United Colors of Benetton

Profile

While United Colors of Benetton’s ad campaigns tend to cultivate controversy (remember those Sentenced to Death portraits glaring from bus stop shelters?), the clothing consistently skews safely business casual. When the company grew from globally-themed boutique chain to global behemoth in the mid-1980s, its practical pieces and vivid solid colors became omnipresent, the Gap khakis of their time. Benetton’s Manhattan locations continue to stock office-ready staples in clean, open spaces that let the bold garments pop. Not a big fan of tangerine? Chances are the same linen blouse, satin skirt, or cotton polo you’re after can be had in several colors from the season’s chosen palette. (Benetton designs only two collections a year, so stock doesn’t change all that often.) — Kate Jacobs

Because Benetton designs only two collections a year, expect one huge sale in the middle of each season rather than a rotating clearance rack.