Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
- Words Grailed Team
- Date March 18, 2019
”Project Upgrade” is a recurring franchise for those just starting their style journey. Each entry introduces three dependable, stylish—and above all, attainable—brands perfect for building your wardrobe, all at a prices well below retail. If you have been itching to update your wardrobe but unsure which direction to go in, look no further
Thankfully, over the past few years societal dress codes have become increasingly lax. Where once a blazer and trousers were required, now a great hoodie and jeans will suffice. That said, you can’t just throw on some Kirkland Signature and head into the office. When it comes to elevated essentials, it's all about fabric, fit and appearing deceptively elegant. Even if you threw together an outfit in a matter of minutes, no one has to know—and if you dress right, they won’t. Below, we present three labels that offer all day comfort while still maintaining a modicum of formality—at prices you can only find on Grailed.
Reigning Champ
Undoubtedly the modern king of sweats, Canadian based Reigning Champ has produced premium hoodies, sweatpants and t-shirts since its inception. Based in Vancouver, the brand’s commitment to locally made, high quality essentials is unparalleled. In large part responsible for the proliferation of heavyweight French terry in streetwear, Reigning Champ’s parent company—CYC design—began producing hooded sweatshirts, crewnecks and sweats for some of the industries top players (most notably Supreme). In 2007, however, the company began to focus on its in-house line, which produces unbranded upmarket essentials. Designed for everyday wear, each Reigning Champ piece is perfectly suited to be worn on its own, with a matching top/bottom or with anything else in your closet. Unlike your bold graphic hoodie, Reigning Champ’s subtle qualities make it all the more versatile. While Reigning Champ hoodies start at $125 and up, you can find them for $50 or less on Grailed.
Stone Island
More than simply a technical outdoor brand, Stone Island has set the standard for sportswear since 1983. Entirely made in Italy, the brand began as a joint project between founder Massimo Osti and Italian clothing magnate Carlo Rivetti. Valuing fabric and textile development as much as prevailing fashion trends, the two decided to create a line that focused equally on form and function. The result is a singularly focused label producing some of the most innovative clothing on the planet. Yet, despite its technological nuance, Stone Island is at its heard a sportswear label, offering practical clothes alongside its statement outerwear. Often devoid of branding, the only regularly visible logo is the celebrated compass patch attached at the sleeve or hip, which itself has become a cultural touchstone. While multiple sub-cultures–from European football fanatics to streetwear kids—have made Stone Island part of their daily uniform, the ultra-fine knits, tactical trousers and weather-proof jackets are ideal for any wardrobe and suitable for any occasion. While Stone Island outerwear is often over a $1000, you can find incredible pieces for less than $400 on Grailed.
Rick Owens DRKSHDW
Notorious for his predominantly black, leather heavy, avant-garde aesthetic, Rick Owens is currently one of the most directional designers in fashion. That was not always the case, though. When he began his career in the late ‘90s, Owens was pushing a style that while ahead of its time, today is ubiquitous in menswear. Composed of slim-straight denim, high-top sneakers, long, louche tees and fitted top coats, Owens first few collections brought widespread success, and are a far cry from the runway spectacles he holds today. While Owens clothing became increasingly experimental over the past two decades, in 2005 he began to replicate that early success with his offshoot line, DRKSHDW. Predominantly focused on denim, DRKSHDW produces luxury jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, bombers and parkas all entirely made in Italy. While each piece is approachable–both in terms of practicality and price point–they still boast that signature Owens dark Owens flair. While DRKSHDW jeans usually cost $500 and up, you can find them for $200 or less on Grailed.