While back to school fashion is in full swing, it seems that the frosh aren’t the only new faces in the town of Princeton. What was once Art on Hulfish is now a Brandy Melville.
As you walk in, industrial ceiling lights illuminate the open space which features walls adorned with Ivy League decor. Half-opened boxes stocked with shirts clutter the floors under tables, and workers move quickly throughout, unpacking and moving merchandise while assisting customers. An initial scan of the store reveals a moderate range of stylish and high quality tops, but beyond that, their range lacks in both quality and sizing.
Moving past stacks of thin sweaters and plain t-shirts, I made my way to the back of the store. The store’s layout isn’t clearly sectioned, making the whole store feel like a blend of cotton tank tops and picnic-patterned shorts without specific organization. Whether due to the recent move-in or a deliberate part of the aesthetic, I was unsure.
From what I knew of the Brandy brand from my exposure on social media platforms and friends’ experiences, I was not surprised by the one-size-fits all labels on the items I picked up. Some online creators critique Brandy’s sizing as exclusive to women who typically fit in size smalls, and in the rare case of hoodies, mediums. Unlike its eclectic rival down the street, Urban Outfitters, shirt designs were very simple and elegant. There was a noticeable lack of colors beyond muted and pastel shades of pinks, blues, greens, whites, and beiges with the occasional cherry red, gingham tops. This simplicity means their items can be paired with many different outfits and aesthetics.
Also noticeable is the quality. The majority of their shirts are made from a range of 95-100% cotton, so the more expensive price tag, typically ranging between $20-$30, feels justified. Their tank tops in particular were a highlight within the store, with a design range including lace trimming, stripes, and small engravings, making the tops a great versatile investment.
The smaller selection of pants lacked that quality. Loose threads and messy stitching indicated a lack of durability. The linen pieces, with the exception of the linen tank top, had some quality issues that do not warrant the price tag. On one of the display racks for a selection of beige linen drawstring pants, a majority of the pants had a messy inner hem with loose ends. Their pants and linen products aren’t the only pieces that aren’t worth the price tag, as the hoodies were made of too thin of a fabric and had only a printed logo — a bit lacking considering the $42 price.
Instead of the basic, thin hoodies or jackets, I’d recommend the knitted sweaters with heavier fabric and embedded designs. I’d also recommend avoiding any of their dress or skirt selections, which use fabrics such as viscose or polyester. Viscose dresses, due to the nature of the fabric being a semi-synthetic silk knock off, would require extra care that most college students don’t have time for, limiting longevity. With polyester products, the fabric is too thin and can be more revealing than intended.
Overall, the Brandy Melville store offers a decent selection of long-term tops that could complement a majority of wardrobes. However, while elegance and simplicity serves as its strengths, it also lacks a crucial range and quality for some pieces. In both inclusive sizing and designs beyond plain or striped shirts, the selection has the potential to become more appealing to students.
Amanda Hugas is a member of the Class of 2027 and a staff writer for The Prospect. She can be reached by her email at ah0942@princeton.edu.
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