Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Lewis Osborne, Retailer
Amazon’s eighth-annual Prime Day — or days, really — is almost over, ending overnight tonight at 3 a.m. ET. You probably know the basics by now, but here’s a quick summary: It’s a Prime-members-exclusive event (you can sign up for a free 30-day trial) with very limited-time lightning deals along with two-day-only ones. It’s become a shopping holiday of sorts, like Black Friday. Honestly, Prime Day is like our Super Bowl.
Past Prime Days have taught me that to get the best fashion discounts, you have to do a little digging. Amazon’s in-house brands — including the Drop and Amazon Essentials — almost never go on sale aside from Prime Day, when you can find them for around 20 to 30 percent off (such as a pair of strappy sandals below). There’s always a trove of markdowns on Levi’s jeans and Calvin Klein underwear (it’s time to stock up on those three-packs). But one of the greatest secrets is the Shopbop section (the high-end designer site is owned by the big-box retailer): Last year, I spotted Falke socks, Staud bags, and Loeffler Randall hats hidden away there. This year, there are markdowns on Mara Hoffman swimsuits, Kule totes, and Smythson card holders. (It also feels more curated than the Prime Day landing page.)
Below, I’ve rounded up the best Prime Day 2023 fashion deals, including Strategist favorites like Levi’s “deliriously high” Ribcage jeans and classic Hanes white T-shirts. I’ve included any bargain so good I couldn’t not mention it; all items are at least 20 percent off, unless they’re one of those products that are rarely (if ever) on sale. On the second day of Prime Day, stock usually sells out faster than the first. The best advice I have: Don’t dillydally! And to make sure you don’t miss anything, sign up for our newsletter.
Our most-written-about jeans are almost 40 percent off in select washes. You won’t get an actual wedgie in them, contrary to their name.
We’ve named the Levi’s Ribcage the “Goldilocks of jeans” for its super-high rise and straight-leg shape. Strategist editor Maxine Builder predicted it would be the new Wedgie. New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff likes that the jeans are “stiff without being too constricting” with “just the right amount of flare.”
The 720 is among Levi’s skinniest of skinny jeans. Still, writer Diana McCorry says the style has “enough stretch to avoid that nasty tummy compression but enough shape to create a great silhouette when you stand up.”
And these have a DIY air about them — as though you sewed two pairs of 501s together, thanks to some interesting seaming.
And if you’re in the market for jorts (on the shorter side), the cutoff version of Levi’s legendary 501s — complete with a frayed hem — is now 40 percent off.
The mid-thigh version is even more deeply discounted at almost 60 percent off.
A sexy halter for festival season — or Daisy Jones cosplaying.
You could wear this denim dress on its own — or layer it with a T-shirt or turtleneck for something a little more grungy.
An upgrade to a plain-white tee — with shoulder-baring cutouts.
If you’re vacationing somewhere tropical soon, this tiered tent dress can pack nicely in a suitcase (and since it’s already airy, you won’t have to mess with a steamer).
It wouldn’t be Prime Day if the famous Amazon coat — first seen on the Upper East Side in 2018 — wasn’t on sale. It’s slightly more expensive than it was during the company’s October Prime sale but nonetheless a Very Good Deal at $50 off. The faux-fur-trimmed version is discounted too.
If you must go to the office, this double-breasted blazer will look sharp through even the most boring of meetings.
As featured in the newsletter Perfectly Imperfect (hat tip to Swerdloff). These are also tag-free with more moderate coverage, so they’re a little cheekier — in a good way.
Many a model has crowed about “my Calvins,” but the brand is beloved for a reason. Rapper Junglepussy praised the undies’ “smooth finish under fitted clothing,” and emphasized that “their fabric keeps the coochie fresca.” Enough said. These are going fast in different colorways, but a set of classic black, white, and gray is still in stock (for now).
If you’re the thong type, these barely-there panties are made from a seamless microfiber. Plus there are no tags to itch or irritate.
Even after Lauren Stephens, co-founder of Dudley Stephens, stopped working in Calvin Klein’s PR department, she remained a fan of the brand. The memory foam on her favorite bra — which we’ve named the best T-shirt bra — forms to the body for a better fit.
And this strapless bra features smoothing cups that are cut slightly lower so they don’t peek out from a neckline.
Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn, a self-professed “creature of habit,” can’t live without this bralette. She recommends the matching thongs too. “They’re also so breathable, which, believe it or not, is a hard thing to find,” Quinn promises.
Pepper makes small-chest-specific bras (including AA, A, and B cups). The All You is one of the brand’s bestsellers. Strategist writer Lauren Ro likes that it keeps her natural shape: “There’s nothing worse than when your boobs just look like the cups of the bra.”
This lacy little number is another bargain from True & Co. at 40 percent off.
Since Barbie-mania is in full swing, this one-piece from Mara Hoffman feels of the moment. (The Baywatch–esque high-leg cut will make it a favorite for seasons to come, too.)
Or this trippier print might be more to your taste.
It’s a cover-up that you could actually get away with wearing as a dress. I especially like the diamond-shaped eyelet trim.
Amazon has an entire page dedicated to Gap deals — though fair warning, it’s a mess of different prices based on sizes. These shorts are one of the best finds I’ve unearthed so far. They’re made from laissez-faire linen, but the pleats make them look dressier (and pricier) than they are.
Spanx’s shapewear is known for smoothing without smothering. These leggings are designed with shaping support with a double-layered waistband and no center seam (read: no camel toe).
These Marina PJs from Sleepy Jones are similar to the Sleepy Jones set that Karlie Kloss sleeps in — her mother instilled in her the belief that “when you go to bed in matching pajamas, you sleep better.” The pajamas are made completely from cotton for the hot sleepers among us.
A strappy pair of sandals — with a not-too-high heel — for wedding season.
The British boot brand has very few styles on sale (the boots are all over the place, price-wise). These gladiator sandals are a highlight for something edgier than a flip-flop.
These color-blocked mules have an chic but manageable kitten heel.
Swedish sneaker label Tretorn “first made waves on tennis courts and at prep schools in the 1970s,” explains Nicolas Lazaro, a former community specialist at menswear-resale platform Grailed. Pair these more than 40 percent off Rawlins3s with a polo to nod to their history.
These on-sale Crocs feature a 1.6-inch platform for a little extra boost.
UGG’s Fluffettes are a cousin of the Coquettes, which we named the best slipper for women. These have a warm wool lining and a fluffier outsole.
For a beach getaway — or (discreet) people-watching on a park bench.
Or for something more eye-catching, these Le Specs come in a banana-yellow shade.
Parisian designer Sylvia Toledano is known for her bright enamel pieces — these heart-shaped hoops are decorated with a rainbow’s worth of dots.
One-up the standard Boat and Tote with Kule’s statement-making strawberry-emblazoned one.
The crocheted marigolds make this Lele Sadoughi bag too pretty to pass up — especially at over 50 percent off.
Streamline your about-to-pop wallet by downsizing to this slim card holder. (Plus, Smythson is known for its luxury leather.)
“The Levi’s 511 is to slim-fit jeans what the 501 is to straight-leg jeans: a standard-bearer,” explains Strategist contributor Charles McFarlane in our guide to the best jeans for men. Stylist Brandon Garr likes that he “can be a bit more daring in them” since he doesn’t have “to worry as much about the replacement cost if they get a little roughed up.”
To go for a full Canadian tuxedo.
Cheerleading coach Andy Cosferent (from Netflix’s Cheer) calls these trunks comfortable, praising how they stay in place.
These already cheap Champion sweats are even cheaper at the moment. The joggers have a slimmer leg than what’s traditional, making them less slouchy-looking.
When a reader asked about wedding-registry suggestions, Strategist style columnist Chris Black suggested Gildan’s sweatshirts as one of his ten recommendations. “They aren’t fussy, just roomy and warm,” he says.
But those who are more into labels might prefer this status-y sweatshirt. The fox-head logo will let everyone know it’s by French Japanese brand Maison Kitsuné.
Hanes’s humble T-shirts have a devoted following that includes Claude Home founder Maggie Holladay and writer Sophie Kemp. Alexander Chee, author of The Queen of the Night, is dedicated to the tagless version. This pack is probably its most basic of basics, and the sale price works out to less than $5 per shirt.
These gym shorts from Fruit of the Loom have 20+ UPF protection and odor-control technology for the sweatiest outdoor workouts. (Or just have them for lazing around.)
Carhartt can cut a mean pair of pants. These chinos are no exception, with a fitted but not tight tapered straight-leg.
Though it might not look it, this lightweight bomber jacket is actually water-resistant.
These Reeboks feature a midsole made from lightweight EVA (which is a material often used in Birkenstocks) and a padded-foam sockline to make them true tennis shoes.
These kicks go fully into dad territory.
APL has established itself as a favorite in the fitness world. The Blisses are one of its slip-on styles, with a pull tab in the back for an easy on-and-off.
Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens once said, “It’s an off day when at least three of my co-workers aren’t also wearing Converse.” These are deservedly a classic.
Just add a couple of Jibbitz to jazz these up.
And here’s a cheap Champion cap for when the slick-back isn’t working.
Whether you’re courtside or on the court, this visor will keep the sun at bay (but still remember to sunscreen).
If pants pockets aren’t enough to hold your essentials, consider this sling bag, which has zippers inside and out.
You get two belts for the price of one — and that price is under $20. Note: Levi’s recommends ordering two inches larger than your waist size.
Kids’ clothing and shoes
Their next sunny adventure could include this trio of swim separates, which comes in three different patterns. The three-piece set — a rash guard, tankini top, and bottoms — has UPF 50+ sun protection.
Merrell makes Strategist-staffer-approved water shoes that can handle just about anything. The adorably named Bare Steps version makes a great kids’ summer shoe (time to hit the splash pad!) and has a roomy toe box to account for growing tootsies.
Kids who are always on the move will appreciate these supportive sneakers that are designed to not slow them down.
The newborn (or new mom) you know might appreciate these sweatpants with the sweetest little bow.
Though back-to-school shopping might still be a few weeks away, a head start never hurts. This apple print would be perfect for picture day.
It’s an all-in-one outfit complete with a hoodie, pull-on pants, and two bodysuits to choose from. I’m partial to this preppy letterman-jacket-inspired version that’s too adorable to pass up.
Perfect for the newborn who’s prone to constant outfit changes.
Your toddler can put these shorts on all by themselves. They even have adjustable waist tabs inside for a more comfortable fit.
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