If you've been curating a wardrobe that’s equal parts smart and stylish, you've likely fallen for Professor E. The brand perfectly captures that trendy, academic-inspired chic, blending tailored blazers, pleated skirts, and preppy knitwear with a fresh, youthful edge. It’s the go-to for looking polished and put-together without feeling stuffy.
For those who love the scholarly elegance of Professor E but are ready to expand their sartorial library, we’ve found 19 other brands that hit all the right notes. From Parisian chic to minimalist staples, get ready to discover your new favorite study buddy in style.
Sezane offers that effortlessly chic Parisian style you dream about, focusing on timeless, beautifully made pieces like silky blouses and tailored trousers. If Professor E is the sharp, witty grad student, Sezane is the visiting professor from Paris - bringing a touch more romance, vintage charm, and an overall luxe, European flair to the academic look.
Shop now at sezane.com
For an academic vibe with an eco-conscious twist, Reformation is your answer. Known for nailing trendy, figure-flattering silhouettes, you’ll find structured blazers and chic button-downs that feel both modern and scholarly. Where Professor E has a softer, vintage appeal, Reformation offers a more streamlined, contemporary cut that's always sustainably made.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Offering a mix of aesthetics from different design ateliers, & Other Stories is a treasure trove for academic-inspired pieces like collegiate sweaters, blazers, and versatile skirts. With prices generally landing between $40-$150, it nails the same youthful, trendy vibe as Professor E but offers a much broader scope, allowing you to mix classic pieces with more quirky, personal touches.
Shop now at stories.com
J.Crew is the OG of classic American preppy style. It’s where you go for iconic pieces like cable-knit sweaters, tailored chinos, and blazers that never go out of style. While Professor E channels a more trend-forward academic look, J.Crew stays true to its traditional roots, offering reliable, high-quality staples for a polished and put-together aesthetic.
Shop now at jcrew.com
If you like your academic style with a dose of cool, Ganni has you covered. This Danish brand is known for its playful, trend-heavy pieces, like statement blouses and plaid separates that scream "fashion it-girl." Ganni is decidedly more avant-garde than Professor E, perfect for anyone wanting to give their preppy look a serious edge.
Shop now at ganni.com
Lulus makes trendy styles incredibly accessible, serving up preppy, vintage-inspired pieces perfect for a collegiate wardrobe on a budget. With most items falling in the $20-$100 range, you can experiment with pleated skirts and cute blouses without a huge investment. While it might be less tailored than Professor E, its feminine and playful vibe is a perfect match.
Shop now at lulus.com
Mango strikes the perfect balance between Euro-chic and modern professionalism. You’ll find amazing tailored blazers, sleek trousers, and sophisticated button-ups that are ideal for creating a smart, academic-inspired look. With a similar pricing model ($40-$130), Mango feels like Professor E's slightly more polished, city-living older sister.
Shop now at shop.mango.com
Famous for its amazing denim, Madewell also offers a laid-back, preppy aesthetic that aligns with a more casual academic style. Think perfectly worn-in plaid shirts and simple, stylish blazers meant for everyday wear. Compared to Professor E, Madewell is the weekend edition - still polished and timeless, but with a comfier, more relaxed vibe.
Shop now at madewell.com
Anthropologie gives academic staples an eclectic, artsy makeover. Expect to find tweed blazers, classic knits, and pleated skirts reinvented with unique prints and vintage-inspired details. It's the perfect choice if you love Professor E’s core pieces but crave a more creative and bohemian flair for your scholarly wardrobe.
Shop now at anthropologie.com
When you want to try out a new academic trend without a major commitment, Zara is your best friend. This fast-fashion giant reliably offers runway-inspired takes on plaid skirts, crisp shirts, and tailored blazers at incredible prices. While it's more trend-driven, Zara is a fantastic resource for stylishly updating your scholarly look each season.
Shop now at zara.com
Aritzia excels at creating "everyday luxury" staples that feel polished and modern. Home to amazing in-house brands, it’s a go-to for pleated skirts, cozy knits, and iconic blazers that fit like a dream. Similar to Professor E's focus on elevated basics, Aritzia offers a slightly more luxe, aspirational feel that’s perfect for ambitious students and young professionals alike.
Shop now at aritzia.com
While primarily a footwear and accessories brand, Nisolo is a key player in nailing the academic look. Their ethically-made leather loafers, oxfords, and minimalist bags are the perfect finishing touches for any preppy-chic outfit. This is where you find the foundational pieces that scream sophistication and thoughtful taste.
Shop now at nisolo.com
Cuyana lives by the "fewer, better" philosophy, crafting high-quality essentials designed to last a lifetime. Find perfectly tailored trousers, simple blouses, and classic leather goods to build a sophisticated, academic wardrobe. Like Professor E, Cuyana focuses on timeless, versatile pieces but with an added emphasis on intentionality and minimalist design.
Shop now at cuyana.com
For building a functional and affordable academic wardrobe, look no further than Uniqlo. It’s the ultimate source for high-quality basics like blazers, layering thermals, and pleated skirts, all at budget-friendly prices. Uniqlo is the most practical and reliable workhorse for stocking up on the staple pieces you’ll wear on repeat.
Shop now at uniqlo.com
Everlane is all about modern, minimalist style with a commitment to sustainability and transparency. Its collection of crisp shirts, chic sweaters, and tailored pants provides the perfect building blocks for a sharp, academic-inspired look. It shares Professor E’s appreciation for quality basics but with a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic.
Shop now at everlane.com
Banana Republic offers polished, professional pieces that easily transition from campus to the corner office. Often leaning into an adventurous, travel-inspired theme, you'll find refined accessories, structured blazers, and classic skirts that fit the academic bill. Think of it as a slightly more mature and worldly alternative to Professor E's youthful energy.
Shop now at bananarepublic.com
Capturing that effortless French-girl chic, Rouje is perfect for those who want their academic style served with a side of romance. Known for signature cardigans, floral blouses, and vintage-inspired silhouettes, it feels much more feminine and less structured than Professor E, but no less charming for a day at the archives.
Shop now at rouje.com
Madame Aime brings a vintage-inspired, whimsical touch to academic fashion. The brand specializes in unique pieces like tailored-yet-feminine pleated skirts, charming blouses, and cozy cardigans. If you're looking for a more distinctive, artsy twist on the classic collegiate look, Madame Aime is a fantastic secret to have up your sleeve.
Shop now at madameaime.com
Famous for its oversized blazers and thoughtfully tailored separates, The Frankie Shop is the epitome of modern cool. Its staples are minimalist, utilitarian, and effortlessly powerful - perfect for an academic look that feels sharp and fashion-forward. While Professor E is preppy-chic, The Frankie Shop delivers a sleeker, more minimalist version of that same smart style.
Shop now at thefrankieshop.com
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