The High Street Stores Getting It Right This Season

Last week I visited each of my favourite high street stores, as well as couple of beloved online retailers, to find out who’s got it right for AW16. Like me, you’re probably only getting to grips with your winter wardrobe now as we gear up for Halloween. Here are five stores I think offer everything you’ll need to complete your winter wardrobe.

H&M

I used to be an avid H&M shopper (I have a couple of pieces in my wardrobe I bought more than ten years ago, which are still serving me well), but in recent years the collections have?felt a little lacklustre at times. Not this season. Its cashmere range?is beautiful and well priced – I particularly like the sleeveless grey tunic – and it offers a really sophisticated edit of skirts and dresses. I found the perfect black pleated skirt last week, with a high-waist and midi-length hem. It has a thigh-length underskirt so there’s an element of sheerness to the piece, but?it’s subtle given the’density of pleats.

Uterque.com

I discovered this online retailer last year, and I’ve become a big fan since then. It offers a beautifully curated edit of chic’separates. Plus, it’s also a great website to find inspiring styling ideas. This season I’ve fallen for this gorgeous frilled white shirt.?It’s a beautifully modern reimagining of the classic white shirt – smart, but with a laid-back vibe.

& Other Stories

The more sophisticated sister label of H&M, & Other Stories has pretty much everything I want in my wardrobe this season, from longer-length cardigans to tunic dresses. I’m coveting this red tartan jumper, which has a slightly frayed hem and cuffs for a bit of a?rock chick vibe. I’d probably pair it with something smart, such as the H&M pleated skirt above to balance the punkish feel.

Cos

Always a failsafe brand, Cos has delivered an exceptionally strong collection this season. A sweater dress is such an easy throw-on in winter and I love the rich burgundy shade of this Cos piece. It’s been cleverly styled with an overskirt, but the wonderful thing about a sweater dress is that all it?needs is a great pair of boots or a chic pair of trainers to look finished.