I'm a Polished Dresser on a Budget—Here's Where I Buy My Spring Tailoring
Okay, I admit it: I have expensive taste. When it comes to building my closet as a fashion editor in my thirties, I tend to err on the side of minimalist tailoring and elevated basics which tend to look better in beautiful, expensive fabrics. Often I think to myself I could do with an extra few zeros on the end of my bank balance to be able to indulge my fantasy of owning a capsule wardrobe filled with brands like The Row and Totême.
But in reality, that’s far from a priority—and after almost a decade of working in the industry, I’ve had to get resourceful with my shopping habits in order to find the most expensive-looking pieces for more affordable prices. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve gotten pretty good at it—and I now know which stores are best for which pieces, and where to turn to fuel my desire to look polished on a budget.
It’s not solely tailoring I shop for, but it does play a huge role in my capsule wardrobe— even more so over the past few years when the trend for relaxed tailoring has become so prevalent again. As well as my desire to find quick, easy ways to look put together when rushing to get dressed in the morning.
So, as we launch into spring I thought I’d let you in on my specific go-tos for really good affordable tailoring when I’m looking to invest in new pieces—from lighter suits to crisp shirts. Of course, it can differ from season to season, depending on each brand’s offering. But having spent the last few weeks keeping a close eye on the high street’s new-in sections, I can confirm this is where I’ll be turning to this season.
Keep scrolling to see, and I’ve also added links to some of my favourite premium-looking pieces in case you’re in the market to shop.
1. H&M for Suits
SHOP SUITS:
Part of H&M’s premium selection so you can have confidence in the quality.
2. Arket for Shirting
SHOP SHIRTS:
3. Mango for Blazers
SHOP BLAZERS:
4. COS for Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers
Such a good dupe for those The Row trousers.
5. & Other Stories or Weekday for Waistcoats
SHOP WAISTCOATS
I love this chocolate brown shade right now—it feels more exciting than black for spring.
Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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