The 7 High-Street Brands Our Editors Always Turn to for Chic Tailoring
Tailoring is one of those wardrobe categories that, historically, fashion editors have tended to buy from designers. After all, it very much falls under the staple umbrella, and if you buy a good blazer, you're likely to keep it for many years to come. And yes, to a certain degree, you will get higher quality when you go to some pricer specialist brands, but if we're being realistic, this isn't a feasible option for most people.
Thankfully, the high street's offering has improved immeasurably over the last decade, and there are now countless brands that have addressed the gap in the market for well-made, timeless tailoring that won't break the bank. My own wardrobe is interspersed with blazers and smart trousers from the likes of Arket and Other Stories that, in my opinion, are barely discernible from designer pieces 10 times the price.
I called upon my fellow editors to find out the high-street names that have provided them with their most-loved tailored finds over the years, from Mango and Arket to Whistles and COS. Scroll down to see what they said.
Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief: Whistles
"I find it really hard to find tailored pieces (designer or high-street) that work for my hourglass, 5'1'' frame, but every now and then, a brand comes along to help me out. Whistles' sizing is always spot-on, and its fabrics and cuts are top-quality, so I definitely have more luck here than at many other stores. This black suit was a real find, and although I still had to take the trousers up (standard!), it was nice to get a jacket that fit my waist, shoulders and bust well."
SHOP THE BRAND:
Remy Farrell, Shopping Editor: COS
"My go-to for high-street tailoring really changes depending on what I'm after and the current collections available. However, as a rule, I love Arket, COS, Mango and Zara but for different reasons. Right now though, COS is leading the pack for me. I've spied a number of chic separates that are not only classic tailored pieces but also work well for this season’s trends, such as the pleated trousers and the matching waistcoat."
SHOP THE BRAND:
Wear on its own on warmer days, or layer a long sleeved top underneath for autumn.
MAXINE EGGENBERGER, Deputy Editor: Other Stories
"I love blazers and so have quite a collection, but my favourite of all by far is my wool blazer from Other Stories. It was a birthday present about four years ago and has been one of my best wardrobe investments. The structured shoulders look really expensive, and the quality is impressive, as mine hasn't tired in any way. I also love how it follows trends and has modern jacket silhouettes without compromising on quality."
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Emily Dawes, Affiliates Editor: Arket
"At risk of sounding like a total fashion stereotype, I really am quite picky about tailoring. Sadly, my budget doesn't quite stretch to The Row, so I have spent a great deal of time hunting around the high street to find the best affordable alternative. Arket is far and away the best that I've come across for classic, well-made tailoring. I got one of the brand's wool hopsack blazers for Christmas four years ago, and I've worn it at least once a week ever since. Immaculately cut, with just the round amount of slouch, it's one I'll wear for many years to come."
SHOP THE BRAND:
With a white vest and sandals for summer, oversized sweater and trainers for autumn.
Joy Ejaria, Social Media Editor: Mango
"When it comes to tailoring, I've relied on the same brands for years. Mango is undoubtedly my go-to for blazers and more structured essentials. The brand gets it oh so right, and always has new on trend pieces as well as timeless classics that won't break the bank."
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Poppy Nash, Managing Editor: Boden
"In recent years I've turned to Boden for a lot of expensive-looking wardrobe staples and one category that has really impressed me is the tailoring. I love the fit of the wide-leg trousers (which are the perfect length for my 5'7 frame) and the blazer range is always spot on.”
SHOP THE BRAND:
A white blazer is perfect to wear over dresses for late summer and early Autumn weddings.
Natalie Munro, News Writer: H&M
"For high street tailoring I always turn to H&M for their breadth of options. A quick dash around the store and I can set myself up with a smart wide leg, tapered leg, or slim leg depending on my styling needs. Of the lot, I’m particularly attracted to items with thoughtful details, such as pleating on the leg, or a long hem that can be taken up or down with a few stitches."
SHOP THE BRAND:
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