High Street Heroes: My Go-To Brands (and what to buy)

A somewhat different post from me to finish off the year but hopefully a very helpful one as I have compiled the brands that I have been shopping at on repeat for clients this season and what I am buying from them. Obviously it does change depending on the collections but these will often be the stalwarts of my shopping trips both virtually and face to face.

So here goes (I have linked a number of my favourite pieces and popped in a few images from each brand):

Whistles

This probably has to take top spot for being an excellent all-rounder! Their skirts have been number 1 by a country mile this season like the Blurred Floral  and Shadow Bias; their dresses are also excellent and their knitwear too. I particularly love their Oversized Cashmere Roll Necks (the trick is to size down to achieve the perfect relaxed but not unflattering fit) and for all those of you who can’t wear wool/cashmere (which does make life much more difficult when the shops are full of it) the Maja Roll Neck is an excellent option too.

 

Hush

Another firm favourite across the board and this season their skirts including the Sana have worked well along with various knitwear styles like the Tilly . Their sizing is dodgy which is a definite negative and nine times out of ten you need to size down but they always have a great collection. And not to be forgotten are their accessories – colourful print scarves and jewellery.

 

Uniqlo

I do work with them in a paid partnership capacity – full disclosure! But I have raved about them for years because they nail layering, have great basics at fab prices and often have other gorgeous gems like this coat which I have worn on repeat and this snuggly Puffa. I am evangelical about all things Heattech; their Ultra Down Puffas are fab and for cashmere and merino wool knits in a whole array of colours they are not to be beaten.

 

M&S

Their trousers are fab. Full stop. I have bought these Crepe Wide Leg Trousers on repeat (although mostly sold out in black, there is more availability in navy and you can sign up for stock alerts – I have as I haven’t managed to get my hands on a pair yet!) But their Side Stripe Trousers are also good and cashmere at affordable prices as well as a great range of coloured Super Soft sweaters for those who can’t wear natural fibres. They do obviously have other gems across the brand from coats to sequins, footwear and dresses but often it can feel like needle in the haystack territory and some stores are worse than others that is for sure!

 

John Lewis

If only for the range of brands they stock across clothing (Hush to Hobbs – their Tilda coat is a must if you’re petite, Boden to Ro and Zo – fab dresses, Reiss to Nobody’s Child which does lovely printed dresses and ideal if you are on the shorter side and so many more) but also their own range of cashmere is at a great price and in fab colours. Their footwear is good too – not just the brands they stock but also their own range as well as the And/Or own label always has pieces I buy for my clients like these lovely Lightning Bolt boots and these gold loafers.

 

Mango

This season I have bought a lot of coats/trenches and blazers from Mango. Zara tends to be the high street big hitter but don’t forget about this other Spanish stalwart. In previous seasons their denim/skirts and dresses have also been worth looking at.

 

Reiss

Once the destination for workwear and formalwear but once again looking strong is Reiss. I love their Hailey drawstring trousers and the Wide leg Drawstring Trousers this season which come in regular, long and petite and they do a great tailored blazer too.

 

Me + Em

They are more expensive but their dresses are gorgeous, trousers tailored beautifully like these Perfect Work Slim Leg Crop Trousers and Perfect Work Full Length Trousers they do lovely, interesting layering pieces with pretty collars/cuffs etc. A great brand if you are on the taller side.

 

Sezane

Super chic French fashion and I always look at their knitwear – too many to choose from but here is a lovely winter white Malou Jumper and tops like this Chloe Shirt which offer something different to what is on the rest of the high street with perfect versatile pieces you can dress up and down.

 

Wyse

A firm favourite with a gorgeous range but their dresses – this Aimee is one of their signature styles – and tops are fab – like the Sienna .

 

Denim

This is always a tricky one and so individual – there is no substitute for trying on in person. At the higher end my go-to is always Paige but across the high street Boden’s girlfriend is a good one and Zara’s Slim Crop and Marine styles (albeit you would need to size up as the Marine come up small) have worked well too. Next’s Lift, Slim and Shape range is also good and very affordable but there are many, many more!

 

Accessories

Oliver Bonas is great for printed scarves but so too is Amelia Rose Accessories.

 

For jewellery I love Monica Vinader but there are so many fab brands you will find on Instagram too – like Clea Silk, Chambers & Beau and Instagram is brimming with lots to choose from.

 

 

Footwear

This season Dune and Carvela have delivered on the boots front with lots of fab styles from the Picture, Palmz and to Carvela’s Sincere. They also have lots of other non chunky styles to choose from.

And don’t forget to look at John Lewis for all the brands they stock as well as their own range.

 

Now obviously there are so many more brands out there which I am not discounting but it’s just not possible to mention them all – Cos/Arket for example are brilliant if you like a clean, urban and more minimal look and their quality is fab; Mint Velvet is a firm client favourite too and Scamp and Dude’s dresses are great and another good one if you are on the taller side; Jigsaw is another goodie; Lucy Dodwell’s sweatshirts/hoodies and joggers are my favourite; Pink Rose belts are something I always recommend to clients; Baukjen is fab and its ethical credentials are impressive … But if you want individual style help with the right pieces for your style, shape, budget etc then get in touch or have a look at my website to see the styling services I offer – I am currently fully booked until May so don’t delay!

In the meantime, wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s to a healthy and happy 2023!

Claire x