With its premium fabrics, classic fits and chic colourways, it’s no surprise that Arket has become a go-to in the wardrobes of fashion editors everywhere. You need only go into one of the stores (post-lockdown, that is), to understand that this is a brand that knows how the consumer wants to shop and what they want to buy. I mean, its colour-coded sock wall is enough to make any perfectionist go weak at the knees.
But really, what we want to talk about is the clothes, and specifically the clothes our editors buy from Arket. After a bit of digging, it turned out that each Who What Wear editor has one category in particular that they turned to, for example, Hannah Almassi waxes lyrical about the flattering fit of the trousers (take note if you struggle to find a good fit on the high street), while Emma Spedding can’t get enough of Arket’s coats, and recently purchased thecult puffer, aka the dream lockdown purchase.
So whether you’re new to Arket or a fellow fan, scroll down to get inspired by the pieces our editors buy year after year.
“Buying trousers on the high street (or anywhere for that matter) is always my fashion Everest. Being petite with a small waist but bigger thighs and bottom means sizing and silhouette is almost always off. Somehow Arket just works for my body, especially when the trousers are cut high-waisted and with extra volume in the leg. I’ve worn these khaki ones non-stop since I bought them at the beginning of the year—and I didn’t even have to take the hems up!”
“Classics with a twist is my go-to fashion mantra. Call me a cliché, but that’s always what I’m looking for when I’m shopping, which is why Arket’s knitwear section is such a draw for me. Right now, there’s a fringed knitted dress, a cutout asymmetric top, and an oversized roll-neck that tick that box. However, if you’re much more traditional, then there are great layering basics to invest in such as a long-sleeve merino top, cashmere joggers and a great selection of beanies. Finally, to keep it all looking good, I implore you to invest in a fabric shaver to get rid of all those bobbly bits.”
From the perfect white tee and comfy lingerie to cosy socks and layerable long-sleeve tops, Arket has long been my failsafe for fashion staples. While that might not sound like a compliment, I assure you that it’s no mean feat creating beautiful wardrobe building blocks with affordable price points. After all, good style starts with the basics, and Arket certainly knows what it’s doing in that department.
“As winter approaches, I’ve started to think about investing in items that will truly keep me warm this season and while I’m relatively set with chunky boots and warm coats, the one thing my wardrobe is missing is cosy accessories. From cashmere beanies to leather gloves, Arket’s range is both practical and guaranteed to keep you toasty. I love their block colour, minimalist options that I know will pair perfectly with so much of what I already own. I’ve got my eye on a beanie and cashmere roll-neck bib.”
I really think Arket does the best tailoring on the high street—the above black trouser suit is from there, and I love how the nipped-in waist on the jacket makes it feel so elevated. This year however I need my outerwear to be a little more practical and so the one thing I have bought from Arket recently is the down puffer coat, and can confirm it’s like a hug in a coat.
