Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from some of your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.
Arket has long been the gold standard on the high street for wardrobe staples. Okay, actually not that long—it only launched in the UK five years ago. But honestly, I have no idea what I (or my fellow editors) did or where we shopped before that. Not only does Arket design the classics well, but also I find the quality really stands up, even against some of my more expensive designer buys. Hence I keep returning to the brand every season, especially when my basics feel like they need a bit of an elevated refresh. So when we started brainstorming who was going to try which brands for our Great Try-On autumn series, I jumped at the chance to head into my favourite store ahead of the new season.
Of all the great pieces I put to the test (and there were a lot), I have to say I was most impressed by the coats. Whether you’re looking to add a beautiful wool version, a more transitional shorter style or the brand’s famous puffer to your collection, Arket has all the classic bases covered. I even came home with the black wool number I tried bellow because, well, just look at it when you scroll down. As always, the tailoring was also impeccable, fitting true to size (I’m a pretty standard UK 10 in trousers and an 8 in jackets) and all with seriously expensive-looking details. From flattering pleats to the perfect amount of slouch, these are pieces that never feel boring. I tend to turn to Arket for great layers, too, and can highly recommend adding one (or a few) or its merino roll-necks to your winter wardrobe. I particularly loved the new striped crew-neck ribbed knit for tucking into all my wide-leg trousers.
It’s really no wonder Arket is one of Who What Wear readers’ favourite brands or that its pieces can so easily become cult wardrobe must-haves, going viral on Instagram with countless editors and influencers sporting them, because we all feel good getting behind the brand. Its transparent about sustainable practices next to each piece on site (all the puffers are made from recycled down, for example) and makes timeless designs that not only feel good to wear but also elevate our wardrobes beyond just one season (without the designer price tag).
Keep scrolling, and you’ll find six autumn outfits I built from the brand’s best-selling hero pieces that I will literally be living in this autumn/winter. And my honest review and tips for each if you’re looking to invest.
Tagged: Autumn Fashion