ASOS is one of our go-to’s for fun, fashion-forward pieces. But with so much to choose from (so much!) it can be hard to actually know when to stop shopping and hit “buy.” In case you need some extra motivation to narrow down your selection of Instagram-worthy dresses and super-cozy loungewear sets, let this be your reason. ASOS is currently offering mega-discounts across the whole site. Currently, you can shop up to 70%-off on select styles. We’re talking on-trend blazers, much-needed combat boots, stylish jeans, and so much more. Plus, shipping is completely free when spending $49.99 or more. We already dug through the thousands of items on super sale and selected some of our absolute favorites to add to cart. Keep on scrolling to see the must-have categories and our top picks.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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After years of seeing Victoria’s Secret lace panties and dainty bikinis in the catalog that used to come in the mail for my mom, I finally set foot into a real store when I was 12 and visiting New York City for the first time. Inside, the hot pink walls and floor-to-ceiling cabinets resembled the fantasy closets all girls my age used to dream of. I touched everything — corseted bodysuits, fruity-scented splash bottles, comfy boxer briefs, and silk bath robes — and could easily envision the kind of woman that I hoped to grow up to be. Sensual, long-haired, confident, and stylish, the future me would conquer the world while wearing Victoria’s Secret perfume and a push-up bra.
To me, the Angels seemed human. Yes, they were taller than the average person (I can still feel my neck get sore from looking up to their faces during our interviews), but these women were flesh and blood, unlike the images I had seen for years on ads and catalogs. And if they were made of the same things I was, what was the difference between them, these Angels, and me?
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – NOVEMBER 16: Erin Heatherton, Adriana Lima and Alssandra Ambrosio attend the Victoria’s Secret store opening at Plaza Las Americas on November 16, 2011 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by John Parra/WireImage for Victoria’s Secret)
Since its launch in 1977, Victoria’s Secret’s lore was built on a set of fantastical narratives about young models from remote areas of Brazil and South Africa who became supermodels with a simple push-up bra. It was Victoria’s Secret that catapulted the careers of people like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Candice Swanepoel. The company operated under the guise that their products, which included lingerie, everyday undergarments, loungewear, swimwear, and beauty items, would empower women to be their best selves. However, the reality is that many didn’t feel that way.
Sources contacted through a Refinery29 social media survey recall bubbling insecurities and body image issues resulting from Victoria’s Secret’s branding and campaigns. “I did not feel empowered at all by any of its models, shows, or campaigns because I knew I was never going to be that skinny,” said Chanel Zapata, a media coordinator in the sports field, who’s been using Victoria’s Secret products since she was 13. For Gabriela, a student at Georgia State University, who preferred to keep her last name private, the story was similar: “The images made me feel insecure about my body.”
Both Zapata and Gabriela were also first introduced to Victoria’s Secret through women in their family who subscribed to its famous catalog from which they placed actual orders (I know, what a time!). Bit by bit, the VS world jumped from the catalog to their everyday lives, transforming the push-up bras and cheeky panties into pieces they sought to buy for their underwear drawers.
Like me, Zapata grew up in Puerto Rico. Immediately after the Victoria’s Secret store opened, it became the place to be. Zapata remembers that the long lines to check out would reach the store’s front entrance and that carrying a Victoria’s Secret bag instantly made you a cool girl. “Buying VS meant that you no longer had to shop at JCPenney or Kmart. You were becoming a woman and wearing real undergarments,” she said.
That association between beauty and class was so strong that, even when Victoria’s Secret shoppers became aware that the company’s messaging promoted toxic standards of beauty, it was hard to shake off the idea that it all should be empowering. Freelance journalist Elsa Cavazos felt Victoria’s Secret’s products allowed her to see a sexier, more confident side of her that other brands didn’t. Still, her sense of empowerment was limited by the brand’s narrow representation of beauty. “Most models’ [bodies] were not necessarily similar to my own body,” she said.
After decades of cultural dominance, Victoria’s Secret’s authority began to crumble in the late 2010s. Following the #MeToo movement and calls for gender, racial, and body diversity in the fashion industry, Victoria’s Secret found itself at the center of a few controversies. In 2018, former chief marketing officer Ed Razek told Vogue the brand was not interested in hiring transgender or plus-size models for its annual fashion show. Later, the brand attempted to diversify its lineup, hiring transgender model Valentina Sampaio and curve model Ali Tate Cutler. Still, its moves failed to catch up with the rest of cultural changes occurring in the industry. In 2019, Victoria’s Secret canceled its fashion show, which many blamed on the popularity of Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty show, which features a much wider range of models and entertainers who model the clothing during an immersive pre-recorded performance. A year later, a New York Times investigation revealed widespread bullying and harassment of models and employees throughout the company, in large part from Razek, who later resigned. Since then, the company has been at a standstill, plotting how it’ll step out of the shadow of brands like Savage x Fenty and Aerie, whose inclusive sizing and branding have earned them a loyal following.
Now, the company is trying to win back women by rebranding as a company that prioritizes comfort and body positivity over male attention and hourglass figures. In June, the brand announced that it was relaunching with new ambassadors. Named the “Victoria’s Secret Collective,” the set of models, activists, athletes, and entertainers, which include women like Paloma Elsesser, Megan Rapinoe, and Priyanka Chopra, will collaborate with the company to design collections that fit women’s needs and tailor them to a more diverse customer base. “We got it wrong, we lost relevance with the modern woman, and she told us very clearly to change our focus from how people look, to how people feel, from being about what he wants to being about what she wants and to support her in her narrative, in whatever way that she chooses,” said Martin Waters, CEO of VS&Co, Victoria’s Secret new parent company, in a statement provided to Refinery29. “So to win her back, we’ll celebrate and inspire her, and we’ll support her desire to show up however it is that she chooses.” Waters shared a similar statement during an investor meeting in July of 2021.
Now, campaign imagery from the company is world’s away from the highly sexualized ads filled with the thin, specifically proportioned models it once used to lionize. Take, for example, the images from its Bare Infinity Bra relaunch in July 2021 that featured Elsesser, Mayowa Nicholas, and Aamito Lagum embracing each other in a friendly, intimate hug, rather than a faux-titillating embrace for a man’s attention. “We are committed to creating lifelong relationships with customers by reflecting them, their stories and their journey in everything we do. You are starting to see these changes come to life,” read Waters’ statement. Still, this year, L Brands — Victoria’s Secret former parent company before this year’s rebrand — scored a 17 out of 100 in the 2021 Gender Benchmark report, which evaluates the world’s largest companies on gender equality and women’s empowerment.hat.
For all the attempts Victoria’s Secret has made to regain women’s trust, former fans are still skeptical. “I think VS is going to have to do a big part in undoing this damage if they’re truly committed to this rebranding,” said Gabriela. For Zapata, the recent rebranding is too opportunistic: “I love that they are finally trying to pivot and have an evolution, but it looks very disingenuous.” Both agree that, even when the brand has attempted to make shifts in its imagery and message, but consumers are still waiting for more. Gabriela said it’d take hiring models of color, disabled models, fat models, and trans models for her to trust VS again. She also wants the brand to learn a lesson from companies like Aerie that has pledged to reduce or eliminate retouching on its images, as well as partnering with organizations that empower and service women. Even then, for Zapata, it’d be hard to ever go back: “I wouldn’t feel as comfortable as shopping at Aerie.”
Nearly 10 years after meeting the Angels in person, I don’t own a single Victoria’s Secret item — not the lip gloss I used to wear to school every day or the cheeky 5-for-$25 panties from its PINK section. Most of my underwear is now from Savage x Fenty, whose ad campaigns feature women who make me feel less ashamed about the cellulite on my thighs. While Gabriela still owns some pieces from Victoria’s Secret, she only plans to give the company her money on one condition. No longer caring about the status Victoria’s Secret’s pink bags used to hold, she said: “I will probably continue buying its bras when they’re on sale.”
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What’s in Madewell’s secret sauce? Whatever the brand uses to spike its togs with universal appeal is nothing short of magic. And, try as we might, we just can’t seem to stop browsing the site. As of today, it's gotten even trickier to tear ourselves away because Madewell’s hosting a Perks-members exclusive site-wide 20%-off select styles event — and you have until 11:59 PM tonight to sign up to get in on the action.
The cool-but-casual retailer always seems to have our number with its selection of trust-worthy jeans, chic sneakers, and super-cozy jackets that don’t skimp on function. Click through to peep a selection of our favorite slashed-price scores ahead — and know that there’s plenty more where that came from (for a limited time).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Madewell Austwell Quilted Coat, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Dunaway Paperbag Pants, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Belrose Shirt-Jacket in Maran Plaid, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Corduroy Yorkway Shirt-Jacket, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Corduroy Dumont Quilted Jacket in Amie Floral, $, available at Madewell
Madewell The Patti Lace-Up Boot, $, available at Madewell
Madewell (Re)sourced Quilted Jogger Sweatpants, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Quilted Packable Popover Puffer Jacket, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Lightspun Dorset Blazer, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Ruffle-Neck Pullover Sweater in Cotton-Merino Yarn, $, available at Madewell
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean in Coffey Wash: Worn-In Edition, $, available at Madewell
Madewell MWL Superbrushed Easygoing Sweatshirt, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt, $, available at Madewell
Madewell MWL Skyterry Easygoing Sweatpants, $, available at Madewell
Madewell (Re)sourced Cashmere Ribbed Mockneck Pullover Sweater, $, available at Madewell
Madewell The Abroad Tote, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Knit Bedtime Pajama Pants, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Tie-Dye (Re)sourced Cotton Swing Sweatshirt, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers in Ripstop Nylon and Leather, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Puffed Small Hoop Earrings, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Nightstone Necklace Set, $, available at Madewell
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If you’re someone who takes pride in every layer of your outfit — and, we mean every layer — you can relate to wanting to make sure each piece of an ensemble feels special, be it the buttery softness of a matching sweatsuit or the perfect accessory to complete a look (hello, croissant bags). And then, of course, there’s the base of it all, the very first thing many of us slip on in the morning: our bras.
Bras can serve a twofold purpose. They give support, first and foremost, but the details they can add to an everyday outfit should not be overlooked. Fun embellishments like lace or bright colors are sometimes designed to be seen, whether it's under a light cami or peeking out of a sexy blazer. But even when it's only for the wearer's eyes, a gorgeous bra can make an outfit feel more special.
If you’re still getting back into the swing of this whole picking out an outfit for the outside world thing, settling on the right bra can be tricky with such a wide array of styles available. So we've selected some of the best bralettes, balconettes, and bustiers that prove eye candy can also be practical. Give your delicates drawer a very chic refresher with one of the 30 beautiful bras ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bralette
If you’re not ready to go full-on bra after so many months of total bra-lessness, test the waters with a fun bralette instead. With comfort-first styles featuring everything from mesh panels, frills, and flower motifs, the potential for pretty is limitless.
Organic Basics TENCEL™ Lite Bralette, $, available at Organic Basics
Hanky Panky Retro Lace Half Cup Bralette, $, available at Hanky Panky
FP One | Free People One Adella Bralette, $, available at Free People
Richer Poorer Classic Bralette, $, available at Richer Poorer
Kat The Label Lullaby Bralette, $, available at Anthropologie
Balconette
This sexy retro-inspired bra will lend some Daisy Buchanan vibes to your delicates drawer. The style works best with lower necklines and creates the effect of a push-up without technically being a push-up.
Fleur du Mal Fuller Cup Banana Embroidery Balconette Bra, $, available at Fleur Du Mal
Curvy Kate Fallen Angel Balcony Bra, $, available at Bare Necessities
Skarlett Blue | Free People Wander Multiway Balconette Bra, $, available at Free People
BlueBella Audrey Bra Black, $, available at Bluebella
Journelle Anais Lace Underwired Balconette Bra, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Underwire
Practicality meets elegance in bras featuring more of a wired structure. Underwire bras provide extra support and shape in a range of beautiful styles and colors.
Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Flex Lightly Lined Demi Bra, $, available at Calvin Klein
Plunge
Yes, plunge bras may be what you wear when you don't want our bra to show in a tricky, deep neckline. But that doesn’t mean a particularly pretty one isn’t deserving of an audience (even if it’s an audience of one!).
Skims MESH ONE WIRE PLUNGE BRA, $, available at Skims
Gossard Superboost Lace N/P Plunge, $, available at Gossard
Everlane The Invisible Bra, $, available at Everlane
Lively The Smooth Lace Plunge Bra, $, available at Lively
For bras that are so eye-catching you just can’t get enough of them, consider a longline style. More fabric simply means more bra to love. You can even show it off by wearing an open-sided top.
Cosabella Veneto Curvy Longline Bralette, $, available at Cosabella
Hanky Panky Linear Lace Longline Bralette, $, available at Hanky Panky
Gossard Shadow Mesh Longline Plunge, $, available at Gossard
