ontemporary fashion is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it mean?
In general, it refers to any brand that carries high-quality clothing and accessories that emphasize clean, modern lines. It strikes a balance between fashionable and accessible, with price tags that can creep into the above average ranges but are still a reasonable splurge for lots of people who appreciate the quality fabric and on-trend styles. Contemporary fashion also focuses on contemporary issues, like the environmental impact of fashion.
Vogue sums it up best here. It's all about...
"Clothes that are simple but never plain; wearable but never tiresome... Brands [that] are serving as a comfortable middle ground for an audience looking to get personal with their wardrobes without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank, and without totally forgoing the trends of now."
Popular contemporary fashion brands include big names like Uniqlo and Artizia, or you can hop across the pond to brands like Amsterdam's Rohé, Paris-based Loulou Studio, or whimsical but polished Parisian brand Destree... but how can you get the simple but chic look without breaking the bank?
That's why we've put together a master list of gorgeous pieces that scream contemporary fashion, but don't cost a gal an arm and a leg. We'll cover all ofthe essentials you'll wanna add to your wardrobe asap:
- Contemporary fashion tops
- Sleek bodysuits
- Modern bottoms
- Dreamy dresses
- Even artsy accessories
And more!
✨ Contemporary Tops + Jackets for Women
These Tops Feature the Colors, Fabrics, and Cuts of Contemporary Style
When it comes to tops, contemporary fashion includes a lot of different options. You can go with soft, feminine colors and textures or big bold graphic designs that announce your style LIKE AN ALL CAPS MESSAGE!
Consider these form factors when choosing tops to add to your wardrobe:
- Material: Different fabrics sit differently and flow differently, so they have a big impact on how your outfit reads. Look for high quality cotton, silk, linen, leather, wool, and cashmere.
- Colors: Contemporary styles use soft, neutral hues that feel expensive and are easy to use and reuse season after season.
- Silhouettes: Once again, it's all about wearability. These tops should be timeless and elegant, pieces that are worth the investment because they'll suit you just as well in 5 weeks as 5 years.
Creamy Criss-Cross Halter
This top is so on-trend I'm honestly surprised it's not in the Aritzia catalog, but no, it's not an Aritzia dupe!
Available on Amazon, this halter has an elegant criss-cross that accentuates the neck, making it long and lean. It's made out of a stretchy polyester blend that will hug your curves whether you're taking a date on a classy visit to the museum or hitting the club with the girls. It will look great with high-waisted trousers and your favorite pair of heels or just your go-to denim bottoms, which is exactly the sort of versatility we're looking for in the realm of contemporary style!
And all for under $20 😱
Scoop Neck Bra Top
Bra tops are what the name implies -- a piece of outerwear with all the support of a bra. They make the girls look great, plus you can forget about straps digging into your shoulders all day. But going braless out and about can be a little nerve-wracking, so the key to getting the look is finding options with built-in cups -- like Uniqlo's Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top -- or other smoothing features, like the double lined fabric of the MANGOPOP t-shirt above.
This sleek shirt also features a slim fit that is designed to be tighter on the chest than your average tee, which also keeps everything a little bit more secure.
Fleece Boyfriend Button-Up Jacket
Snagging a shirt or a jacket from your boyfriend's closet (to be returned later!!!) is just so tempting... in theory, it should be just the right amount of baggy for that cute oversized look, but in reality figuring out how to wear your boyfriend's clothes is a whole problem of its own. Luckily, contemporary fashion has a fix: the boyfriend cut is back.
We're all familiar with the famous slouchy boyfriend jeans, but you can get the look above the belt, too. This fleece is perfect for cool weather, and with the soft White Apricot shade above, it looks great spring, fall, or even on a mild winter day. It hits right at the hip to give you the elongating hemline, but it's not so long it gets in the way of running errands, getting to class, picking up the kids, or even just lounging around the house -- whatever the day holds!
Slim Black Button-Up Vest
According to Glamour, "a tailored vest is the new white t-shirt," that is, the go-to staple shirt that should be in everyone's closet. And you've probably seen it all over the place by now -- everyone from style editors to street style stars to fashion influencers are sliding into their favorite wide leg pants and sporting a tight-fitting vest with nothing underneath.
To get the look, you don't have to find an actual tailor. This fitted waistcoat from Sunborui is made from a stretchy fabric blend, so you have plenty of room to breathe even with the slim fit.
Black is probably the easiest color to pull off because it's so classic and matches the elegance level of the piece, but you can definitley get creative with the color scheme for an even more unique look that's all your own.
Square Neck Bustier Top
Square necklines are so good. So. Good.
They're trendy but accessible. They look great on everybody. And with structural elements like the ribbing on this bustier top, they have an architectural feel that works really well in a contemporary wardrobe.
*adds to cart*
Square Neck Long Sleeve Top
If it's too cold to break out the bustier, you can still rock a square neckline. This one has some subtle ruching on the chest, which gives it a little bit of a sweetheart dip.
Single-Breasted Blazer
Long line blazers are great because they're so slimming. They draw the eye down your frame, making you look tall and sleek. The problem is that big brand-name blazers often cost hundreds of dollars. Yes, it's a great piece to invest in -- but sometimes it's just not in the budget.
Luckily, options like this are. For under $50, you can get the same look for a fraction of the designer price.
Not to mention, it's so versatile. Personally, I think every professional should have at least one blazer in their closet. But beyond workplace attire, it makes a great addition to an alternative business casual look, clean girl 'fit, or even dark academia outfit depending on what color you go with.
✨Sleek Bodysuits for Every Body
Smooth Out Any Bumps in Your Wardrobe or Your Outfit with the Latest Underwear-as-Outerwear Item
Once upon a time, black leggings were the go-to everyday wardrobe staple. But these days, we ask ourselves... why not extend that stretchy comfort to the whole outfit?
Bodysuits are back in a big way. Everyone from Kim K to Kate Moss to Zendaya has been spotted rocking the sculpted and smooth bodysuit look. And comfort-led pieces don't have to look like gym clothes -- they can be a great option for going out, going to work, or just hanging out at home.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for the buttery soft feel of expensive loungewear, try including the keyword "fleeced" in your search. You won't end up with thick pants made out of actual fleece, but give them a try and let us know what you think of the texture.
Long Sleeve Bodysuit
If you love the smoothing effect of a stretchy bodysuit with thick, luxurious fabric, you're in luck. This one clocks in at under $20, so you can buy all of the colors you want!
Mini Tennis Dress with Built-In Bodysuit
Tennis dresses might be here to stay, so finding options that keep you protected from wardrobe malfunctions is a must. The ultra viral Halara Active Dress popularized the fun, flirty look, and it's still a great option. But the lace-up back on this option from QINSIN is also worth a look.
Short Bodysuit
This romper jumpsuit is so freaking sleek it looks like it could be in one of the KarJenner's wardrobes. The u-neck is super flattering, and 83% nylon fabric is also hip lifting and slimming, so you'll be looking your best all day or night long.
Seamless Soft Ribbed Bodysuit
I love the long bodysuit trend for a couple of reasons. First of all, it's super comfy -- so take that, people who say beauty = pain. It's also super versatile -- you can dress it up with heels and jewelry for going out, throw on a jacket for a coffee date, or just grab your favorite chunky sneakers and go.
✨Contemporary-Style Pants + Skirts
Complete the Look with Modern Fabrics and Lines
If contemporary tops are all about making a statement with creative cuts and luxurious fabrics, contemporary bottoms are about understated elegance. They have lots of clean lines and crisp fabrics like linen and shiny satin to draw the eye down and complete the look without attracting an undue amount of attention.
Satin Slip Midi Skirt
Choosing the image for this entry was honestly really difficult. Each variation of this slip skirt has clean lines, a comfortable midi hemline, and an elegant satin finish, but the colors all gorgeous in their own way. Cream, Champagne, and Chocolate make great soft options with tons of understated elegance. But the Wine Red, Gold, and Navy Blue would also be the perfect complement to a cream-colored cashmere sweater or halter. You'll just have to decide for yourself on this one.
Pleated Mini Skirt
Pleated skirts are definitely a little academic-looking, but the clean lines make a great addition to any contemporary look.
Plicated Wide Leg Work Pants
Artful folds don't just belong on pleated skirts -- plicated is a great option too. Wide leg pants are trending, but you don't have to go with the grungy college look of slouchy jeans to try it out (see instead: Uniqlo's Wide Trouser Jeans in a dark wash). There are lots of ways to style wide leg pants as an adult woman, and they start with comfortable but polished pieces like this.
✨Don't Miss These Dresses
Satin, Sculpted Silhouettes, and Ruffle Sleeves
Dresses are always fun. Even within the realm of contemporary fashion, there are so many different trends to try out.
By now, you're probably getting the gist of the colors, textures, and styles we're examining... so just carry them through to dresses :)
Satin Mini Dress
Shimmery satin is so elegant. Look effortlessly chic in this mini dress, perfect for any occasion.
Smocked A-Line Dress
Flowy and dreamy, this dress is somewhere between cottagecore and corporate. You could wear it to work, wear it to a wedding, or wear it just 'cause.
✨ Contemporary Accessories for Women
Purses, Belts, and Bags for the Finishing Touch
There is a big difference between wearing an outfit and styling it, and it really comes down to accessories. Many of the contemporary pieces on this list are pretty minimalist, and without any personal flair they can verge on boring. But that's where accessories come in -- with belts, scarves, bags, and jewelry, you can transform a contemporary look into something that's completely your own.
Classic Rectangle Leather Belt
Affordable belts are hard to come by. This one is under $20 and comes with a hole puncher and screwdriver in case you need to make any adjustments.
Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag
Not every occasion calls for a bottomless purse á la Mary Poppins. For days when you just need the essentials, this stylish shoulder bag should do the trick!
Cream Crossbody Bag
Keeping your belongings safe has never looked so cute. Perfect for travel or just being a girl on the go!
Have fun shopping for your new contemporary closet!
Snagging stylish finds doesn't have to break the bank. These options are budget friendly, but they have a designer look. Trying any of them out? We'd love to know what you think! Your feedback will help shape future updates of this article, so let us know what works for you and what doesn't... and what you'd like to see us cover next!
Main image courtesy of Forever 21
Originally published 6/9/23. Last updated 10/23/24.
