I've Been a WWW Editor Since 2014—6 Brands in My Closet Then and Now

Given that I started working at Who What Wear almost a decade ago, it's to be expected that my style would've changed a lot during that time. But I'm also someone who has brand loyalty, and although my city of residence and budget may have changed over the years, there are a few brands I come back to time and again. And one thing that they all have in common is that they're relatively affordable.

I took a look at my existing wardrobe and did a little photo research of my 2014 self, and it was instantly clear that these six brands have stood the test of time for me, from baby fashion editor then to senior fashion editor now. I sadly don't have photos of myself wearing all of these brands during both decades, but please enjoy these photos of me now and then, and scroll to shop my current favorite items from each brand. 

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Me in 2022:
(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Me in 2014 (before my second interview at Who What Wear):
(Image credit: @allypayer)

Reformation

Reformation has gotten better and better and more well-rounded over the years (everything from shoes to denim is on offer), and accordingly, my love for it has never wavered.

J.Crew

Talk about a comeback. Back in 2014, I shopped J.Crew for sweaters, tops, shoes, dresses… You name it. And lately, I'm back on the J.Crew train, just like seemingly everyone else. My latest purchase is an amazing pair of feathered satin mules, which are currently very on sale.

Zara

It seems like I'll never quit you, Zara. As long as the brand keeps making such cool, affordable versions of all of the trends, I'll keep shopping it.

Levi's

I've always been a jeans girl, and Levi's has long been a go-to of mine. I like that even its trendier jeans are still kind of classic.

Free People

I wouldn't describe my style as being very bohemian these days, but Free People has become so much more. It's a great place to shop for basics, loungewear, shoes, and fun vacation pieces.

Madewell

I used to love going to the Madewell store at Century City mall in L.A. circa 2014, and while I stick to online browsing these days, I still enjoy shopping Madewell for basics and denim.

Next up, 17 Items Our Editors Added to Their Closets This Month

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.