Hey girl, have you heard about ASTR the Label? This contemporary women‘s clothing brand has been all over my Instagram feed lately, so I knew I had to check it out for myself. After getting my hands on several of their bestselling pieces and wearing them on repeat, I‘m officially hooked and excited to dish all the details with you!
In this ASTR the Label review, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about the brand, from their origin story to what makes their aesthetic unique to how their clothing stacks up in terms of material, fit, quality, and style. I‘ll share my personal experience with some of ASTR‘s most popular items and compare them to similar brands. By the end, you‘ll have the full scoop on whether this celeb-loved label is worth the hype (and your hard-earned cash).
To give you a sneak peek, I‘ve been really impressed with ASTR and definitely think they‘re worth checking out if you‘re looking for pretty, feminine pieces to freshen up your wardrobe. The quality is there, the prices are reasonable for the contemporary category, and their dresses are just chef‘s kiss. But don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s get into the nitty gritty!
What‘s the Deal with ASTR the Label? Inside the Brand‘s Backstory
First thing‘s first, let‘s talk about what ASTR the Label actually is. Founded in 2012, ASTR is a Los Angeles-based contemporary clothing brand that‘s all about making fashion-forward, versatile pieces for the modern woman. The name "ASTR" (pronounced like "aster") comes from the Greek word for star, which perfectly captures the brand‘s goal of making women feel like shining stars in their clothes.
One of the co-founders shared with WWD that she and her husband started ASTR after years working for big corporate fashion brands. They saw a need for trendier, elevated pieces at a more accessible price point than luxury labels. Every ASTR collection combines easy-to-wear silhouettes, feminine details, and playful patterns and colors that make the brand‘s vibe distinct.
While ASTR has expanded into categories like rompers, jumpsuits, and separates over the years, dresses are still their bread and butter. I love how they offer such a range of dress styles for every occasion, from cute sundresses and flirty minis to chic midis and elegant gowns.
So who exactly is the ASTR girl? She‘s someone who appreciates current trends but wants pieces that will last beyond one season. She‘s confident, spontaneous, and not afraid to turn heads in a killer outfit. Whether she‘s brunching with the girls, working a room at a party, or attending a formal event, she wants to look and feel amazing.
Putting ASTR to the Test: My Review of Their Most Popular Pieces
Okay, now that you‘ve got the 411 on ASTR, let‘s talk about the clothes themselves. I‘ll admit I was drawn in by how cute everything looked online, but I wanted to see if the quality matched up IRL. I ended up ordering a handful of ASTR‘s bestsellers and most raved-about pieces to try. Here are my honest thoughts:
Gaia Tie Front Midi Dress
The Gaia dress had over 500 glowing reviews on ASTR‘s site, so my expectations were high – and it did not disappoint! This flowy midi dress features the prettiest floral print, smocked bodice, and adjustable tie straps. It‘s fully lined which makes it feel more expensive than its $128 price tag.
I‘m 5‘6" and usually somewhere between a small and medium in dresses, and the small fit me perfectly. It‘s super comfortable and easy to move in but the smocking and tie straps keep it from feeling shapeless. The length is great for a dressy event or even as a wedding guest option. I got so many compliments when I wore it to my friend‘s bridal shower!
Behati Smocked Blouse
A pretty floral blouse is such a wardrobe staple, so I was excited to snag ASTR‘s customer-favorite Behati top. The smocked bodice and peplum hem give it a romantic, feminine look while the ruffled straps add a little something extra. It‘s made from a soft, lightweight fabric that‘s perfect for spring and summer.
I will say this top runs large – I‘m usually a medium in blouses and the small was still pretty roomy on me. I didn‘t mind the oversized fit, but if you want a more fitted look, definitely size down. The lighter colors are also a bit sheer, so plan to wear a nude bra or cami underneath.
Esperanza Ruched Mini Dress
If you‘re looking for a head-turning girls‘ night out dress, stop right here. The Esperanza mini has the most flattering ruching and a flirty tie-front detail that cinches you at the waist. I‘m obsessed with the punchy fuchsia color, but it also comes in versatile black.
I went with my usual size small in this dress and it fit like a glove. The fabric has a nice weight to it and just the right amount of stretch. I was also pleasantly surprised that it has adjustable straps – a small detail that makes a big difference in getting the perfect fit. Just add heels and statement earrings and you‘re ready to party!
Jolie Wrap Top
A versatile wrap top belongs in every woman‘s closet, and ASTR‘s silky Jolie blouse does not disappoint. It drapes beautifully and can easily go from work to weekend depending on how you style it. The subtle jacquard print adds a touch of interest.
The hook and eye closure makes this a true wrap style that you can adjust to your liking. I found it ran true to size for ASTR – I took my usual medium and it had the perfect relaxed fit without being too revealing. This is one of those tops I know I‘ll reach for over and over again.
Lace Midi Dress
Last but certainly not least, we need to talk about ASTR‘s dreamy lace dresses. I was eyeing a few different styles, but ended up going with this classic strappy midi for an upcoming wedding. The intricate floral lace looks designer and the fit-and-flare silhouette is supremely figure-flattering.
I was shocked at how high-quality the lace felt for the price. It photographs beautifully and has a nice weight without being too heavy or stiff. If you‘re looking for a special occasion dress that won‘t cost a month‘s rent, this is your girl. My only callout is the light colors are fairly sheer, so I‘ll be wearing a nude slip underneath for modesty.
What the Numbers Say: Analyzing ASTR Reviews and Best-Sellers
Of course, you shouldn‘t just take my word for how great ASTR‘s clothes are. I wanted to see what customers across the internet had to say about the brand. After scouring reviews, I found the vast majority of shoppers are just as obsessed with ASTR as I am!
On the brand‘s website, most styles have between 4 and 5 star ratings from hundreds of reviews. A few of their most popular pieces and their stats:
| Item | Rating | # of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Gaia Tie Front Midi Dress | 4.9 stars | 562 reviews |
| Lace A Line Midi Dress | 4.8 stars | 250 reviews |
| Behati Smocked Blouse | 4.6 stars | 137 reviews |
| Esperanza Ruched Mini Dress | 4.8 stars | 84 reviews |
I noticed a few common themes among what happy customers loved about ASTR:
- Feminine, flattering silhouettes that look expensive
- Quality materials and construction, especially for the price
- On-trend pieces that can be dressed up or down
- Wide range of sizing from XXS to XL
The most common complaints were around inconsistent sizing and lighter colors being see-through. A few shoppers also found ASTR‘s shipping and returns process frustrating. But negative reviews were definitely the minority!
ASTR styles frequently pop up in "best-sellers" and "most loved" lists on major retailers like Revolve, Nordstrom, and Shopbop too. Refinery29 called out the brand‘s dresses as "perennial best-sellers" while The Zoe Report praised their size inclusivity. I think it‘s safe to say the hype is real.
How ASTR Compares to Other Millennial-Loved Brands
With so many contemporary brands vying for our attention (and dollars) these days, I wanted to see how ASTR stacks up to a few other labels I love. Here‘s my take:
ASTR vs. Lulus
ASTR and Lulus have a lot in common: they‘re both based in LA, have a sweet spot for pretty dresses, and aim to deliver on-trend pieces at affordable prices. I‘d say ASTR styles skew a little dressier and more elevated than Lulus on average. Lulus also offers shoes and accessories, while ASTR sticks to just clothes.
While Lulus‘ prices start lower, in the $50 range, I‘ve had better luck with the quality and fit of ASTR pieces overall. The materials feel more substantial and the designs look more expensive. That said, you can still find some gems at Lulus – I just recommend reading reviews closely!
ASTR vs. ASOS
UK-based retailer ASOS is another go-to for stylish, budget-friendly fashion. Like Lulus, their prices start a bit lower than ASTR, with lots of options under $50. ASOS is also known for their wide size range, including petite, tall, and plus.
I‘ve had pretty hit-or-miss experiences with ASOS – some of their pieces look and feel super cheap in person. And with such a massive selection, quality can be inconsistent. I definitely prefer ASTR‘s more curated approach and focus on luxe-feeling materials and special details. ASOS is great for trendier styles I may only wear a few times, though!
ASTR vs. Revolve
If you hang around fashion circles, you‘ve definitely heard of Revolve. It‘s one of the buzziest online retailers known for their It Girl-approved curation of contemporary and designer brands. You can actually shop ASTR on Revolve, where it‘s one of their more affordable lines.
I consider ASTR a great entry point to the Revolve aesthetic – you get the glamorous, carefree cool-girl vibe at a relatively more accessible price. Revolve also sells ASTR offshoots like ASTR the Label Plus for sizes 14-22, so even more shoppers can get in on the brand‘s signature style.
Is ASTR the Label Worth the Hype? My Verdict
By now I‘m sure you can guess how I feel, but let me make it crystal clear: ASTR the Label gets a glowing review and hearty recommendation from me! No, their pieces aren‘t dirt cheap, but I firmly believe you get what you pay for. And with ASTR, you‘re getting trend-forward designs, dreamy materials and details, and an effortlessly sexy-but-polished aesthetic.
I love how ASTR makes me feel when I wear it – like I could be snapped by a street style photographer or invited to a VIP event at any moment. The clothes make me walk a little taller and feel a little more confident. Isn‘t that what fashion is all about?
If you‘re someone who appreciates pretty, feminine style and wants to invest in pieces you‘ll reach for again and again, I can‘t recommend ASTR enough. I think they‘re especially worth checking out if you have any weddings, bridal showers, or dressy events coming up this spring and summer.
Treat yourself to an ASTR dress and just wait for the compliments to roll in. But don‘t blame me if you get a little addicted! I‘m right there with you girl – my shopping cart is already filled with my next must-haves from the brand. Happy shopping!
