14 Items I Tried On That'll Have People Asking, "Wait—That's From Abercrombie?"

by Eliza Huber

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.

When I really think about it, I'm 99% sure that Abercrombie was the first store I ever went to on my own. I specifically remember the first piece I ever bought there because I wore it at least four times a week for years and it was my first time ever buying a clothing item with my own money. They were dark-wash skinny jeans with zippered hems from the Abercrombie Kid's store at my local, suburban Chicago mall. I saved up for them for weeks.

For the next half a decade or so, I was obsessed with Abercrombie, wearing it from head-to-toe every time I had a casual day at my elementary school (we wore uniforms) and once I got to middle school and was allowed to dress as I pleased. By the time I entered high school, though, my interest in the brand's signature aesthetic had waned, as I started wanting to look older and more like the models I saw in fashion magazines and designer advertising campaigns. In turn, I stopped visiting its stores. In fact, I didn't step foot in one for close to 10 years.

Given my childhood infatuation, my excitement couldn't be contained when I started noticing that Abercrombie was going in a different direction a few years back—a more timeless, elevated, and style-forward direction. It grew even more when I was invited to preview its new New York City flagship store on Fifth Avenue, adjacent to Ferragamo, Cartier, and the Museum of Modern Art (chic—I know). Like a kid in a candy store, I immediately started grabbing pieces that, unlike the ones I remembered from my tween days, looked utterly sophisticated and grown up. Below, check out all 14 of the ones I brought into the dressing room. I promise that if you too haven't immersed yourself in the Abercrombie world since you were young, you won't believe that these are from the same brand.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

Even as recent as a year ago, I would've been shocked to find an outfit that feels as "quiet luxury" and understated as this one at Abercrombie, a store I'd long associated with graphic tees, moose emblems, and leg warmers. But now, pieces like the ones worn here are commonplace for the brand. Specifically, I'm wearing a silk-like, scoop-neck tank with a similarly colored slip skirt. I added this brand-new braided shoulder bag to almost every outfit because it just made them all look cooler, a surefire sign that I need to buy it. (Well, that and the $68 price tag.)

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

At least three times a week, I wear something very close to this outfit, which includes a structured white T-shirt, high-rise jeans, kitten heels, and a great bag. Now I know that I can do it for a lot less than I have been—especially right now, when so much of Abercrombie's offering is majorly marked down.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

I actually received this top in black about a week before I went in for this try-on and fell in love with it instantly. The draped fabric and off-the-shoulder silhouette combine to create such a chic, easy wardrobe item that can dress up any bottom with minimal effort (and spending). So, when I did go in to try on pieces for this story, I knew I had to check out the other colors that it's available in. I love this mushroom-esque shade of brown, especially when it's paired with other neutrals like cream and black. I styled it with Abercrombie's now-beloved crepe trousers—specifically the ultra wide-leg shape.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

Though it's mid-August already, I'm not at all tired of super-summery looks, therefore, I had to try on this shiny, luxe tank top in mocha brown. The fabric feels like a million bucks (I mean, at least $250) and I love the juxtaposition of it with a classic denim skirt.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

With fall on the horizon, I had to pick up this brisk-weather-ready rib-knit, long-sleeve top that gives off strong Khaite vibes and take it straight into the dressing room. With it, I put on a pair of Abercrombie's The Loose jeans, which are slightly barrel-like in fit and high-rise. To allow them to fall slightly lower on my hips, I sized up two sizes and love the way they fit.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

The other available color in this top is white, and clearly, I was right to try it on. To me, this is the perfect top for any season, as it can be worn super casually with jeans and ballet flats or dressed to the nines with a long pencil skirt and sling-back heels. Here, I styled it with tailored trousers in a way that I'd 100% wear to work with a fun bag and a great pair of kitten heels.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

Last but certainly not least is this stunner of a little black dress that could easily cost $500, but right now, will only set you back $111. It's perfect for a night at the ballet, a black-tie wedding, or a fancy anniversary or birthday dinner date. That's all to say that I'd wear this dress for a lot more than just very formal events. It all depends on the way you style it.