Hey girl, let‘s talk Brandy Melville! If you‘re as obsessed as I am with their perfect slouchy tees, breezy sundresses and cozy cardigans, you know that Brandy is the spot for effortlessly cool basics. That laidback, carefree Cali vibe is everything.
Brandy Melville has been a teen dream since it hit the scene in the ‘90s. The Italian brand is now in 27 countries, with over 100 stores worldwide. Brandy raked in $250 million in sales in 2019 alone, cementing its it-girl status.
Girls flock to Brandy for the cute, comfy clothes that make you look put-together but not like you‘re trying too hard. Most of Brandy‘s pieces are one-size-fits-most, catering to petite and small builds. While the lack of inclusive sizing is a valid complaint, plenty of girls love the casual, formfitting styles.
If you can‘t get enough of that signature Brandy aesthetic, I‘ve got you covered with 15 similar stores I personally shop at for the same vibe. I‘ll break down how each brand compares to Brandy in price, sizing, quality and overall style so you can switch it up while still serving those effortless model-off-duty lewks.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is my go-to for Brandy-esque basics with a touch of retro edge. They have the best band tees, slouchy flannels and vintage-inspired denim. Like Brandy, UO excels at breezy sundresses and rompers in flirty florals and laidback plaid.
Prices are pretty similar to Brandy, maybe a tad higher. UO tees range from $20-$40, dresses are around $60-$100. Quality is solid – my UO pieces hold up really well.
Urban offers sizes XS-XL or 0-16 in most items, so it‘s easier to find your fit than Brandy‘s one-size deal. I‘m usually a medium in UO tops and dresses.
PacSun
SoCal brand PacSun is heaven for surfer girl chic that gives me total Brandy vibes. I‘m a sucker for their colorful graphic tees, beachy rompers and distressed boyfriend jeans.
PacSun is a bit more budget-friendly than Brandy on average. Most graphic tees are under $30. Dresses and pants are usually $40-$60. Quality is pretty good for the price.
PacSun sizing goes from XXS-XXL, which is more inclusive than Brandy. I wear a medium in most PacSun styles and they fit just right.
Tilly‘s
Tilly‘s is another fab option for that casual, cool skater aesthetic Brandy babes love. I‘m always browsing their sundresses, bralettes, jean shorts and crop tops – super similar to Brandy‘s bestsellers.
Prices are reasonable, a bit lower than Brandy in my experience. Most dresses are under $40. Tees range from $15-$30. Denim is around $40-$60.
Tilly‘s sizing is pretty inclusive, running from XS-XL with some styles up to 3X. Bustier gals can usually find cute tops and dresses that fit well.
Princess Polly
Calling my girly girls – you‘ll flip for Australia‘s Princess Polly. Their flirty, femme pieces are JUST like Brandy‘s cutest dresses and tops. I die for the floral maxis, ruffle minis and lacy bralets.
Princess Polly is a lil pricier than Brandy – dresses are mostly $60 and up. Tops range from $30-$70. The quality is amazing though, you‘ll wear these pieces over and over.
Sizing is a bit limited, running from 0-12. I find some styles run small, so I usually size up for a comfier, Brandy-esque fit.
UNIF
For an edgier take on Brandy‘s chill style, UNIF is my jam. These LA cool kids make the raddest slouchy sweaters, slip dresses and combat boots with ‘90s grunge vibes.
UNIF is a bit of a splurge compared to Brandy. Tops are mostly $50-$90, pants are around $100-$150. But omg, the quality is insane. These babies will last you years.
UNIF offers sizes XS-XL. Their oversized pieces give me total Brandy feels, and the more fitted items are TTS.
Dolls Kill
I can‘t with how good Dolls Kill is for edgy baddie basics a la Brandy. Their graphic baby tees, low rise flares and punky plaid sets are everything.
Dolls Kill prices vary, but there are plenty of affordable gems. Sale tees are as low as $15, jeans are around $50. Quality can be hit or miss – check those reviews, babe.
Sizing is bomb, going from XS-3X. Love that Dolls Kill shows how pieces look on different body types. Major points.
Zara
My sophisticated sweeties need to peep Zara‘s basics line for elevated essentials with a Brandy-inspired ease. Give me all the oversized blazers, ribbed tanks and slouchy slacks, pls.
You can def spend a pretty penny at Zara, but there are steals in the mix. Tees are around $10-$30. Jeans and slacks start at $40. The quality is chef‘s kiss – you‘ll be wearing Zara for ages.
Sizing runs from XS-XXL. I find Zara to be TTS with a slightly oversized fit, similar to Brandy.
Reformation
Earth angels on a mission to save the planet while serving looks, Reformation is the sustainable sweetie you need. Their vintage-inspired sundresses and breezy tops are the stuff of Brandy dreams.
Heads up: Reformation is NOT cheap. Most dresses are over $200. But the quality and fit are unmatched. I‘ve had Ref pieces for years that still look stellar.
Reformation is a size-inclusive kween, offering 0-22 in most styles. Their curve collection is beyond gorge. More of this!
& Other Stories
Minimalist mavens seeking streamlined staples to mix with Brandy faves, meet & Other Stories. This chic Swedish brand is my weakness for perfect tanks, tees, sweaters and slacks with a model-off-duty ease.
& Other Stories is definitely a splurge compared to Brandy. Tees and tanks are around $30, sweaters are $75+. But the quality is incredible – you‘ll treasure these elevated basics.
I find & Other Stories sizing to run a bit small. I‘m usually a 6/M and wear a 10 in their pieces. They offer 0-14.
Madewell
Tomboy dreamboats with a thing for the classics, Madewell is a must for Brandy babes. I‘m obsessed with their perfectly worn-in jeans, basic tees and boyish button-downs.
Madewell is pricier than Brandy for sure. Graphic tees are around $40, jeans are $100+. But you‘ll def get your cost per wear – I‘ve had some Madewell pieces for 5+ years.
Madewell‘s size range is solid, offering XXS-XXL and some styles up to 3X. Their loose, oversized fits remind me of Brandy‘s one-size gems.
Aritzia
For my boujee babes who want to splurge on quality basics, Canadian cool-girl brand Aritzia is a VIBE. Their buttery soft tees, tissue-thin tanks and loungewear separates are peak model-off-duty goals.
I‘ll be real, Aritzia is crazy expensive for basics. Tees are around $50, sweaters are $100+. But they‘re soooo soft and well-made – a true closet staple.
Aritzia offers sizes 2XS-2XL. I find their pieces run a bit roomy, so I usually stick with my typical size S/4.
Everlane
Ethical essentials enthusiasts will swoon for Everlane‘s sustainable, streamlined designs that capture a grown-up take on Brandy‘s cool-girl ease. I‘m talking perfect tees, boss babe blouses and wear-everywhere jeans.
Everlane is def an investment – tees are around $30-$50, pants are $70+. But you can feel good knowing your pieces are ethically made with quality fabrics.
They offer sizes 00-16, with a few styles up to 18. I find Everlane to be TTS if you like a relaxed, slouchy fit.
Anthropologie
For my ultra-femme friends who can‘t resist a floral print or ruffle, Anthropologie is the boho-chic bestie you need. Their flowy maxi dresses, embroidered blouses and lacy bralets are cottagecore perfection.
Anthro prices are all over the place – sale scores start around $30, but dresses can be $200+. Quality varies too, so peep those materials and reviews.
Anthropologie carries sizes 00-26 with petite and plus sections. Bless! I find their sizing inconsistent, so I always read reviews for fit deets.
Free People
If you‘re a sucker for Brandy‘s femme flowy pieces, Free People will be your new go-to. I can‘t get enough of their dreamy crochet dresses, ruffle tops and slouchy sweaters with a vintage vibe.
Free People ain‘t cheap, but you can score cute pieces on sale in the $50 range. Full-price tops are around $100, dresses are $150+. It‘s an investment, but you‘ll wear FP forever.
FP offers sizes XS-XL, with a small selection of XXS and 1X-3X online. I find their flowy styles to be generously sized – I often wear XS/S in FP.
Lulus
And for my bargain-hunting babes on a budget, Lulus is clutch for Brandy-esque basics that won‘t break the bank. Think flirty sundresses, breezy rompers and cute crop tops for under $100.
Lulus prices are super reasonable – sale scores start at $20 and most pieces are well under $100. It‘s a great spot to try out trendier Brandy-inspired styles without major spending.
They carry sizes XXS-3X, with a stellar plus section. Lulus models show how pieces look on different frames, which I adore. I find Lulus to be pretty TTS.
So there you have it – 15 stores serving that hip, laidback Brandy Melville aesthetic we can‘t get enough of! As you can see, there‘s something for every budget, body and vibe. I just love that we have so many options to rock that cool-girl style.
I know Brandy Melville isn‘t perfect – the limited sizing, random graphic tee controversies and reports of discriminatory hiring definitely make me side-eye the brand sometimes. I get that not everyone feels comfy shopping there.
That‘s why I wanted to shout out a few of my fave Brandy-esque brands that are size-inclusive and eco-friendly for my conscious cuties. Back Beat Co. makes the softest sustainable basics up to 3X. Big Bud Press has the cutest colorful jumpsuits in sizes XXS-6X. And Lisa Says Gah is a hit for retro-inspired dresses and sets up to 3X made in ethical factories.
At the end of the day, fashion should be fun and make you feel fab. Whether you‘re a Brandy babe for life or just crushing on the vibe, I hope this list helps you find some fresh pieces to rock!
Let me know your fave Brandy Melville alternatives in the comments – I‘m always down to discover new brands. And if you try any of my picks, tag me in your selfies so I can hype you up! Until next time, stay cute and comfy. xx
