I've Worked in Fashion for 12 Years—5 Wardrobe Items I Always Invest in and 5 I Shop Affordably
Working in the fashion industry as both an editor and stylist for over twelve years, I've come to learn a thing or two about clothes shopping. Namely when and where it's worth spending money—as well as exactly what to spend it on. Back in my early twenties I was definitely guilty of over consumption—I was new to the industry and constantly trying to play catch up with the latest trends. Now, in my mid-thirties I've become a lot more confident in my personal style (leaning into timeless classics) and in knowing the best places to shop, so I'm a lot more considered and these days it's rare that I regret a purchase.
After so many years of research trying to find the perfect wardrobe pieces, be it for photo shoots, styling clients or for articles just like this one, I know which brands to trust for quality and style. I'm full of advice for which wardrobe pieces I believe it's worth investing a little bit more in, and which I still always turn to the high street for. In this editor's guide to shopping for 2025, I'm sharing this wisdom with you.
So, let's get down to it. What affordable buys are going to go the distance for you? Well, for me it's all about the basics. I'd love to be the kind of person who wears a white shirt from The Row, and I'm sure the quality of the fabric is beyond beautiful, but a white cotton shirt is a white cotton shirt, am I right? Same with a white t-shirt—they're all just as likely to get coffee spilled on them in my busy life as a mum. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend somewhere as cheap as H&M or Primark, as you need them to wash and age well since you'll likely be wearing them on repeat, but I find premium high street brands like COS or Massimo Dutti are really reliable. My top tip? Always check the fabric—100% cotton (organic if possible), 100% linen or cotton-poplin for shirts will stand the test of time.
Denim is another thing I tend to shop on the high street. This may be controversial, and I know a lot of other editors would fight me on this one, but as someone who used to have almost 100 pairs of jeans in my closet (yes, I've cut that number down considerably now) from £300+ designer pairs to H&M's finest, I still find my most worn jeans are high street styles. Again, the focus needs to be on fabric—if you can find more sustainable organic cotton options that's obviously going to be better for your wardrobe and the planet. My best and most-worn pairs have always been from Arket, M&S and Zara.
When it comes to splurging, I always suggest that money is best spent on items that can really make or break an outfit. Handbags are a no brainer—a truly beautiful leather bag transcends seasons and can elevate a simple outfit in an instant. It will draw the eye of any onlookers and, since you can wear it everyday, the cost per wear becomes much more reasonable. Outerwear is the same—a great jacket or coat gives a first impression. And they're versatile too—choose wisely and you've got a piece that can take you from workwear to weekends and evenings out, meaning you get better value for money all round.
Keep scrolling to find out which other wardrobe items I recommend saving on and which I think are worth investing in, and then shop some of my favourite buys in this editor's shopping guide for the spring/summer 2025 season.
5 Fashion Items to Shop Affordably
1. Wardrobe Basics
COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
I own this in pretty much every colour.
Autograph
Cotton Rich T-Shirt
A really nice thick cotton.
Trust me, I've tried them all. H&M's ribbed vest top is the best on the market.
2. Denim
M&S Collection
The Wide-Leg Jeans
I love that M&S jeans come in different lengths (I'm only 5'2" so usually I need to get my jeans taken up).
COS
Facade Turn-Up Straight-Leg Jeans
The cuff on these makes them look designer.
ZARA
Z1975 High-Rise Straight Jeans
The perfect straight leg jean.
ARKET
Jade Cropped Slim Jeans
These have a little stretch to them so they're really comfortable for wearing all day.
3. Shoes
ZARA
Flat Split Suede Sandals With Metal Embellishment
M&S Collection
Toe Post Kitten Heel Square Toe Sandals
I honestly gasped when I saw these when recently scrolling the M&S website. They're so designer-looking, but unlike a lot of designer brands, you can always have total confidence in the comfort of M&S shoes.
Why pay more when the perfect quiet luxury loafers can be found at Mango for under-£100.
4. Underwear
Body by M&S
3pk Flexifit™ Modal Thongs
I've tried all the fancy lingerie brands, and I always come back to these comfy, sexy and totally seamless knickers. I always have multiple packs of them in my styling kit in nude and black.
Free People
Happier Than Ever Bralette
Free People has a lovely selection of pretty bras.
Body by M&S
Flexifit™ Wired Full-Cup T-Shirt Bra A-E
A brilliant everyday bra.
H&M
2-Pack Lace Hipster Thong Briefs
H&M has always done excellent value lingerie.
5. Linen
M&S Collection
Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers
Linen is linen, right? The high street releases so many lovely classic pieces in this fabric each spring that there's really no need to look elsewhere. M&S is a personal favourite for good quality linen, and these trousers sell out before summer every year.
I always look to H&M's Premium Selection edit for better quality fabrics and cuts that are still really affordable.
Massimo Dutti
Long Halter Dress
The draping on this dress is just beautiful.
I love the idea of wearing this suit for summer events.
5 Fashion Items Worth Splurging On
1. Handbags
DeMellier's bags look like total luxury, but they're on the more affordable end of the designer handbag scale.
Bottega Veneta
Women's Andiamo in Ecru
The luxury bag on every fashion editor's wish list this year.
YSL
Women's Le 5 à 7 Supple Large in Grained Leather in Black
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Medium Nubuck Shoulder Bag
All the most stylish people I know are carrying this handbag right now. It instantly makes any outfit look elegant.
2. Outerwear
Toteme
Short Leather Trench Desert
This jacket is jaw-droppingly beautiful—I saw it in store recently.
Reiss
Suede Zip Through Bomber Jacket in Tan
A suede bomber can work day or night, relaxed over jeans or dressed up over tailored trousers. While the style is clearly having a moment right now, it's a timeless piece that has been (and will continue to be) popular for many years. A worthy investment.
DÔEN
Pascual Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton Jacket
There's just something so effortless about this jacket for spring.
TOTEME
Belted Organic Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
A trench coat is probably the most timeless wardrobe item you can own. In all my years in this industry, a trench coat has never been out of style. If you're in a position to, it makes for the perfect investment piece that you can look forward to pulling out year after year after year.
3. Dresses
TOVE
Anisa Paneled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Yes, the high street does great-looking dresses. But I've been burned too many times with bad quality styles that lose their shape and finesse after one or two washes . Instead of buying a few high street styles each summer, I now choose one really great versatile dress at a higher price point. This one is the perfect example—it will work for all of summer's events, from attending Wimbledon to beach breaks when paired with simple flat sandals.
ME+EM
Contour Seamed Maxi Dress
Sitting at a mid-range price point, Me+Em is a brilliant option when you want luxury and beautiful quality without an extortionate price tag.
DÔEN
Ischia Shirred Floral-Print Organic Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
I always suggest Dôen dresses to my friends and family when they ask for a recommendation for easy throw-on styles that look polished and pretty.
4. Jewellery
Missoma
Fine Open Claw Ring | 14ct Solid Gold/diamond
Jewellery is another thing that's not really worth buying on the high street. The materials just aren't up to par. That doesn't mean you have to shop for jewellery at Tiffany's (a girl can dream). There's so many great mid-range jewellery brands, from Missoma to Mejuri, that cater to a broad affordability range. This sold gold and diamond ring is still a forever piece, but it will also really elevate your day to day looks.
Mejuri
14k Yellow Gold / Lab Grown Diamond / Xs
Another stunning timeless jewellery buy that will make all your outfits (even those high street basics) look polished.
ALIGHIERI
+ Net Sustain the Mini Link of Wanderlust Gold-Plated Cord Necklace
Add some personality to plainer capsule wardrobe looks with a statement jewellery piece.
YSSO
Cote Gold-Plated Earrings
Gold statement earrings can make anything look dressy—I always carry a pair in my handbag just in case I'm caught off guard and need to head to a client meeting, shoot some content or attend an event at the last minute.
CARTIER
Tank Louis Cartier 22mm Small 18-Karat Gold and Alligator Watch
Yes, a Cartier watch is total luxury, but the Tank was first designed in 1917 and it remains one of the most desirable and classy watches to this day. So, I think you can be confident you're making a wise investment.
5. Knitwear
KHAITE
Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan
Knitwear is another wardrobe category that I suggest investing that little bit more in if you can. The quality is just miles better than most of the pieces you'll find on the high street, and if you care for your cashmere well it will last you for years and years.
THE ROW
Essentials Ophelia Oversized Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater
In my opinion this is the ultimate knit jumper.
&DAUGHTER
Ada Wool Cardigan
A playful knit can be just as timeless as a neutral buy. Just be sure to choose a colour you truly love wearing, rather than one that's trending right now.
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