Brandy Melville has been one of those brands that sparks endless conversations in the fashion world. Loved by some for its effortlessly cool, California-girl aesthetic, and criticized by others for its “one size fits all” policy, it has always been at the center of fashion debates. As someone who has always been curious about the hype, I decided to do something I’ve never done before: a huge Brandy Melville try-on haul. I ordered a mix of bestsellers, trendy pieces, and basics to see what all the fuss was about. Today, I’m giving you my honest review—the good, the bad, and the unexpected.
First Impressions
Unboxing the package felt like a mix between shopping at a cool thrift store and raiding your effortlessly stylish friend’s closet. Everything came neatly folded, wrapped in minimal packaging, with that subtle Brandy aesthetic of muted tones, classic prints, and soft fabrics. My first thought: the fabrics really did feel softer than average. I had heard people rave about how comfortable Brandy pieces are, and I could immediately see why.
That said, the sizes looked… tiny. I’m not new to Brandy’s “one size” model, but holding up certain tops made me wonder if they would fit comfortably. Still, I went in with an open mind, ready to try everything on.
Tops & Basics
The first category I tried on was the classic cropped tees—probably what Brandy is most known for. I picked up the Christy tank, the Amara top, and a few basic baby tees in white, black, and a dusty blue.
- Fit: These were form-fitting, slightly stretchy, and very cropped. On a petite frame, they look flattering and effortless. On anyone taller or with a longer torso, they may verge on too short.
- Fabric: Extremely soft. Unlike some fast fashion basics, these didn’t feel scratchy or stiff. They drape nicely and hug the body without digging in.
- Style: Perfect for layering, casual wear, or pairing with baggy jeans. They definitely give that “model-off-duty” vibe.
My verdict: these tops are Brandy’s strong point. If you love casual, easy-to-style basics, they’re worth it. But be prepared for a cropped fit that won’t suit every comfort level.
Sweaters & Cardigans
Next, I tried on a few of their famous oversized sweaters and crochet cardigans. This was where Brandy surprised me the most.
The Rosa cardigan in cream looked delicate and feminine. It paired beautifully with the baby tees, adding a soft, cozy touch. Then I slipped on the Christy oversized hoodie, and wow—comfort overload. The hoodie was huge, baggy in the best way, and gave that borrowed-from-your-boyfriend look.
- Fit: The cardigans run snug, while the hoodies and sweaters lean very oversized.
- Fabric: Still soft, though the knit cardigan felt slightly more delicate, so I’d be cautious when washing.
- Style: These pieces scream “cozy Sunday” or “casual coffee run.” They’re versatile and easy to style.
Verdict: If Brandy nails anything outside of basic tees, it’s definitely their cozy layers. I would honestly wear the oversized hoodie every day.
Bottoms
Now for the trickiest category: pants and skirts. I had heard mixed reviews, so I tried the Rosa sweatpants, the Bella skirt, and their low-rise cargo pants.
- Sweatpants: These were impressively comfy, with a high waist and relaxed fit. However, they run short in the inseam, which may be frustrating for taller shoppers.
- Bella skirt: Cute, flirty, and definitely trendy. But it was very short. With tights or shorts underneath, it works, but wearing it on its own felt a bit risky.
- Cargo pants: This was the biggest surprise. The relaxed fit, adjustable waist, and soft fabric made them more flattering than I expected. They didn’t feel stiff like some cargos from other brands.
Verdict: Brandy bottoms can be hit or miss. If you’re shorter, they’re fantastic. If you’re tall, you may struggle with length.
Dresses
I picked up two casual dresses: the Flora dress (a tiny floral slip dress) and the Giselle dress (a ribbed mini).
- Flora dress: It was delicate, feminine, and surprisingly flattering. But it was definitely snug across the chest and very short overall.
- Giselle dress: This one felt like a stretchy, bodycon tank dress. Comfortable and easy to style with sneakers or a cardigan, but it doesn’t leave much to the imagination—it clings to every curve.
Verdict: The dresses look adorable, but they’re designed with a very specific body type in mind.
Accessories
I also grabbed a few accessories: a simple canvas tote, chunky socks, and a silver butterfly necklace.
- The tote is practical and goes with everything—definitely a Brandy staple.
- The socks were thick, cozy, and surprisingly high quality.
- The necklace looked dainty and cute, though I’m not sure how well it will hold up long-term.
Verdict: Accessories are a safe bet if you want Brandy’s aesthetic without worrying about fit.
The Good
- Aesthetic: Brandy’s clothes really do give that effortless, cool-girl vibe. The styling possibilities are endless if you like basics.
- Fabric: Soft, comfortable, and generally better quality than I expected.
- Versatility: Easy to mix and match, perfect for layering.
- Price Point: Cheaper than higher-end basics, but pricier than fast fashion.
The Not-So-Good
- Sizing: The infamous “one size fits all” policy is exclusionary. Many pieces are simply not designed for diverse body types.
- Length Issues: Dresses and skirts are very short, while pants may be too short for taller shoppers.
- Durability: Some pieces (like the crochet cardigan and jewelry) feel delicate and may not last with heavy wear.
Final Thoughts
So, after my huge Brandy Melville try-on haul, what’s the verdict?
If you’re someone who loves effortless basics, cropped tops, and cozy layers, Brandy is worth checking out. Their fabrics are comfortable, their styling is on point, and the pieces can easily elevate a casual wardrobe. But it’s not a perfect brand. The one-size model severely limits accessibility, and not every item will fit comfortably.
Personally, I’ll keep wearing the hoodies, tees, and cargos—they really did impress me. But I’ll probably skip the ultra-short skirts and bodycon dresses, since they didn’t feel practical for me.
At the end of the day, Brandy Melville has its strengths: comfort, style, and vibe. But it also has real flaws that shoppers should consider. I’m glad I did this try-on haul because now I understand the hype—and the criticism.
Would I shop there again? Yes, but selectively. For basics and cozy layers, absolutely. For more fitted or short pieces, probably not.
If you’re curious about the brand, my advice is: start with their tops or hoodies. They’re the most forgiving in fit and the most wearable day-to-day. And of course, don’t forget a tote bag—it’s basically the Brandy starter pack.
