high-street

In December I spent my time perfecting a low-maintenance, highly-comfortable winter outfit, and settled on a wool coat, a fluffy knit, jeans, and ankle boots, and I’ve been wearing this (plus couple of variations on the formula) for the last 6 weeks. So, you can imagine my surprise as I stepped out of the house in my regular uniform this week only to have to retreat back indoors thanks to the cold. Did we have any warning that a cold snap was about to set in? That there would be winds so cold that my hands and face would be immediately numb? Perhaps I missed it. But the last couple of weeks have been a strong reminder that winter isn’t done with us yet, and unfortunately for me, my usual tailored coat just isn’t cutting it.   O...

Few high street brands have a hold on us like H&M. Season after season, year after year, the Scandinavian giant continues to impress us with their offering of elevated, good quality, yet affordable hits that become firm favourites in our wardrobes. This winter, this statement rings particularly true thanks to its sensationally good knitwear offering. Frequently racking up 5 star customer reviews, and with a huge variety of styles, fabrications and colours, H&M’s knitwear selection is, without a doubt, one of the best on the high street. And the cherry on top of it’s cosy cake this year is its best-selling oversized polo neck, a jumper I just so happen to own and very much love.  As a summer dress obsessive (and a June baby), my friends, family and colleagues have had...

Believe me, I get it. After what felt like an uncharacteristically long Christmas and New Year break, the return to the 9 to 5 has felt particularly challenging. Summoning up the motivation to do the early starts and long commute is one thing, but choosing what to wear to work in the morning is a struggle in itself, and if you’re already lacking the enthusiasm for a day in the office, I can guarantee that pulling out the same old suit won’t give you any more joie de vivre, winter is already grey enough.  That being said, I happen to like typical “workwear”. Tailored trousers, sharp blazers, crisp shirts and midi skirts make up a lot of my everyday capsule wardrobe already, but what keeps them fresh is how you choose to wear them. Small styling ch...

I won’t lie—I largely overlooked Marks and Spencer until quite recently. It took a few nudges from friends (who mainly recommended its denim offering) for me to finally realise the value in M&S’ fuss-free, timeless and well-made clothing. And these qualities are especially crucial if you’re seeking smart pieces and quality tailoring without an intimidating price tag attached. For work, you want your outfit to be smart, practical and professional, and M&S ticks all of these boxes. Plus, the high street hero isn’t afraid to back the trends, so if you’re someone who likes bringing their fashion sense into the office, you’ll be well taken care of.  But don’t take my word for it; keep scrolling to see and shop...

Finding affordable pieces that look expensive is no easy feat. Most of us are on a budget when buying clothes, but that doesn’t mean we’re willing to settle for low-quality items that will last little longer than a day. There’s no disappointment like your new favourite jumper pilling after a handful of wears. Though difficult, hunting down premium-looking styles that don’t break the bank is not an impossible task. You just need to know where to look and what to look for, and until you do, we’re here to help. For us, the key is to pay attention to fabrics and silhouettes, and use past experiences to inform your purchases. If you’ve previously bought a shirt that looked tired after one trip through the wash...

We don’t like to brag, but with years of experience hunting down wish list-worthy buys on the high street behind them, our editors have gotten pretty good at it. And when something really special comes along, it’s only fair to shout about it, right?  There are certain criteria an item has to meet to earn the Who What Wear editor-recommended stamp. Generally, the Who What Wear team favours classic pieces, versatile pieces that you can wear year after year and in multiple ways. They should be high quality and fit well, but most importantly they should bring you joy. Think thick wool knitwear, hardwearing denim and real leather (or premium vegan leather) accessories. This time around, it’s a...

And just like that, it’s winter. Gone are the days when I could quickly nip out of the house without a jacket or a considerable amount of knitwear, and it’s time my puffer coat was taken out of storage to be put back into work. The tights are on, the layers are piling up, and I’m 100% here for it all. And while I’m not one to endlessly buy new items every time the weather changes, I do enjoy looking at new-in winter items—a lot. It takes a great deal of research to find the best coat or chicest cold-weather dress. There are so many different jumpers out there that it’s actually overwhelming to know where to begin, and that’s where my time spent scrolling will benefit you. There are a few affordable stores that are embracing all t...

Finding well-fitting trousers at an affordable price feels like an eternal struggle. Personally, I’ve found that if something fits snug around my waist, more often than not it’ll be too tight on my hips. And sizing up means having an awkward gap around my waist. For a long time, I swore them off and stuck to dresses and skirts. But with all the tempting trouser trends that have ignited over the past few seasons, I’ve been forced to reconsider. From puddle pants to low-slung cargos, it feels like there are no rules in the trouser department. And according to trend forecasts, this refreshed wardrobe staple will be just as popular in 2023. This doesn’t scare me, because luckily, my trouser woes are in the...

It’s hard to imagine what the Great British high street would be like without Marks & Spencer; the brand many of us have come to rely upon for its elite lingerie and Percy Pigs. As impressive as its underwear and food departments may be, the category I believe M&S nails like no other is never-date fashion. I consider myself to be something of a Marks & Spencer shopping expert; from my formative years as an assistant being asked to run to the nearest store to stock up on tights and vests for styling kits, to attending store appointments to pull products for my own shoots, I know the blueprint of just about every London M&S store like the back of my hand. Needless to say, I am very familiar with what makes a great Marks & Spencer fashion fin...