This New High-Street Drop Is Full of Classic Pieces You'll Wear Forever
Sponsor Content Created With Karen Millen
After months of grey British days that predominantly involved practical layers, comfy trackies, and that all-important puffer coat, it’s finally time to start looking ahead and thinking about spring clothes. We can be certain that less bundled-up moments are on their way and with them, inevitably, a refreshed approach to our wardrobes.
With our calendars resetting, this time of year always seems to bring about a sense of renewal. This usually presents itself in the world of fashion as spring cleans and wardrobe sort outs (vacuum-packing has become a hobby of mine) as the new collections hit the stores and we start making space for a fresh palette of joyful colours and dresses.
Working at Who What Wear, it’s our job to scroll through these new drops, from designer to high street, and bring you the best of the best from what we find. Let us, then, point you toward Karen Millen’s new Shades of Spring campaign. Last autumn, we touched on how the brand’s new direction involved an expanding collection of timeless, premium staples, from luxe loungewear to standout outerwear and pretty much everything in between. Lucky for us, the brand’s vast new spring drop follows the same winning principles.
The focus is on classic investment pieces that can be worn for seasons to come, but there are, of course, subtle hints of SS21’s updated trends. For example, soft sorbet pastel shades, easy-to-wear neutrals, leather separates, and splashes of mood-boosting rainbow brights.
Tailoring is at the forefront, something the brand has been known for doing so well over the years. But today it comes in a more relaxed form: comfortable enough for working from home yet smart enough to take you (hopefully) back into the office at some point. Our particular favourites include the butter-soft leather (and faux) pieces in soft neutral shades, the vintage-feel co-ords, '90s tweed that looks like it could have jumped straight out of Clueless, and of course, the throw-on dresses we'll easily incorporate into our everyday wardrobes as soon as the weather warms up.
Another advantage of Karen Millen’s recent overhaul is the expansion of its curve category. Inclusivity is now central to the brand with most of the core trend-led designs available in sizes up to 24, a fact that leaves much to be desired among other high-street retailers.
So if you’re in the process of streamlining your spring wardrobe or simply on the lookout for a pick-me-up, keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best pieces from the new collection and more.
Shop Karen Millen's Shades of Spring Collection:
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Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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