In the ever-evolving world of fashion, it can be challenging for a brand to stand out from the crowd. However, one label that has managed to make a name for itself in recent years is Staud. Known for its playful, retro-inspired designs with a modern twist, Staud has quickly become a go-to for fashion-forward women looking for something unique yet wearable.
In this comprehensive Staud clothing review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s history, aesthetic, best-selling pieces, quality, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if Staud is worth adding to your wardrobe.
About Staud: The Brand Story
Staud was founded in 2015 by fashion industry veteran Sarah Staudinger and her partner George Augusto. Prior to starting her own label, Staudinger worked as the fashion director at Reformation, where she honed her skills in creating vintage-inspired clothing with a contemporary feel.
Staudinger‘s vision for Staud was to create a line of elevated, feminine pieces that make a statement while still being easy to wear. The brand‘s aesthetic is heavily influenced by 60s and 70s fashion, with a focus on bold colors, prints, and textures. However, rather than creating literal reproductions of vintage clothing, Staud puts a fresh spin on retro styles, updating them for the modern woman.
Since its launch, Staud has gained a devoted following among celebrities, influencers, and fashion editors. The brand has been worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, and Meghan Markle, and has been featured in numerous fashion publications including Vogue, Elle, and Harper‘s Bazaar.
The Staud Collection: Categories and Best-Sellers
Staud offers a wide range of clothing and accessories, including dresses, tops, pants, jumpsuits, jackets, bags, and shoes. While the brand releases new collections each season, there are a few key pieces that have become customer favorites and continue to be restocked.
One of Staud‘s most popular categories is dresses. From flirty mini dresses to elegant midis and maxis, Staud has a dress for every occasion. Some of the brand‘s best-selling dress styles include:
The Elio Dress
The Elio Dress is a fantastical, fairy-tale inspired frock featuring a smocked bodice, puff sleeves, tiered skirt, and ruffled hem. It comes in dreamy pastel shades like pale blue and lilac.
The Millie Dress
For a more sophisticated look, the Millie Dress offers a modern take on the classic shirtdress. Made from lightweight cotton poplin, it has a fitted bodice, full skirt, and optional belt to cinch the waist.
The Wells Dress
The Wells Dress is a Staud staple that comes in a variety of colors and prints each season. With its square neckline, slim straps, and form-fitting silhouette, it‘s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
In addition to dresses, Staud is also known for its statement-making tops and separates. Some popular styles include:
The Lychee Top
The Lychee Top is a playful, fruit-inspired design featuring a ruffled peter pan collar, puff sleeves, and a lemon print. It‘s perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
The Giuditta Pants
The Giuditta Pants are a chic and comfortable option for every day. Made from stretchy bouclé fabric, they have a high-rise waist, wide leg, and front patch pockets.
Of course, no Staud clothing review would be complete without mentioning the brand‘s iconic bags. Staud‘s handbag designs are both eye-catching and practical, with unique shapes and materials that set them apart from other contemporary brands.
The Moreau Bag
The Moreau Bag is a Staud signature that comes in both a macro and mini size. Made from woven raffia with leather trim, it has a structured, boxy shape and optional shoulder strap.
The Moon Bag
As the name suggests, the Moon Bag is a crescent-shaped handbag made from smooth leather. It has a magnetic closure and detachable strap, making it perfect for day or night.
The Shirley Bag
The Shirley Bag is a best-seller that features a unique PVC and leather construction. The clear PVC exterior shows off the colorful leather pouch inside, creating a cool, layered look.
Quality and Craftsmanship
With prices ranging from $200 to $500 for most pieces, Staud falls into the contemporary designer category. While it‘s certainly an investment, the brand prides itself on using high-quality materials and construction methods to ensure that each piece lasts.
Many of Staud‘s clothing items are made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. The brand also uses some eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and Tencel. Dresses and tops are lined for comfort and opacity, and feature details like covered buttons, invisible zippers, and reinforced seams.
Staud‘s bags are crafted from a mix of leather, suede, raffia, and PVC. The brand uses both smooth and textured leathers, as well as vegan leather options. Hardware is either silver or gold-toned and has a substantial feel.
Overall, Staud‘s pieces have a well-made, luxury look and feel that justifies the higher price point compared to fast fashion brands. With proper care, Staud clothing and accessories can be worn for years to come.
Sizing and Fit
One common question that comes up in Staud clothing reviews is whether the brand runs true to size or small. In general, Staud‘s sizing is fairly consistent with other contemporary brands, but some styles may run slightly small or large.
Staud‘s website offers detailed size charts for each product, which list measurements for the bust, waist, and hips. The brand also specifies the height of the model wearing each piece and what size she is wearing, which can be helpful for gauging fit.
Some customers have noted that Staud‘s more fitted styles, like the Wells Dress, can run a bit snug, so it may be worth sizing up if you‘re between sizes. On the other hand, some of the brand‘s oversized or relaxed-fit pieces may run large, so you may want to size down for a slimmer look.
Staud‘s pants and denim tend to have a more generous, vintage-inspired fit, especially through the hips and thighs. If you have a curvier figure, you may want to size up for comfort.
As with any online purchase, it‘s always a good idea to check the garment measurements and read customer reviews for specific feedback on fit before ordering. Staud offers free shipping and returns on orders over $250, so you can easily exchange sizes if needed.
Sustainability and Ethics
Like many fashion brands, Staud has faced questions about its sustainability and ethical practices. While the brand has taken some steps to be more eco-friendly, such as using recycled materials in some pieces, it does not make any broad claims about being a sustainable or ethical company.
On its website, Staud states that it is "committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting responsible practices throughout our supply chain." However, the brand does not provide specifics on where its products are made, what its factory conditions are like, or how it ensures fair labor practices.
Staud has been praised for its use of deadstock and vintage fabrics in some collections, which helps reduce textile waste. The brand has also experimented with eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and Tencel lyocell.
However, Staud does not appear to have any official certifications or memberships related to sustainability or ethics, such as Fair Trade or the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The brand also uses a lot of leather and suede in its bags and shoes, which may not be considered sustainable or cruelty-free.
Ultimately, while Staud has made some efforts to be more conscious of its environmental impact, it is not a leader in the sustainable fashion space. Customers who prioritize eco-friendliness and ethical production may want to look into other brands with stronger commitments in these areas.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
So, what do actual Staud customers have to say about the brand‘s clothing and accessories? Overall, Staud has a positive reputation for quality, style, and customer service, with many shoppers praising the brand‘s unique designs and attention to detail.
On Staud‘s website, most products have a 4 or 5-star rating from customers. Some common themes in positive reviews include:
- Beautiful, eye-catching designs that stand out from other brands
- High-quality materials and construction that feel luxurious
- Versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down
- Comfortable, easy-to-wear styles that don‘t sacrifice style
- Helpful and responsive customer service team
Of course, no brand is perfect, and Staud has also received some negative feedback from customers. Some common complaints include:
- Inconsistent sizing or fit issues, especially with more fitted styles
- Higher prices compared to other contemporary brands
- Limited color/print options for some styles
- Some designs may be too trendy or impractical for everyday wear
On third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Staud has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars based on over 100 reviews. While most customers had positive things to say about the quality and design of Staud‘s pieces, some shoppers reported issues with sizing, shipping delays, or difficulty reaching customer service.
Overall, it seems that Staud has a generally positive reputation among its customers, with many shoppers returning to the brand for its unique, vintage-inspired designs and high-quality construction. However, as with any online purchase, it‘s always a good idea to read reviews and do your research before ordering to ensure that a brand aligns with your personal style, budget, and values.
Where to Buy Staud
If you‘re interested in trying out Staud for yourself, there are a few different ways to shop the brand. The easiest option is to order directly from Staud‘s website, which offers the full range of clothing, accessories, and exclusive online-only styles.
Staud also has a flagship store in Los Angeles, where you can try on pieces in person and get styling advice from the brand‘s knowledgeable sales associates. However, if you don‘t live in the area, don‘t worry – Staud is also stocked at a number of major retailers, both online and in-store.
Some of the best places to buy Staud include:
- Net-a-Porter
- Shopbop
- Nordstrom
- Revolve
- Farfetch
- Moda Operandi
Many of these retailers offer free shipping and returns, as well as the option to earn rewards points or discounts on your purchase. However, keep in mind that third-party retailers may not always have the full range of Staud‘s products, and some styles may sell out quickly.
Styling Tips for Wearing Staud
One of the best things about Staud‘s clothing and accessories is how versatile they are. While the brand has a distinct retro-inspired aesthetic, its pieces can be styled in a variety of ways to suit your personal taste and occasion.
Here are a few tips for styling Staud pieces:
- Mix and match prints and textures for an eclectic, bohemian look. Try pairing a floral dress with a woven bag and chunky sandals.
- Dress up a simple outfit with statement accessories. A pair of colorful Staud earrings or a metallic bag can instantly elevate a basic tee and jeans.
- Embrace the brand‘s playful, feminine aesthetic with ruffles, bows, and puff sleeves. Balance out voluminous silhouettes with streamlined bottoms or shoes.
- Layer Staud pieces with other vintage or contemporary brands for a unique, personalized look. A Staud top can look great under a denim jacket or paired with high-waisted trousers.
- Don‘t be afraid to experiment with color and print. Staud‘s bold, eye-catching designs are meant to be noticed, so have fun and express your individual style.
Remember, fashion is all about having fun and feeling confident in what you wear. Whether you‘re dressing up for a special occasion or just running errands around town, Staud‘s clothing and accessories can help you look and feel your best.
The Bottom Line
So, is Staud worth the hype (and the price tag)? Based on our research and customer feedback, we believe that Staud is a high-quality, stylish brand that offers a unique take on vintage-inspired fashion.
While Staud‘s prices are certainly higher than fast fashion brands, the brand‘s attention to detail, luxurious materials, and beautiful designs justify the cost for many shoppers. Staud‘s pieces are versatile and well-made, with many customers reporting that they‘ve worn their favorite items for years.
Of course, as with any fashion purchase, it‘s important to consider your personal style, budget, and values before investing in Staud. If you prioritize eco-friendliness and ethical production, you may want to look into other brands with stronger commitments in these areas.
However, if you‘re looking for unique, eye-catching designs that will make you feel confident and stylish, Staud is definitely worth checking out. With a wide range of clothing and accessories to choose from, there‘s something for everyone in Staud‘s collection.
We hope this Staud clothing review has been helpful in guiding your decision-making process. Remember to read product descriptions and reviews carefully, check size charts, and don‘t be afraid to reach out to customer service with any questions or concerns. Happy shopping!
