Yahoo Finance InStyle Editors’ Picks: The Best Women-Owned Brands to Shop in 2024
Supporting female leaders has never looked so good.
Maguire/ Jenny Bird/ Cuyana/ InStyle
Championing gender equality can be an overwhelming prospect, especially in the chaos that is the world in 2024. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it’s vital to remember that small actions, like shopping women-owned and -founded brands, can cumulatively lead to meaningful change. Change that is more necessary than ever.
According to recent data, women entrepreneurs receive only 2 percent of available venture capital funding. That slim percentage dips to less than half a percent for women founders of color. While the revenue gained from a single purchase can’t compete with six- (or seven-) figure investments, shoppers that support women-run businesses can help keep these brands afloat while the economic tides slowly shift towards gender equality. With this in mind, InStyle editors are putting our buying power behind our beliefs by shining a spotlight on companies created and led by women.
The 15 editors’ picks ahead run the gamut from practical fashion essentials to personal style pick-me-ups so you can step into spring decked out in equally on-trend and empowering pieces. Refresh your wardrobe with our favorite tasteful accessories, statement separates, and more, all from woman-owned and -run businesses.
Sézane Gaspard Cardigan
Sezane
“I love Sézane’s effortlessly chic vibe. The brand exudes French girl cool with its simple, sophisticated-with-a-touch-of-sexy pieces, and every time I pull something Sézane out of my closet I know I’m going to be happy with my outfit. I’ve lately been eyeing this double-trouble cardigan. Featuring pretty, pearly buttons, the sweater can be worn as a traditional cardi buttoned down the front or styled backward to create a surprise moment seen from behind. It would go very nicely layered under their very perfect suede jacket that I already own and get compliments on all the time!” —Sally Holmes, editor-in-chief
M.M. LaFleur Gwynne Dress
MM.LaFleur
"M.M.LaFleur isn’t just women-founded, it’s women-focused. The company (led by founder and CEO Sarah LaFleur and Chief Creative Officer Miyako Nakamura) prioritizes initiatives like their Ready to Run program, which loans clothing to female candidates to wear on the campaign trail, and donates 10 percent of annual profits to organizations that support women, like the International Rescue Committee. What’s more, their pieces are simply really good: Clothing that is office-appropriate but not stodgy, stylish but not overly trendy. And versatile. (Pants come with internal snaps so you can adjust hem length…in a snap.) I recently snagged this trench dress that can be worn buttoned up or open for twice the styling opportunities." —Danielle McNally, Executive Editor
Nia Thomas Sessa Shirt
Nia Thomas
“I'm currently in desperate need of this unisex shirt from Black- and woman-owned fashion label, Nia Thomas. Thomas’ eponymous brand is known for its knitwear and elevated basics crafted by women in NYC, Mexico, and Peru, which makes purchasing this crocheted number with mother-of-pearl buttons a feel-good choice for Women’s History Month. It’s also the perfect piece to add to my summer travel wardrobe.” —Kevin Huynh, Fashion Director
Dāl the Label Modal Asymmetric Knit Top
DÄL THE LABEL
“The simplest styles are often the hardest to get right. For the perfect longsleeve not-so-basic basic top, look no further than Dāl the Label. Founded by Dana Mortada, a Lebanese-American designer based in Los Angeles, the brand specializes in the kind of wardrobe staple that's highly wearable, but still feels special. Personally, I can’t get enough of this chocolate brown color (and have my eye on one of the brand’s dresses in the same shade) as a sophisticated alternative neutral to black.” —Madeline Hirsch, News Director
Away Everywhere Bag
Away
“Away has become synonymous with traveling in style. While the brand’s luggage is a fan-favorite for trips both long and short, the company also offers an impressive roster of everyday bags—including the Everywhere. The sleek and simple silhouette features a detachable shoulder strap and top handles, not to mention spacious interior pockets (including a 15” laptop pocket!), which can fit all of your essentials. Meet your new work/gym/go-anywhere bag.” —Samantha Brash, Director of Content Strategy
Rachel Antonoff James Shirt in Tony’s Toile
Rachel Antonoff
“I feel my most confident in a silly, short-sleeved button-down shirt. It’s probably one of my signature stylistic choices, which is why I could not turn down the opportunity to buy Rachel Antonoff’s James shirt in Tony’s Toile. As someone who once dressed up as Paulie Walnuts from The Sopranos for Halloween, I needed this shirt in my life.” —Kelly Chiello, Associate Photo Director
Kinn Chain Bracelet Silver
Kinn
“According to a very good source, arm parties and bracelet stacks are back, just like Christina Aguilera’s chunky highlights, Y2K ballet flats, and Disney’s X-Men cartoon. That means this Kinn bracelet, which is a little more interesting than a traditional cuban link, is definitely invited to sit right next to my watch and tennis bracelet.” —Christopher Luu, Senior News Editor
Gelareh Mizrahi Itsy Bitsy Micro Mini Black Top Handle Bag
Gelareh Mizrahi
“I was born and raised in Miami and discovered Gelareh Mizrahi while home for the holidays a few years ago. This tiny python leather bag with a convenient crossbody is perpetually strapped to me on the weekends (when I’m busy catching drag shows and don’t want to risk losing the essentials it holds: credit cards, my ID, and a little cash). I love that it’s somewhat reminiscent of Jacquemus accessories, yet feels unique. And I never fail to get compliments when I wear it out. Who needs a wallet, anyway?” —Jonathan Borge, Deputy Editor
Frankie4 Octavia Black Dress Flat
Frankie4
“Loafers are one of those shoes that can be equal parts comfortable and chic—so long as you get the right pair. I've worn loafers that left my feet in so much pain, I might as well have been wearing stilettos. But this pair from Frankie4 is a game-changer. The brand was founded by Caroline McCulloch, a podiatrist based in Australia who wanted to make comfort a priority in women's footwear. They come with interchangeable insoles to hug your feet just the way you like. Plus, they're made of a stunning soft leather that’s sure to age beautifully.” —Kara Brown, Beauty Editor
Ganni Cotton Poplin Peplum Blouse
GANNI
“You’ve probably seen this beautiful peplum top on your For You feeds, but if you haven’t, I am here to share the good word! This top hits all the right notes: It’s whimsical, easy to dress up or down, and makes me feel like I’m stepping right out of a Scandinavian street style photoshoot. Truly, this top goes with everything and is the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe. There is a reason it is a Ganni “icon” piece.” —Amanda Lauro, Designer
Jenny Bird Mega U-Link Earrings
Jenny Bird
“I can’t tell you how often I wear these Jenny Bird Mega U-Link earrings—I even got engaged in them. The chunky design is a modern take on classic hoops and the high-shine gold finish is bold without being ostentatious. I’ve worn them with everything from sneakers and a T-shirt to a slinky LBD. They’re that versatile.” —Ruby McAuliffe, Associate Commerce Fashion Editor
Miraco Infinity Cuff Ring
Miraco
“I so badly want to be one of those cool girls decked out in dainty gold jewelry from head to toe (anklets are back, people). But, as someone with a self-diagnosed allergy to cheap metal and a penchant for saving money, it’s been a challenge to find quality jewelry. Enter Miraco: a female-founded jewelry brand specializing in ethically-made quality designs at fair and affordable prices. My Miraco Infinity Cuff Ring pairs easily with any outfit, and I have a feeling it’ll be a part of my jewelry roster for a very long time. One might even say infinity.” —Tessa Petak, Staff Writer
S/F/W Puff Crop Top
S/W/F
“It takes an innate understanding of a woman’s body to design a crop top that actually fits well, and, I would argue, a serious amount of empathy to design a fitted crop top that supports without squishing. Desiree Deravi, the designer, founder, and creative director of S/F/W Boutique brings both to bear in this romantically decadent and deceptively sturdy top. It captures this season’s unapologetically ultra-femme aesthetic while still being casual enough to pair with jeans. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. ” —Amber Rambharose, Fashion Writer
Cuyana Linea Bucket Bag
Cuyana
“I’ve spent years—and a stupid amount of money— searching for a black bag that’s big enough to hold more than my wallet, but not cumbersome and heavy. I thought at least half a dozen different bags would do the trick, but only Cuyana’s Linea Bucket Bag made it through more than a few months of sporadic wear. It’s chic, durable, fits all my essentials (a small notebook, wallet, phone, earphones, three lip balms, two lipsticks, a mirror…), and has a removable shoulder strap. I haven’t looked at another bag since.” —Tamim Alnuweiri, Senior Commerce Beauty Writer
Maguire Prato Banana Ballerina Flats
Maguire
“When ballet flats mounted their comeback, I went all-in on the cute, elevated, but totally practical style, and Maguire’s Prato Flats might be my favorite. They’re supple and soft, feature a unique tie detail at the top of the foot, and come in a number of beautiful colors. I own them in a vibrant orange, but am now eyeing the spring-ready, buttery yellow pair.” —Kaelin Dodge, Commerce Writer
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