March 28, 2024

Charlie Chooses: What’s on our Fashion Editor’s high street shopping list this week?

The devil may well wear Prada, but the rest of us are relentless bargain hunters at heart (can you blame us, when our job requires us to wear a fresh outfit for every show, every party, every season? ).

It’s not true when they say Fashion Editor’s only wear designer labels. If only it were…

And while that may break down the fourth wall illusion that I’m sat at my desk right now with my hooves parked in some new season Stella sandals, it does mean that I know our Great British high street like the back of my hand.

10 pieces we keep seeing on our Instagram feed (and they’re all from the high street! ). Here’s what I’m buying and wearing this week…

1. The striped shirt

This clown-like number is at the very top of my shopping list this week (and it’s my birthday on Tues, for those of you struggling for ideas). Perfect for this irritatingly unpredictable weather, the white buttons and candy colour palette make it feel fresh and summery while the thick cotton and full-length sleeve render it fit for purpose on a blustery day.

I’m envisioning it with a pair of seriously flared white jeans and boots (see no. 4) for a weekend spent wishing for the sun.

Buy it now, £39. 99, Zara

2. The perspex bag

Have you ever seen a bag more perfect for summer? Not only a punchy pink hue, its perspex exterior makes it the ideal warm weather tote that won’t be spoiled no matter how many times someone jumps into a pool nearby or how much Aperol spritz you spill.

As followers of this shopping series may have clocked by now, I’m also very much into this bag-inside-a-bag situation. The fact that this one has short handles to tote and a longer strap for cross-body carrying is just the cherry on top.

Buy it now, £26, Topshop

3. The button-up blouse

Another zesty hue (you must be used to that by now? ), this button-up 100% linen blouse is every inch the summer wardrobe dream. Complete with tortoiseshell buttons of irregular sizes (swoon), its loose shape and fluted sleeves see it suit a whole manner of occasions.

I’m into it with cropped denim-wash jeans and Birkenstocks for a dressed-down day at the office, white linen flares and heeled sandals for a relaxed cocktail dinner on holiday, and thrown over a bikini with bare feet on the beach.

Buy it now, £39. 99, Zara

4. The white boots

There’s no such thing as too many white boots – you have my word. This pair will be my fourth since January, but they have a *slightly* higher heel than the others. I’ve so far fallen in love with the style paired with loose-fitting turn-up jeans, midi dresses and long skirts. Basically anything below the knee (I’m not 6 foot (yet! ) so any shorter doesn’t work).

The most versatile and flattering shoe type I own, the unbeatable combination of a pale hue, pointed toe and slim heel mean that I wear them at least twice every week. So cost-per-wear… I’m sure it works out.

Buy them now, £89. 99, Zara

5. The floral maxi

If you thought the floral maxi was over once AW17 ended, you’re wrong. Instead of the navies and purples of last season, for summer I’m feeling brighter tones a la this Topshop number. Cropping at the ankle (v. flattering), cuffing to the wrist and frilling at the neckline all help to soften the punchy hue – as does the pale pink floral detailing.

I’m wearing it as soon as the sun reappears with white trainers to work, and with wooden woven sandals for another scorching hot weekend in the park. I can but dream…

Buy it now, £65, Topshop

6. The striped tunic

The asymmetric hemline of this piece gives it a cooler, more relaxed feel than your average shirt that would also work layered over a white denim maxi skirt if your occasion requires a slightly longer hemline.

I’m aware that this is the second shirt on such a tightly-curated edit (third if you include the blouse), but when they double up as a beach dress can you blame me? Chuck this on over your swimsuit on the beach with a pair of sunglasses and sandals and you’re ready for dinner. Who said holiday dressing was difficult…

Buy it now, £29. 99, Zara

7. The tassel earring

Yes, another ridiculous earring. Is there any point wearing a pair that aren’t? They’re also fluorescent. Ticking all my shamelessly-tasteless boxes here. I’m wearing these with my hair up (optimum visibility) and a high-neck dark-hued top to really make the colour ‘pop’.

This pair from ASOS are not only tassley trinkets of deliciousness, but they’re also dangerously affordable. I have seven ear piercings… would it be too much?

Buy them now, £4. 50, ASOS

8. The linen skirt

My tame selection for this week, a red and white striped maxi skirt has been included as a nod to my beloved Stoke City’s relegation from the Premiership… sob. Sporting leagues aside, this midi skirt is far superior to the football shirt in that it’s *not* synthetic and *is* a pleasure to wear.

Very much into the double side split, I’m wearing it this weekend with a loose white t-shirt tucked in and some sandals. Who am I kidding? The weather is rubbish again. I’ll be wearing boots no. 4.

Buy it now, £35. 99, Mango

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *