A curated edit of the best pieces to shop on the high street right now – from Zara, Whistles, Asos, & Other Stories, Warehouse, Mango, H&M and Urban Outfitters.
Planning a hallelujah-my-bank-account-is-no-longer-empty spree? Just remember that the first post-payday shop at the start of the month often requires some restraint.
Now is not the time to splurge on impractical items that will have fallen out of fashion within a couple of weeks. Instead, focus on tracking down affordable pieces that will see you through the rest of the chilly weather, into summer 2020 and beyond.
With than in mind, the Stylist fashion team – aka fashion editor Polly Knight, fashion news editor Billie Bhatia, acting executive fashion director Hannah Moore and fashion assistant Helen Atkin – have scoured the high street to find new-month purchases for March that are genuinely worth adding to your online basket.
Whether you’re looking to update your work wardrobe with a new blazer, find a classic roll-neck top for layering under jumpers and dresses, or finally invest in an easy throw-on-and-go dress, these pieces will give your wardrobe the early-spring boost it needs. Happy shopping.
5 best buys from Urban Outfitters
Chunky Blue Cardigan
£129.00
A great investment. Wear until the weather heats up, then wheel it out again for a/w20 (when colourful, chunky knits will be everywhere).
Dr Martens Chelsea Boots
£139.00
Sturdy footwear is essential in temperamental weather, and Dr Martens’ flat ankle boots will go strong for years to come.
High Neck White Blouse
£45.00
The result of a collaboration between UO and Laura Ashley, this high neck blouse will take you from work to drinks with ease.
Urban Renewal Vintage Jeans
£50.00
Alexa Chung recommends buying vintage jeans, as the quality tends to be higher (it’s more sustainable, too). Try these on for size.
Quilted Floral Jacket
£85.00
Another UO x Laura Ashley piece, this statement jacket will add colour and interest to a simple outfit of jeans and a white T-shirt.
5 best buys from Warehouse
Floral Tiered Midi Dress
£49.00
We’re already counting down the days until we can wear floaty dresses without extra layers. For now, team this with a cardi and boots.
Black Cat Eye Sunglasses
£16.00
These sharp sunglasses are a touch retro with a contemporary edge. The perfect city shades – you’re welcome.
Leopard Print Bikini
£38.00
There’s no time like the present to shop for swimwear – and leopard print is a neutral in our book. Buy now, wear forever.
Snake Print Ankle Boots
£55.00
These faux snakeskin cowboy boots will jazz up your jeans and jumper – or try clashing with florals for an instant outfit update.
Oversized Collar Shirt
£36.00
Supersize collars will be massive this spring – literally – and this cotton shirt is perfect for channelling your inner Little Women.
5 best buys from Whistles
Long Sleeved Denim Jumpsuit
£149.00
Jumpsuits are still storming the catwalks, and this comes in both pink and navy. Wear over a thick roll-neck to keep spring chills at bay.
Classic Khaki Trench Coat
£199.00
Still not bought a trench? Now’s your chance. This double-breasted version in muted khaki will slot right into your spring wardrobe.
Yellow Leather Clutch Bag
£65.00
This little pouch will add a splash of texture against navy, red, khaki or black. Carry as a clutch or pop into a bigger tote.
White and Green Trainers
£139.00
With a pop of green, this classic trainer will lift any outfit. Wear with jumpsuits, trousers, midi skirts… whatever takes your fancy.
Beige Cargo Trousers
£99.00
Neutral cargo trousers will transition brilliantly into summer. Simply swap your trainers and jumpers for flat sandals and plain T-shirts.
5 best buys from H&M
Polka Dot Slip Skirt
£24.99
Slip skirts continue to be a wardrobe staple for work and weekends, and this patterned version will breathe new life into your office look.
Airy White Cotton Blouse
£39.99
Sleeves remain a focal point for s/s 2020 and beyond, and this billowy blouse is a nuanced version of the classic white shirt.
Tiered Chiffon Maxi Dress
£34.99
Our love of a chuck-on dress know no bounds, especially when it’s size-inclusive and comes in a fresh emerald floral print.
Checked Shirt Jacket
£34.99
We love the simplicity of this trans-seasonal piece. Wear with light-coloured denim, long sleeve T-shirts for the foreseeable future.
Light Blue Nubuck Handbag
£79.99
Bags are pared-back this season (call it the Bottega Veneta effect), and this relaxed, sumptuous shape will elevate the simplest of looks.
5 best buys from Zara
RIBBED WOOL BLEND BEANIE
£12.99
The berry and camel tones of this ribbed beanie remind us of tea, scones and jam. Deliciously cosy.
HIGH NECK SWEATER IN KHAKI
£19.99
This slimline knit is perfect for layering – wear under the midi dresses languishing at the back of your wardrobe.
Flatform Black Leather Sandals
£59.99
Nope, it’s not too early to snap up your summer shoes. These padded black sandals are as comfy as they’re cool.
MULTICOLOURED VELVET TOTE BAG
£95.99
Big bags are in for SS20, and this velvet-trimmed checked shopper will brighten up gloomy mornings.
BLACK HALTERNECK BODYSUIT
£12.99
Sporty racerback and halterneck tops will be big this summer. This bodysuit will create the cleanest of lines.
5 best buys from & Other Stories
Silk Button Up Blouse
£95.00
A classic silk shirt will never go out of style. Wear this green blouse with jeans now and white linen trousers come summer.
STRAIGHT MID RISE JEANS
£65.00
On the lookout for comfy denim? These classic straight-leg mid-wash jeans are perfect for lounging around in.
Black Leather Loafers
£95.00
Leather loafers with a high vamp are a chic alternative to boots on wet days. Just make sure you’ve got nice socks on.
OVERSIZED ALPACA BLEND CARDIGAN
£120.00
A classic loose-fitting cardigan in a neutral tone can be layered over any outfit for extra warmth.
DUO LAYERED CHAIN NECKLACE
£23.00
Love layering jewellery? Wear this double-stranded necklace with shorter chains in mixed metals.
5 best buys from Asos
LONG SLEEVE MAXI DRESS
£38.00
Everyone loves the ease of a chuck-on dress. Wear this with chunky black boots and a neat leather jacket.
DR MARTENS VEGAN 1460 BOOTS
£139.00
Classic Dr Martens are back in a big way. Team with a slip skirt and chunky jumper or use to toughen up a midi dress.
Curve Midi Dress in Check
£35.00
Stylist’s fashion news editor Billie has already added this summer-ready midi swing dress to her wardrobe.
LINEN DAD BLAZER IN SOFT BLUE
£52.00
Short suits will be big for SS20. Wear with a crisp T-shirt and leather city shorts to nail the trend.
ORGANZA SMOCK TOP WITH BOWS
£34.00
Inspired by Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen, flowing smock-style tops and dresses are here to stay for 2020.
5 best buys from Mango
FAUX LEATHER SHIRT JACKET
£59.99
Well worth the investment, this slick faux leather shacket is a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Brown Leather Strappy Sandals
£69.99
Barely-there brown leather sandals go with everything – and you’ll actually be able to walk in them. Win-win.
EMBROIDERED WHITE SHIRT
£29.99
With balloon sleeves, a creamy shade and delicate embroidery, this shirt is an elegant twist on a classic.
LEOPARD PRINT MIDI DRESS
£69.99
Wear over a warm roll-neck now, then show off that on-trend square neckline come summer.
FAUX LEATHER STIRRUP BAG
£35.99
With a classic style that won’t date, this crossbody looks much more expensive than it actually is.
All images courtesy of brands
