Tailoring is one of those wardrobe categories that, historically, fashion editors have tended to buy from designers. After all, it very much falls under the staple umbrella, and if you buy a good blazer, you’re likely to keep it for many years to come. Yes, to a certain degree, you will get higher quality when you go to some pricer specialist brands, but if we’re being realistic, this isn’t a feasible option for most people.
Thankfully, the high street‘s offering has improved immeasurably over the last decade, and there are countless brands that have addressed the gap in the market for well-made, timeless tailoring that won’t break the bank. My own wardrobe is interspersed with blazers and smart trousers from the likes of Arket and & Other Stories that, in my opinion, are barely discernible from designer pieces 10 times the price.
I called upon my fellow editors, and a few industry insiders, to find out the high-street names that have provided them with their most-loved tailored finds over the years, from ASOS and Arket to Warehouse and COS. Scroll down to see what they said.
“I find it really hard to find tailored pieces (designer or high-street) that work for my hourglass, 5’1” frame, but every now and then, a brand comes along to help me out. Whistles’ sizing is always spot-on, and its fabrics and cuts are top-quality, so I definitely have more luck here than at many other stores. This black suit was a real find, and although I still had to take the trousers up (standard!), it was nice to get a jacket that fit my waist, shoulders and bust well.”
“I love blazers and so have quite a collection, but my favourite of all by far is my camel wool blazer from & Other Stories. It was a birthday present about four years ago and has been one of my best wardrobe investments. The structured shoulders look really expensive, and the quality is impressive, as mine hasn’t tired in any way. I also love how it follows trends and has modern jacket silhouettes without compromising on quality.”
“At risk of sounding like a total fashion stereotype, I really am quite picky about tailoring. Sadly, my budget doesn’t quite stretch to The Row, so I have spent a great deal of time hunting around the high street to find the best affordable alternative. Arket is far and away the best that I’ve come across for classic, well-made tailoring. I got one of the brand’s wool hopsack blazers for Christmas four years ago, and I’ve worn it at least once a week ever since. Immaculately cut, with just the round amount of slouch, it’s one I’ll wear for many years to come.”
“When it comes to tailoring, I’ve relied on the same brands for years. Aussie high-street label Witchery is undoubtedly my go-to for blazers and more structured essentials. The brand gets it oh so right and, lucky for me, makes the perfect size 4, which means I’m not drowning in it. In the UK, I’m drawn to petite options from Topshop or ASOS and did track down a surprisingly good blazer from River Island Petites a few years back.”
“My go-to for high-street tailoring really changes depending on what I’m after and the current collections available. However, as a rule, I love Arket, COS, Mango and Zara but for different reasons. Right now though, COS is leading the pack for me. I’ve spied a number of chic separates that are not only classic tailored pieces but also work well for this season’s trends, such as the pleated trousers and the matching waistcoat.”
“For me, soft tailoring is key in my everyday wardrobe. It’s a great way to elevate a casual outfit without having to feel like you’re dressed in a tight-fitting suit. The shape and natural movement of Warehouse’s soft tailoring gives an element of comfort and sophistication, whilst still looking put-together.”
