If there’s anyone who knows what is worth investing in, it’s Anna Cascarina. A fashion editor, lecturer and stylist with over 25 years of experience in the industry, she’s made it her mission to help women of all ages and body shapes feel empowered through their wardrobes. Anna knows how important it is for clothes to work, and she’s committed to investing in classic, timeless heroes that make you feel good. So when it comes to pieces to consider adding to our capsule wardrobes for 2023, who better to ask? This month, she shares what pieces she always buys from the high street as well as what she’s got her eye on now and offers up some tips and tricks on how to style them throughout the year.
The British high street is, in my opinion, the best in the world. We have some incredible shops that cater to all styles and sizes, and most deliver high-quality pieces at really great prices regularly. My go-tos are Arket, COS, H&M, & Other Stories and Mango, but there are countless more that I always find gems in. However, it has taken me a few years (or even decades) to know what brands work for me, what items are worth buying from the high street and what to avoid.
My top tip for buying from the high street is to look for high-quality materials. H&M, for example, has an amazing Premium selection which is a collection of pieces that focus on both material and fit. There’s also M&S‘s Autograph, which is another example of style-led quality at accessible, affordable prices. You’ll find fabric info either on the care label in-store or in the composition section on the brand’s website. It might require a little bit of research, but it really is worth doing your homework before buying.
As much as I love our high street, there are some items that I tend to splurge more money on, and this includes shoes, bags, coats and jewellery. You can really dress up an outfit with a pair of incredible designer shoes or a luxury bag, so I feel it’s worth investing as much as you feel comfortable in them. Plus, these items will last in your wardrobe for years, so the cost per wear comes right down.
As much as I like to splurge on some items, there are a lot of pieces I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on, and this is when I turn to our great high-street stores. Read on to see what I love to buy from the high street as well as the pieces that have caught my eye recently…
I try to steer clear of obvious trends, as they tend to only last a season or two. But if you are loving a particular trend and want to give it a go, then buying from the high street is a much more cost-effective way to do it, and you can usually find a runway trend on the high street within a few weeks. Think about how a trend-led piece will work with your current wardrobe staples as well as how much joy it will bring you before you check out. The Corsage Top from Warehouse and knitted two-piece from H&M below are prime examples.
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