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The Devil Wears Prada 2 is everything we hoped for and more. Streep’s basilisk stare, Tucci’s eye rolls and a truly spectacular display of designer fashion. 

But back in the real world, fashion editors are not wearing Prada. These days, an editor’s uniform, whether they’re at a glossy mag or a national newspaper, is assembled from under-the-radar labels that are considerably more affordable. 

At an editor’s lunch recently, one very chic fashion director friend revealed that her Row-looking sandals were in fact from insider’s brand A.Emery - and thus just about affordable. 

So, if you want to dress like the people who work in the industry, you’ll be happy to hear that you don’t need to worry about big fashion house prices. Here are seven go-to brands that fashion editors are really wearing... 

1. For a statement piece: Essentiel Antwerp

Essentiel Antwerp is where fashion editors go when they want jazzy jeans, a scene-stealing jacket, or a look-at-me dress. It specialises in striking, personality-filled pieces that still feel exclusive enough that you’re unlikely to spot someone else wearing the same look at a summer wedding. Founded in 1999 by Esfan Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea, the label began with a simple T-shirt collection and now covers all womenswear, shoes and accessories.

2. For a classic shirt: With Nothing Underneath

When it comes to the perfect shirt, there is really only one place many fashion editors turn: With Nothing Underneath. Founded by Pip Durell, the label built its reputation on impeccably cut button-downs inspired by traditional menswear but reworked for modern women. Since launching, the brand has expanded into tailoring, knitwear, jackets and trousers, but it is the shirts that keep loyal customers coming back. They have become something of an industry uniform: worn half-tucked into jeans, layered under knitwear, or thrown over swimwear on holiday.

3. For a handbag: Liffner

You need frankly absurd sums of money to buy a designer handbag these days. But if you want a genuinely chic piece of arm candy without the eye-watering price tag, fashion insiders know to head to Liffner. The Stockholm-based label has built a loyal following for its clean-lined, quietly luxurious bags that look far more expensive than they are.

4. For knitwear: Navygrey

 It sounds simple enough, but finding the perfect knitwear isn’t easy. Too boxy, too flimsy, too synthetic… then Navygrey arrived, and quietly solved the problem. Now it is where those in the know head for beautifully made staples that earn their keep year after year. Founded by Rachel Carvell-Spedding, the British label has built a following by focusing on quality yarns and transparent production.

5. For dresses: Dôen

The California-based brand Dôen has perfected the kind of easy, wearable, understated dresses that the fashion crowd lives in. Founded by Los Angeles-based sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, the label channels that laid-back, breezy California energy while still feeling polished enough for a day in the office. They have a strong lineup of feminine prints -florals and gingham if that’s your thing - alongside understated block colours. Their simple black dresses are my personal favourite; pair one with flip-flops, and you’re done.

6. For cotton basics: LESET

You’d be forgiven for throwing a simple cotton T-shirt into your trolley while doing the weekly shop, but when you live in white tees, as so many editors do, the cut really matters. So, we’re not going to get it at Tesco. It’s the difference between a basic and something that actually makes an outfit. That’s where LESET comes in. The brand has become a quiet insider favourite for elevated essentials: perfectly judged proportions, soft but structured cottons, and silhouettes that sit just right whether tucked, layered or worn loose.

7. For footwear: A.Emery

The devil may not be wearing Prada, but she certainly aspires to The Row. The reality, of course, is that even those with the means would struggle to justify that level of spend. So instead, fashion insiders make a beeline for A.Emery. With a similarly pared-back aesthetic, the Melbourne-based label has become a quiet staple in editor wardrobes.

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