The Best Online Clothing Stores for Dresses, Jeans, Office Attire, Athleisure, and More

Known for: Elevated basics, chic office attire, and an extensive size range

WHY WE LOVE IT: Aritzia makes excellent clothing for the office, especially when it comes to trousers. For example, the Limitless Pant shown above and The Effortless Pant, are structured and perfect for work if your office’s dress code is business formal. Beyond pants, Aritzia offers elevated basics with chic silhouettes that are made with quality materials, like the Tina Poplin Dress with an A-line cut and boatneck. It’s not all blazers and button-ups though, the brand has mini dresses and going-out tops, too. I love the Smooth Matter Wylder Halter Top, which feels stretchy yet thick and fits my torso perfectly.

We especially love that the brand’s tops come in XXS–SXL, and slacks come in regular, petite, and tall inseam lengths, along with waist size options of 00–16. One of my petite friends, who is 5 feet tall and works in finance, had a difficult time finding professional clothing for her first job, but eventually went to Aritzia and was able to finally buy office attire that fit her properly without needing to get alterations. The price is a bit high for items that may seem simple, but their clothing is more structured for the office than many cheaper alternatives.

KNOWN FOR: Classic, vintage-inspired basics and quality denim

WHY WE LOVE IT: Gap has made a major resurgence lately, thanks to its quality denim in tons of different silhouettes, soft basics, and classic styles (but I also need to give some credit to the ad they did with girl group KATSEYE, “Better in Denim”). I personally love that Gap has been sticking to the “vintage all-American” style—a simple tee with blue jeans—that they’ve always been known for, rather than blindly following trends.

The brand carries a wide variety of jeans and tops, including tons of styles made with organic cotton. Beyond jeans, I own tons of closet staples from Gap. My favorite top that I own in multiple colors is this boatneck tank, which is made with 95% cotton and 5% elastane. It goes perfectly with blue jeans; it’s soft on my skin, and it looks good as new after multiple washes (and it’s frequently less than $20 when on sale).

I wouldn’t necessarily say that Gap’s prices are super budget-friendly, but the brand frequently runs major sales (up to 50% off), and the materials used, like organic cotton, make the prices fair, in my opinion. If you’re looking for lower prices, Gap also owns Old Navy, which Seymour gives credit for “excellent basics at an affordable price,” and she regularly checks the store for business attire for work events.

Plus, we love that Gap’s pants are offered in an extensive size range. You can choose from sizes 23 to 35, with regular, tall, and petite options, and the regular fit has short, long, and tall inseam lengths. I do find that sizes run large at Gap, though.

KNOWN FOR: Preppy styles, nautical color schemes and patterns, and high-quality sweaters

WHY WE LOVE IT: Whether you want a cardigan that’s perfect for layering on breezy summer nights or a thick, fuzzy one for cold winter days, J.Crew’s cashmere sweater collection is a great place to shop—especially if you love nautical colors and patterns like navy blue and white stripes. “A classic brand known for its classic styles, J.Crew has mastered prep fashion staples like the cashmere sweater,” Constantine said. The cable-knit cardigan linked above is made with 100% cashmere for an extra soft feel on your skin. Constantine explained, “Cashmere is a fine wool fiber that comes from certain breeds of goats, and it makes for an incredibly soft material that's breathable yet still helps you stay nice and warm.”

While cashmere sweaters can be pricey, J.Crew offers reasonable prices. You can even grab basics like their Perfect-Fit Crewneck T-shirt that’s made with 100% cotton for less than $30. Plus, we love that the size range goes from XXS to 3X, and the pants are offered in classic, petite, and tall inseam lengths, although I have found the clothing

RELATED: The Best Cashmere Sweaters

KNOWN FOR: High-quality materials and elegant styles

WHY WE LOVE IT: While the items are a bit pricier than most of our other picks on this list, Wu finds the quality of materials used to be worth the extra cost and they will last you a long time. “I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve gotten from Mint Velvet.” She shared that with some other online retailers, “fiber content hasn’t always matched up as you’d expect with quality, but Mint Velvet consistently impresses me with both its staples and seasonal pieces.”

The brand sells staples like plain tees and simple trousers, but there are some bohemian-styled tops and dresses sprinkled in the mix as well as sophisticated pieces, like a boat-neck midi dress that works perfectly for events, parties, or work. Wu said they have a pair of slacks from the brand that cost twice the price of her other pairs from different brands, “but the substantial fabric and sleek silhouette feel worth the splurge.” She also noted that her synthetic Mint Velvet dress made of viscose and polyester felt “much more high quality than similar ones from other brands.”

KNOWN FOR: Everyday basics and soft jeans

WHY WE LOVE IT: Abercrombie has a new-and-improved look—gone are the days of the dark, cologne-soaked mall stores. “I’m always impressed with the chic styles I find when shopping online at Abercrombie, which has undergone a total revamp in the last few years,” Seymour said. Now, Abercrombie’s clothing tends to lean more minimalist and mature with basic tees, chic tops, and wedding guest dresses. Most clothing comes in solid colors, so you won’t find crazy patterns here, but it’s great for anyone who loves neutrals. One of my favorite tees is the brand’s Essential Baby Tee, which we rated as the best cropped T-shirt for women. While that shirt is made with 95% cotton and 5% elastane, I do find some items on the site that are a blend of cotton and polyester to be overpriced.

I love that the jeans fit true to size, and I have found that the affordable swimsuits have lasted through a few summers of swimming in the ocean. Seymour likes the Curve Love line for work pants and jeans, which she said “are great if you have wider hips and a smaller waist” and have a good fit without the need for a belt.

KNOWN FOR: Vibrant hues and colorful patterns

WHY WE LOVE IT: If you’re anything like me and you love colorful clothing with funky embroidered designs, you should check out Boden. The brand has tons of sweaters, shirts, and dresses in bright colors, like the pink short-sleeve cardigan with colorful flowers in the image above. “It’s easy to curate a whole wardrobe of fun pieces from Boden because the pieces are complimentary,” Constantine shared.

You can snag pink striped shirts like the Clara Tie Neck Shirt that I’m obsessed with, or this preppy blue-and-yellow gingham Lou Check Shift Dress. Mostly, I am a fan of Boden’s ability to bring bright colors and fun patterns to a preppy, classy style because I always struggle to find elegant clothing in non-neutral colors.

It’s even one of Kate Middleton’s go-to brands—she’s been seen wearing pastel-pink jumpers and tops from Boden and cashmere crewnecks. Kate also frequently sports Boden’s footwear, including the Nya Penny Loafers, which are offered in neutral shades like black and tan but also come in animal prints and bold color-blocking.

We also like that the brand offers sizes from 0–20/22, and dresses and pants have regular, tall, and petite options. You can even shop for kids’ clothing, too. The brand is a bit expensive, but many of their items are either 100% cotton or close to it, and the designs are unique.

KNOWN FOR: Slimming shapewear and shaping clothing that’s comfortable and smoothing

WHY WE LOVE IT: Spanx is our Textiles Lab experts' favorite shapewear brand. “Chances are, you've at least heard of Spanx, a staple brand that's been shaping women's wardrobes since the early 2000s—more than 20 years,” Constantine reported. “Founded by Sara Blakely, it has become the benchmark for shapewear brands everywhere.”

If you’re looking for a dress that has some smoothing effects but is still comfortable to wear, check out Spanx. The brand has multiple types of compressive clothing, including dresses, smoothing pants, and more. We love that Spanx has five compression levels: Spanxsmooth, Spanxsupersmooth, Spanxshape, Spanxsculpt, and Spanxsupersculpt. That way, you can choose your level of tightness in any style. Even the highest-compression category, Spanxsculpt, is still more comfortable to move in than other popular shapewear brands.

Constantine even wore the Spanxsculpt Seamless Power Thong Bodysuit on a flight to really put it through the wringer, and she wasn't uncomfortable. Some brands like Skims offered a bit more compression in Constantine's evaluations, but ultimately Spanx has the comfort and compression levels that make it a great pick.

RELATED: Skims vs. Spanx

KNOWN FOR: Smart casual and modern outdoor clothing for men

WHY WE LOVE IT: As one Redditer put it, “Huckberry is the guy’s version of Anthropologie.” You can shop multiple brands on Huckberry’s site, including Flint and Tinder, Shinola, Patagonia, and more. The site curates pieces from these brands that all fit within the same style type, making it easier for you to find pieces for a wardrobe filled with pieces that match one another.

There are pieces for everyday casual wear, yard work, or your next outdoor adventure, including some accessories like watches, hats, and hiking packs. Wu said the brand “has a good variety of clothing” that is “mostly outdoorsy,” so it's the perfect site to check when you need a new hiking outfit, work boots, or a durable jacket. The wide selection of jackets includes options made from denim, leather, fleece, waxed canvas and more. If I had to describe the style, I’d say it reminds me of a dressy version of blue-collar workers’ outfits. Huckberry is also great for when you need several items from different brands, since you can make one purchase (and shipping is free over $98). That said, there won’t be as many options as there are on some brand’s own sites, like Patagonia.

KNOWN FOR: Quality denim and classic jeans

WHY WE LOVE IT: Levi's has been around for decades (since 1853, to be exact), and the brand's stellar reputation is well deserved. We love that Levi's established a manufacturing process that lowers its water usage and the site sells preowned jeans, which also allows you to buy quality denim for a great price.

“With vintage pairs going for more than new styles, Levi's jeans have stood the test of time,” Seymour said. “Multiple editors recommended this brand's jeans because of the long-lasting materials and flattering silhouettes.” Some of our editors and I have found the sizing to be a bit different than other brands, though, so be sure to measure yourself and check the size guide before purchasing.

Seymour swears by Levi's jeans because they fit her waist without being too short, and she appreciates the extensive size and length options. Check out bootcut, flared, wide-legged, and straight jeans for a wide variety of fits.

KNOWN FOR: Sustainable fashion, eco-friendly materials, and dresses for parties, weddings, and formal events

WHY WE LOVE IT: Reformation offers a wide range of clothing, but our editors specifically love the brand’s formal dresses, including flowy silk styles that are perfect for bridesmaids and white gowns and dresses if you’re the bride. There are elegant maxi wedding guest dresses, chic mini dresses for date night, summery floral dresses, and more.

Reformation is a great place to search for both basic occasion wear that you can style to weddings and parties season after season and trendier styles that are very in-the-moment. I love the selection of halter boat neck dresses as well as the gowns with sheer overlays and capes like the Petites Tiffani Silk Dress. The brand offers petite options, but otherwise the size range is not the most extensive (just 0–12 for dresses).

Constantine shared a tip for shopping at Reformation: “The brand’s clothes can be pretty pricey, so it’s always a good idea to check the fabrication before buying because some of the brand’s dresses are made with luxury fibers like silk or linen, while other dresses that are priced similarly are made of synthetic or regenerated fibers like rayon,” she explained.

KNOWN FOR: Athletic clothing for yoga, running, strength training, workout classes, and more

WHY WE LOVE IT: Whether you're a Peloton junkie, love to strength train, or you're a pro at yoga poses, Lululemon has all the athletic apparel you could need. After testing over 30 workout leggings, Seymour picked Lululemon’s Wunder Train High-Rise Tights as the best overall pick and the Align Pant leggings as the most comfortable pair. They feature the brand’s ultra-soft, top-tested Nulu fabric.

Lululemon also has an impressive size range and even offers complimentary hemming if you need a shorter length. You can choose from pastel colors or earthy neutrals and score your new favorite leggings, sports bras, and workout tops to wear in matching sets. Keep in mind that every pair of leggings and top I have tried from Lululemon ran about two sizes too small. I’m typically a size 2 in pants, but a size 6 from Lululemon fits me more comfortably, and a size 4 in leggings is better for running for a tighter fit around the waist. That said, the Align Leggings are incredibly comfortable to wear and never budge when I go for a run.

RELATED: The Best Workout Leggings, Tested by Fiber Scientists

KNOWN FOR: Plus-size and maternity clothing, and bras for larger busts

WHY WE LOVE IT: Available in sizes 10–40, Lane Bryant also offers regular, petite, and long options, so it’s a great brand for finding plus-size clothing that will fit your body type and height, whether you’re under 5 feet tall or 6 feet tall. You can shop tops, bottoms, dresses, swimsuits, shoes, and intimates all designed for plus-sized bodies. Bras come in band sizes 34-54 and cup sizes B-K, and our experts in the Textiles Lab rated the Comfort Bliss Lightly Lined Balconette Bra one of the best bras for large busts after testing 64 different bras.

Our consumer testers loved the quality of the clothing from Lane Bryant for the affordable price point. Constantine said, “Some tester favorites include the Perfect Sleeve tees and the Cacique balconette bra.” And because the clothes are made specifically for plus-size bodies, Constantine recommended checking the size chart to make sure you’re picking your best fit.

In terms of style, the brand tends to lean more casual. So, you’re not going to find a wedding guest dress here, but you’ll see sundresses and embroidered tops perfect for day-to-day wear. “For easy-to-style pieces, Lane Bryant has a range of styles from classics to trendier items,” Seymour said. There are also plenty of activewear, swimwear, shoes, and undergarments.

KNOWN FOR: Selling and buying secondhand clothing

WHY WE LOVE IT: Depop cuts out the middleman in thrifting. After setting up a profile, you can sell and buy clothes directly on the Depop platform. Seymour said she has “the best success” buying secondhand clothes on Depop. “I like that I can make offers on the easy-to-use app, so I can try to get certain pieces for less than they’re listed for,” she said. Just keep in mind that an item can be bought by someone else while you wait for your offer to be approved, as some items are snatched quickly.

As you buy and “heart” items you like, the site will display pieces catered to your style and taste. The app also has a messaging feature to ask the seller questions, plus ratings/reviews to gauge if a seller or buyer is reliable. I especially love that I can specifically search for my favorite brands or pieces I want and find secondhand clothing online that suits my taste and wallet. So, rather than sifting through racks at the thrift store, I can just type in “little black dress” in the search bar.

Depop will occasionally run promotions with free shipping, but at the time of writing, shipping is only $1.99. My only gripe with the site is that you cannot return items, so if it doesn’t fit you, you’re out of luck. If the seller doesn’t list measurements of the item, I’ll message them to ask. That way, I don’t waste money on items that won’t fit me (but worst comes to worst, you can “repop” it to sell it to someone else).

KNOWN FOR: Soft denim, trendy pieces, and relaxed styles, plus their sub-brand Aerie,

WHY WE LOVE IT: While we love the soft jeans and casual clothing from American Eagle, the brand also owns Aerie, which we’re big fans of. Aerie focuses on athleisure, intimate apparel, and swimsuits. Choose from pajamas, exercise dresses, flared leggings, sweatpants, bikinis, underwear, and bras that are buttery soft and comfortable. I love the lightweight feel and colorful designs of Aerie's pajama sets. Seymour also likes Aerie’s swimwear and says the brand's swimsuits have “such a flattering fit.” You can also shop for a variety of bra types (which are top performers in our Textiles Lab's tests!). Choose from bralettes, wireless bras, strapless bras, sports bras, and more in sizes 30A to 42DDD.

You can discover jeans for women and men that fit well, feel comfortable, and look trendy at AE. Wu is a "huge fan" of the brand's jeans. “They have so many different silhouettes and over five different inseams,” she said. Choose from flared, bootcut, wide-leg, straight-leg, jegging, baggy, and more jean designs to find your dream pair. Short, regular, and long lengths with sizes 000-20 make it easier than ever to find your perfect fit. The brand’s denim is very soft, which can make for a less structured and less rigid feel.

AE often has great sales, so pair your new jeans with a graphic tee, crochet top, or cable-knit sweater for a trendy, relaxed outfit. Pro tip: always remember to check for coupon codes in the "Today's Offers" tab on the website.

KNOWN FOR: Soft, comfortable athleisure and clothing for yoga

WHY WE LOVE IT: Athleta is a dream store for yogis and those who just like to dress comfy. Seymour wears Athleta leggings and sports bras “nearly every day,” and Wu appreciates that the brand "is great for their petite, standard, and tall sizing too.”

Whether you're looking for wide-leg yoga pants, skin-tight leggings, soft sports bras, or a simple tank top, Athleta's nylon and spandex materials make flowing through yoga poses or just lounging on the couch as comfortable as possible.

I own the Transcend Crossback Built-In Bra Tank (pictured), and it is the perfect tank for light physical activity like yoga and walking. It’s buttery soft on my skin, the straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and it’s a great layer for my hiking outfits. Plus, the tank top is cute and the built-in bra isn’t too tight, so it’s comfortable and stylish enough to wear out and about with jeans.

KNOWN FOR: All sorts of items, including clothing from multiple brands

WHY WE LOVE IT: Amazon has expanded its apparel offerings with its own brands like Amazon Essentials that sells basics and athletic wear, as well many options from your favorite apparel brands. Some of the best clothing brands on Amazon include Gap, Columbia, and Levi’s. Plus, you can find clothing ranging from sizes XXS to 6XL depending on the brand, or find high-end fashion options in Amazon's Luxury Stores section.

Seymour says she sticks to brands she trusts while shopping on Amazon to get her “favorite products with convenient, fast shipping” with Prime. I love to get clothing from Amazon when I’m in a pinch, whether it’s for a last-minute Halloween costume or an outfit for an impromptu party.

As a shopping editor regularly covering deals and products on Amazon, I’ve noticed that many clothing items or shoes tend to go out of stock in sizes quickly. So, you may not see the exact pair of jeans or jacket in the color you want available in your size on Amazon.

KNOWN FOR: High-end brands for clothing, shoes, accessories, and more

WHY WE LOVE IT: Whether you're going to a formal event or need a new fashionable coat, Nordstrom's website has you covered. This high-end department store has everything you could possibly need—dressy and casual clothing, bags, shoes, swimsuits, jewelry, activewear, and more. With popular brands like Free People and Nike, accessible luxury brands like STAUD (my favorite!), or high-fashion designers like Bottega Veneta and Burberry, you can find quality clothing for a large range of prices. “They have a great range from high to low, so you can buy underwear and a designer dress in the same order,” said Seymour.

Scrolling through the site can be overwhelming since there are so many options, but I like to check Nordstrom for unique dresses from designer brands I love, especially since Nordstrom tends to have steep discounts from time to time. I also tend to utilize the brand’s in-store pickup option since our GH office is a block away from a Nordstrom store, so it comes in handy when I need a pair of heels last minute or I don’t want to pay for shipping. The endless selection of clothing, free shipping, in-store pickup, and free returns are hard to beat, but it gets even better. The store's sister brand, Nordstrom Rack, offers discounts of up to 70%.

KNOWN FOR: Trading in clothing and buying vintage pieces

WHY WE LOVE IT: Ever wish you could thrift from the comfort of your bed? With sites like thredUP, this dream is now a reality. The brand collects clothing from users and sells it on consignment. Clear up space in your closet by trading in clothes that no longer fit for cash or store credit, and then scroll through thredUP's website to find pre-owned items from your favorite brands at a much lower price (a win-win scenario!)

“I really like thredUP for my kids; sometimes I can find pricey brands for much cheaper, and I hate to overspend on clothing that I know kids will grow out of," said Lexie Sachs, executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute. And it's not just limited to kids' clothes. You'll find everything from chic blazers to vintage bags and anything else your heart desires.

Unlike Depop, you can return clothing to thredUP, but you only have 14 days and must pay a $3.99 restocking fee.