Remember when the mall was the only place to see and be seen? While multi-tier complexes packed with clothing outposts, Cinnabons, and movie theaters have found themselves teetering on the brink of extinction, the stores that drew us in every weekend seem to be suddenly thriving again. Like a friend who spent a transformative summer abroad and now wants to catch up over way-too-sugary drinks, mall stalwarts like Gap, J.Crew, and Levi’s are back and better than ever—and they have the clothes to prove it.
When Zac Posen joined Gap Inc. (whose portfolio includes Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta) as its new vice president and creative director, he set out to inject high fashion into the brand that put rainbow-hued striped knits and khakis (packaged in iconic commercials—who can forget Daft Punk’s “Digital Love” cameo?) on the map, along with store playlists so good, they have a dedicated social-media account for people who still think about them decades later. Last week, GapStudio, a new line of elevated ready-to-wear pieces designed at the company’s atelier in New York, went live.
With it, Posen hopes to give shoppers what they’ve come to expect from the brand—the perfectly broken-in khakis and slim-fit T-shirts—along with floor-length poplin gowns, edgy moto jackets, and belted denim corsets. “We’re giving people their cup of coffee, glass of milk, glass of orange juice, your egg, but then you have the toppers to all of those basics,” Posen told Bazaar.
Over at J.Crew, Brendon Babenzien and Olympia Gayot, the creative directors of menswear and womenswear respectively, have added downtown flair to the preppy-coded brand with buzzy collaborations from names like Christopher John Rogers and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. As a result, J.Crew feels like it’s fully back in the zeitgeist, not unlike when Jenna Lyons was at the helm. The same goes for its sister brand, Madewell, which partnered with the designer-resale Reluxe platform last fall, giving shoppers a little vintage Chloé along with its low-slung baggy jeans, and teamed up with eternal It girl Alexa Chung for some sleek ’70s-style denim and suede two-piece sets.
The days of racing to the nearest mall on payday to inhale Auntie Anne’s and scour the racks for the dress that would change your life (or at least make you feel extra special at the school dance) may be long past, but we can still have the dress. Below, we’ve broken down the mall brands you might not have visited since the golden BOGO days and what to shop when you’re there.
Gap
“America is also about self-creation,” Posen recently told Bazaar. “I think the codes of utilitarianism are there in American style: comfort, material, technique, cottons, jerseys, tanks, khakis, denim, poplin. The poplin is as much Hubert de Givenchy’s as it is Claire McCardell’s. A trench coat is as much Bill Blass’s as it is Burberry’s.” Gap is known for its T-shirts and logo hoodies and basic knits, but over the last couple of years the brand has leaned into a high-low approach to styling that many savvy shoppers have adopted. Today, you’ll find staples like striped T-shirts and kick-flare pants mixed in with a pleated maxi shirt dress that Anne Hathaway wore on a red carpet last year.
GapStudio Poplin Maxi Shirtdress
Gap Jelly Flip Flops
J.Crew
From its stable-ready outerwear to its preppy-coded knits, J.Crew has come back (from the brink) time and time again for its polished basics that work just as well at the office as they do on a leisurely afternoon. While introducing more trend-forward styles like satin board shorts and sequined miniskirts, the brand continues to further perfect its core offerings, like a dreamy Côte d’Azure blue rendition of its beloved barn coat. Under the creative direction of Gayot, the brand’s imagery (as well as her own selfies on Instagram) has become a style guide as well, a how-to on perfectly imperfect layering and unexpected pairings.
J.Crew Barn Jacket
J.Crew Heritage Terry Relaxed Crewneck Sweatshirt
J.Crew Stratus Short
J.Crew Driving Loafers
Old Navy
“The heart of Old Navy is about inviting the world to come play with style,” says Old Navy’s head of design, Sarah Holme. Today, the brand offers a range of contemporary styles, from wardrobe staples like smart button-ups, colorful knits, and the jelly flats Harper’s Bazaar’s editors are obsessed with to the new Occasion collection, which features a selection of statement dresses made from satin, taffeta and chiffon. But the real selling point is the unbeatable deals. “Much of our 1994 brand promise still rings true today; fashion, access, and joy are the essence of what we offer, and that shows up through our product, our marketing, and the entire customer experience.”
Old Navy Jelly Lattice Ballet Flats
Madewell
In addition to finding intentionally sourced and created vintage through its ongoing partnership with Reluxe, you can rely on the sister brand of J.Crew to offer a slightly more relaxed yet equally polished collection of ready-to-wear. From beautifully crafted footwear and accessories, like its spacious, handwoven leather tote bag that keeps selling out, to this editor’s favorite bootcut jeans, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote
Madewell x Alexa Chung Denim Maxi Skirt
Madewell Maycie Asymmetric T-Strap Sandal
H&M
The global behemoth that is H&M continues to deliver trend-forward design at extremely accessible pricing. Along with its selection of dreamy minimalist staples, it is continuing its highly anticipated collaborations with designers of the moment. Next up is a capsule collection designed by Polish designer Magda Butrym that goes live on April 24, followed by a collection with Glenn Martins in the fall. In the meantime, you can shop the cord-necklace trend while stocking up on animal-print flats and spring-ready white skirts.
H&M Smocked Top
H&M Cord Necklace with Pendant
H&M Long Pleated Skirt
H&M Mules
Banana Republic
Rounding up Gap Inc.’s trifecta is Banana Republic, still a go-to for 9-to-5 looks that can easily transition from the office to a cocktail (or two) downtown. Right now, we’re loving the brand’s interpretation of aviator-style bomber jackets, pastel knits, and tailored fatigue pants.
Banana Republic Sculpted Stripe Maxi Dress
Banana Republic Cotton-Silk Crew-Neck Sweater
Banana Republic Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret still offers the sultry intimates you remember seeing float across your television screen, but the brand has also introduced several body-shaping minimalist styles that can be worn every day. (Call it the Skims effect.) Its inaugural collaboration with Joseph Altuzarra produced a gorgeously slinky asymmetric gown and sexy two-in-one button-down bodysuit, with more pieces to come later this year.
Atelier Victoria's Secret x Altuzarra Satin Bias-Cut Dress
Victoria's Secret Unlined Demi Bra
Victoria's Secret No-Show Thong Panty
Atelier Victoria's Secret x Altuzarra Satin Shirt Bodysuit
Levi’s
Levi’s have been making butts look good for nearly two centuries, so it should come as no surprise that the brand likely behind your first pair of skinny jeans is continuing to design knockout styles. While 501s are forever, new styles like the cinch jeans are going viral on TikTok.
Levi’s Shrunken '90s Western Trucker Jacket
Levi’s Billy Plaque Belt
Levi’s Premium 501 '90s Western Jeans
