how-to-shop

Despite being a self-confessed TikTok binge-watching girly, I’m absolutely not prepared to offer you up a comprehensive ‘ins’ vs ‘outs’ bag list à la Gen-Z on my own. Instead, I’m here to give you the ultimate cheat sheet with the help of our editors to ensure that the bags (or bag, your choice!) you’ll be investing in in 2023 will keep you satisfied long past the metaphorical ball drop.  And this year, there’s a handbag trend to suit just about everyone. I’ve mustered up the very best opinions to offer you the ultimate ‘bag swap’ that you won’t tire of, with expert tips on how to wear the bag trends we’re loving this season and beyond. Maybe you’ve tried to style the same old bucket bag with those&nbs...

I’m a minimalist at heart, so my dream wish list is usually full of simple, elegant and timeless pieces that reflect a quiet luxury—A The Row cashmere knit or a Max Mara camel coat would be on my fashion bucket list, for example. Yes, sometimes I will save up for the odd worthy Totême buy or Loewe handbag to elevate the rest of my outfits. For my day to day wardrobe, however, I’ve gotten really good at finding equivalent, more affordable buys. You can take my weekly column on the most expensive-looking high street buys as proof.   Over the years, I’ve started to notice some recurring trends and design details from my favourite luxury labels on the high street. And since I’m here to impart my top tips on how to shop designer pieces for less, I thought it was about t...

Some pieces have gone recognisably viral—the oversized coats being the primary example, which have completely sold out over the last couple of winters after being purchased by so many influencers. Their point of difference from other, more fleeting, It buys though, is that those influencers are proudly wearing them again this winter as well—and on repeat, no less. The cosy knits and premium denim have the same longevity (and pulling power). All in classic designs with the odd elevated detail thrown in. In fact, I feel like I can’t currently open Instagram without seeing at least one outfit that includes a Raey coat, knit or pair of jeans. While Raey’s light and airy summer basics are also incredibly chic, in my opinion it’s these cold-weather buys that...

Speaking of layers—they are, of course, the key to chic cold-weather dressing. And if you invest in good classic layering items like polo necks, blazers, jeans, coats and boots you’ll be able to rewear them in different ways year after year, and through other seasons separately as well. That’s why it’s often in winter that I end up investing the most in key buys because I have confidence I’ll get my wear out of them over the years.  This year, I’m especially taken by all the gorgeous wool coats around (I told you I’m a woman obsessed), and it might be finally time for me to invest in Totême’s newly restocked fringed jacket before it sells out again. If it’s not that, then it will certainly be one of Raey’s oversized numbers, which I contin...

You might be slightly preoccupied with the C word and last minute gift purchasing right now, but we’re here to interrupt our usual broadcasting with a quick PSA: MATCHESFASHION.com has just launched its seasonal sale, and it’s looking pretty damn good. All our favourite designer brands are there—from Khaite to The Vampire’s Wife, The Frankie Shop and Loewe, alongside plenty of cult must-haves that we’ve been lusting after all year. With over 9,000 pieces listed at up to 50% off, it can be pretty overwhelming sifting through an avalanche of products. So we’ve done all the hard work for you and created an edit of the 31 best pieces worth buying, that will inevitably sell out first. Highlights include versatile classics like The Frankie Shop&#...

I don’t know about you, but when one year comes to an end and another begins, I always get the urge to have a wardrobe sort out. New year, more organised me and all that. But it does just seem like the perfect time to take stock of pieces I haven’t worn throughout the year, and identify any gaps that could really do with filling. It also means that once you have an idea of the pieces you’d like to invest in going into the year ahead— a crisp white shirt maybe, or a perfect blazer—you can then bag them in the end-of-year and January sales for less.  This is exactly what I just did, specifically in the COS winter sale—and let me tell you, I found so many amazing staples that I wanted for 2023. Of course, we all know how great COS is year-round for those reliable yet elevated w...