Mango, COS, & Other Stories and Arket are a quartet you can rely on when shopping on the high street. Boasting premium-looking pieces at sensible price points, their considered silhouettes and rewearable designs stand out as worthwhile investments in comparison to the competition. The standard of the high street is leveling up, and many of the recently released pieces from these four brands feel as luxurious as can be. For this reason, you’ll often see their garments integrated into high-low looks worn by celebrities, editors and influencers alike—take Sienna Miller at Glastonbury in Mango’s cocoa-hued minidress as a great example of Mango’s pared-back excellence.
I’ve noticed that & Other Stories and Mango have mastered some of this season’s most esteemed trends in the most elevated of ways. For example, they’ve transformed the trend for wide cut-outs into subdued peekaboo keyholes and released hard-wearing accessories and woven leather bags you very seldom find produced to this standard on the high street.
One of the season’s most notable mentions is the & Other Stories pointelle bell-sleeve maxi dress, a sought-after piece so popular that both runs sold out within moments. The same goes for the bandeau style I am pictured wearing below—it was simply too special to hang around and is now out of stock.
Avalon wears the & Other Stories Printed Bandeau Midi Dress (£135), which is currently sold out—keep an eye on restocks!
COS’s star buys for spring/summer are the illustrious waistcoat and tailored trousers (great together, brilliant apart), which look and feel just as luxe in real life. Meanwhile, over at Arket, basics (namely T-shirts and denim) are the pieces to zone in on first. They’re crafted from higher-quality materials renowned in the fashion industry to withstand years of wear. Its arsenal exceeds basics, and for summer, you’ll find dresses aplenty, leather accessories and chic swimsuits.
Fabric is something I’m most intrigued by, and & Other Stories, Arket and COS are appeasing the more conscious shoppers among us. With innovative textiles such as Naia and the increased use of Lyocell, the materials are produced more consciously and with longevity in mind.
Keep reading for some of COS’s, Arket’s, & Other Stories’ and Mango’s standout pieces for this season, including some classic and transitional items that will see you through to autumn.
From the classic two-piece to midi and maxi dresses, & Other Stories is proving to be a prime contender for the kinds of items you can wear in many outfit combinations for seasons and years to come.
Everything about these jeans is perfect, from the fit to the deep-indigo hue. I think Parisian style mavens would approve.
This is the dress of dreams, from the rich chocolate hue to the silky slip and wide-gaped back. Add heels, a low bun and lipstick for the ultimate date-night look.
If I told you this was from The Row, you’d probably believe me!
All hail a high-street blazer with such considered fabric composition—the mix of Naia and silk suggests exceptional quality.
It’s the season for shirring, smocking and tiered lengths. This cornflower dress has it all. The printed variation sold out quickly, and I think this will follow suit.
Wide-leg trousers have become a wardrobe staple. A linen variation is an appropriate choice for this climate.
The textured (almost jacquard-style) fabric and structured sleeves give this style a weighty and premium feel.
This season, the subtle metallic sheen is on everything from swimwear to accessories. This is how I’d best wear the trend.
Exaggerated lines aren’t going anywhere. Wear this style propped off the shoulder, and let the rounded neckline and blouson sleeves do all of the talking.
Stories’ circular collection does not disappoint when it comes to the consideration of textiles and shapes. This piece is one to bring out for every occasion. Bold gold earrings would elevate this look even further.
Mango’s offerings are strong this year, with many neutral tones taking precedence. Whether it’s taupe, brown or coffee, there are colours to suit all skin tones. As seen on Monikh, this mellow taupe is one to watch this season.
Cut-outs but make it autumnal.
The waist strap is a subtle elevation to maxi and midi skirts. The hint of sexy juxtaposed with the sweetness of the polka dot is a match to behold.
Sienna Miller wore this exact piece to Glastonbury. There are still some sizes left.
I’m loving the resurgence of hobo bags this year. This patent style lends a polished feel to the typically casual style. Wear anywhere from work meetings to off-duty weekend outings.
Pinstripes are timeless, but they seem to be having a moment lately. This piece can be dressed up or down with ease. Simply pair with a tee and trainers for a casual look or the matching tailored components and heels to dress it up.
Jeans often get lost in the mêlée of fanciful items, but a good-fitting pair of jeans is hard to find. This pair ticks all of the boxes, and best of all, it’s available in sizes 4 to 26.
The classics are back in full throttle ahead of the autumnal months, this time noticeably in coffee hues. Wear this style with a wide-brim hat, and channel your inner Vivian in Pretty Woman.
A resin clutch always makes for the perfect wedding guest bag. It also features a removable and easily concealed strap.
Crochet is the fashion hero of summer 2022. Although this piece is characteristic of summer, I can see it integrated into autumn looks with tailored trousers and an oversized blazer.
I have an almost identical pair that I purchased from Mango in 2016. This is a proven timeless style for the foreseeable summers ahead.
Cut-outs, no matter how little, are taking centre stage. This is an understated nod to the daring trend.
Arket graces us with basics year-round, and its jeans in particular are exemplary for the standard of the British high street. This summer, its styles have expanded, giving way to some fanciful shapes and silhouettes, all whilst keeping in line with the minimalist, cool-girl aesthetic.
This is like a grown-up tutu, and as pictured, it’s stunning paired with the matching top. Look closely for the lurex thread running throughout. It’s little touches that bring the magic to everyday pieces.
The aforementioned top makes the perfect combination paired with the skirt, but I can also see it with high-waisted jeans and strappy heels. Elevated basics like these make an outfit sing.
The dress version of this piece proved popular in the last year. As we start considering our autumn outfits, I think this blouse will pair brilliantly with jeans.
Never did I think I’d see crochet on a slip dress, but this just works. The intricately woven bust panelling juxtaposed with the slip of lyocell makes this piece one you can wear for both day and night
This navy swimsuit with white trim looks typical of the swimwear you see French women venturing to the Riviera in.
If you’re looking for a blazer to take you from summer to autumn, then look no further. Composed of linen, it will be breathable for the hotter months, yet the density will withstand breeze, too. Win-win.
The modern ballet flat features an extended opening that allows for more comfort and is ultimately more flattering.
This top is the perfect take on vests for those of us who favour basics with a twist. Thanks to the stretchy seersucker, you may even be able to go sans bra.
This is so refined it could easily cost you another £300 from another brand.
A wafty maxi for hot days. This is perfect for the current heatwave we’re experiencing in the UK.
Influencers were pictured in some of COS’s most renowned pieces on a recent press trip to Morroco. Here, Sylvie wears the square-neck slip dress with barely there straps, windswept hair and gold accessories to boot, proving its pieces can be worn anywhere from the desert to city breaks.
Woven leather bags are a wonderful transitional accessory. This will look equally chic with a sundress or navy cashmere come autumn.
The sweet and functional bows make this dress come alive. Plus, there’s nothing better than wafting in linen during the height of summer. It’s a beautiful, breathable and charming fibre.
Deep brown is the new black. This classic shape will always serve you well.
Vibrant green makes a welcome change to the more subdued ditsy prints out there. Pair this dress with the brown heels and bag from this edit for a date-night look.
It’s about time we start considering our autumn knits. I think this premium-looking piece is destined for sell-out status.
I’m a sucker for a quality composition, as I think it’s the prime factor that contributes to the longevity and sustainability of a garment. I’m impressed with both the fabric and fluidity of these trousers.
It wouldn’t be a COS edit without featuring trousers. This marled grey is perfect for the office and weekend with a T-shirt and Converse or slip-ons.
Navy is having quite the moment, and this is my favourite pick. Prop the dress up with brown heels and gold accessories for an evening out.
I’m always on the quest for a well-fitting black blazer, and I think this one ticks all of the boxes.
Sage-green jackets have me feeling well and truly excited about autumnal dressing.
