Argent

So here's the thing about Argent - it's basically what happens when someone finally gets fed up with terrible workwear and decides to do something about it. Founder Sali Christeson spent a decade in the Bay Area's finance and tech scene struggling to find work clothes that were both bold and practical - options were stagnant, constricting, and lacked key functional elements. But what really pushed her over the edge? A study showing that a woman's ability to make a strong sartorial statement impacts her confidence, her career, and ultimately, her bottom line.

And honestly, that's kind of brilliant. Because let's be real - we've all had that moment standing in front of the closet thinking "I have nothing to wear" when what we really mean is "I have nothing that makes me feel like I can conquer the world today." Argent was founded by Sali Christeson and Eleanor Turner, creating a line of clothes designed for working women who are always on the go, made with performance-led fabrics, purposeful pockets, and useful details that optimize your work-joy balance.

Notice how they keep mentioning pockets? That's not an accident. Every garment is designed to empower women with equal paychecks and pockets - which is both a practical feature and a pretty pointed statement about workplace equality. The brand launched in 2016, and they've built quite the following. Customers include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Katie Couric and Huma Abedin.

But Argent isn't just selling blazers and trousers (though they do that very well). The brand has dressed leaders in politics, entertainment and tech for nearly a decade, and now shares their thoughts, stories and advice via a podcast called "Work Friends," where Founder Sali Christeson speaks with executives, activists, entrepreneurs, journalists and strategists about building their career path. It's like they're building a whole ecosystem around the idea that what you wear matters, but so does the community you're part of.

The company started online-only but has since expanded. They now sell via their website, three retail stores (two in New York City and one in Washington, D.C.) and Neiman Marcus. And they're not shy about their mission either - they're creating a movement that's all about self expression in and out of the workplace, versatility as a power move, and radical equality when it comes to paychecks, pockets, and everything in between.

What's interesting is how they've positioned themselves beyond just fashion. They've done collaborations with organizations like Supermajority (remember those viral pink suits during election season?), and they're constantly featuring "Work Friends" - trailblazing women across industries. It's less "buy our clothes" and more "join our movement." Which, let's face it, is a much more compelling pitch than just another workwear brand.