13 American Brands To Know And Wear Now

As the Fourth of July approaches, it encourages even the most continental fashionistas to consider the mark the United States has made on the world of style. Not only did the US contribute jeans to fashion thanks to Levi Strauss — and let's face it, they are the ultimate wardrobe staple — numerous other fashion innovations and creative minds got their start here. Converse and New Balance are both US-born brands, and it would be a crime not to include the unequivocal work of Ralph Lauren amongst America's contributions to the fashion world.

American fashion has no single defining characteristic; in fact, US-based labels range from bohemian and artistic to elegant and prim. And while the French lay claim to Chanel and Italy boasts Dolce and Gabbana, the United States is responsible for such powerhouse designers as Rag & Bone and Proenza Schouler thanks to the watchful eye of the CFDA. And this is to say nothing of high street brands including American Apparel and J. Crew, whose clothing is both affordable and creative in terms of design.

So in honor of the nation's birthday, here are 13 innovative and virtuosic American fashion brands who have changed the face of modern style. If they aren't already on your radar, it's time to add them to your next shopping spree.

1. BAND OF OUTSIDERS

Created by television producer and visionary Scott Sterberg, Band of Outsiders offers the most cunningly designed, crisp cotton shirts, and smart, fitted jackets you'll find on the market.

2. STEVEN ALAN

After curating boutiques filled with the work of up-and-coming designers, Steven Alan created his own eponymous line in 1999 with classic, laid-back essentials for men and women.

3. ROGAN

This New York-based clothing line bases its sleek, streamlined designs on a principle of "intellectual utilitarianism."

4. RAG & BONE

Rag & Bone's British inspiration combines with gritty New York attitude in the line's urbane wares.

5. ADRIANO GOLDSCHMIED

Since being founded in 2000, Adriano Goldschmied has supplied consumers with some of the most flattering printed, dark-wash, faded, skinny, cropped, and trouser-leg jeans on the market.

6. J BRAND

If you have yet to experience a pair of J. Brand's legendarily flattering jeans, you're in for a treat. The brand claims credit for single-handedly bringing skinny jeans into fashion for consumers around the world.

7. LEVI'S

It's hard to beat a classic, and since creating the blue jean in the 19th century, San Francisco-based company Levi Strauss has remained one of the top denim manufacturers in the US.

8. BILLY REID

Southern label Billy Reid perfectly channels the heritage and beauty of the American South with its range of dresses, skirts, trousers and tops, each rendered in delicate, muted shades and flattering, laid-back silhouettes.

9. CLOVER CANYON

New brand on the block Clover Canyon is manufactured in LA, and its fitted, boldly-printed wares perfectly express its Californian origins.

10. DKNY

Donna Karan isn't shy about her love of New York City, so it seems fitting that her designs channel the spirit and vivacity of her home.

11. HELMUT LANG

Despite Helmut Lang's shocking exit from his eponymous brand in 1999, the fashion house continues to produce streamlined, avant-garde basics for the modern woman.

12. CURRENT/ELLIOTT

Known for their popular iteration of The Boyfriend Jean, Current/Elliott has provided women with the chicest and most comfortable denim available since 2008.

13. HAUTE HIPPIE

Look no further than Haute Hippie for the most glamorous, bohemian wardrobe essentials you could hope to find. Launched in 2008, the brand's chic, laid-back aesthetic is utterly irresistible.

Images: Band of Outsiders Sleeveless Shirtdress, $465, bandofoutsiders.com; Steven Alan Willa Crew Neck Sweater, $345, stevenalan.com; Taylor Stitch The Caroline White Pinpoint Oxford Shirt, $125, taylorstitch.com; Rogan Striped Honovi Blazer, $297, rogannyc.com; Rag & Bone Easy Becker Top, $295, rag-bone.com; The Willow Zip Jeans, $245, agjeans.com; J Brand 8115 Pencil Sharp Jeans, $178, jbrandjeans.com; Levi's Side Zip Shortie Shorts, $29.90, us.levi.com; Billy Reid, Grenna Cuff White Stripe Top, $195, billyreid.com; Clover Canyon Ancient World Map Crop Top, $176, clovercanyon.com; Helmut Lang Lush Voile Draped Angled Top, $275, helmutlang.com; Current/Elliott The Fling/Loved Jeans, $208, currentelliott.com; Haute Hippie Silk Summer Ombre Shorts, $245, shop.nordstrom.com