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Reformation is not new to me. The brand has long been one of my favourite clothing brands because of its high-quality garments and commitment to sustainability in an industry rife with consumption and excess.
If you’ve followed my fashion journey testing Everlane and beyond, you’ll know I value simple, timeless and mainly neutral pieces that I can wear for years. I don’t mind spending more for high-quality fabrics or to support brands with ethical practices.
I’ve been wearing Reformation clothing for the better part of five years and have been genuinely impressed with every item purchased. Initially, the cost of the garments felt prohibitive, but I’ve come to learn that you get what you pay for — slow fashion ensures the ultimate in quality, without sacrificing the basics in ethics like fair wages and working conditions as well as a pledge to transparent manufacturing and production practices and the absence of harmful substances in our clothing.
Reformation shouts about its sustainability efforts, rightfully so, with a commitment to 100 per cent circularity by 2030. The brand’s chief sustainability officer (yep, that’s a thing!) has walked me through this pledge, amongst other initiatives like the RefRecyling Program.
I put some of their best-selling summer pieces, along with a few of my year-round favourites to the test, and have ordered them below in my most to least favourite. Reformation is currently holding a sale, with items slashed by up to 30 per cent, so act fast if you’re interested in any of the styles below.
Ranking my favourite Reformation summer styles
- Mason pant
- Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
- Jeany Dress
- Aspen linen top
- Bryson dress
- Irene Linen Jacket
- Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
- Aubree Linen Dress
Details on my Reformation rankings
Mason Pant
Why they’re my favourite: I’ve owned these pants for years (in black) and they are consistently one of the first things I reach for when I have an event to go to. They fit perfectly from top to bottom (high waist, lovely drape, slight excess of material to be worn with or without heels, perfect pleat). They can be dressed up or down and look incredible with everything I’ve paired them with — from tank tops to silk shirts to cowboy boots. The fabric is lightweight and versatile. I’m going to pick up a pair in this summery ‘sugar’ colourway while the sale is running.
Price: $258
Material: 100% Tencel Lyocell
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: 0-12 (and petites)
Rating: 10/10
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Why it’s my second favourite: This slightly oversized recycled cashmere sweater is lightweight enough to layer on a chilly summer night yet warm enough to become a staple in your year-round wardrobe. It’s versatile, comfortable and oh-so soft and comes in over 10 patterns and colours. Tuck it to elevate a pair of shorts or jeans, or wear it loose over a pair of baggy jeans, a la your favourite content creator. If you didn’t know, cashmere is back in a big way.
Price: $248
Material: 95% recycled cashmere, 5% cashmere
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: XS – XL
Rating: 9.5/10
Jeany Dress
Why it’s my third favourite: This lightweight silk chartreuse dress hugs the curves and makes me feel like a goddess. The straps and halter neckline are adjustable and the open back (my favourite) paired with the button detail on the lower back is simply magnifique. Be prepared to receive all of the compliments. The colour I’m wearing above is no longer in stock, but the navy and sunshine shades are just as dreamy. Dry clean only.
Price: $498
Material: 100% silk
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: XS-XL (and petites)
Rating: 8.5/10
Aspen Linen Top
Why it’s my fourth favourite: Ref clothing is typically trendless, but when the brand does jump on one, it’s done well. I’ve seen this style on just about every “cool girl” out there, including our very own style and beauty expert, Aleesha Harris. I am a huge fan of linen because it’s a lightweight, highly breathable fabric that’s a more environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion choice. Pair that with Refromation’s sustainability initiatives and circularity pledge, and you can feel very good about slipping into this fitted smock.
Price: $218
Material: 100% linen
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: XS-XL (and plus sizes)
Rating: 8/10
Bryson Dress
Why it’s my fifth favourite: This soft viscose dress has a classic Reformation look. I went bold and opted for the cherry red — perfect for summer and fall weddings. A fitted bodice accentuates the waistline with an A-line skirt that helps hide the four-course meal. The back is smocked with delicate ruching detail, giving an overall ‘showstopper’ look. Available in sizes 0Petitie to 24, this inclusive piece looks gorgeous on most body types. Don’t believe me? Search social media to see for yourself. I bought the wrong size (pictured) and returned for my true-to-size 8.
Price: $348
Material: 55% viscose, 45% lenzing ecovero viscose
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: 0-12 (and petites and plus sizes)
Rating: 8/10
Why it’s my sixth favourite: This is lower on my list because I was hoping for something slightly more lightweight. The jacket is lined which will be appreciated come fall, but for summer feels a bit bulky. I did bring this on a recent vacation and it became an excellent layering piece once the sun sunk low. It looks lovely over dresses (like the Aubree Linen Dress mentioned below) or slung over a pair of jeans. It runs a little large, so I suggest sizing down (I did not, but wish I had).
Price: $348
Material: 100% linen
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: XS – XL
Rating: 7/10
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Why they’re my seventh favourite: I really want to love these but I’m resigned to the fact that they may not suit my body type as well as I’d hope. This isn’t to say that I don’t like and wear them, but I think they look better on the model than on me. I made the mistake of sizing up, thinking I wanted extra slouch, but they ended up being far too big in the waist. Stay true to size and expect to hem if you’re wearing them with flats. This style is very “of the moment” and the brand has gone all in, offering it in 20 different colour and fabric options. I love the ‘Chicago Stripe’ or the ’Fior Di Latte’ for summer.
Price: $248
Material: 57% regeneratively grown cotton, 43% Tencel lyocell
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: 23-34
Rating: 6.5/10
Why it’s my eighth favourite: I absolutely love the look of this 100 per cent linen, easy, breezy mini dress. However, I made the mistake of sizing up (again) and wish I had sized down. I’m a regular medium or 8 and would’ve opted for the small, had I understood the fit. I love the tie straps, straight neckline and how lightweight it is.
Price: $148
Material: 100% linen
Made in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Sizes: XS-XL
Rating: 6.5/10
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ltaveroff@postmedia.com