30 Items From Zara, & Other Stories and COS That Could Pass For Designer

Zara, & Other Stories and COS shopping picks

Photo:

@daniellejinadu

Danielle carrying the COS bag.

I'm a very fussy high-street shopper. As someone who has seen trends and It pieces come and go more times than I've had hot dinners over the past 15 years I've worked in fashion, I don't like to buy on a whim anymore. The sad, unworn pieces of my past missteps haven't been in vain, as I'm now a lot more strict with what makes it into my basket. In fact, I'd say the entirety of the Who What Wear UK team are about as picky as can be. We love to shop (and live for it!), but we're happiest when we've invested in something that will see us through the long haul—high street or designer, indie or mass-produced. 

So when it comes to perusing affordable stores, I try to keep the 30-wears principle in mind. Is this something I could envisage wearing over 30 times? Is it not too transient a trend or completely out of my personal-style wheelhouse to look good in my wardrobe for many years to come? The items that I gravitate towards aren't necessarily the right ones for everybody who will read this story, but by putting them through this rigorous testing filter as well as a full shakedown on fit and feel once they're in my hands, I'd hope that it helps sift out some of the cheap scraps that are unfortunately all too present when lower price points are involved. 

Right now, I have a passion for & Other Stories, COS and Zara. All look wildly different from each other, but each are delivering interesting pieces that have longevity in mind. COS is the ultimate minimalism Mecca, Stories has that sassy French-girl vibe all wrapped up, and Zara cannot be beaten for summer heroes. Keep scrolling to see the items from Zara, COS and & Other Stories that stopped me in my scrolling tracks…

The Best New-In Pieces From COS:

Heels that look 3 times their price tag.

Wear with wide-leg trousers and sandals or tuck into jeans with heels.

Bandeau tops are really having a moment, but to ensure you pick one that will always be a wardrobe classic, opt for a linen, neutral style.

Style this with a silk shirt, tank top or strapless top.

Statement earrings that will go with everything.

The Best New-In Pieces From & Other Stories:

Dress it up with heels or down with sandals.

Paired with the matching trousers and you have yourself a power suit.

This promises to be the easiest dress in your summer wardrobe. 

A great minimalist pair of sandals that will go with everything.

The Best New-In Pieces From Zara:

It's rare to find good quality, 100% linen pieces like this on the high street.

Wear as above, with a simple white tee or tank.

The perfect jeans-and-a-nice-top top.

A new version of the internet-famous bomber.

I really rate Zara's swim.

I'm seeing this with a linen shirt and strappy, barely-there heels.

I can't resist a white dress in summer.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week