Recommendations for stores/brands with Donna Karan-esque style (but not price)?

Oh, how I envy Modern Classics who have access to stores with edited collections with their aesthetic in mind (Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, etc).

Can you guys recommend stores or specific brands in that AT/BR price range -- or slightly above -- for those whose style fall more in the minimalist arty eclectic camp? Think Donna Karan and her sensual draping. I love artfully draped jersey dresses and other such items with unusual details, asymmetrical hems - that sort of thing. My colors are mainly black, gray and white with occassional pops of strong deep colors or bold prints.

I perused Zara the other day and while I like the clean lined, on trend items, there wasn't that much in the way of sensual draping. Also dropped by All Saints -- the store is a little more post-apocalyptic industrial rocker than my style warrants but I didn't have time to try on individual pieces; plus they're pricier than I'd ideally like to spend.

Fortunately, with the current trend for more fluid, oversized fits, and draping, I'm finding some pieces in various places where I shop. But it would be nice to have a few go-to stores or brands I could reliably count on. Any suggestions?

11 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I'm sorry I have no suggestions, just bumping the question, I'm sure someone will have great ideas!

Diana

I wish I knew the answer to this question as I love this style too! I have had some luck at H&M recently but I think this is more like what you said about draping and oversize being trendy right now.

Anthropologie is probably worth a look too although maybe a bit too maximal for you.

rachylou

You know, maybe Donna Karan was my first personal, designer purchase. Where I spent my own money. I loved the outfit. I probably still wear the same silhoutte when you think about it. They were grey wool leggings and a long matching swing-coat sweater. Moths got it. I never did get into her bodysuit thing, tho. You want to talk trouble in the ladies'...

I think texture is very key with DK. And she's also pretty pared down, although the texture and drape can persuade a person otherwise. I'd look for things like that. As for shapes - long pencil skirts, long wraps, silky blouses, draped trousers, and jersey - as you point out.

I can't think of a purveyor, tho, right off the bat. But you know, I think you should check out Macy's...

danskogirl

Active Member

Thanks, Diana and rachylou. Yes, Donna Karan's pared down simplicity, and sense of ease, is a large part of why I like her designs.

Funny you should mention Macy's rachylou. I was just there last week and found a wonderful black jersey dress with some artful draping on the skirt portion from Kensie -- a brand I'll be looking into more.

unfrumped

I was going to suggest aggressive sale-browsing--Eileen Fisher and such.

I have to add, DK is quite fitted. It's not oversized.

rabbit

I'm generally looking at prices below AT and BR, but looking for similar shapes and colors as you describe.

Where I've had some luck or at least see a few things that fit that description are at H&M and sometimes UO (harem pants, tulip shaped dresses)

Also I end up bringing home some discounted BCBG and DKNY from Marshalls, Ross, and T J Maxx - they are usually in the very small front 'designer collection' racks rather than mixed in (unless they are on clearance). I'd check T J Maxx online (the runway as well as regular section) too.

I've seen Eileen Fisher on Macy's clearance racks occasionally - and there is one section of the store (I'm forgetting the name right now) that often has interesting drapey silhouettes.

Nordstrom Rack tends to have a higher percentage of interesting cuts in their whole selection than many of these other places too.

None of these are one-stop-shops but usually you can check out the relevant store section pretty quickly.

Greyscale

Nordstrom Rack usually has a large selection of Vince, Helmut Lang, and Eileen Fisher at deep discounts though not quite in the BR price range. A few seasons ago they were all about the arty layers though right now there are fewer options. I think that particular look moved into the mainstream for a few years and now trends have shifted a little more tomboy so I find fewer drapey avant garde layers in less expensive stores.

Thanks, all! Sounds like a Nordstrom Rack jaunt is definitely in the works for me next time I have a few hours for shopping.

Anonymous

I suggest checking out the online store Evie Lou.

annagybe

(website)

I think someone on the forum turned me on to this Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Aaka.....eader-name

Thanks, Alicat and annagybe! Those look intriguing!

Updating this thread for the future reference of anyone who might be looking for something similar in style. On a visit to New York, I wandered into the DKNY store in SoHo and really liked some of the things there. There's apparently a DKNY outlet north of Seattle that I'll likely check out sometime.

Updating to add: I think I got excited about the fluidity of the clothes, the black/grey/white color scheme, the DK name and the fact that they fit. LOL. Thinking it over further, and per annagybe's comment below: Yeah, this brand is quite different from the Donna Karan line, and definitely more expensive than BR/AT (and not convinced the quality justifies the price), so prob wouldn't work for those looking for Donna Karan alternative.

DKNY is pretty different than Donna Karan and definitely not as cheap as BR.

Oh you know, there are EF outlets...

True, annagybe. It's definitely more casual than Donna Karan. But it does have some of the fluid vibe I'm looking for (or maybe just because that's the current trend). Hopefully the outlets will have less expensive options.

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