Finding clothes that actually feel like "you" is hard. Most malls are a sea of beige linen and sad, muted tones that make everyone look like they’re auditioning for a role as a background extra in a coastal grandmother movie. If you’ve landed here, you probably already know about Dressed In Lala. You know the vibe: loud prints, oversized silhouettes, and that specific "I just rolled out of bed but I look like a high-fashion art teacher" energy.
It’s addictive.
But once you’ve scrolled through their entire inventory three times, you start wondering who else is doing this. Where are the other brands like Dressed In Lala that don't take themselves too seriously? We’re talking about the maximalist movement. It’s a middle finger to the "clean girl" aesthetic. It's for people who think a neon green checkered sweater is a neutral.
Finding these spots isn't always easy because the Instagram algorithm tends to show you the same three stores over and over. You need variety. You need pieces that make people stop you in the grocery store to ask, "Wait, where did you get that?" Honestly, that's the whole point of dressing like this.
The Chaos of Maximalism: Why We Crave These Brands
There's a psychological shift happening. After years of being told that "less is more," people are collectively deciding that "more is actually just more." Brands like Dressed In Lala tapped into this desire for dopamine dressing. It’s about clothes that literally make you feel happier when you put them on.
But here’s the thing.
Not every "fun" brand is created equal. Some are just fast-fashion giants churning out low-quality polyester that falls apart after one wash. When you're looking for alternatives, you have to look for brands that understand the structure of oversized clothing. It’s not just about making a shirt big; it’s about the drape, the weight of the fabric, and the audacity of the print.
1. Big Bud Press: The King of Color and Size Inclusivity
If Dressed In Lala is the cool, edgy aunt, Big Bud Press is the organized, artistic cousin who lives in Los Angeles and owns every color of the rainbow. Based in California, they are obsessive about their manufacturing. They use heavy-duty cotton canvas and a lot of unisex sizing.
Their jumpsuits are legendary.
If you want that boxy, "I'm here to work but also I might be a painter" look, this is it. They don't do the same flowy knits as Lala, but their color palette is just as aggressive. They focus on sun-drenched, saturated hues—burnt oranges, deep emeralds, and mustard yellows.
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What’s cool about Big Bud is their commitment to ethical labor. They do most of their manufacturing in-house in LA. It’s more expensive than your average mall brand, but the stuff is built like a tank. You’ll have these pieces for a decade. Their "Pantry Button Down" is a great entry point if you like the oversized button-up look that Lala fans often gravitate toward.
2. Nooworks: The Print Paradise
Nooworks is a woman-owned small business based in San Francisco. If your favorite thing about Dressed In Lala is the wild, hallucinogenic prints, you need to book a flight to their website immediately. They collaborate with different artists for every collection.
Seriously. Every single season, they drop a limited run of prints that you won't find anywhere else.
The fabrics are usually jersey or corduroy, and the fits are very retro-inspired. Think 70s jump suits and 60s mod dresses but updated for someone who actually has to walk their dog and go to a real job. The "Magic" suit is their staple. It fits almost every body type and makes you look like a walking piece of art.
They produce in small batches. This is important. When a print is gone, it is usually gone for good. It creates a bit of a "gotta catch 'em all" vibe among their fanbase, which is very similar to the drop-style excitement that Dressed In Lala creates on social media.
3. Lucy & Yak: The Comfort Seekers
Hailing from the UK, Lucy & Yak started with dungarees (overalls for us Americans). They’ve since exploded into a massive community-driven brand. If you like the comfort aspect of Dressed In Lala—the elastic waistbands and the "I can eat a full burrito in this" roominess—this is your spot.
They use a lot of organic cotton and recycled materials.
Their aesthetic is a bit more "boho-meets-skater-kid." You’ll find a lot of bright stripes, checkered patterns, and fleeces that look like they were stolen from a 90s TV show set. Their "Alexa" trousers are a cult favorite because they have a super high waist and deep pockets.
They also do a great job with "imperfect" sales. They sell items with tiny flaws at a massive discount to keep clothes out of landfills. It's a transparent approach that a lot of younger shoppers are looking for right now.
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4. Farm Rio: High-End Maximalism
Now, if you have a bit more of a budget to blow, Farm Rio is the gold standard. This Brazilian brand is basically Dressed In Lala's sophisticated, world-traveling older sister. The prints are intricate—tropical birds, giant bananas, lush jungle foliage.
Everything is vibrant.
While Lala leans into a bit of a "streetwear" or "grunge" vibe sometimes, Farm Rio is pure sunshine. Their dresses are structural masterpieces. They use a lot of embroidery, tassels, and unique cuts that feel very "vacation in Rio."
They are also a B Corp, and for every purchase, they plant a tree. It’s luxury maximalism with a conscience. If you’ve ever felt like Dressed In Lala was a little too "casual" for a wedding or a nice dinner, Farm Rio is where you go to level up.
5. Mokuyobi: For the Neon Obsessed
Let’s talk about Mokuyobi. They are based in Los Angeles and their whole mantra is about being "super positive." The clothes look like a box of Crayola markers exploded.
They do a lot of color-blocking.
If you like the "checkerboard" trend that Lala often features, Mokuyobi takes that and turns the volume up to eleven. Their bags and backpacks are also incredible—very 80s/90s retro-futurism. It’s definitely more on the streetwear side of the spectrum.
One thing to note: their sizing can be a little different than the "everything is oversized" approach of Lala. They offer more structured garments, so check the size charts carefully. Their "Big Question" jackets are a great alternative to the heavy shackets you see elsewhere.
What to Look for When You’re Shopping
It’s easy to get overwhelmed. You see a bright pattern and you think, "Yes, that's it!" but then it arrives and the fabric feels like a shower curtain. Or worse, it’s "one size fits all" and it clearly does not fit you.
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When looking for brands like Dressed In Lala, keep these three things in mind:
- Fabric Weight: Heavy knits and thick cottons are what give those oversized clothes their "shape." If the fabric is too thin, it just looks baggy and messy, not intentionally oversized.
- Artist Collaborations: Brands that value unique prints usually name the artists they work with. This is a sign of a brand that cares about original design rather than just ripping off whatever is trending on Pinterest.
- Return Policies: Maximalist clothing is a risk. Sometimes a print that looked amazing on a screen makes you feel like you’re wearing a costume in real life. Always check the return window.
The Counter-Argument: Is Maximalism Just Fast Fashion in Disguise?
It's a fair question.
A lot of people criticize "trendy" brands for contributing to overconsumption. If you’re buying a new "vibe" every month, is that sustainable? Probably not.
The trick is to find pieces you actually love, not just pieces that are popular on TikTok. Brands like Nooworks and Big Bud Press are arguably the "antidote" to fast fashion because they focus on quality and ethical production. They want you to wear that neon jumpsuit until it’s literally falling apart at the seams.
Dressed In Lala has a very specific "drop" culture that can sometimes feel like it's pushing you to buy now or miss out forever. If that stresses you out, look toward brands like Lucy & Yak that keep their core items in stock year-round. It’s a slower way to build a colorful wardrobe.
Moving Beyond the "Lala" Look
You don't have to stay in one lane. Maybe you buy your oversized sweaters from Dressed In Lala, but you get your structured trousers from Big Bud Press. The beauty of this "clutter-core" or maximalist style is that there are no rules.
Mix the patterns.
Wear the clashing colors.
The goal is to stop dressing for the male gaze or the "corporate" gaze and start dressing for yourself. It’s about personal joy.
If you're ready to expand your closet, start by picking one "statement" piece from a new brand. Don't try to replace your whole wardrobe at once. Maybe it's a pair of printed overalls or a really loud button-down. Wear it with things you already own. See how the quality compares.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Shopping Trip:
- Check the "About" page: Look for where the clothes are made. If they don't say, they are likely mass-produced in factories with questionable standards.
- Follow the artists: If you see a print you love on Nooworks or Farm Rio, find the artist on Instagram. They often collaborate with other brands you might not have discovered yet.
- Use the "Resale" trick: Search for these brands on Poshmark or Depop. Since these clothes are "loud," people often wear them once for an event and then sell them. You can find "Lala-style" pieces for half the price while being more sustainable.
- Analyze the "Cut": Before buying, look at the shoulder seams on the model. If the seam is dropped (down by the bicep), it’s meant to be oversized. If it’s at the natural shoulder, it’s a standard fit.
Stop settling for neutral basics if they make you feel invisible. There's a whole world of color out there beyond the usual suspects. Whether you end up in a Big Bud Press jumpsuit or a Farm Rio maxi dress, the most important thing is that you feel like the loudest, truest version of yourself.