Under $300

Shopping for independent designer pieces under $300 means finding well made daily clothes cut from resilient fabrics like cotton and leather. Relaxed shapes balance tailored cuts across neutral shades of black, white, and green to keep proportions clean. At this price the wall holds the plainer pieces of well known names: sneakers, hoodies, tees, shirts and trousers.

A.P.C., started in Paris by Jean Touitou, is known for raw denim and plain shirts. Aime Leon Dore, Teddy Santis's label from Queens in New York, makes fleece and knits with an old school sporty look. Veja contributes low top sneakers constructed around wild Amazonian rubber and sturdy canvas.

Heavy cotton hoodies pair naturally with wide leg pants and supple leather footwear for balanced volume. Utopia in Toronto carries Aime Leon Dore, Essentials and Nike and Jordan sneakers, many of them pre owned. Due West in Toronto adds Veja and the Adidas pieces made with Wales Bonner.