“I’ve Worked In Fashion For Over 20 Years – This Is Where I Shop”
When I was first starting out, the luxury designers felt out of reach. That’s when my love affair with British high street fashion began: style that I could afford, pieces that I could wear with confidence. Decades on, that bond is stronger than ever.
I love our British high street. Okay, maybe not the actual bricks and mortar, but rather the brilliant shops serving up incredible, affordable fashion, beauty and homewares. Back in the day, it was all about Topshop and New Look. Oh, the buzz of mooching around both mega stores on Oxford Street.
With constant new drops and fresh trends, it couldn’t have been easier to keep up with the latest styles, pull together pieces for a celeb shoot or simply get that perfect lunch break dopamine hit. Some of us will also recall the likes of Warehouse, Oasis and Miss Selfridge, which were once real-life stores but are now purely digital destinations. But I feel like things have evolved, yet again, for the good. For one, Topshop is back on the actual high street. The collective gasp of excitement was practically audible. Why? It’s an institution: recognised for its cutting-edge design, competitive prices and, to me, feels somewhat ageless. I love it, my daughter loves it… win, win. In a nutshell, it’s just really damn cool.
Back in the day, it was all about Topshop and New Look. Oh, the buzz of mooching around both mega stores on Oxford Street.
Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
Affordable Scandi chic
Then there’s the mega H&M Group. It’s successfully held my easily distracted eye with not just the purse-friendly stalwart H&M, but also & Other Stories, Cos and Arket. Like the big sisters of the group, each offers something unique and, yep, enticing. Cos leads the way with a more fashion-forward directive. Did you see my newly purchased ballet trainers? Believe me, this brand could easily rival some of the greatest minimalist designer brands.
Then there’s the ultimate cool girl store, Arket. If I’m totally honest, I feel my fashion cred spike each time I step foot inside the Regent Street outpost… marginally, at least. We’re talking pared-back Scandinavian essentials. Want a chic white tee? Arket has you covered. As for & Other Stories, it’s a veritable candy store packed with prints and patterns, dresses and coords, handbags and sunnies. Basically, the place I hit up when I need to secure a fit without my credit card totally imploding. Need a jumpsuit? & Other Stories does a jumpsuit better than almost anyone.
There’s no denying both the power and the pull of the Swedish fashion retailer dominating the UK high street.
The Spanish giants we can’t quit
And then there are the Spanish giants, because no high street edit would be complete without them. I’m going to say it – don’t shoot me – but I felt Zara lost its way for a while. Only today it’s on fire. Shirts to live in, suits too cool to save for the workplace, and a holiday wardrobe to rival the resort collections.
That said, most of my closet would suggest I have a definite obsession with Mango. I think I’ve convinced myself it’s a more considered alternative to Zara – quieter, perhaps, but no less covetable. Either way, I’m a fan. Adding some sell-out collabs to its roster, namely Victoria Beckham in 2024, fed that desire for something luxe, then a simple, yet premium homeware line… I’m hooked.
In my mind, Mango can do no wrong. Effortless style, gorgeous quality and purse-friendly.
The great British institutions
All that and I’ve not even touched on the big hitters. You know the ones – for example, John Lewis is more than just wedding gifts and kitchen basics. These British institutions have weathered many a social and financial storm, and yet, they survive today feeling like so much more than a department store. They’re at the core of our heritage; they’re about community and offer a common bond, no matter what your budget or style.
So you see, I may get a payday thrill from treating myself to a Ganni tee or investing in an Anine Bing handbag, but those stores that bring me everyday joy hold a special place in my world. Whether it’s a last-minute bikini from Accessorize, comfy jeans from Mango or a completely new fit from Zara, they’re fun but safe, they’re fashion but not intimidating. This is why, after twenty-plus years in fashion, the Great British High Street still has my whole heart.
Some of my favourite picks on the high street right now…
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