The Knitwear That Fits Like Alex Perry

For an Alex Perry look without the investment, start with knitwear. NBD (Nothing Better Denim) makes body-hugging ribbed knits in silk-cashmere blends that mirror Perry’s signature second-skin silhouettes. Look for high necks, dramatic shoulder cutouts, and long sleeves with thumbholes. Pair a black ribbed turtleneck with a high-waisted leather pant for an evening-ready combo. The key is the fabric: choose knits with at least 5% stretch to ensure they grip your frame without sagging. Avoid acrylic blends; opt for cotton- modal or silk-wool mixes. For a red carpet vibe, try a bodycon midi dress from Bec & Bridge. Their ‘Pamela’ dress features a cowl neck and low back for that Perry-like drama.

Tailored Separates for Power Dressing

Alex Perry excels at sharp tailoring. For a similar structured blazer, look to A.L.C. Their ‘Ray’ blazer is cut from a stiff Japanese cotton-twill with a nipped waist and peak lapels. Wear it open over a corset top (try ASOS or NBD) to create that ’90s supermodel silhouette. For trousers, target the ‘wide-leg crop’ style from Warp + Weft. They feature a sharp crease and high waist. To achieve the Perry proportion, pair a micro-cropped ribbed sweater with high-waisted trousers in a contrasting texture, like leather or satin. Always tuck the top in. For evening, go for the complete suiting from Adulthood and use their single-breasted blazer over a silk charmeuse bra top.

The Plunging Silhouette: Dresses and Jumpsuits

Perry’s plunging necklines are iconic. For a similar effect, try the ‘Rapture’ jumpsuit from Bec & Bridge. It has a deep V-neck that extends to the navel, held by a twist detail. The fabric is a heavy crepe (34% polyester, 51% rayon, 15% spandex) that holds its shape. For a more covered option, look to A.L.C.’s ‘Cora’ dress in a stretch double-crepe. The key to pulling off this silhouette is the right undergarment. Do not rely on adhesive cups; instead, use a silicone backless bra or fashion tape applied along the neckline edge. For added security, use double-sided carpet tape (yes, it works) on the inside seam of the bodice to prevent gaping. Colorwise, you cannot go wrong with the classic black. For a punch, try a deep burgundy or midnight blue.

The Bodycon Mini: Texture and Structure

Alex Perry’s bodycon mini dresses often feature cutouts or sculptural seams. For a less costly alternative, look at the ‘Lucia’ dress from NBD. It has a square neckline and a twisted side seam (nothing like those on the runway). The fabric is a ponte knit with substantial weight. Another option is the ‘Elsa’ dress from House of Mooshki, with a high neck and open back. The rule for bodycon: it must be 100% opaque. Before buying, check the stretch test-when you pull the fabric, you should not see white threads. For a similar sculptural effect, choose dresses with boning in the bodice (NBD’s ‘Savannah’ has built-in corset boning). These dress hold you in without a separate shapewear layer. But if you do need shapewear, go for a shorts-style piece in a seamless nude tone that ends at your mid-thigh.

Accessories to Anchor the Look

To complete a Perry-inspired ensemble, accessories must be sleek. For shoes, look for pointed-toe heels with a skinny stiletto (look for brands like Loeffler Randall or Jessica Rich, both under big label names). For jewelry, choose metal-only: a chunky chain necklace and small hoop earrings. No stones. The bag should be a clutch or a structural mini bag. A chain-strap shoulder bag (think Cult Gaia, but the affordable version) works if it is solid-color metallic or black. For hair, go sleek: a center part with the hair pulled back into a low ponytail (like a perry classic? Not sure). By the way, do not over-accessorize; let the silhouette be the statement.

Key Takeaway

For Alex Perry’s sculptural silhouettes without the price tag, focus on high-stretch opaque knits, sharp tailoring, and minimal, sleek accessories.