While we love supporting local labels and sustainable brands, there’s no denying the feeling of finding a hidden gem when shopping the high street.
Thanks to the cost of living, we’re being extra mindful of splashing cash and instead are taking the time to source the web and streets in search of a bargain.
Enter chain stores, the home of affordable everyday basics and accessible trend pieces. But while they house so many great pieces, locating them inside the stores – and online – can be overwhelming and hard to navigate.
Try following these fashion experts’ advice for your next haul.
01
Maya Wyszynski
Personal Shopper
1. Visit stores during off-peak hours for a better shopping experience. Also explore, different branches as they may carry different items.
2. Keep in mind that alterations are always an option, especially with the length of a hem. Well-fitted clothes will always look more polished and put together.
3. Consider seasonality, set a budget and stick to it! High-street stores can be tempting with their affordable prices, but overspending can easily happen.
4. Uniqlo is my favourite store because I love their range of layering pieces that can be mixed and matched for any season and won’t go out of style.
02
Jess Pecoraro
Celebrity Fashion Stylist
1. Create a wardrobe with simple colours and items that are easy to style, can grow with you and will never go out of fashion.
2. Invest in a couple of super comfortable pieces that are more put together but will serve the same purpose and still make you feel good.
3. Trend pieces are always a go-to when it comes to high street store, and I find they do great trend edits at a great price point.
4. My favourite store would have to be Zara. They also do some great 100% wool or cashmere pieces as well as 100% leather accessories.
03
Aimee Bruce
Fashion Editor
1. Apply filters when shopping online to avoid it becoming overwhelming. For example, if you’re on the hunt for a jacket, be sure to filter it down to this subcategory to make life easier.
2. High street denim ticks all the boxes for me – especially Glassons. I have them mixed in my wardrobe as I find the fit and quality never disappoint, proving you don’t always have to pay big bucks for this material.
3. Size up when buying classic shirts from high street stores. It’s the easiest way to achieve a ‘trending’ oversized fit that you can tuck into pants or belt around the waist.
4. H&M is my go-to store. The garments always look more expensive than they actually are, and my much-loved pieces still get compliments! They have a great selection of leather shoes under $100.
04
Holly Hampton-Thayers
Fashion Writer
1. The high streets apps are so handy. I’m a big fan of bookmarking my favourites and checking to see if they’re in-store. Some even share the location and which section they’re in.
2. As we near towards spring, I’ll be keeping an eye on Cotton On’s new arrivals section as I love to refresh my cotton tee collection as I wear them all year round.
3. Trends come and go, but mid to high waists always stick around. If you’re on the hunt for ways to make an outfit look more polished, choose a pair with a higher waist and be sure to belt it.
4. One of my favourite places to pop into during my lunch break is Seed. While it may not be considered one of the most affordable ‘big’ chains, their jewellery selection has classic pieces every season at an affordable price point.
