This Elevated Basics Brand Is Every NYC and London Fashion Person's Best-Kept Secret
Welcome to Let's Get a Room, a series where editor Eliza Huber heads to the dressing room to try on pieces from your favorite retailers, buzzy items, and new collections. Think of this column as a detailed guide to the pieces that are actually worth buying and the ones that, unfortunately, looked better online—no returns necessary.
Aligne is a brand that comes up in conversation around the Who What Wear office quite a bit, whether that's because one of us editors has just spotted a new future-viral item on its website or someone's being asked where their waistcoat, skirt, or sweater is from. (Answer? Aligne.) The last time I went to one of the London-based label's previews in New York, I ran into six other Who What Wear editors. Before you ask, no, it wasn't planned.
All that's to say that when I found out that Aligne was opening a pop-up shop this spring in the city, I knew I had to stop in and give it the Let's Get a Room treatment. What I didn't know was just how much I'd want to take home with me after my thorough try-on. Let's just say it was a lot—more than I can fit in the two free inches of hanger space that's left inside my Upper West Side apartment.
Below, see the six looks I put together when I visited Aligne's first-ever pop-up, located at 27 Greene Street in SoHo.
Aligne's Daphne Waisted Knit is one of the most viral clothing items I've witnessed rise to fashion's most-wanted list all year, which is probably why it's always sold out online. Do you know where it wasn't sold out? Aligne's Greene Street store, where I saw it available in not one but all three colors. After trying on the navy version, I can see what all the hype is about. The fit is snug but soft and comfy, and it almost looks like a tailored waistcoat rather than a sweater. I threw it on with this pair of slouchy white linen pants and loved the elevated yet relaxed look the two pieces created. In the pants, I went up two sizes to get a really casual fit that I can't wait to enjoy this summer when I'm traveling around Italy.
Shop the look:
ALIGNE
Alara Linen Wide Leg Trouser
ALIGNE
Daphne Waisted Knit
I know Aligne's become more known for its bright pops of color lately, but I've always tended to gravitate toward the brand's neutrals, particularly black. This hypertailored blazer immediately caught my eye when I entered the shop, and I grabbed it in a size down so I could further accentuate my waist. The silver hardware, wide neckline, and exaggerated collar only add to the already chic silhouette. Though I can imagine styling it with tons of different pieces, including slip and A-line skirts, I ended up grabbing a pair of slightly flared black trousers that significantly added to the sophisticated appeal of this blazer. They fit like a glove and will definitely be my new go-to trousers for 2025.
