Small Brands that Make Getting Dressed a Joy

There’s something so special about getting dressed when every piece tells a story. Last week, I glanced down at my outfit and felt a little spark of joy knowing I was wrapped in pieces from brands I genuinely admire, from thoughtful jewelry by Haverhill to a beautifully made sweater from Alice Walk, a perfectly tailored shirt from Ann Mashburn, and timeless staples from Marea and Sarah Flint. Having met many of the founders behind these labels, I’ve seen firsthand the care, craftsmanship, and intention that goes into every detail, from fabric and fit to packaging and presentation. It’s that human touch that transforms everyday dressing into something far more meaningful, and keeps me coming back to these small, special brands again and again. I wanted to put a list of my favorites together and will add more as I think of them! Are there amazing small brands that I missed? Would love to hear your favorites in the comments below. xx

• Alice Walk – Classic, polished pieces with a New England sensibility, perfect for everything from workdays to weekend outings. I'm especially obsessed with their knitwear, including this cotton rollnecks with a perfect fit, getaway sweater (a great year-round weight, I just bought a second in Nantucket pink for an upcoming trip), and this wrap that warms you up on chilly evenings.
• Ann Mashburn – A go-to for refined American style with crisp shirting (my fav white button-up here, the shirttail never comes untucked), tailored separates, and easy staples that always feel pulled together. It strikes that perfect balance between classic and relaxed, I just got this trench coat and am crazy about it - from the fabric to the fit!)
• Attersee – Understated, elevated essentials with impeccable fabrics and clean lines. These are the pieces you reach for again and again to build a quietly sophisticated wardrobe. I've only bought their accessories (this bag, this belt) but love their ready-to-wear.
• Cartolina – Bold, color-driven patterns and feminine silhouettes that make a statement. Perfect for when you want your outfit to do the talking. They just dropped their spring collection and I am eyeing this, this, this and this!
• Coco Shop – Lightweight, breezy pieces designed for warm-weather dressing, from beach days to casual dinners. Everything feels effortless and vacation-ready. I own this dress silhouette in two colors, and this and this are on my wishlist.
• Julia Amory – Playful silk and cotton pieces inspired by Julia's travel, with vibrant colors and easy silhouettes. A Palm Beach favorite for adding personality to your wardrobe. All the women were wearing JA in Palm Beach but I rarely see her pieces elsewhere so great to snag if you live in New England and want something special. (Though she's opening a Nantucket store this month!) I bought this shell and this coordinating skirt and love how comfortable they are. (SO comfy I wore them for a 3 hour drive and no complaints!) I also tried and loved her bell pants, betty dress, ellie tank, and chloe caftan.
• Kilte – Knitwear for lounging and running around town with a modern twist, featuring beautiful materials and thoughtful details. I have a drawer full of their knits from their lounge sets to this pointelle set.
• Mae NYC – Known for simple silhouettes with statement making fabrics, and designed to mix seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. The founder, Sarah Mae, prides herself on using luxury fabrics and construction techniques to create truly exceptional pieces. I only own this Mae New York Shift Dress but have my eye on this, and this.
• Marea – Coastal-inspired clothing that feels relaxed yet refined, with easy silhouettes you can wear from the beach to town. I've been wearing this striped sweater and this jacket a lot over the past month with this dicey spring weather, but love this and this for warmer months!
• Merlette – Known for its airy cotton dresses with delicate textures and volume. (Their smocking is next level!) These pieces are feminine, breathable, and perfect for warm days. Obsessed with this top which would be perfect with denim, and this vibrant dress.
• Molly Moorkamp – Thoughtfully designed pieces ideal for women who appreciate uptown style with retro flair. She releases new pieces every month or so for preorder, so you know you're getting something you won't see everywhere.
• Wiggy Kit – Elevated knitwear, separates and dresses with a bohemian flair. I especially love her floaty dresses like this and this, and her skirts which always have a little fun design element like this or this.

• Amanu – Minimalist, handcrafted leather sandals that are both timeless and incredibly chic. The kind of shoes you’ll pack for every warm-weather trip. These are my most-worn style.
• Sarah Flint – Beautifully made shoes that combine elegance with true comfort, from everyday flats to event-ready heels. A long-time favorite of mine and readers for a reason, see my in-depth review here.
• Margaux – Thoughtfully designed footwear that prioritizes fit and comfort without sacrificing style. Their flats and heels are classic and refined. The gold wrap sandals I'm wearing in this post are my most-worn pair from the brand.

• Dorsey – Vintage-inspired pieces with a modern sensibility, featuring lab-grown stones that deliver sparkle without the fuss. Perfect for everyday elegance I have several of their tennis bracelets and have been wearing this one non-stop since it arrived. I own one of their diamond tennis bracelets, and you cannot tell the difference between the diamond and the moissanite. It's insane. I also am obsessed with these drop earrings - so chic with literally everything and a great price point.
• Haverhill – Personalized, heirloom-quality jewelry designed to celebrate meaningful moments. I love her fully customizable birthstone pieces, and have this ring featuring my husband and son's birthstones on daily. (I want a big stack of them in different colors.) I have so many pieces it's hard to name them all (full blog post of my everyday jewelry here) but I recently started collecting her bezel-set Jamestown pieces, including this diamond bale pendant necklace and this cocktail ring, that I have in my fav stone (green amethyst). They are big and bold yet perfectly weighted and comfortable I love love love them!
• Jenny Bird – Bold, contemporary jewelry that instantly elevates any outfit. A great way to add a modern edge to classic looks, these pieces are timeless and affordable. I just got these gold earrings and they're the perfect size for everyday wear, and this gold rope bracelet adds a nautical touch and is the perfect scale so it's chunky but doesn't get in the way.
• Lizzie Fortunato - LF is a favorite for happy, resort-ready pieces in bold colors. From their cabochon encrusted pearl drops to this statement making necklace, they add a whimsical touch to any outfit.

• Hunting Season – Beautifully crafted bags and accessories with a focus on natural materials and timeless design. Understated luxury at its finest, yet most pieces are under $1,200. I own and love this, this, this and this perfect straw tote is on its way to me!
• Janessa Leone – Elevated hats and bags with clean lines and thoughtful details that finish any outfit beautifully. Their felix hat is one of my most worn pieces in my closet, and their bags look amazing as well. (Swooning over this!)
• Krewe – Distinctive, fashion-forward eyewear with high-quality construction and unique shapes priced less than half of luxury eyewear price tags. A statement accessory that still feels wearable I have been wearing these and these on repeat.
• Pamela Munson – Elegant, handcrafted bags that blend traditional techniques with modern design. Perfect for adding texture and charm to your look. Their clutches are some of my most worn and loved pieces in my vacation wardrobe, including this and this, and they're always doing amazing collaborations like this with D. Porthault!
• Savette – Sleek, structured handbags with a minimalist aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship. Quiet luxury pieces that go with everything their symmetry styles are a favorite, I have one in black and am thinking of adding a pastel suede version to my collection.

SHOPPING LIST: