Bows! Rosettes! Frills! Sandy Liang singlehanded brought the concept of dressing like our childhood selves—granted, a more stylish version—back on the style zeitgeist, with immense success. With Blackpink’s Jennie and the girls of NewJeans regularly rocking the pieces on and off the stage, there’s no denying Liang’s influence. While it’s not uncommon for young designers to start new trends, especially in the age of TikTok, the Sandy Liang-ification of fashion has sparked a new wave of dressing rooted in connecting with our inner child, ribbons and all. At this juncture, it’s safe to say that Liang, who often draws inspiration from the feeling feminine nostalgia and Chinese culture—has the internet in a chokehold. From the Baggu collaboration, to New York Fashion Week, Liang’s eye for the female gaze is incontestable.
From poofy frocks, to knee high socks and bow-clad everything, the Sandy Liang wardrobe is best described an adult version of your ideal childhood outfits. The overwhelming popularity of the Sandy Liang phenomenon in dressing has turned the designer into an aesthetic in itself—to the trained eye, the Sandy Liang aesthetic really boils down to bringing child-like elements into your dressing. Bows (the bigger, the better) and rosettes (the more, the merrier) are definitely welcomed; anything girl-related is a resounding yes.
Understandably, not everyone can nail the art of dressing like a Sandy Liang poster girl right off the bat, especially when most of Liang’s most coveted pieces are perpetually out of stock (see: the Sandy Liang x Baggu collaboration). If you’re looking to dip your toes in the girlish trend, perhaps consider these alternative labels that achieve the similar effect.
Atelier Tulpe
Based in Vancouver, Atelier Tulpe’s most iconic vest is the perfect gateway piece into sporting bows, especially if you’ve been bow-averse in your usual wardrobing. Dress it up with a girlish maxi skirt and mary janes, or pair with a pair of washed denim for a more everyday look.
Par Moi
Par Moi, which translates to by me in french, is a one-woman show created lovingly by Ashiya Omundsen in Melbourne. Every piece is made-to-order using deadstock or remnant fabrics, with sustainability at the center of the brand’s ethos. A singular bow sitting atop an understated sweater paired with a lace slip beneath? If that doesn’t scream Sandy Liang, we don’t know what does.
Foundry Mews
Foundry Mews is the definition of ‘if you know, you know’. Formed in 2019, the brand is backed by a team of creatives based all over the world, headquartering in Japan working with the ethos of making clothing and footwear that transcends age. Our favourite piece from the brand? A reversible crop top adorned with bow prints, the perfect everyday item for its incredibly versatile styling options.
Aprés Studios
Aprés Studios is the brand for the cool-girls in the know. Most famously known for their puff dresses, we think the brand is a strong contender as the next it-brand on the horizon. Expect a range of closet staples that goes above and beyond your basic t-shirt, including some mini gingham dresses and ruched flare tops.
all is a gentle spring
Nostalgia is strong with all is a gentle spring. The Australian based label is well rooted in the history of costume design—hence the corset-like tops and in-built petticoats using Elizabethan Era sewing techniques. If the classically Sandy look is a little too out of your sartorial comfort zone, all is a gentle spring may just be the perfect stepping stone if you’re looking to sport something a little more understated yet classically girlish.
Sister
The starting of Sister was simple a natural segway as founders Emma and Alice started to create clothing for friends, family and friends of friends. Elevated basics and hyper-feminine statement pieces take the cake at Sister, bringing the best pieces to achieve the casual-chic outfits that infuse just the right amount of feminine innocence that Liang is known for.