Trends
Jan 11, 2020

I Just Tried on 19 2020-Ready Buys From & Other Stories

by Joy Montgomery

Here at Who What Wear UK, we're all about delivering the latest and greatest shopping edits, as approved by our team. That's why we've created a new shopping column, The Joy of Shopping, which will see me, Joy Montgomery, heading to all your favourite stores to test out new-in pieces IRL. From summer dresses to the brands you might've forgotten about, prepare for changing room selfies aplenty. Is there something you'd like me to cover? Make sure to tweet or Instagram me your requests!

Bursting onto the scene back in 2013, & Other Stories has been one of the few high-street success stories in an undeniably bleak decade for the retail world. Feeding the consumer's desire for an all-encompassing shopping experience, the brand created stores which felt like the sort of understatedly chic homes we all wish we had filled with the fantasy wardrobe of an archetypal cool girl.

Where some brands clamoured for our attention with cut prices and throwaway trends, & Other Stories became the aloof and stylish older sister who knew she'd never had to work very hard to hold our attention. And, lo and behold, the nation's fashion lovers flocked to her, drawn in by her cool and collected exterior and careful balance of timelessness and relevance. The ultimate litmus test? Even my shopping-phobic friends are happy to peruse the stores' rails—and that's no mean feat.

More than ever, it feels as though & Other Stories is on the money with their design offering, tapping into the public's demand for greater longevity from their fashion with minimalist, clean-lined buys that will not only survive the seasons but also feel premium thanks to their weighty fabrics and high-end finishes. The proof is in the feed: You can barely scroll through Instagram without coming across influencers clad in the brand's wares, both past and present.

I entered & Other Stories this week expecting to discover a host of 2020 trends, but instead, I was inexorably drawn to a dream line-up of mix-and-match staples. I present to you your new season capsule: Think perfectly tailored white shirts, dress-up-dress-down midi dresses, layering hero pieces and throw-on-and-go jumpsuits. Bring on the roaring '20s. Scroll down to see and shop the 19 pieces I'm loving from & Other Stories right now.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: If there's one thing & Other Stories is excelling at right now, it's elevated basics. I'm in love with the proportions of this outfit: The oversized blazer with the high-waisted trousers and slim-fit knit. The simplicity and weightiness of the fabrics make it feel so premium.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I've been tentative about the return of the miniskirt, but this pairing feels sufficiently fresh. Next time I would size up with the skirt for a more A-line fit and maybe style with loafers, but I do seriously rate this mock-neck blouse for all your smart-casual needs (it is very sheer, but it would look just as good with a black cami base-layer).

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: Stories has created multiple iterations of this '70s-style belted jacket, and this is my favourite one to date. Made in a green-tinged tweed fabric, this retro-inspired piece makes for a winning pairing with flared jeans and a roll-neck. Note that the fit comes up a little loose, so size down if you're petite or want a slimmer fit.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I don't usually think knitted dresses (particularly of the tight variety) are the most flattering trend around, but this Stories style is the exception. The waist knotted detail cinches the waist, offering shape where some offerings can look a little awkward. I'll be saving up my pennies for this piece.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: The shacket has fast become a staple in the fashion lovers' wardrobe, but this look stands out from the rest thanks to its quilted finish. Light enough to fit under a roomy coat, this is set to be a serious layering hero. Just add straight-leg jeans and a white shirt.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I never thought I'd see myself in such a unashamedly pastel hue, but there's something about the sharp tailored finish of this suit that counteracts any saccharine undertones. For a more casual look, try styling with a white tee and sneakers.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: If this season's collections are anything to go by, the leather trend ain't going nowhere. Despite its high-impact associations, it's actually become a bit of a minimalist staple, as seen in this oversized (and I mean oversized) shirtdress. For best results, keep accessories simple and colour palette muted.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I've seen so many influencers wearing this & Other Stories blazer and I can now see why. Coming in a range of muted shades and weighty wool-blend fabric, it's the ideal mix of versatile jacket and winter coat. I'll be using mine to create a tonal effect with a colour-match roll-neck.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I've had my eye on this mock-croc baguette for a while now. It might be on the pricier side, but you really notice the quality. It's the sort of bag that'll look just as good with daytime basics as it will with evening outfits.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: Sometimes, you can't go wrong with a tailored shirt and perfectly cut jeans. This season it's all about the borrowed-from-the-boys fit, which hangs loose, but if you're worried about the shapeless finish, try a French tuck, as it will help to lengthen the legs.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: On average, I probably wear a jumpsuit about once a week, as it's the item I throw on when I'm feeling a bit lazy but still want to look stylish. This utilitarian offering has just the right fit—oversized but suitably tailored (although note that I sized down). It would look so good with combat boots and a white roll-neck layered underneath.

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Joy Montgomery for Who What Wear

Style Notes: I couldn't resist throwing on this workwear shirt as I was leaving the store. It's definitely on the longer side, so it's perhaps less good for petite people, but I enjoyed the versatile simplicity of the cut and woollen cosiness of the fabric.

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