35 High-Street Pieces That Are Destined for Cult Status
Knowing what to buy can be difficult. With hundreds of brands each offering up hundreds of new-in pieces—often on a weekly basis—deciding what to invest in can be daunting at best. That, however, is where we come in.
It's the Who What Wear UK team's job to scour the web and stores to find the very best pieces on offer—it's a role we take seriously and also reflects what we ourselves choose to buy. The same goes for our influencer friends. With gifts arriving on their doorsteps in droves, it makes the pieces they decide to spend their money on all the more special. As such, we decided to share the pieces we're currently coveting with you to give you an insight into what we—the people who look at clothes for a living—have on our wish lists.
Although there are plenty of designer treats we've got our eye on, we're all in agreement that the high-street is looking pretty exceptional right now. So we decided to share with you, dear readers, our high-street shopping hit lists.
I asked fellow members of the Who What Wear UK team, as well as some of my favourite influencers, to tell me the five pieces they intend on buying from the high street. As well as my own picks, you'll find their items below.
Our personal styles couldn't be more different, but there are common traits woven between our edits. For one, the colour palette remains largely neutral. Shearling trims also evident throughout, as is fringed hemming. The proof, they say, is in the punch; so keep scrolling to see seven fashion girls' high-street wish lists for autumn 2019.
HANNAH ALMASSI, WHO WHAT WEAR UK EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
"Can never have enough great coats to add to plain outfits, right? This is everything."
"I'm a leopard-print addict, and having this classic print cover up literally every inch of my body definitely ticks a major fashion box."
"I tried these on back in January of this year. I didn't buy them and haven't managed to get them out of my head ever since. I'm not really one for fitted trousers or jeans or leathers (I never felt I had very good legs for any of these options), but these are surprisingly good on a curvier figure as they do nip in at the waist but still have enough room in the hips/thighs. Best worn with cropped/snug knits and shirts to outline my hourglass figure."
"I love me a poncho and have since the late '90s. Whether they're in fashion or not, I still always want to fling one on over a bohemian outfit."
"I'm so into the chic shape of these I've considered getting them in the black, cream and red colourways! When you find a pair of boots that are comfortable, timeless and good quality, it's always worth buying multiples—trust me.''
ALEXIS FOREMAN OF @ALEXISFOREMAN
"This jacket is perfect for transitioning into the colder weather. I'll wear it as a cover-up during autumn, and then when it gets really cold, I'll wear it as an extra layer underneath a coat."
"I'm partial to anything camel coloured, but I don't currently own anything in the shade. So I think these will be a great staple piece in my wardrobe."
"I've wanted a pair of the all-white Yung 1 trainers for ages but they've been sold out everywhere. Now, they're finally available on Arket."
"I'm addicted to trench coats and macs. I love the simplicity of this COS style."
"This classic loafer will look great with trousers or styled with dresses and ankle socks."
Related: The Winter Trend That Scandi Girls Have Loved Forever
ALYSS BOWEN, WHO WHAT WEAR UK SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
"As far as outerwear goes, this shearling-lined number ticks the boxes of practicality and style."
"Smock dresses have always been my favourite, and now that they're back for 2019, I have the pick of the crop—starting with this gingham mini."
"This blouse will instantly dress up my Friday jeans and boots combination."
"See? I told you smock dresses are back in a big way. This paisley Topshop style ticks off the '70s trend perfectly."
"I'm a sucker for a co-ord, and this Mango option will save me precious minutes getting ready in the morning. I'll be investing in the skirt first and finishing with a contrasting knit."
KARINA MARRIOTT OF @STYLEIDEALIST
"This classic, catwalk-esque trench coat is the perfect transitional staple for autumn/winter 2019. I still can't believe it's from Warehouse."
"Because no woman should be without a stylish black blazer that she can throw over any outfit."
"I can say with complete confidence that this khaki green skirt will be swiftly added to my everyday outfit rotation for the rest of the year. Perhaps until the end of time…"
"I know these will be the one pair of boots I wear with absolutely everything."
"A coat is an easy way to embrace colour this season. In fact, I'm going to make 'go bright or go home' my autumn 2019 motto."
JOY MONTGOMERY, WHO WHAT WEAR UK SHOPPING EDITOR
"I've been swooning over Cecilie Bahnsen's dresses. Until I get my hands on one, this oversized style from Sister Jane will more than suffice."
"I'm a knitwear freak, and this style from ASOS' White collection looks so incredibly premium."
"I was shocked when I saw the price of these snake-print boots—in the best possible way."
"I've already bought into the fringed jacket trend, but when this style comes with a Western belt built in, how could I possibly resist?"
"I'd always found trench coats classic, but let's face it, they're not the most exciting purchase. However, with its tartan trim, elongated ties and oversized silhouette, this trench is in a league all its own."
Related: Winter 2019 Trends: The Only New Fashion Looks You Need to Know
MAXINE EGGENBERGER, WHO WHAT WEAR UK CONTRIBUTOR
I have countless trench coats in my wardrobe. I also have lots of leather and vinyl. But do I have a hybrid of the two? I will soon…
I spotted this polka-dot dress on fellow Who What Wear UK contributor Marissa Cox and haven't stopped thinking about it since. I'll add a slouchy cardigan and white boots to finish the look.
As much as I love heels, I've made it my mission to invest in elevated flats I can wear around the clock. This red backless pair from Zara is the ideal place to start.
I've had my eye on Charles & Keith's sellout wristlet bag for a while now, and its new khaki iteration is too good to resist.
Satin is a staple part of my wardrobe, though sometimes it can prove too fancy for the occasion. This blouse is the answer to this problem. I'll be wearing it with straight-leg jeans, mules and a red lip for the perfect high/low balance.
RENATA JAZDZYK OF @VENSWIFESTYLE
"During autumn, faux fur becomes one of my essentials. I don't think I could survive without them. I think I've just found the perfect style to wear with cowboy boots."
"Tailored trousers are a must this season. I found the perfect pair to go with chunky sweaters and cowboy boots."
"Fringing on skirts, dresses and coats are back for autumn. I love them because they add a bit of playfulness to my outfits. Give them a go and I promise you'll fall in love with them."
"Chunky sweaters with big shoulders aren't going anywhere. You can find an amazing selection on the high street, and my favourite has to be this option from Mango."
"I'm very happy that cowboy boots are back this season. I'm such a big fan of them. They're comfy and so easy to wear. This Zara pair is at the top of my wish list."
Up next, the secret (and amazing) Topshop pieces you haven't found yet.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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