It can be all too easy to fall into a high-street shopping rut, always returning to the same names and never branching out of your comfort zone. Personally, over the last few years, this has meant rarely venturing further than Arket, and while I will always return to the brand’s time-tested staples, spring 2022 has also ushered in a craving for something different. So I decided to cast my shopping net a little wider this season, exploring stores that I haven’t always given the attention they deserved. Jigsaw, ME + EM and Whistles, you’re up.
I already own pieces from Jigsaw and Whistles and very much rate their quality, time-tested designs, but ME + EM is a newer entity, and while I knew fellow fashion editors have always raved about the brand’s trousers, I wanted to check them out for myself. Unsurprisingly, this sartorial Holy Trinity did not disappoint. First up: Jigsaw, one of the high-street brands that has been given a fashion revamp in recent years (which, let me tell you, hasn’t gone unnoticed). From perfect Breton knits and neon green shirt dresses, to premium, zebra print leather loafers, I’ve been waxing lyrical about the brand to anyone who will listen. Of course, Jigsaw’s OG offering of tailored coats and simple separates remains intact. Whistles, meanwhile, has been a goldmine for jackets this season, with both myself and WWW’s Emma Spedding giving our seal of approval on two separate leather styles that could easily be mistaken for designer buys. It’s also worth checking out Whistles’ denim offering: The barrel leg jeans are fast becoming a cult favourite of the fashion crowd. And last, but by no means least: ME + EM. As a bit of a newbie to the brand, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was instantly won-over by the brand’s colourful tailoring (I’m obsessed with this suit) and stylish separates, including a generous offering of well-cut trousers and flattering denim. Honestly, there’s so much more goodness where they came from. So if you’re looking to shake-up your spring high-street oeuvre, scroll down to shop my favourite pieces from Jigsaw, ME + EM and Whistles.
This would be perfect for spring showers.
Layer this under a beige trench coat for a fun pop of colour.
This is one of the best Bretons on the high-street right now IMO.
These rope-tie sandals look so premium.
A pair of white jeans are a year-round staple.
I love the mix of leather and shearling on this trench.
I’ve been thinking about these loafers ever since I first saw them last year.
The leather biker jacket is officially making a comeback.
Liven-up your denim offering with these zebra print pair.
I like how they’ve styled this blazer with an oversized shirt and roll neck baselayer.
There’s something very ’90s about this clean-lined leather midi skirt.
Pink tailoring never looked to tempting.
The waistline on these barrel leg jeans are adjustable. Smart.
I’ve never been a neon-lover, but it feels so elevated when rendered in cashmere.
My new fave denim silhouette.
Another day, another amazing colourful suit.
A wardrobe classif if I ever saw one.
Wear these with a white tee and leather sandals for spring.
Platform heels with jeans? Yes please.
Pale yellow is an easy way to do colour for spring.
Fashion editors swear by ME + Em’s trousers for a perfect fit.
This has shot right to the top of my wishlist.
Wear with boots now then swap in sandals come spring.
The hunt for the perfect pair of cage sandals continues.
So cute.
Emma Spedding has this and I can confirm it looks even better IRL.
Buy this one size up for a more dramatic, oversized fit.
Such a cool way to layer a colour-pop knitted vest.
