The 5 high street shops fashion editors always pop into to get a high-end-look for less -

WANT the inside scoop on how to shop like a Fashion Director? Look no further!

I'm Tracey, Fabulous' Fashion Director and have worked in the fashion industry for 30 years & so here are my top tips on how best to shop the high street - and find high-end-looking pieces that don't cost a bomb.

Want to know what is selling like hot cakes? Who has the most affordable high street cashmere? Who does the best designer dupes? Who does the best statement pieces? Who does one in every colour?

Then read on!

& OTHER STORIES

& Other Stories is my absolute go-to for all things a bit grown-up for the evening, as well as some great accessories and solid knits. They are trend-led, but with good-quality pieces that always catch my eye for being a bit different.

WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR...

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5. BALLET-CORE FLATS
The rise of the ballet flat continues in 2024, but this season they're leather and embellished. This trophy shoe will give you all the style points, especially if you can’t be bothered with heels - like me!
Ballet pumps, £120, & Other Stories – BUY NOW

6. THE LMB (LITTLE METALLIC BAG)
If you only own one evening bag for the rest of your life, make it a metallic one. Gold and silver are a neutral that go with everything in your wardrobe. You're welcome!
Bag, £65, & Other Stories – BUY NOW

7. INTO NEUTRAL
A neutral knit is probably the hardest-working piece in my wardrobe - and & Other Stories has an excellent range of them, including lots of recycled wool, which I love.
Jumper, £95, & Other Stories – BUY NOW

MARKS & SPENCER

Oh, hi Marks & Sparks, how cool are you looking?! Step aside mundane printed midi-dresses and step forward cool three-piece suits, wide-leg track pants and quilted nylon bags. M&S is on fire at the minute - and I am obsessed!

WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR...

1. TRACK STAR PANTS
Post-Christmas, what's not to love about an elastic-waist track pant that come in three lengths? So easy to sling on for the school run.
Trousers, £45, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

2. DESIGNER DUPE
How designer does this dress look? If I saw it on Net-a-Porter I wouldn’t bat an eyelid! If, like me, you don’t do fussy dresses, this is one for your basket right now. But be quick, it's selling like hotcakes
Dress, £35, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

3. THE SHARPEST TAILORING
I love a three-piece suit, and this one is so affordable. The clean lines and soft grey are perfect for bossing it at work.
Jacket, £69, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
Waistcoat, £35, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
Trousers, £45, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

4. BIKINI BARGAINS
I'm not a big fan of paying a fortune for a bikini, so I always hit M&S as they have great swimwear all year round. Solid hold-you-all-in fabrics, loads of sizes and they wash well. Winning.
Bikini top, £22.50 – BUY NOW
Bikini bottoms, £10, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

5. BAG SCANDI ON A BUDGET
If you don’t want to spend a fortune in Ganni, then pop into your local M&S for an arm candy hit that will only set you back £35.
Bag, £35, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

6. DOPAMINE KNITS
I like to dress myself happy with a bright knit in January. This canary-yellow jumper is the antidote to a grey and miserable month.
Roll-neck jumper, £25, Marks & Spencer - BUY NOW

7. AFFORDABLE CASHMERE
M&S does a great range of cashmere knits that come in lots of colours and these slouchy wide-leg trousers are great for the winter months, but also perfect for flying in during the summer
Cashmere trousers, £109, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

ARKET

I can’t walk past Arket without popping in! I love its laid-back easy approach to style, with great denim, casual jackets and solid accessories, as well as beautiful evening wear and jackets.

WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR...

1. COOL BEANIES
Arket does the same chunky knitted beanie hats each year and they're so warm and cosy. There are a great selection of colours, but I tend to stick to a neutral that will go with all my coats.
Beanie hat, £47, Arket – BUY NOW

2. GET YOUR COAT-IGAN
One part coat, one part cardigan, this lovely and soft all-rounder is not only warm, but is also trimmed in blanket stitch for ultimate cosy vibes.
Navy jacket, £129, Arket – BUY NOW

3. SHOW SOME FLARE
The 70s trend never really goes away, so while I love a 'barrel leg' and a ‘mom’, I'm a huge fan of a pair of high-waisted flares - they are the most flattering jeans out there. These also have a bit of stretch - perfect!
Jeans, £87, Arket – BUY NOW

4. ARM CANDY
Arket are great at bags. Whether for work or weekend, they have you covered, with solid leather and suede handbags in all sizes to suit most budgets.
Bag, £279, Arket – BUY NOW

5. BOOT-IFUL BOOTS
Whether you are looking for big bovver boots, technical walking boots or sexy sock boots, Arket is a one-stop shop. This soft suede pair is on my wish list.
Suede boots, £229, Arket – BUY NOW

6. LITTLE BOW BLOUSE
I'm a sucker for a tie-neck blouse, but sometimes they can feel a bit prim. Step forward this soft cotton number that can easily be dressed down with jeans.
Denim blouse, £77, Arket - BUY NOW

7. BELT UP
I can’t tell you how much a great belt finishes off a pair of trousers. It may seem like a bit of a splurge at the time, but a new belt will make all your old stuff look top dollar.
Belt, £57, Arket – BUY NOW

UNIQLO

Uniqlo’s slogan ‘Made for all’ couldn’t be more apt! I fell in love with their ‘LifeWear’ when the brand came to the UK 21 years ago. If you are a fashion geek and like to take one in each colour like me, then this is the store for you. The designer collaborations are also excellent (as are the socks!).

WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR...

1. GET FLEECED
I bought every single member of my family one of these fleeces for Christmas, so if that doesn’t convince you they are amazing I don’t know what will!
Fleece, £24.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW

2. DESIGNER COLLAB COAT
Uniqlo’s designer collaborations sell out in seconds. This one is Comptoir Des Cotonniers, but last year the store also collaborated with Anya Hindmarch, JW Anderson, and Clare Waight Keller.
Coat, £109.90, Uniqlo X Comptoir Des Cotonniers – BUY NOW

3. THE DOWN JACKET
Uniqlo’s ultra-light down jacket is great for layering up whatever the weather. You can use it as a base layer as it get colder or a cardigan come spring.
Jacket, £59.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW

4. SOCKS IN EVERY COLOUR
If you're a sock nerd, head to Uniqlo's wall of socks and choose from 42 colours!
Socks, £3.90 or 4 for £12.90 – BUY NOW

5. JOG ON JOGGERS
As well as cool separates and designer collabs, Uniqlo is the king of athleisure. Working from home made cosy!
Grey joggers, £24.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW

6. THE RIGHT STRIPES
The humble Breton stripe is a wardrobe staple. Luckily Uniqlo sells them in all colours, so if classic navy and cream isn’t your thing, try the olive or red.
Breton stripe top, £34.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW

7. THE SELL-OUT CROSS-BODY BAG
Do you own one yet? Made famous on TikTok, these small but perfectly formed cross-body bags can fit everything from your mobile and book to your bottle of water and wallet. I have it in three colour ways.
Cross-body bag, £14.90, Uniqlo - BUY NOW

COS

COS serves me Scandi style at its slickest. I am obsessed with elevated catwalk collections that serve up hard-hitting, edgy pieces. If you are looking for a high-street hero, you will find one here!

WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR...

1. BIG SHIRT ENERGY
Loose silhouettes are a staple in COS. This easy-to-wear throw-on piece is simple but elegant.
Shirt dress, £95, COS – BUY NOW

2. GO DOTTY
Want to stand out from the crowd? Me too. This statement polka dot coat will definitely get you noticed.
Coat, £270, COS - BUY NOW

3. & 7. CUTE CO-ORD
Wear this cool set as a two-piece or separate to make multiple outfits.
Top, £45, COS - BUY NOW
Skirt, £45, COS - BUY NOW

4. SKINNY ROLL-NECKS
A sheer Merino wool roll-neck is a great way to get the most out of your summer clothes in winter. Layer under a dress, suit or a co-ord.
Top, £45, COS - BUY NOW

The 5 high street shops fashion editors always pop into to get a high-end-look for less

& OTHER STORIES

read more in shopping

Most read in Fabulous

MARKS & SPENCER

ARKET

UNIQLO

COS

READ MORE SUN STORIES