Oh, what a year! From brand collabs to fabric debuts, a brand new site experience and eco initiatives, we filled 2023 with so many memorable Dudley moments.
We celebrated the relaunch of our site experience with a breathtaking Southhampton "Dudley Classics" photo shoot, captured by celebrated photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank.
We paired our summer collection with Squeeze de Citron's Pineapple Tote & Lemon Drop Clutch. And we put Mestiza's gorgeous Chinoiserie print on 3 bestsellers: the Park Slope & Juliet turtlenecks and the Sheffield Island Pullover.
We donated more than 400 DS Gives Blankets to Bundles of Joy, bringing a little comfort to women & children in need in nearby Westchester County, NY.
We broke new category ground with the debut of our first puffer coat, the Astrid, in an instant-favorite new fabric, Lustre Puff. And with yet another collab—this one with 1212—we launched our first pajama collection in a Dudley-exclusive print, Penguin Wonderland. (Penguins in turtlenecks? Irresistible!)
We made our earth-conscious collection even more eco-friendly, with the launch of our DS Renew Earth Month product recycling program and our recycled/upcycled pieces, The Color Collection.
Capping off an incredible year, this holiday we were thrilled to find our new Kaki Pullover in the digital pages of the Reese's Book Club Gift Guide.
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If you've seen Audrey Hepburn's impossibly chic French Alps looks as Regina Lampert in "Charade," or Jackie Kennedy's style on the slopes of Gstaad, you can understand why classic ski glamour was the inspiration for our latest Sherpa collection.
We wanted to capture the all-out luxury of those and other coveted winter destinations, with silhouettes as timeless as the fashion icons who inspired them. With its plush feel and sumptuous warmth, our recycled Sherpa is the ideal fabric to keep these styles in your closet for seasons to come.
The effortless look of après, in timeless silhouettes.
Chalet Coat in Black and Moritz Coat in Navy
The Camp Stripe finds its most stylish application yet.
Bundle up with a hat and headband to keep the chill at bay.
Trapper Hat in Spruce, Chalet Coat in Spruce, and Hemlock Headband in Black
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The piece that built our brand.
It's the one that started it all—our very first style. It's instantly addictive and still a bestseller eight years later. Here, our co-founders share why our flagship Cobble Hill Turtleneck remains an always-and-forever favorite fleece.
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On September 19 at 10 a.m. ET, shop the quintessential look of Fall in the countryside: that combination of sporty and chic that sets equestrian style apart.
]]>Neons and neutrals up for any weather, dropping 8/15 at 10 a.m. ET
Hard to believe we'll soon be sliding into crisp air, sipping cider by a fire and embracing all things cozy. But first, we can expect the standard several weeks of transitional temps, when the question of what to wear is less than straightforward.
That's what this mid-August drop is all about—prepping your closet with sartorial problem-solvers that are there when the in-between weather calls.
You'll find our classic turtlenecks in our innovative, lightweight, recycled fabrics (hint: a Park Slope fabric debut), along with easy pullovers to pair with our popular short. We've got kids covered, too, with our Elle Puff Sleeve and a new style bound to become their favorite fleece. All in essential neutrals, fun neons and a couple of prints, too.
Transition season: covered.
]]>A Dudley Girl knows just how to soak up the season. We’re following some of our favorites to see what they’re up to this summer—in our styles, of course.
Today we're wrapping up the series with our own Lauren Stephens, Dudley Stephens Co-founder and mom of two.
LS: We had some travel in the beginning of the summer. I wore our Lanai Dress in black throughout our trip to Italy for a wedding, and our Madaket Dress has been on heavy rotation—perfect for July 4th festivities and for boat rides.
In August, we're headed to Nantucket and East Hampton. I can’t wait to see friends and really slow down for a bit before the rush of Fall starts.
Nantucket is the most charming island, so nostalgic for our family. Favorites include the Sandbar at Jetties Beach for dinner with the kids, Brant Point Grill, The Chanticleer in Sconset and The Galley for sunset cocktails (no surprise that some are also Kaki's favorites!). There is something in the Nantucket air that immediately feels like vacation once you set foot on the island.
Classic, clean and slightly colorful. This summer I have been living in our Madaket Dress, our Lanai Dress and our Palisade Pants (sold out but coming back next year!). I also have been wearing our Brentwood Button Down which also sold out but will return next month. We are expanding on our button downs in a big way in 2024, with new twists and a dress take as well. It's such a perfect year-round wardrobe staple style, and I can't wait for our customers to get their hands on ours.
Of course, I always have a Dudley turtleneck to throw over my shoulders, even when it's 90 degrees out—I am not an AC fan and can't stand getting cold at night. My favorites for summer include the Park Slope in Heather Grey or Navy Terry, and our Crown Lane in Waffle. They're just right for this summer wearing occasion.
Grilling anything outside with my family at home with a spicy, skinny margarita in hand = summer happiness!
Going to the pool with the kids, along with playing tennis or out on the golf course with friends! I love summer activities that get me outside. I always have a book in my bag to read along the way—currently it's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (so good!). Before that I read Bad Summer People, an easy, juicy summer read.
To say I am excited about Fall 2023 is a major understatement: We have new twists on our classic turtleneck, as well as amazing new outerwear, blazers, vests, cardigans, sherpa pullovers...the list goes on! We tried to really home in on what our customers want for our Fall and Winter Collections this year, and we're streamlining our inventory for all new styles, so drops will be leaner and sell faster. Be sure to mark your calendar for Drop Tuesdays at 10 a.m. if you spy something you like!
]]>Our newest summer pieces are inspired by Mustique Island, the celebrated Caribbean hideaway of celebrities and royalty. We love its unabashed glamour and luxury, with statement-making kaftans and soiree-ready dresses and rompers.
Our Jolie Kaftan, Riviera Romper and Lanai Dress capture the essence of Mustique—or any high-style island escape. With nods to eras past in the details of these pieces, along with our timeless Summer Floral print, these pieces are also completely modern in both their styling and our high-performing, recycled Luxe Stretch fabric.
These head-turning pieces are best paired with a cabana chaise and an umbrella cocktail—but they're ready to take you everywhere this season.
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Now you can, on our limited edition DS x Mestiza Park Slope Turtleneck and Sheffield Island Pullover, both in Classic Chinoiserie on our recycled fleece. To celebrate our brand partnership, we sat down with Mestiza Co-Founders Alessandra Perez-Rubio and Louisa Rechter Takacs to talk female founders, festive florals—and putting their bestselling print on our fan-favorite fleece.
Louisa: Alessandra and I met in college—we bonded instantly over our shared family roots in the Philippines and the beautiful, heirloom quality vintage clothing we’d inherited from our mothers and grandmothers. Fast forward some years when we both lived in New York City, when lots of our friends were getting married and we struggled to find that same quality our mothers and grandmothers enjoyed in special occasionwear.
Alessandra: So we kind of set out to create our own collection with a nod to that vintage heritage. We use slow batch manufacturing, to create something that's really special that can be shared with future generations. There's a kind of sustainable element to the idea of getting a lot of wear out of one piece.
Alessandra: At first the pandemic forced Louisa and I to sit down and consider our voice and offering at this unprecedented time when no one knew what was going to happen. One thing that was really important to us was to elevate other female founders. That’s what our Tastemakers series is all about—a community where we can share what we’re learning together. We focus on women making an impact in big and small ways—creating more beauty by being bold and putting something out into the world. And that just made us stronger once everything came back to life post-pandemic.
Louisa: That time also showed us an opportunity to diversify our product a bit—to consider putting our prints on things our customer could wear to the gym or out and about with white jeans. We began to collaborate with other female founders who were already so strong in those other product categories.
Louisa: For all of the above-mentioned reasons! I’ve loved my Park Slopes for forever—it’s always reminded me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear. Like our brand identity, Dudley Stephens is about timeless pieces that stay in your closet forever, with an eco-friendly element and strong female founders behind the brand.
Alessandra: We said, our customers come to us for different—yet similar—reasons. They want to feel their best for a variety of different occasions. Imagine if you could put our print on a fleece you’d wear to ski or to play tennis? Instead of a run-of-the-mill sporty fleece, you’d have this Dudley Stephens chic turtleneck or pullover with a super feminine print aesthetic.
Louisa: That print has been in our collection since we began. We both love blue and white in a decor sense—it’s kind of ingrained in our souls. I remember my mom was all about decorating the house in that color palette, and we’ve talked to women who are like, if I could be an inanimate object I would literally be a blue and white ginger jar.
Alessandra: So we wanted to transfer that palette everyone loves to clothing, because it really transcends seasons and styles and trends. It’s always relevant, it always makes you feel beautiful. Especially at this time of year, when we all tend to veer toward black and other dark neutrals, it just feels so optimistic and fresh to have a print like this that you can wear in the winter months.
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As a fellow female founder, what does it mean to you to be able to partner with like-minded, female-led brands?
I love it, because it usually ends up in friendship! I’ll never forget meeting Lauren and Kaki for the first time and being so excited to get to know them better. I was already a huge fan of Dudley Stephens and couldn’t wait to learn about how they started the business and what they were working on. Honestly, running a business is really hard and it can be lonely at times. Being able to grab a coffee or hop on a zoom with someone who truly just “gets it” is very cathartic for me. I am also a big believer that a rising tide lifts all boats—so if there’s a way that we can help each other, I’m here for it!
Why do you think so many DS customers are also STIK customers?
This isn’t too hard for me to dissect because I fit this profile—I am totally the target demographic for both STIK and DS. I think our customers care about quality, investing in pieces that are both functional and flattering, and being a part of a community. A lot of our customers are busy women who want staples that make them feel their best, and I don’t think you can go wrong in a classic DS turtleneck and a STIK hat. We both have very loyal customers who have helped us grow our brands—they’ve been with us since the beginning and the community is incredible!
What do you love about the Dudley beanies and why does every ski (and après!) fan need one?
I was so excited when Lauren and Kaki reached out about custom Dudley beanies as I knew they’d be a huge hit. It was fun to get a sneak peek at the Ski Collection last spring and see how the Dudley team works in planning mode.
I can’t wait to see how the Dudley customers react to the beanies. I know how much they love to rep the brand and it’ll be really fun to see them in the wild! Plus, they will go perfectly with the new Ski Collection—making for a really cute and chic look. I’ll be wearing mine at Cannon this winter, look for me at après!
What are you most looking forward to this winter season (other than your new arrival!)?
Really looking forward to newborn snuggles by the fire. While I probably won’t take a traditional maternity leave (the realities of owning my own business), I will take time to work from home and live exclusively in leggings and Dudleys. Probably cozied up under a ChappyWrap!
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Our August 9 drop is all about transition season. Think: long-sleeve Jersey essentials you can wear now and layer later. Clutch pieces when the calendar says fall but the temps still say otherwise.
Later in the month, we’ll drop pullovers and hoodies with a sporty sensibility, then bring back our flagship turtlenecks and boatnecks in core colors your closet craves.
We’ll start September with a kids drop so they can start the school year A+ outfitted.
Then, so. Much. New. A brand new fabric, Sherpa Fleece (recycled, of course). Fresh colors, like Dusty Rose and Celestial Blue. New designs destined for Dudley classic status. And a pattern that pays homage to the American Southwest.
After that? Stay tuned. Be sure you’re on our email and SMS lists for the first word on all the Dudley drops ahead.
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We love a style with secret powers up its sleeves (so to speak). As in, it feels like the comfiest thing you own, but when you put it on you feel instantly transformed—confident, at your best. Ready to take on the day.
That's the secret behind the Pheasant Lane Tunic design. We wanted to create a top that had the softness and performance of our Jersey fabric so it feels like a comfortable downtime piece—yet had the look of a put-together, super-stylish top.
So we gave our tunic silhouette a bell sleeve and the prettiest ruffle collar for instant elevation that doesn't look like it's trying too hard, either. The high-low hem keeps you covered with whatever you choose to pair it with.
It's all in the Dudley details. You'll wear this one everywhere.
From morning coffee at Brant Point Grill to sunset margs at Millie's, a day on Nantucket is one well spent. That's why we keep coming back—both as vacationers and through our styles.
Our latest inspiration? The instantly identifiable Nantucket red that reminds us of the early light on ACK. In Nantucket Sunrise, our Park Slope is ready for island breezes this summer and beyond.
It joins Nantucket Fog, a moody teal that captures those mornings when the sunrise is barely visible through the sea fog.
Also ACK inspired: the Sconset Dress, back this season in brand-new colorways, and the Madaket Tunic, an instantly bestselling staple—both in our recycled Jersey fabrics.
Together, these pieces are the perfect foundations for your summer getaway—wherever that may be.
The answer to that question is our Summer Jersey collection, dropping Tuesday, May 17th at 10 a.m. ET. These pieces are made to outfit summer escapes—from day trips to lingering weeks in faraway destinations. They’re designed in a recycled, super-stretchy nylon blend to make the outfit for you, so you can focus on the fun knowing you’re dressed for anything. These fabrics couldn’t be easier to wear and wash, and stay equally put-together from coffee to cocktails. A breeze to pack, they are lightweight, versatile pieces to complete your on-the-go summer looks.
Summer style, from beach to dinner? That’s how we Dudley.
]]>This collection also marks a major Dudley debut with the release of our first-ever original print: a vibrant and playful take on our signature pineapple. To design it, we took inspiration from vintage green and neon pink dresses handed down to our Co-Founder and CEO, Lauren, from her Grandma Dudley. We love the way it captures the essence of our brand in a sophisticated and timeless way.
How will you wear these pieces? Your move. Share: #howdoyoududley.
]]>@barbiestyle™: This is so exciting—today we’re launching my very own signature Dudley Stephens fleece turtleneck. How did you know @barbiestyle™ was the perfect partner for your brand?
Lauren: Dudley Stephens is all about outfitting modern women for comfort and style together, without compromising either. Our pieces keep up with everything you have on your schedule. Since Kaki and I were little girls we’ve been so inspired by the brand you’ve built around women looking and feeling their best while accomplishing big things. We knew our clothing would catch your eye for all those reasons!
@barbiestyle™: It did! I love that I can wear this piece to work, for brunch with the girls, for a date night or even just to run out for errands—always looking chic. The other thing that I loved right away is that you make your clothing with recycled materials.
Kaki: Yes, and that’s really core to our brand. When we launched seven years ago, we knew that if we could find high-performing recycled fabrics it was a no-brainer that we would choose to design our pieces with them—we wanted to be an antidote to waste and fast fashion. We’ve never looked back, and continue to build recycled materials into our pieces, down to our pocket linings. We’ve recycled more than five million plastic bottles through our clothing to date!
@barbiestyle™: Love that. I shop responsible fashion brands whenever I can. How did you choose the Palmer Puff Sleeve as my signature piece?
Lauren: We knew right away that it was the perfect piece for you. It’s such a nice balance of femininity, with its pretty puff sleeve, and strength, with our confidence-building stand-up collar. And of course it’s in your favorite bright pink, with a light pink embroidered pineapple we created just for you!
@barbiestyle™: Good thing it’s machine washable—I really might wear it every day! Last question. What does being a female founder mean to you?
Kaki: It really feels like such an honor to be in a sort of “club” with so many bright, dynamic, creative female leaders—like you! It’s such a supportive community who cheers one another on as we meet new milestones. That’s why we’re also so excited that a portion of sales from our collaboration will go to your Dream Gap Project, to give girls the resources they need to believe that they, too, can dream big and build something of their own.
©2022 Mattel
]]>The hybrid fabric offers the plush warmth of fleece (think: the feel of our Vello Fleece), with the stretch performance—and a hint of sheen—outside. With a double-layer turtleneck collar, drop shoulder styling and pockets, the Clover is warm and enveloping, with an easy-does-it vibe you’ll want to live in this winter.
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The first fleece is made when Malden Mills, later Polartec, combs polyester pile fabric by combing it to tease the fibers to stand up. It’s warm, durable and light—welcome features for outdoor clothing brands.
The first bright fleece prints cause a stir when introduced in Europe.
The first woman solo skis to the North Pole, wearing fleece (of course).
Fleece goes eco with the first fabrication recycled from bottles.
Fleece makes headlines as Time magazine names it one of the century’s most important inventions.
Polartec studies polar bears to optimize fleece’s warmth, weight & breathability.
The first fleece is made from 100% recycled bottles, with the creation of Repreve yarn.
Dudley Stephens is launched by mother-daughter trio Bonnie, Lauren & Kaki to introduce a fashionable, elevated take on the beloved sportswear fabric.
Polartec upcycles its billionth plastic bottle into fleece. Today it’s almost 2 billion! Stay tuned for our own DS bottle-count update.
]]>1. What’s the difference between Vello and Terry Fleece?
Vello is our original fabric, with a feel and weight most similar to “traditional” fleece that’s been around for...40 years. Our Terry is a French terry fabrication with a looped texture on the outside and a smooth finish for the interior.
2. I just spilled ____________ on my favorite Dudley. What do I do?
Our fabrics stand up to all kinds of mishaps (seriously, we’ve heard it all). We recommend applying your favorite stain treatment right away—baby wipes work wonders in a pinch. Then launder in warm water and hang to dry. No irons or fabric softeners, please! And wash towels separately for best results.
3. How is your fleece clothing made “responsibly?”
From the beginning, we’ve sourced fleece spun from recycled plastic bottles, rerouting millions of bottles (latest count coming soon!) from oceans and landfills into eco-friendly styles. Our designs are intended to stand the test of time, for maximum longevity.
4. When are you restocking your fleece styles?
We have so much fall fleece goodness coming—from returning favorites to style debuts. Be sure you follow us
]]>Like our co-founders, Lauren and Kaki, we’ve all been wearing fleece since we can remember. So it’s strange to think of a time when it didn’t fill our closets—but in fact, it was invented in 1981 (the same year our co-founder, Lauren, was born...Dudley destiny?), 40 years ago.
March 2019 | June 2019
We’re celebrating this big 4-0 milestone by looking back at our flagship styles—the collection we created to make fashion from fleece. From 40 to forever, they’re the ones that turn this beloved fabric into the pieces that keep us coming back.
June 2019 | February 2020
August 2020
]]>We attended many fabric fairs in NYC (pre-Covid, of course) in search of this dream fabric. We knew it existed, but it was a matter of sourcing the right weight, with just the right stretchiness. We were relentless in finding the right one! It took a bit of time, investment and testing first, and then even further experimentation to make sure our selection would work for the core styles we had in mind. The new fabric we’re releasing on February 2——the DS Beyond Collection’s first, which we’re calling Jersey—lent each and every quality we set out to find.
The styles we designed are all wardrobe basics, done in a modern way—the same inspiration that has driven our brand from day one. Once again, we’ve found a classic fabric, made from recycled materials, and adapted it to create silhouettes that are both stylish and easy to wear for the modern woman.
Once we emerge from Covid, we think women will be able to wear this collection to the office, job interviews, school functions….then out to dinner, or layered casually under sweaters or blazers. True to the DS ethos, this collection was envisioned to be worn to tackle any and all tasks or events on the day’s agenda.
For best results:
Fleece Fabrications
Beyond: Jersey
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Here are just five of the things we’ve made happen in five years, with your help.
We’ve now repurposed 3.2 million (!) bottles from landfills and our shorelines through our products.
Through DS Gives, we’ve donated over $60,000 this year to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, to help advance their lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
We opened The Townhouse, our company headquarters, in Greenwich, CT in early 2019 (now open for shopping!).
We’ve found ourselves in good company, from a shop in-shop in Boston and Nantucket with For Now, to partnerships with goop, Tuckernuck and more in a host of other (digital and IRL) locales.
As more of you discovered our cozy-chic ethos, we landed on the map, literally, with Dudley Stephens styles sold in all 50 states.
Cheers to the next five years!
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The Silhouette: This is the Dudley take on a classic military-style blazer—that same iconic structure, but with our signature, wearable softness and warmth.
The Details: The Mead Point has double-breasted blazer styling with signature Dudley Stephens metal pineapple buttons, hitting right at the hip with lined pockets. It’s in our recycled Double-Layer Vello for added structure.
Styling the Piece: So many possibilities! Try it with a skirt or over a dress—or layer it over a favorite tee with denim for a ready, put-together look. Pop the collar up or wear down for even more options.
The Silhouette: We were inspired by streetwear fashion photos, with longer-fitting dresses that look cool and chic without trying too hard.
The Details: New collar alert: this one’s a fold-over. Generous in fit, the dress has slits on the slides and hits at ankle length. Lined pockets, of course.
Styling the Piece: Belt it with a pared-back boot, or wear it loose with sneakers or booties. We are seeing new levels of WFH cozy ease with this piece on repeat!]]>Here, more design notes on our newest Capsule debut.
The Fleet St Funnel Coat. Our signature high neck puts a classic coat silhouette in statement-making territory. Our custom Dudley Stephens pineapple buttons, pockets and our silky soft lining set it further apart.
The Crescent Cape. We put a modern twist on a classic cape style, adding a sophisticated element to any look for the holiday season ahead. Custom Dudley Stephens pineapple buttons for closure, and our silky soft lining are next-level finishing details.
The Frost St Scarf. An instant, elegant Dudley touch on any outfit, this layers well with both Capsule outerwear styles.
Shop the entire Capsule collection here.
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The DS Gives Blanket is made with love from 100% recycled materials, turning extra eco-friendly fabric from production into a patchwork-style design, bringing warmth to any child in your life while helping us to achieve our goal of $100,000 for St. Jude this year. Every blanket purchase will direct 100% of retail sales as a donation to St. Jude.
We’re well on our way toward our $100,000 goal—$30,000 donated so far—and your purchase today will help us reach it, together, before the year ends. Thank you for your support—it means the world to us, and to the patients and families at St. Jude.
]]>The silhouette: A midi length with an easy, straight fit through bottom hem.
The details: The Greenpoint has our same signature stand-up collar and full sleeve. Like the Park Slope, it has closed side seams (sans pockets).
Styling the piece: So many options! Wear it out with denim and boots for an effortless casual look, or French tuck it into a skirt for a bit of carefree contrast.
]]>With that in mind, we are heading into fall Fleece Forward, with pieces cozy and confident for everything the season has in store. New turtlenecks with elevated, camera-ready detail. A comfort-giving #dsgives launch. A dress perfectly at home around the house. A power coat—and more.
Maybe we can’t fast forward to next fall—but maybe we don’t want to. Let’s Fleece Forward instead, and take it step by cozy step.
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The silhouette: We designed the Bailiwick in a longer length, with an easy fit and slightly shorter turtleneck.. A closer cousin to the Cobble Hill, without the pockets.
The details: Five logo buttons on the neckline add interest, and the versatility of two looks when you wear the collar up or unbutton down.
Styling the piece: We love this piece paired with denim or faux-leather leggings for an early fall evening outdoors.
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