It's True–These Are the High-Street Brands Editors Rely On for Expensive-Looking Staples
If there's one preconception that most people have about fashion editors, it's that we all live in designer clothing. As much as I would love to wake up each morning and have a wardrobe full of Chanel, Prada and Gucci to choose from, the reality is that not only does my bank account not support my lofty dreams, but also that the quality of the high-street is at an all time high, and there's simply no need to spend £500 on a plain white tee when I know exactly where to get an excellent one for £25.
And, therein lies the secret. As it's our job to know the new-in sections like the back of our hands, after years of tried and tested research, industry insiders have a list of reliable go-tos for just about everything. I know for example if I want to find a great dress, I'm heading for H&M first. Jeans? It's got to be Zara. Comfortable, fashion-forward shoes? Only Marks and Spencer. But, if you're looking for premium quality and luxe design, there are three high-street stores that influencers, editors and even designers have come to rely on for the very best in affordable clothing–COS, Arket, and Mango.
A cursory scroll through my Instagram feed reveals a tally of around 70% of all of the outfits I saw featuring at least one element from the big three, proving COS, Arket and Mango's status as the bonafide style trinity. That trench coat you thought was designer? Likely it was Mango. The tanks, tees and blazers that everyone rushes to buy in summer are always from Arket, and the leather crossbody bag you've been spotting everywhere? Yep, COS.
Jess wears a tailored set from Arket.
The Best New-In Pieces From COS:
COS is my go-to for tailored trousers—be warned, they sell out quickly!
I love how COS dresses always have an unexpected silhouette or shape.
The Best New-In Pieces From Arket:
When it comes to button down shirts, Arket does some of the best on the high street.
I love the idea of this olive-coloured blazer with indigo denim and flats.
The Best New-In Pieces From Mango:
Mango has just released their new event wear collection, and this is at the top of my wish list.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.
In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.
Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.
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