Best Fashion Magazines: Top 5 Publications Most Recommended By Style Experts

Women seek fashion magazines as the ultimate guide to beauty and fashion. While there is a lot of competition online, fashion magazines hold high respect in the world of designers and stylists. To narrow down the greats, we looked into the best fashion magazines you should start flipping through to keep up with the latest trends. 

Undoubtedly one of these high-end editorial mags has covered how “fast fashion” is moving its way out. According to new research, half of Americans believe “fast fashion” — clothing modeled on the runway and then manufactured quickly for stores to carry at a very low price point — is going out of style. A survey of more than 2,500 Americans delved into the fast fashion trend and revealed 54 percent are opposed to it. Of course, that’s once they learned what it was. Only 38 percent knew what fast fashion meant without being given a definition. But even if they believe it’s unfashionable, it might be here to stay. Results show that six in 10 respondents believe social media is exacerbating the problem of fast fashion. That might be partly due to a desire not to be an “outfit repeater.” According to the survey by OnePoll on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress, 48 percent prefer not to be photographed in the same outfit twice — and social media makes fashion choices more public than they might be otherwise.

Perhaps this lack of desire to see clothing modeled on the runway and quickly manufactured is due to women’s lack of interest in seeing these models. More fashion labels have attempted to be increasingly inclusive of models of all shapes and sizes in the past decade, but are images of those still seemingly picture-perfect models doing more harm than good? One recent study shows that many women feel more insecure about their bodies, particularly their mid-sections, after viewing photos of bikini or fashion models. “Our results show that seeing slender and bikini-clad models had an immediate and direct impact on how women feel about their own bodies- and that impact was mostly negative,” explains lead author Dr. David A. Frederick, assistant professor of health psychology, in a university release.

You can’t beat flipping through, what some would call an old-fashioned, print magazine. StudyFinds has researched to find the best fashion magazines. Our list contains the top recommendations across ten expert sources. Is your favorite missing? Let us know in the comments below!

New York Times Square magazine stand (Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash)

The List: Best Fashion Magazines, According to Expert Reviews

1. Vogue

The ultimate women’s fashion publication, Vogue magazine, has a unique and robust influence on new and upcoming fashion trends. “Bringing high fashion and culture together, Vogue provides profiles, advice, and news to readers. Find the perfect couture look for your event, get the latest scoop on entertainment, and snag that look from your favorite celebrity,” says Magazine Line.

A pile of Vogue magazines (Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash)

The publication describes a Vogue woman as confident, cultured, and ahead of the curve. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. “Vogue is more than just a fashion magazine. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a mindset. It’s a movement. For over a century, Vogue has been the vanguard of fashion, setting the trends and setting the standard for style. Today, more than ever, Vogue is at the forefront of fashion and culture, leading the charge and setting the agenda,” explains Rug Knots

Vogue is unarguably the most-sold fashion publication thus far. “Taken over by Conde Naste in 1909, Vogue was first published in 1892 and has been ruling ever since. Targeted to be a women-focused magazine, it has more than 11 million readers across 23 countries, a lot was a revolution when Anna Wintour took over,” offers The Fashion Frill.

2. Elle

If you ever wondered what Elle means, it means “she” or “her” in French. “A few years into publishing, it started a campaign slogan that translated into ‘If she reads, she reads Elle’, which gained traction and slowly turned it into the giant it is today. Many fashion models desire to be featured in this coveted magazine as it is a sure-shot way for them to become popular,” shares Style Craze.

Initially, Elle was sold as a supplement to France-Soir and later became of the most-sold fashion magazines we know. “Made with a purpose to inspire many women out there, Elle’s first issue was released in 1945, 76 years of business,” says The Fashion Frill.

Elle is published in 44 countries with a focus on fashion and all other things exciting for women “Elle is now one of the world’s largest fashion magazines. In short, its purpose is to inspire women to explore and celebrate style in all aspects,” shares Love Happens Mag.

 3. Harper’s Bazaar

Harper’s Bazaar is an American publication that started in 1967 in New York City. “Harper’s Bazaar became a styling source for women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture. Coming from a long history where editors have set a benchmark on Ideal fashion journalism, Bazaar is every editor’s dream,” explains The Fashion Frill.

Someone holding a Harper's Bazaar magazine
Someone holding a Harper’s Bazaar magazine (Photo by Rhamely on Unsplash)

Harper’s Bazaar was America’s first fashion magazine that targeted the upper middle class with polished, informative, and thought-provocative content. “From the latest trends and runway shows to fashion updates in both casual and couture, the editorial covers exciting content. Harper’s Bazaar transitioned from weekly publishing to a monthly magazine and is now into blogs and other digital platforms. Headquartered in New York, the magazine is published in 32 countries,” says Style Craze.

After over 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar still holds the position as one of the best fashion magazines. “Helping you live your most fashionable life, you’ll find fabulous articles covering all areas, including runway fashion, impressive interiors, beauty tips, swanky lifestyle advice, and much more. You’ll be inspired by this fashion-packed magazine covering all the latest trends and how you can wear them. If you’re ready to feel on top of the world and look incredible whilst doing so, you’ll love reading Harper’s Bazaar magazine,” shares Pocket Mags.

4. Allure

Allure is another publication that works under Conde Nast publications and was founded by Linda Wells in 1991. “Allure conducts annual beauty awards in the October issue, promoting the best of beauty. While they’re known for also receiving many awards from Adweek, Bronze Clio Award, and Editorial Excellence Award from Folio to name a few,” shares The Fashion Frill.

Focused on beauty, Allure comes out monthly. “One of Allure’s iconic signatures is its annual Best of Beauty awards. Allure also frequently discusses and reports on several controversial health issues,” adds Love Happens Mag.

Allure is one publication that isn’t new to anyone who has a habit of stopping by the newsstands. “Allure went through an overhaul over the next few years in terms of cultural content and vital (but straightforward) details like the sizing, etc. With an average viewership of 8 million online and over 5 million subscribers, Allure has enjoyed the trust of its consumers since its inception,” shares Style Craze.

5. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan Magazine is the go-to magazine for fun, fearless women. “This lifestyle magazine features the freshest styles and newest names in fashion and beauty with advice for any formal or casual event. Each issue includes celebrity interviews, advice on friendships and relationships, healthy eating and exercise, and tips on achieving your personal goals,” shares Magazine Line.

Cosmopolitan magazine
Cosmopolitan magazine (Photo by Artsy Vibes on Unsplash)

“Cosmo” started in 1965 as a fashion and entertainment magazine ever since. “It has been one of the best-selling magazines both for fashion and non-fashion lovers as it talks about fashion, dating, relationships, health, careers, celebrities, fashion, horoscopes, personal development, and beauty,” offers The Fashion Frill.

Cosmopolitan is renowned as one of the best-selling magazines. The magazine’s chief editor is Jessica Pels. “Often referred to as Cosmo, its content includes articles discussing relationships, sex, health, careers, self-improvement, celebrities, fashion, horoscopes, and beauty. The magazine boasts a whopping 64 editions all over the world. The major target audience of this magazine is women folks within the age groups between 16 to 40 years.” shares Love Happens Mag

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

Comments

  1. Not one of these lousy magazines would put a picture of Melania Trump on the cover. She was the most beautiful and fashionable First Lady who has ever lived in the White House.

    1. Agreed…She is the perfect example of what America is supposed to be ALL about.

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