A considered approach to buying clothes is always important, but never more so than when it comes to shopping the high street. Which is why we’ve introduced Lunch Break Buys, a new franchise that sees team Vogue hand-picking five stand-out pieces every fortnight, all of which we believe are worth your investment.
As someone whose wardrobe is comprised of an eclectic mix of vintage, high street and designer pieces, I have always emphasised the importance of considered shopping. This means always putting thought into what you spend your money on: so, regardless of the brand or price tag, assessing whether it will stand the test of time, checking fabric composition and fit, and making sure that it will slot easily into your existing wardrobe. Do you actually love it, or are you just craving “newness” for the sake of it? Select well, and your wardrobe will reward you for it.
Sticking to this principle has meant some of the longest-standing pieces in my wardrobe are from the high street – a pair of Topshop tailored trousers here, a red Arket jumper there. I don’t get it right every time, but the older I get, the more picky I am about what I buy. This is why we wanted to create a franchise that brings you the crème de la crème of the high street, the pieces team Vogue have personally bookmarked and fallen in love with.
Ready? Scroll down to see and shop this week’s edit of high street heroes.
The autumn-ready boots
If you were a fan of last year’s chunky Chelsea boot, you’re going to love this season’s biker version. With a calf-grazing silhouette and tough, buckled embellishment, they’re the perfect boot to carry your summer dresses into the autumn months.
The transeasonal tailored trousers
Uniqlo has become a fashion editor secret for perfectly tailored trousers, and thankfully the brand has taken to bringing out our favourite pair season after season. For autumn 2023, we recommend investing in a dark grey pair, which will look just as good with a white tank top as it will with a matching blazer.
The colourful rugby shirt
The rugby shirt is the latest sports staple to be given the high-fashion treatment, appearing on the autumn/winter 2023 runways of both Stella McCartney and Gucci, among others. Recreate the look on the high-street with Whistles’s brightly coloured interpretation.
The elevated T-shirt dress
Cos’s T-shirt dresses are consistently popular, but this summer’s version has been elevated with an unusual asymmetric hemline. Style with Birkenstocks on holiday, or biker boots back in the city.
The pointed kitten heel
On those days when you can’t quite face a stiletto, try a pointed kitten heel instead. Elegant, easy to style and comfortable, they make for a chic addition to a miniskirt, jeans or tailored trousers. This & Other Stories iteration comes with multiple straps for added interest.
Shop last week’s edit
The crochet top
For beach-ready collared shirts, don’t forget to check out the men’s sections of high street brands. Case in point: this season Reiss has the coolest selection of Cuban shirts, which will look stylish with your favourite denim cut-off shorts. This crochet number is at the top of our list.
The metallic jeans
Metallics are everywhere right now and Mango has just delivered the perfect pair of silver-hued jeans that will look just as good now as they will in six months’ time. Style with a white T-shirt and trainers.
The comfy summer shoe
Everyone’s favourite comfy shoe brand, Birkenstock, has just re-released its iconic Boston EVA mules – aka your shoe equivalent of a duvet day. Coming in at a very reasonable £60, these versatile flats are a reliable summer shoe.
The summer shorts
For easy summer dressing, you can’t get better than a pair of tailored shorts. This Gant style will look the part with a tank top and sandals during a heatwave and will see you through cooler days with a navy crew neck and loafers.
The jewellery collaboration
Shrimps fans listen up: the whimsical fashion brand has joined forces with Daisy Jewellery to create a lust-worthy capsule of versatile rings, necklaces and earrings. These woven maxi hoops are a real highlight.
