Stores Like LF Stores: 12 Indie-Contemporary Boutiques for the LA Cool-Girl Look
Text
About LF Stores
Founded
2000
USA
Ships to
US, plus international
Sizes
XS-L
Editor-reviewed
Every recommendation read and refined by hand
Honest tradeoffs
Drawbacks listed, not hidden
No paid placements
Brands cannot pay to be ranked
LF Stores stopped being the place you drove across town for and became the place you stumble on when the algorithm feeds you a leather trench. That's the honest state of things. For years the appeal was physical: the crowded Melrose and West Village floors, the racks of Vince Camuto boots next to unfamiliar European labels you'd never heard of, the shredded band tees and moto jackets that made you look like you'd been to more shows than you had. It felt like shopping a stylist's personal closet, not a chain.
The pieces still land — the slouchy leather, the going-out tops, the denim cut for someone who wants to be seen. But the store network has thinned to a handful of markets, so the discovery that made LF worth the trip now happens on a website that can't replicate flipping through a real rack. And the prices ask boutique money for a curation that's easier than ever to assemble elsewhere.
The real gap LF leaves is that mix of edge and discovery, and plenty of shops now do it with more reach and cleaner pricing.
The pieces still land — the slouchy leather, the going-out tops, the denim cut for someone who wants to be seen. But the store network has thinned to a handful of markets, so the discovery that made LF worth the trip now happens on a website that can't replicate flipping through a real rack. And the prices ask boutique money for a curation that's easier than ever to assemble elsewhere.
The real gap LF leaves is that mix of edge and discovery, and plenty of shops now do it with more reach and cleaner pricing.
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12 brands
The 12 Best Alternatives to LF Stores
1
Aritzia
Est. 1984
Vancouver, Canada
Sizes XXS-XXL
≈
similar
Polished going-out and workwear with cult-favorite in-house lines
Nails the elevated-cool contemporary look LF is known for, but with tightly-run stores across North America and in-house labels like Wilfred and Babaton that read as designer for less.
Pros
- Wilfred and Babaton lines feel elevated without designer pricing
- Strong, consistent fit across collections
- Wide store network and easy returns
Cons
- The Super Puff and denim resell out fast
- Aesthetic leans polished, less rock-and-roll than LF
2
Free People
Est. 1984
Philadelphia, USA
Sizes XS-XL
≈
similar
Boho-leaning pieces and going-out dresses with wide availability
Same festival-adjacent, cool-girl bohemia that LF flirts with, plus the Movement activewear line and a huge store presence.
Pros
- Enormous variety and frequent new arrivals
- Strong dress and denim selection
- FP Movement covers activewear
Cons
- Quality is inconsistent piece to piece
- Pricing can feel steep for the fabric
Visit Free People
Full guide: Stores Like Free People
3
Reformation
Est. 2009
Los Angeles, USA
Sizes 0-24
≈
similar
Occasion dresses and going-out pieces with eco credentials
Carbon Neutral
Factory Disclosure
That LA it-girl silhouette LF chases, done with genuine sustainability receipts and a clear feminine aesthetic.
Pros
- Publishes real sustainability and carbon data
- Signature flattering dress cuts
- Size range up to 24
Cons
- Delicate fabrics need careful handling
- Sells out popular styles quickly
Visit Reformation
Full guide: Stores Like Reformation
4
Urban Outfitters
Est. 1970
Philadelphia, USA
Sizes XS-XL
$
cheaper
Trend-driven basics and graphic pieces on a smaller budget
The younger, edgier end of LF's world — vintage-inspired basics, band tees, and a rotating cast of indie brands under one roof.
Pros
- Carries genuinely emerging and indie labels
- More affordable entry point
- Huge physical footprint
Cons
- Quality skews fast-fashion on house brands
- Sizing runs inconsistent
Visit Urban Outfitters
Full guide: Stores Like Urban Outfitters
5
Revolve
Est. 2003
Los Angeles, USA
Sizes XS-XL
$$$
pricier
Discovering emerging designer brands in one place online
The digital destination for exactly the influencer-approved LA look LF built its identity on, stocking dozens of the same indie-contemporary labels.
Pros
- Massive multi-brand selection of indie labels
- Excellent for one-stop discovery
- Strong occasion and vacation edit
Cons
- Prices climb fast on designer pieces
- Curation is broad, not tightly edited
6
Princess Polly
Est. 2010
Gold Coast, Australia
Sizes XXS-XXL
$
cheaper
Cheap, fast trend pieces for a night out
Delivers the going-out and trend-forward LA look at a fraction of LF's price, aimed squarely at the same 22-30 crowd.
Pros
- Very affordable trend pieces
- Fast-moving new drops
- Inclusive size run
Cons
- Fast-fashion quality
- Styles date quickly
7
Verge Girl
Est. 2012
Sydney, Australia
Sizes XS-XL
$
cheaper
Unique going-out pieces you won't see everywhere
Australian indie label with the same downtown-cool, slightly-vintage sensibility LF cultivated, but harder to find and less mainstream.
Pros
- Distinctive indie aesthetic
- More affordable than LF
- Frequent fresh designs
Cons
- Ships from Australia, longer delivery
- Limited size range
8
With Jean
Est. 2019
Sydney, Australia
Sizes XS-XL
≈
similar
Statement dresses and pieces with a cult-following feel
An indie Australian label with the dreamy-cool feminine edge LF fans gravitate toward, exactly the kind of emerging brand LF used to introduce you to.
Pros
- Genuinely distinctive indie designs
- Cult-favorite dresses
- Small-brand feel
Cons
- Very limited stock, sells out fast
- International shipping delays
9
Realisation Par
Est. 2015
Los Angeles, USA
Sizes XS-XL
≈
similar
Silky slip dresses and vintage-inspired prints
The LA-adjacent slip dress and print-driven pieces that dominate the same Instagram feeds LF lives on, with a strong signature identity.
Pros
- Iconic signature prints and slip cuts
- Strong resale value
- Instantly recognizable aesthetic
Cons
- Narrow product range
- Delicate silk fabrics
10
Nasty Gal
Est. 2006
Los Angeles, USA
Sizes XXS-XXL
$
cheaper
Bold party looks on a tight budget
Edgy, going-out-heavy pieces with the same rebellious LA streak LF traded on, at fast-fashion prices.
Pros
- Very cheap edgy pieces
- Huge going-out selection
- Frequent sales
Cons
- Ultra-fast-fashion quality
- Hit-or-miss fit
Visit Nasty Gal
Full guide: Stores Like Nasty Gal
11
Farm Rio
Est. 1997
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sizes XS-XL
≈
similar
Vibrant printed dresses and vacation pieces
1% for the Planet
Brings the joyful, print-forward statement pieces LF fans love for standing out, with a distinct Brazilian identity and strong sustainability efforts.
Pros
- Unmistakable joyful prints
- Plants a tree with each order
- Strong dress and resort edit
Cons
- Bold prints aren't for everyone
- Pricing on the higher side
12
Something Navy
Est. 2020
New York, USA
Sizes XS-XL
≈
similar
Elevated everyday pieces that still feel current
An influencer-born contemporary label with the polished-but-cool LA sensibility LF shoppers age into, heavier on elevated everyday than party wear.
Pros
- Elevated everyday staples
- Consistent, wearable fit
- Good transitional wardrobe pieces
Cons
- Less edgy than LF
- Smaller catalog
Cheapest ways to get the LA cool-girl look
If LF's boutique pricing is what pushed you out, Princess Polly, Nasty Gal, Urban Outfitters, and Verge Girl all deliver the going-out edge for less. Princess Polly and Nasty Gal are the fast-fashion sweet spot for a single night out, while Urban Outfitters gives you the same rotating indie-brand discovery in physical stores. Verge Girl is the one that still feels like you found something, not just bought something.
Where the indie discovery still lives
The best part of LF was stumbling onto a label you'd never heard of. With Jean, Realisation Par, Verge Girl, and Farm Rio carry that small-brand thrill — each has a strong, unmistakable identity rather than a generic curation. Revolve is the online catch-all if you'd rather browse dozens of these emerging labels in one place instead of hunting them down individually.
Sustainable picks that don't sacrifice the edge
For shoppers who want the aesthetic with fewer regrets, Reformation publishes real carbon and factory data while nailing the LA silhouette, and Farm Rio plants a tree with every order. Both prove you don't have to choose between cool and conscientious — a trade-off LF never really addressed.Which Alternative Is Right for You?
Go with Aritzia if you want LF's polish with a real store network and dependable in-house lines like Wilfred and Babaton. Choose Reformation or Farm Rio if sustainability matters and you still want a statement dress. If price is the deal-breaker, Princess Polly and Urban Outfitters get you the trend look for far less, with Urban keeping the in-store discovery LF lost. For the indie-brand thrill LF was actually built on, With Jean, Verge Girl, and Realisation Par carry pieces you won't spot on everyone. And Revolve is your move if you'd rather browse all these emerging labels in a single cart. Frequently Asked Questions
QWhy is LF Stores so hard to find in person now?
LF's store network has shrunk to a handful of markets, so most shoppers now rely on the website. That's why alternatives with wider physical presence — Aritzia, Urban Outfitters, and Free People — appeal to people who miss browsing a real rack and want the discovery experience LF used to offer in stores.
QWhat's a cheaper alternative to LF Stores for going-out clothes?
Princess Polly and Nasty Gal are the cheapest credible options for party and night-out pieces, both aimed at the same 22-30 crowd. Urban Outfitters and Verge Girl sit slightly above them but still undercut LF's boutique pricing while keeping the edgy aesthetic.
QWhich brands have the same LA cool-girl aesthetic as LF Stores?
Reformation and Realisation Par are the closest on the actual LA it-girl silhouette, while Revolve stocks many of the same influencer-favorite indie labels. Aritzia captures the elevated-cool end, and Verge Girl and With Jean keep the downtown, slightly-vintage edge.
QWhere can I discover emerging indie brands like LF Stores used to carry?
Revolve is the biggest multi-brand hub for emerging contemporary labels. For the small-brand thrill itself, look at With Jean, Verge Girl, Realisation Par, and Farm Rio — each has a distinct identity rather than a broad, generic curation.
QAre there sustainable alternatives to LF Stores?
Yes. Reformation publishes real carbon and factory disclosure data while nailing the same feminine LA look, and Farm Rio plants a tree with every order. Both give you the statement-piece aesthetic without the fast-fashion guilt that comes with cheaper options.
Our Verdict
The Best LF Stores Alternative For You
Go with Aritzia if you want LF's polish with a real store network and dependable in-house lines like Wilfred and Babaton. Choose Reformation or Farm Rio if sustainability matters and you still want a statement dress. If price is the deal-breaker, Princess Polly and Urban Outfitters get you the trend look for far less, with Urban keeping the in-store discovery LF lost. For the indie-brand thrill LF was actually built on, With Jean, Verge Girl, and Realisation Par carry pieces you won't spot on everyone. And Revolve is your move if you'd rather browse all these emerging labels in a single cart.