Let's be honest: Sometimes, shopping on the high street can be tricky. For every well-priced hidden gem, there's a coordinating sale-shopping horror story, and whether you know exactly what you're looking for or you're just popping in for a quick browse, the sheer number of options in-store can be overwhelming. (And if you've got great crowds to contend with, it's not always the most stress-free process.) I know your time is a precious commodity and not best used queuing in the returns line, so I popped into Mango this week to see what was new. From the last bits of high summer to the first signs of the autumn/winter collection, there's an awful lot to see, so I tried on as much as the staff would allow and hand-picked 11 favourites that stood out.
When I think of Mango, the first things to come to mind are quality fabrics, new colour trends and plenty of expensive-looking pieces that always invite compliments. The only downside is just how popular Mango is, and as soon as you stumble across any undiscovered moments of brilliance, they almost immediately sell out. (Just ask Sienna Miller.) So my advice? Keep scrolling for the best new pieces that got the editor seal of approval, and act quickly to guarantee success.
The Day-to-Night Dress
Style Notes: Simple but effective, the LBD (that's long black dress) is having a moment. This Jacquemus-esque midi is an easy dress-up or dress-down piece that looks as good with flat sandals as it does with a strappy heel. A note on the fit, though: It is true to size but is probably suited to a bigger bust (a welcome surprise), so it gaped a little bit on me. However, I love this dress so much that it's nothing a couple of stitches from a tailor won't fix.
Less of a cut-out and more of a subtle, thigh-high split.
Perfect Printed Dress
Style Notes: While I was in the fitting room, two other women came in to try on this dress—such is the power of a nice, bold print. It's a toss-up between spots and stripes this season, but the styling of the dress on the Mango mannequins tipped it for me. (It's worth checking out.) Stripes are always a winner, and the rarely seen red and white stripe also comes on a shirt, so you can wear this dress all summer and wear the shirt tucked into jeans for autumn.
An easy, instant outfit in comfortable, cooling cotton perfect for the muggy weather.
Oversized Trench + Midi Skirt
Style Notes: I might be premature in trying on a coat, but I can't wait for trench-coat season. This classic coat is often the best solution to seasonal dressing dilemmas, light enough to shoulder-robe in summer, and perfect for layering up in autumn. And even though I chose one of the warmest days of the month to try this on with a tank top and a light skirt, I didn't break a sweat (even after getting off a crowded tube, and that's no mean feat).
A moment to sing this skirt's praises. Although I was entirely baffled by the sheer length of the strings, a quick Google search showed the ties were in fact a wrap-around detail, and that made me love it even more. It's the perfect, flowy midi skirt to pair with cropped tops, tanks, tees and shirts.
Mango has plenty of traditional trench coats with epaulettes, storm pockets and belts, but I love the understated simplicity of this oversized coat.
This print comes in a jumpsuit, scarf and trouser co-ord for those who are hot for the spot.
Retro Midi Dress
Style Notes: You simply can't go wrong with a statement midi dress. Something about the billowy sleeves made me want to add a platform heel to amp up the '70s vibe, but the Mango site shows it with ankle boots and flat sandals, proving just how versatile this particular dress can be. The best bit? The adjustable waist. You can tie the strings as tight as you like, changing this from a loose, kaftan shape to a cinched faux-wrap dress.
Minimal styling required for maximum impact.
Trust me—these are so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing a skyscraper heel.
Versatile Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: It doesn't take much to convince me that I need a new shirt. If I'm not buying a new Oxford shirt in a different colour, I'm borrowing one from my boyfriend's wardrobe, but this classic blue pinstripe is all I've been missing. I love tucking shirts into trousers, but in the case of these high-waisted palazzo pants, the shirt needed to be left open to make the most of the great fit. I'm 5'6", and they do come up long on me, but thankfully, the puddle-pants trend makes extra-long trousers look intentional.
Wear with jeans, leggings, shorts, skirts or open over a dress. The list goes on.
Instead of another plain tank, I tried this corset top. It was pleasingly thick with a gentle, sculpting hold, and I'd pair it with a black blazer and wide leg-trousers to dress it up for the evening.
Finally, a white trouser that doesn't go entirely sheer when worn.
Casual Blazer + White Denim
In a bid to get out of my blue-jeans comfort zone, I'm trying white denim. I have to be honest and admit that I'm not entirely convinced that I can pull off the look, but I'm very jealous of those who can. White denim was all over the A/W 22 collections of Etro, Isabel Marant and Calvin Klein, proving that it's not only a summer staple but also works for colder weather.
But the real transitional hero of this outfit was the wool-blend blazer—well-cut tailoring that was surprisingly comfortable to wear. This deserves a spot on the list of best high-street blazers.
A checked blazer is just as wearable as a plain one.
Quality denim with a little stretch to make for a smoother fit.
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