Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer
Amazon’s eighth annual Prime Day — or days, really — runs from Tuesday, July 11, to Wednesday, July 12. You probably know the deal 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 (we’re talking hours at most) along with two-day-only ones (you’re better off getting these, stock-wise). 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. (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 otherwise. Stock and prices might change, so if you see something you like, don’t dillydally! And I’ll be updating this guide all throughout Prime Day, so keep checking back.
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 if you’re in the market for jorts, the cutoff version of Levi’s legendary 501s — complete with a frayed hem — is now almost half off.
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.
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,” noting “their fabric keeps the coochie fresca.” Enough said.
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.
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.
It’s a button-down that’s “good for virtually any occasion: meeting your book editor at Craftbar, date night, lying across several barstools at a dive bar so your friend can Instagram you,” according to author Jen Doll.
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).
A strappy pair of sandals — with a not-too-high heel — for wedding season.
The Grand Courts are reminiscent of Adidas’s pricier Superstars, which Nadine Abramcyk, co-founder of the salon Tenoverten, likes as a “throwback to the original ’80s design.” These have a more minimalist look — and are under $50.
For a beach getaway — or people-watching (discreetly) on a park bench.
“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.
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.
Kids’ clothing and shoes
Their next fun-in-the-sun 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 — features UPF 50+ sun protection.
The newborn (or new mom) you know might appreciate these sweatpants with the sweetest little bow.
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.
Because the budding sneakerhead might get tripped up with laces, consider these delightful no-tie Pumas for running around (and around) on the playground.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.