I'm an Editor Who's Hard to Impress—9 New, Deeply Elegant Pieces That Get a Yes From Me
I might be a fashion editor, but it might surprise you to learn that I don't shop a whole lot. I know what you're thinking; Isn't that counterintuitive? I liken it to my friend who's a baker and doesn't eat much cake. It's not that you don't enjoy it—the opposite, in fact. The difference is that you don't indulge in it for the sake of it.
For the last 10 years or so, fashion has been my livelihood and my greatest passion. I preview collections before they're released, analyse the runways to pick out the need-to-know trends and scour new-in sections daily, all to bring you the very best that fashion has to offer. As a result, I've become very particular when shopping for myself. For one thing, I have to be in the right mood to shop. Shopping is a big part of my job, which can make doing it on my own time a chore. I also have to be willing to part with some cash. (I was raised to be very money-conscious.) Plus, my increased exposure to fashion means my taste has become all the more specific—something has to really impress me before I'm willing to invest in it. I'm picky, and I don't care who knows it!
That's not to say that everything I buy is an investment—at least, not in terms of cost. I love the high street, and in Britain, we have access to some of the best affordable brands in the world. Although I shop from it, I do so mindfully. And I apply that same mentality to any high-end purchases I'm considering. In the past, I've been swayed into purchasing on name alone, but in my tenure at Who What Wear, I've developed a thicker skin for designer pieces, which allows me to look past the gilded embossing and instead see the piece for what it is and determine whether it's actually worth it.
As you can see, I'm very particular about the clothes I wear, the story they tell, and the impact they have on my life. So why not share my shopping picks with you? These are pieces even a perfectionist can't find fault with. I hope you find something you like and can see yourself wearing for a long time.
See the Shopping Picks That Have Impressed Me
When two of your favourite brands collaborate, you know you're going to like the outcome, but Barbour and Ganni's latest collection surpasses even my lofty expectations. In the designs you'll see all the hallmarks that you love from the heritage brand—think corduroy collars, popper-button fastenings and that iconic Barbour wax finish—combined with interesting updates, such as contrasting patch pockets and that unmistakeable flash of green embroidery. This jacket is my favourite piece from the collection, but I'm also tempted by this scarf.
I'm a sucker for a minidress with long sleeves at the best of times, but throw in a highly chic zebra print and I'm smitten.
I already own the Toteme T-Lock bag, so how could I possibly justify buying another style from the brand? With an entirely different shape and a very elegant payoff, this is bucket bag is incredibly tempting.
I want nothing more than to wear this bow-front jacket and minidress to a fabulous winter party.
This shade of crimson looks beyond beautiful when placed upon liquid satin.
Jigsaw is one of my favourite stops for knitwear on the high street—this polo-neck number is up there with the best of the styles.
Sophistication is a pair of elbow-length leather gloves, and you can't tell me otherwise.
I'm in the market for a new pair of jeans, and my colleagues keep telling me just how excellent Arket's Shore style is. I think it's about time I found out whether the hype is worth it.
See Pieces From My Previous Edits
This Arket bestseller comes in two delicious new colourways. This sandy hue will go with so much.
I'm a sucker for cable knit, so this COS jumper has shot straight to the top of my wishlist.
Us Brits know a good trench coat when we see one—this might just be one of the best I've ever seen.
No one will believe you when you tell them your shoes came from the high street.
I have a winter wedding I'm already starting to outfit plan for, and this Coperni co-ord is a hot contender.
I fell in love with the mini version of this dress this summer. Now, I'm considering investing in the midi style for one of my London Fashion Week looks.
This new H&M bag really has no business looking as expensive as it does for the price. I'm floored.
I've seen this brand all over Instagram and now, its best-selling tennis necklace is back in stock. If that's not a sign I don't know what is.
These give a good impression of the Miu Miu shoes I've had my eye on for months.
And the award for the best cardigan of 2024 definitely needs to go to Stella McCartney. Between the flared sleeves, thick ribbed knit and gold buttons, I have no notes on how it could be improved upon.
My daily uniform consists of jeans and blouses or shirts. This is the prettiest I've seen of the latter in a long while.
Frankie Shop's tailoring is unrivalled in my eyes, and it's latest drop of pre-autumn pieces looks as good as the brand ever has.
I'm a sucker for a skirt co-ord, and Massimo Dutti's tie-front top and A-line skirt combination is next on my wish list.
With Nothing Underneath's shirts are legendary—this brand-new pink shade is all I can think about wearing, as are the matching boxer shorts (£60).
I've seen so many stylish people carrying this on their holidays; now I have one on order.
It's never too early to be thinking about jackets, and I know this style will come in handy every season.
I'm not usually a miniskirt person, but this flippy style from H&M has won me over. It also comes in white, which I'm just as tempted by.
This bestselling waistcoat is back in this gorgeous and rich-looking chocolate brown.
There's a gap in my shoe collection for a pair of simple yet colourful sandals.
Free People always delivers when it comes to throw-on dresses; this style is already in my basket.
Free with any purchase over £100, beauty brand Merit's bag collaboration with chic fashion label Tove is too good to miss. I advise investing in Great Skin (£40), the Clean Lash mascara (£28) and the Bronze Balm (£32) to get to that total.
I have a soft spot for white dresses, and although I told myself I didn't need to buy another this summer, this new-in Rixo style feels to special to ignore. It also comes in Rixo's extended size range, which spans 6-20.
A.Emery sandals are especially popular this summer and I can see why. Although the brand ticks off classic colours of black and tan, it's this burgundy pair that I can't stop thinking about.
To me, nothing says "summer" quite like a floaty dress styled only with bold, gold earrings. This Mango pair nail the statement-making brief.
M&S is incredibly strong this season—this linen waistcoat is one of the best pieces I've seen in the collection.
I'm tempted to buy the full suit to wear to a late summer wedding.
Owning a Matteau dress has long on my list of fashion goals and, this summer, I'm eyeing this ditsy floral mini.
Of all the straw bags out there right now (and trust me when I say there's a lot of them) this one has to be the best. Between its size and slouchy silhouette, it looks so elegant hanging from a shoulder.
Being a 32G, to say I find it hard to hunt down swimwear that makes me look and feel good simultaneously is an understatement. However, Away That Day's Cannes top combines decent support with incredibly chic design.
So little time, so many excellent dresses! This satin midi will work perfectly for more formal occasions such as weddings just as it will worn with flat sandals for dinner on the beach when on holiday.
I've been thinking about this co-ord nonstop since I saw it in Arket's new arrivals this week; it reminds me of the pairing Sofia Richie-Grainge wore in the run up to her wedding.
I've been on the hunt for a chic, lightweight jacket that can see me though the spring. I've just found it.
A Savette bag is high, high up on my wish list right now. This brown suede style is nothing short of beautiful.
Dress down with a vest top and slider sandals or elevate with a camisole and heels.
The mesh shoe trend has transitioned from flats to block heels, which I may even prefer! This & Other Stories pair also come in black.
Australian brand Dissh always peaks in popularity in the summer months, and its 2024 collection might just be the strongest I've ever seen from the label. Expect to see it everywhere this month onwards.
Anything from The Row is a luxury but this shirt, in its very elegant pink hue, feels extra special.
I have a few mini getaways planned this summer, so I think it's about time I invested in Longchamp's iconic Le Pliage travel bag.
Silky trousers are having a moment; this chocolate-brown pair feel especially luxury.
I have a simple slip dress I want to wear to a wedding next month. This necklace will make it look the pretty part.
I've been losing sleep over Prada's satin mules; thankfully the black iteration I want is finally back in stock.
I wear cardigans and jeans almost daily, so I know I'll get more than enough wear out of H&M's new khaki style.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw this bag in my local Zara store this week; it's perhaps the best the brand has ever done.
Now that spring feels as if it's finally underway, I have the sudden urge to invest in a new dress from one of my favourite brands, Reformation. This style is the one.
Just think how chic this will look with leggings, wide-leg trousers and jeans. Talk about versatile.
An easy skirt to dress up or down. For my first look, I'm thinking a Breton long-sleeve top, tan blazer and slingbacks.
Skirt suits were big on the LFW runways for autumn/winter 2024—I'm planning on being months ahead of the trend with Mango's version.
I already get so much wear out of the pleated miniskirt I already own, so I know this will be a wise wardrobe investment.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about this gorgeous shoulder bag since I saw it at the Celine press day.
Zara constantly delivers on the affordable shoe front—this pair is next on my list.
I've wanted to invest in a piece from Lié Studio for so long. It has to be this Instagram-famous necklace.
I'm not just an F1 girlie, I'm a McLaren girlie (go Norris!) and I audibly gasped when I saw Reiss's partnership with the brand. Finally merch that doesn't scrimp on style but actually looks chicer than 90% of my wardrobe. This bomber will be mine.
This beautiful jumper also comes in black. Naturally I want both.
I've already found my dream spring dress courtesy of Dôen.
This coat feels special on every level and comes courtesy of one of my favourite brands for 2024.
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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