The best new-in high street and investment buys brought to you each week by Stylist fashion editor, Polly Knight.
I love clothes. Which is helpful when you are a fashion editor and your job centres on clothes. There is, however, a common misconception about people who work in the industry – that just because we are fashion editors we are decked out in head-to-toe designer threads. Let me assure you this is not true. Or least, not for me. My wardrobe is a combination of 85% high street buys with the rest being more luxury pieces that I make sure work with everything.
I pride myself on the fact people often think my high street clobber is high end (I’ll take it!); for me, it’s all about shopping smart and not wearing faddy items. I have a checklist of sorts when I’m shopping: will I love this in a year’s time? Would I style this piece multiple ways to get optimum use out of it? Does it make me happy?
We are #blessed to have the great British high street, bursting with so many brilliant brands at our fingertips that people flock from all over the world to get in on the act.
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I love coming across those pieces that make stop on your tracks and think “Wow, that looks expensive”, or “That’s so on trend, it could have come straight of the runway”. My aim when I am dressing is to have an easy, luxe look but without the price tag to match, which means I have trained my eyes to spot these pieces in an instant. And that’s the 85%.
So, about that 15% - these are my investment pieces. The timeless classics I have saved for because I know they will never go out of style. They are the pieces I will wear now but know they will last me lifetime, the items I’ll never get bored with and that every time I wear them, they feel just as special as the day I bought them. These aren’t trend-led pieces, but rather the staples that I can dress up or down with the other 85% of my wardrobe and to be honest, they are worth every penny of my hard-earned cash.
And that’s how I shop. A big dollop of high street and a little dressing of luxury. Each week that is exactly what I am going to bring to you: the best of the high street peppered with a few investment pieces to make your wardrobe something you can’t wait to dive into.
Oma the label
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Oma The Label gold hoop earrings We’re always in the market for another pair of gold metal hoops to add to our fast growing collection, and these thick huggy style have shot to the top of the lust list.
Totême
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Toteme white tank top A simple white tank top is our summer go-to. It’s easy, chic and gives you a few more style points than the classic white T-shirt. Take into autumn with cardigans and chunky knitwear. And for even more luxe basics check out Totême.
Weekday
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Weekday high waisted camel trousers Essen
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Essen black leather pumps I discovered this brand the beginning of this year and have loved it ever since. Simple, elegant and chic, all the designs are super versatile and will fit into your wardrobe with ease.
H&M
The best new-in pieces to shop now: H&M black knitted tank top As knitwear season is upon us (kinda) we are seeing a lot of nouveau knits; tank styles, super-size collars, and cool cardigans. Try this style as is with slouchy tailoring, or come winter go for a jersey roll neck underneath for extra layers.
Mango
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Mango check boxy blazer Having a great blazer in your wardrobe is essential, wear this style with everything from your floaty floral dress and Converse to, your jeans and T-shirt.
DeMellier
The best new-in pieces to shop now: DeMellier yellow leather pouch bag How cute is this bag?! This soft leather pouch bag also has a long strap, perfect to wear as a cross-body for the day and use for the evening with the top handles. Check out DeMellier for chic investment handbags.
Whistles
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Whistles one-shoulder black dress A little black dress is always a good staple purchase, try this one shoulder number perfect for evening events, or a sunny break.
Terry
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Terry towelling tan shorts Zara
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Zara floral tea dress
Wool and the Gang x Peju Obasa
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Wool and the gang x Peju Obasa Wool and the gang (the DIY fashion brand) have collaborated with London based designer Peju Obasa to create this exclusive crochet bag pattern. You can stitch your very own “Tie After Tie” bag and 100% of the proceeds of this bag go to Black Girl Ventures. Chic, sustainable and charitable - this is shopping smart.
Cos
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Cos black leather trousers Leather trousers are a staple in my winter wardrobe. They’re perfect alternative to your jeans - try them with a “going out top” and mules for evening and for day, try with your New Balance trainers and a chunky knit for a laidback luxe look.
& Other Stories
The best new-in pieces to shop now: & Other Stories grey cardigan Statement collars and cute button detailing, try this cardigan as an alternative to your autumn knit. Wear with straight leg jeans and accessories with pearl jewellery.
Arket
The best new-in pieces to shop now: Arket snake print boots Animal prints are way more versatile than you might think; wear this style with jeans or plain black tailored trousers to elevate your basics. Or try clashing prints and wear with a floral dress.
Roop
The best new in pieces: Roop black satin bag I’m totally obsessed with this brand - Roop bags are made from remnants and vintage fabrics (keeping waste to a minimum - yay!) This gorgeous satin style is the perfect night out bag.
Loeffler Randall
The best new in pieces: Loeffler Randall leopard print bucket hat If you don’t know luxury accessories brand Loeffler Randall, it’s time to get involved. From gorgeous shoes to hair accessories, Loeffler has you covered. Try this leopard print bucket hat for something super chic and practical - handy to fold down and pop in your bag.
Raey
The best new in pieces: Raey white jeans These white jeans are totally worth the investment and I absolutely love mine. They are mid-weight denim so thick enough for no show-through and loose fit for ultimate comfort.
Zara
The best new in pieces: Zara chain and pearl necklace Pearls are trending. Forget a classic string of pearls, they’ve had a modern over-haul for 2020, often clashing with gold metal and in structural/minimal designs. Try this Zara necklace for size and layer with existing jewellery.
Whistles X LF Markey
The best new in pieces: Whistles X LF Markey sage green jumpsuit This utility-feel jumpsuit will look great dressed up with strappy ankle tie sandals and pearl jewellery, for a modern twist on the classic.
Kurt Geiger
The best new in pieces: Kurt Geiger black sandals Everyone needs black summer sandals in their armoury.
I usually buy a new high street pair each year because the ones from last year are worn out, and you do need a breather from a style after you’ve worn them time and time again, so here they are!
Scream Pretty
The best new in pieces: Scream Pretty huggies I’m always on the look out for new huggy earrings that won’t break the bank to add to my collection, and these baguette cut style will add a little sparkle to your everyday look.
With Nothing Underneath
The best new in pieces: With Nothing Underneath white shirt You need this brand on your radar; with Nothing Underneath make the most amazing boyfriend style classic shirts. Wear this summer with everything from your tracksuit bottoms and Birks, too your slouchy tailored trousers and heels.
Images: lead image Moeez Ali. All other images courtesy of brands.