Chain Store Gems

The best time to buy from well-known chain stores (or the “high street”, if you use that term) is right now. Why? Because we’re on the cusp of a new season and that means all the big international chains are ripe and ready with their autumn/winter pieces. Of course they update their stock regularly, but I always find it’s around this time of year that is the best moment to pounce on affordable fashion. If you keep seeing trends like barn jackets, barrel jeans, knitted vests, utility shirts, crinkle loafers, deck shoes — I could go on — then it means you’re ready for some new season goodness.

Now, brands like Zara and H&M get a lot of hate, and you know I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking at all. True style is a mix of high and low dressing and to deny that these sort of international chains aren’t ever worthy of your time and money is just silly. When you factor in fabrication, quality, design and also accessibility, then these guys certainly have a place in our wardrobes. I also look to really stylish women I admire and they always mix in a bit of low with their high — think Garance Doré, Sydney-stylist Nicole Bonython-Hines, Lucy Williams…

So, with a bit (a lot) of deep diving, here are some worthwhile purchases to make from well-known chain stores right now.

H&M

What I always buy from H&M:

Jeans — they do them better than Zara, there, I said it. They’re particularly short-person friendly, and the price is ridiculously good for the quality. I’m also a big fan of H&M’s sleepwear, lingerie and teen section.

Mango

What I always buy from Mango:

Their winter coats and shoes are always excellent quality, and I like that you can always find a top or blouse with a point of difference to what’s available everywhere else.

Cos

What I always buy from Cos:

Their handbags and jewellery are always really directional and unique, and I have a soft spot for their iconic Arch Tapered Jeans. But the real Cos winner in my books is the knitwear — reliably excellent in shape and quality.

Zara

What I always buy from Zara:

To be honest, it’s a mixed bag, but I have found myself buying more evening pieces from them lately than I do daywear. They do event dressing really well and I love that you can get a stand-out dress for less than $200.

Marks & Spencer

What I always buy from Marks & Spencer:

I’m a big fan of their basic underwear and bras, but they also always do a handful of really directional, viral pieces every season — case in point, their current leather loafers — that always grab my attention.