Try These Women-Owned Fashion Brands To Boost Your Fall Wardrobe

According to Forbes, women are responsible for designing 40% of all womenswear fashion brands, but they only make up 14% of leadership positions for large fashion brands. That’s not to say, however, that new fashion brands founded by women aren’t continuing to pop up all over the U.S. Each of the following featured brands have all been founded and run by women within the last 20 years and offer the perfect pieces to help transition and elevate your fall wardrobe.  

Both eco-friendly and body positive, Poplinen is an online clothing store founded by Desiree Gaitan-Buchanan, who wanted to disrupt women’s fashion in an innovative and effective way. During her career in editorial and communications, Gaitan-Buchanan started experimenting with sustainable fabrics that make for comfortable designs without compromising style. Materials such as organic cottons and linens are used in the creation of the pieces.  

By adding a range of sizes such as XS-3X (and offering contemporary and curvy fits), the clothing is set to be inclusive for all– which is also demonstrated with the feature of racially diverse models. The brand features dresses, tops, bottoms, and even childrenswear.

Odd Muse is best known for its classic, yet versatile and durable designs, and was founded by young entrepreneur Aimme Smale. She was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2023 for the success of the brand.  

She founded the brand as a way to shift out of fast fashion and invest in quality basics for herself and her customers. While working as an administrative assistant at Asos, she used the funds she was saving for a house to start the brand in 2020. Shortly after launch, Odd Muse’s pearl-lined dress went viral on TikTok, shooting the brand into a prominent focus for consumers. Odd Muse now has its first permanent store located in central London, UK and ships globally.

Classically designed with “functional durability,” Cuyana is a clothing and handbag brand most well-known for their offerings in the leather goods department. The fashion label was founded by Karla Gallardo in 2011. According to the Condé Nast Traveler , their tote bags are great for the frequent flyer in your life, as each handbag is designed with multiple compartments for maximum storage and easy access. 

Overall, Cuyana is a brand that has publicized a dedication to sustainability and as of 2023, their products carry sustainable certifications. Each of their clothing pieces are classic silhouettes and can help elevate your capsule wardrobe.

Founded by Dana Weinstein, LA Relaxed is a brand deeply focused on sustainability efforts. Dana has been in the manufacturing industry since the ’90s, and the brand positions itself as relaxed, yet classic so that items can be worn for a versatile array of personal styles in different seasons. 

Manufactured in Los Angeles, each line created is made in limited quantities, reflecting a commitment to combat and avoid waste in the fashion industry.

Kelly Wang Shanahan started Ziran in 2016 as a way to preserve ancient Chinese traditions. The brand uses Xiang yun sha silk, according to its website, which is a super smooth and soft fabric native to Southern China. Each piece, either in floral prints or classic shades, are meant to to be layered and enhance an existing wardrobe. 

Given that the fabric is also breathable, the pieces can easily be transitioned into the warmer months.