I Spent Hours Searching—These Are the 21 Chicest Buys at Reformation, Whistles and Massimo Dutti
The high street is not to be underestimated. The fashion community is becoming more invested in quality over quantity, which often encourages high-end purchases, but that's not to say that you can't find elevated and quality pieces on the high street. Where more affordable shopping is concerned, I prefer opting for mid-priced retailers, as they generally boast more conscious practices, including slower and more intentional collections, made to last. Three of the most-renowned such retailers on the high street are Reformation, a conscious brand boasting the playful tagline, "Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're # 2.", Whistles, a contemporary womenswear brand and veteran of the British high street since 1976, and Massimo Dutti, which is best known for its European essence, premium fabrications and free-flowing cuts.
The aforementioned brands have a commonality revolving around quality, making them brands to consider when investing in (and up-levelling) your wardrobe. They're each set apart with a unique selling point that influences most of their collections. Take Reformation, its fashion-forward approach to sustainability is inspired and I'm yet to see another brand achieve that balance. Massimo Dutti manages to achieve high quality (and often timeless styles) and Whistles's leather selection is comparable to that of luxury brands. In fact, I'm yet to find a fellow editor who doesn't champion the excellence of its Bonded Leather Jacket.
I'm often asked about my favourite high street retailers, so with that in mind I've trawled the sites of Reformation, Whistles and Massimo Dutti, bringing you a stellar edit from three of my favourite mid-priced brands to invest in this season. See my picks below.
Browse My New-In Wish List
Reformation
One of the most notable mentions, courtesy of Reformation X Laura Harrier.
Reformation's Ludo sandals remains one of its bestselling sandals since its release in 2023, so it's only right the style has a contemporary refresh.
This Kalamata hue has my heart and it's adorned on my favourite bandeau silhouette.
Massimo Dutti
You won't be the only one to have an eye on the notification button.
A plush suede in anticipation of the summer. For now, wear it with a white crew-neck t-shirt.
Whistles
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.