I Try on Clothes for a Living, and This Brand Looks 2x More Expensive Than it Really Is

Its luxe cashmere sweater could’ve fooled me.

Ruby McAuliffe

January 13, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.·3 min read

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As a fashion editor, I have the privilege of trying nearly every clothing brand I wish. It’s a blessing and a curse; just ask my fiancé who’s forced to keep all of his clothes in the far corner of the closet. Though, trying a label is the best way to know if it actually stacks up. Most recently, I put Quince to the test—and spoiler alert: I was more than impressed.

I’d heard about Quince’s high quality at reasonable prices, given that it prioritizes low design costs and ditches the middlemen. Still, I had a hard time trusting that an $80 cashmere sweater would pass my picky standards (for comparison, most cashmere costs hundreds of dollars). I finally bit the bullet by experimenting with a few key pieces: a cashmere sweater (obviously), longline coat, cozy cardigan, and puffer jacket.

Editor-Approved Quince Fashion:

Mongolian Cashmere Boxy Crewneck Sweater, $80 ($195 value)
Italian Wool Cocoon Coat, $170 ($398 value)
Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater, $80 ($179 value)
Responsible Down Cropped Puffer Jacket, $120 ($235 value)
Supersoft Fleece Cropped Wide-Leg Pants, $40 ($118 value)
100% Leather Cropped Zip-Front Jacket, $170 ($498 value)

Mongolian Cashmere Boxy Crewneck Sweater

I’m starting with the piece I was most skeptical about: the crewneck sweater. It checked all of my boxes, delivering a snuggly and comfy feel—so much that I wore it for nearly a week straight (hey, I work from home!). The Mongolian cashmere offered the perfect in-between weight, so I could wear a turtleneck underneath without feeling stuffy. The drop shoulders, relaxed silhouette, ribbed details, and split hemline only made it appear more expensive than it really is.

Italian Wool Cocoon Coat

Coats can be expensive; my BFF snagged a similar wool version for $500. While it’s certainly a staple that will be worn for years to come, why not consider this $170 find first? TBH, I was unsure if it would keep me warm during this especially cold New York winter, but to my surprise, I was toasty during chilly winds and late nights. The shawl collar, asymmetrical closure, and slanted side pockets made it look luxe, too, making it perfect to wear to even my most prestigious occasions.

Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Reese Witherspoon and Angelina Jolie inspired me to invest in more cardigans. So, I couldn’t pass up on Quince’s cashmere, scoop-neck iteration—especially in the spicy red hue. It elevated each outfit, whether it was thrown around my shoulders or slipped on. The pearly shell buttons and fine hem ribbing proved the brand pays attention to even the smallest elements.

Responsible Down Cropped Puffer Jacket

It’s officially snowing here in New York City, which means it’s time to pull out those big marshmallow jackets. I was particularly fond of the cropped puffer, which didn’t swallow my figure or make me feel trapped. Features include a water-repellant and wind-resistant fabric, removable hood, and responsible goose down. The fleece-lined pockets earned it an extra gold star, keeping my hands warm when I forgot my gloves.

IMO, these winter-ready finds could cost way more than they’re listed for (don’t get any ideas, Quince). Keep reading to discover what I’m adding to my cart next.