I've Worked in Fashion for 12 Years—5 Wardrobe Items I Always Invest in and 5 I Shop Affordably

Working in the fashion industry as both an editor and stylist for over twelve years, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about clothes shopping. Namely when and where it’s worth spending money—as well as exactly what to spend it on. Back in my early twenties I was definitely guilty of over consumption—I was new to the industry and constantly trying to play catch up with the latest trends. Now, in my mid-thirties I’ve become a lot more confident in my personal style (leaning into timeless classics) and in knowing the best places to shop, so I’m a lot more considered and these days it’s rare that I regret a purchase.

After so many years of research trying to find the perfect wardrobe pieces, be it for photo shoots, styling clients or for articles just like this one, I know which brands to trust for quality and style. I’m full of advice for which wardrobe pieces I believe it’s worth investing a little bit more in, and which I still always turn to the high street for. In this editor’s guide to shopping for 2025, I’m sharing this wisdom with you.

So, let’s get down to it. What affordable buys are going to go the distance for you? Well, for me it’s all about the basics. I’d love to be the kind of person who wears a white shirt from The Row, and I’m sure the quality of the fabric is beyond beautiful, but a white cotton shirt is a white cotton shirt, am I right? Same with a white t-shirt—they’re all just as likely to get coffee spilled on them in my busy life as a mum. I wouldn’t go so far as to recommend somewhere as cheap as H&M or Primark, as you need them to wash and age well since you’ll likely be wearing them on repeat, but I find premium high street brands like COS or Massimo Dutti are really reliable. My top tip? Always check the fabric—100% cotton (organic if possible), 100% linen or cotton-poplin for shirts will stand the test of time.

Denim is another thing I tend to shop on the high street. This may be controversial, and I know a lot of other editors would fight me on this one, but as someone who used to have almost 100 pairs of jeans in my closet (yes, I’ve cut that number down considerably now) from £300+ designer pairs to H&M’s finest, I still find my most worn jeans are high street styles. Again, the focus needs to be on fabric—if you can find more sustainable organic cotton options that’s obviously going to be better for your wardrobe and the planet. My best and most-worn pairs have always been from Arket, M&S and Zara.

When it comes to splurging, I always suggest that money is best spent on items that can really make or break an outfit. Handbags are a no brainer—a truly beautiful leather bag transcends seasons and can elevate a simple outfit in an instant. It will draw the eye of any onlookers and, since you can wear it everyday, the cost per wear becomes much more reasonable. Outerwear is the same—a great jacket or coat gives a first impression. And they’re versatile too—choose wisely and you’ve got a piece that can take you from workwear to weekends and evenings out, meaning you get better value for money all round.