a great addition to any maximalist’s wardrobe. Listings you do come across may have slightly more inflated prices now that the brand has shut down and there’s scarcity involved, so keep that in mind. A good alternative is trying out shoes from Hot Chocolate Design, which employs a similar kitschy aesthetic for the shoes they sell and slightly cheaper prices than Irregular Choice once did.

I’d see what you can find at the links below if you’ve liked what you’ve seen and heard so far, and recommend you keep your peepers peeped for Irregular Choice as a whole. If Polyester Zine’s recent 2026 Ins and Outs podcast episode is anything to go by, this year will be the year secondhand Irregular Choice really blows up.

13. Rhi Dancey

I first heard of the clothing brand Rhi Dancey when they collaborated with Lazy Oaf back in late 2024 on a collection of matching sets, shoes, a dress, a button-down, and a tote bag with the image of a cute little kitty cat on it. Since then, I’ve come to know them as the London-based brand founded by Rhianedd Dancey, with all the funky, illustrative graphics you find all over their clothing. Their pieces truly look like they were lifted straight out of the coolest artist’s sketchbook and printed on all the tops, dresses, corsets, body suits, and other items you can buy, and that’s probably because they often collaborate with artists on the dark, abstract illustrations that appear on their clothing. Great for the edgy artsy-fartsy girlie in you. If you’re more into the avant-garde than you are the cutesy-kitsch that I like, Rhi Dancey is a good option, I think.

Many of their items range in price from £68 to £200, with sizes from a US XS to 3XL. At the moment, many of their items appear to be out of stock, so if there’s something you see that’s speaking to you, follow them on their socials and sign up for the waitlist!

Recommended Pieces:

And that’s where we’re gonna cut it! Yeah, 13 out of 25 entries in.

This post is getting way long (my own fault), so I’ve split this list up into two parts. Find the latter half at the link below, which is already live.

Looking for other places to follow me before you go? Find me on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

And, don’t forget to leave a comment before you leave!