Uterqüe was a radical proposition when it launched back in 2008. Inditex, which owns Zara, created the sister brand and launched it as a more premium option in the retail family, with quirkier designs and luxe fabrics. It was, in many ways, ahead of its time. Before other high street stores elevated their offering with spin-off lines full of more directional and expensive pieces, Uterqüe provided a unique proposition that still required an investment but sat comfortably below designer price-tags. It became a personal favourite of mine for both clothing and footwear: I still wear multiple pairs of shoes, a red leather jacket, a cream ’70s-inspired jumpsuit and a pair of navy trousers to this date. These items have latest better than many of my other affordable purchases as quality was such an important part of the brand’s DNA.
I wore this old Uterqüe jacket to London Fashion Week in September. I wasn’t alone. Uterqüe became a UK fashion-editor favourite (even though it still remained relatively “insider” brand). The label was initially focused on accessories, and while this was one of our favourite destinations for beautiful shoes and Instagram-worthy earrings, it was much more than that. The leather products were always beautifully designed and cut, and the brand was strong at tailoring—as all Inditex brands are.
My favourite Uterqüe sandals. So if you’ve been unable to get onto the website, you might be asking—what happened to Uterqüe? Despite my adoration for the label, Inditex made the decision earlier in the year to fold the brand into its more established Massimo Dutti. Massimo Dutti has previously erred on the side of classicism and minimalism, but since this merger some more experimental pieces have come to the fore. Massimo Dutti has a Studio Collection which features more detailed and intricate items such as corseted blazers or bold jumpers with detachable scarves—the kind of more adventurous styles I could imagine existing as original Uterqüe. Since the brand first came onto the scene other affordable labels have stepped into more individual design aesthetics, harnessing the power of a unique style profile rather than copying and repeating what is available elsewhere on the high street. So keep scrolling to see what’s Uterqüe-worthy online right now from Massimo Dutti and the others stores that offer something a little different…
This is the kind of statement piece I’d be looking for.
A dreamy party outfit finisher.
This clever dress looks so expensive.
This limited edition shirt is all kinds of unique—from the butter-yellow leather to the wrapped cuffs.
The kind of knit that instantly elevates an old pair of jeans.
I love how committed to strong colours Massimo Dutti is for autumn.
The perfect pair of tall black boots.
Call of the search—I’ve found the best little black dress on the high street.
Okay, now this is cool.
This dress practically is the party.
Fun, fun, fun!
Such a chic daytime option.
Wrap me up, stat.
A great quality leather skirt will last for many winters to come.
How stunning is this hot raspberry pink colour?
Carrying my laptop around never looked so good.
The orange line! The side split! This has so much detail.
Show me another dress that’s more suited to Christmas Day. I’ll wait.
It’s everything I love in a coat—navy, fluffy, timeless.
The comfiest party look you’ll ever try. Up next, the most expensive-looking high street pieces. This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
