Hey everyone, let’s talk about & Other Stories. You’ve probably seen it all over your Instagram feed—that perfect, effortless blazer, the unique jewelry, the shoes that look like they’re straight out of a Parisian boutique. But if you’re based in the States like me, you might be wondering: what’s the deal with this brand? Is it just hype, or is it actually worth adding to your roster alongside Madewell and Everlane?
I’ve been ordering from them for the past two years, and I’m here to give you the full download. From the must-have products to the sizing quirks, consider this your ultimate American guide to & Other Stories.
So, What Exactly Is & Other Stories? 🧐
First thing’s first: & Other Stories is a sibling brand to the fast-fashion giant H&M, but please, don’t let that scare you off. Think of H&M as the reliable, sometimes chaotic cousin, and & Other Stories as the incredibly chic, well-traveled older sister who always knows where to find the best espresso and the perfect vintage jeans.
The brand was launched in 2013 with a unique concept. Instead of one central design team, they have three ateliers in three fashion capitals: Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; you can genuinely feel the different vibes in their collections.
- The Paris Atelier: Think classic, romantic, and subtly sexy. Lots of tailored pieces, delicate fabrics, and timeless silhouettes.
- The Stockholm Atelier: Minimalist, functional, and cool. You’ll find clean lines, elevated basics, and that famous Scandinavian “effortless” style.
- The Los Angeles Atelier: Bohemian, playful, and sun-drenched. This is where you get your statement prints, flowy dresses, and fun accessories.
This three-city approach means their collection is massive and has something for every aesthetic. It’s like getting access to three different boutique brands all in one place.
The Deep Dive: What I Absolutely Love (& What You Should Know)
🛍️ The Shopping Experience: Online & In-Store
As an American, my primary experience has been online. Their website is clean, easy to navigate, and the product photography is excellent. They show clothes on models and in flat lays, and many items have video clips, which is a huge help. Shipping to the US is pretty standard—it’s not Amazon Prime fast, but my orders usually arrive within a week. Returns are straightforward, which is a major plus.
If you’re lucky enough to live near one of their few US stores (like in NYC or LA), it’s a whole vibe. The stores are beautifully designed, with a curated, gallery-like feel. They also have their own line of makeup, skincare, and body care that you can test out. It’s an experience, not just a transaction.
✍️ The Quality & Sizing Report Card
Let’s get real; this is why you’re here.
- Quality: Generally, it’s very good for the price point. It sits comfortably above Zara and H&M in terms of fabric quality and construction. I have blazers from &OS that have held up better than some of my department store finds. That said, it’s not all cashmere and silk. Read the fabric descriptions carefully. Their synthetic blends are still well-made, but natural fibers are where they truly shine.
- Sizing: This is the trickiest part. & Other Stories uses European sizing. My biggest tip? Read the reviews and look at the photos customers upload! It’s a lifesaver. I’m a consistent US 4/S, and I almost always take a EU 36 in their tops and dresses. Their pants can run long (thank you, Scandinavian genes!), so petite folks might need to get things hemmed. When in doubt, order two sizes and return one.
The Main Event: My Top & Other Stories Hits 🏆
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. After testing dozens of pieces, these are the categories where &OS truly knocks it out of the park.
1. The Coats & Blazers
This is their hero category. If you buy one thing, make it a coat or a blazer. The cuts are impeccable—modern without being trendy, and incredibly flattering. I get more compliments on my &OS oversized blazer than on any other item in my closet.
Explore their iconic outerwear collection here.
2. The Shoes
From classic ankle boots to unique mules and summer sandals, &OS footwear is a goldmine. They are consistently on-trend but with a classic twist that makes them wearable for seasons. The quality is impressive for the price; my leather loafers from them have endured two New York winters like champs.
3. The Jewelry
This is where you can really lean into the brand’s aesthetic without breaking the bank. Their jewelry is fashion-forward, often chunky or uniquely sculptural, and it feels substantial, not cheap. It’s the perfect way to elevate a simple jeans-and-tee outfit.
4. The Knitwear
Their sweaters are dreamy. They have a fantastic selection of cashmere and wool blends that are soft, warm, and hold their shape after washing. The styles range from classic crewnecks to more fashion-forward cropped cardigans and zebra-print mohair blends.
5. The Beauty Products
A surprise standout! Their hand creams are cult-favorites for a reason (the Persian Red Pepper scent is iconic). The makeup is also great—highly pigmented eyeshadows, great lipsticks, and cool, editorial-style products you won’t find at the drugstore.
The Real Talk: User Reviews from My Circle
To give you a wider perspective, I asked a few friends to chime in with their takes:
👗 Jessica, 30, NYC (Marketing Manager):
*”&OS is my go-to for workwear that doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing a uniform. The trousers are amazing—high waisted and the perfect length. I will say, their sale section is dangerous in the best way possible. I’ve scored some of my best pieces for 70% off.”*
👟 Maya, 28, Austin (Graphic Designer):
“The shoes. Oh my god, the shoes. I have these square-toed, snake-print boots that I wear at least twice a week. They’re comfortable and everyone asks where they’re from. The only miss I’ve had was with a viscose dress that wrinkled like crazy the second I put it on.”
🧥 Sarah, 35, Seattle (Architect):
“The Paris atelier coats are worth every penny. I invested in a wool blend trench three years ago and it still looks brand new. It’s the definition of a capsule wardrobe piece. I find their t-shirts and basic denim to be just okay—I’d rather go elsewhere for those.”
The Final Verdict? 💭
Is & Other Stories worth it? Absolutely.
It fills a unique gap in the market for designer-inspired, high-quality, and unique pieces at a contemporary price point. It’s for the woman who has her basics covered and is looking to add personality, texture, and timeless style to her wardrobe.
You’ll love it if: You appreciate European design, love to mix high and low fashion, and are looking for statement pieces that aren’t owned by everyone else.
Maybe skip it if: You’re solely looking for cheap, trend-driven pieces (you’ll prefer Shein or Zara) or if you get frustrated by inconsistent sizing and don’t like reading product reviews.
For me, & Other Stories is more than just a brand; it’s a source of inspiration. It encourages personal style over fast fashion, and in a world of copy-paste trends, that’s something truly special.
✨ Ready to explore their world? Click here to see & Other Stories’ latest collections and find your new favorite piece.
Have you shopped at & Other Stories? What was your best find? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
Leave a Reply