Okay, I admit it: I have expensive taste. When it comes to building my closet as a fashion editor in my thirties, I tend to err on the side of minimalist tailoring and elevated basics which tend to look better in beautiful, expensive fabrics. Often I think to myself I could do with an extra few zeros on the end of my bank balance to be able to indulge my fantasy of owning a capsule wardrobe filled with brands like The Row and Totême.
But in reality, that’s far from a priority—and after almost a decade of working in the industry, I’ve had to get resourceful with my shopping habits in order to find the most expensive-looking pieces for more affordable prices. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve gotten pretty good at it—and I now know which stores are best for which pieces, and where to turn to fuel my desire to look polished on a budget.
It’s not solely tailoring I shop for, but it does play a huge role in my capsule wardrobe— even more so over the past few years when the trend for relaxed tailoring has become so prevalent again. As well as my desire to find quick, easy ways to look put together when rushing to get dressed in the morning.
So, as we launch into spring I thought I’d let you in on my specific go-tos for really good affordable tailoring when I’m looking to invest in new pieces—from lighter suits to crisp shirts. Of course, it can differ from season to season, depending on each brand’s offering. But having spent the last few weeks keeping a close eye on the high street’s new-in sections, I can confirm this is where I’ll be turning to this season.
Keep scrolling to see, and I’ve also added links to some of my favourite premium-looking pieces in case you’re in the market to shop.
1. H&M for Suits
SHOP SUITS:
The perfect slouch.
These could so easily pass for designer.
Part of H&M’s premium selection so you can have confidence in the quality.
Such a pretty shade of blue.
This orange could have come straight off the S/S 22 catwalks.
I plan on wearing this suit to lots of weddings this year.
2. Arket for Shirting
SHOP SHIRTS:
Beige is a chic alternative to a white shirt.
Top up on your classics.
So fresh for spring.
3. Mango for Blazers
SHOP BLAZERS:
An easy injection of colour for the new season.
A spring classic.
Mango does the best tweed blazers around, with diverse size ranges too.
4. COS for Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers
Every editor on our team has these on their wish list.
Such a good dupe for those The Row trousers.
A timeless staple to wear for years to come.
5. & Other Stories or Weekday for Waistcoats
SHOP WAISTCOATS
I love this chocolate brown shade right now—it feels more exciting than black for spring.
I’d wear this with the beige COS trousers above for a tonal look.
A great spring jacket for the office over a T-shirt or on its own.
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