The key pieces of your summer/autumn 2016 wardrobe are in print, on the TV and in stores. They’re the staples you’ve seen and lusted after, the pieces you’re saving up to invest in. Sometimes, though, the high street is a treasure trove of affordable pieces you’d never guess you bought there.
Those truly remarkable pieces, with a great cut, design and finish, are so hard to tell apart from designer pieces, that people won’t believe you when you tell them the price. If you’ve been looking for some key pieces from the high street, here are a few so good you won’t believe it…
1. THE AZTEC SUMMER DRESS
Aztec inspired dresses are everywhere this season. Balloon sleeves and fine embroidery make this a truly beautiful vacation piece that you can wear season after season.
- Premium Swing Dress With Aztec Embroidery, Asos
- Raga Abstract Maxi Dress, Forever 21
- Ecote Guinevere Open-Back Frock Dress, Urban Outfitters
- Embroidered Off-White Peasant Top With Tassels, Target
2. A SHIRT FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Baby blue is the color of the season. From pin-stripes to off-the-shoulder, chances are you’ve seen it around. This boyfriend-cut shirt is best worn a size larger, and can be paired with office culottes or a beautiful embellished skirt. It’s versatile!
- Ecote Annie Gauzy Button Front Tunic, Urban Outfitters
- Light Blue Cotton Shirt, H&M
- Boy Shirt In End-On-End Cotton, J. Crew
- Herringbone Chambray Shirt, Topshop
3. GET SLIPPY
Designed to be worn underneath your clothes, the slip dress of the 90’s has made a comeback. Silky, satin and sexy, this dress can be worn with kitten heels or trainers and you can find it in just about any color you’ve been dreaming of.
- Silence + Noise Deep V Satin Maxi Slip Dress, Urban Outfitters
- Cami Front Midi Slip Dress, Asos
- Satin Slip Dress in Aubergine, Forever 21
- Sheer Heart Attack Slip Dress, Nastygal
4. GIVE YOUR FEET THE POM POM TREATMENT
Pom pom sandals aren’t just vacation staples, they are great for wandering around the city and going on dates with your friends. If you’re a fan of footwear that speaks for itself, play your outfit down and let these shoes do the talking…
- Pom Pom Aztec Lace Up Sandals, Missguided
- Mia Dulcia Pom Pom Flat Sandals, Macy’s
- Glamorous Embroidered Pom Pom Sandals, Asos
- Amy Multi-strap Pom Pom Trim Sandal, Boohoo
5. GET SOME 70’S IN YOUR LIFE
Flared jeans and culottes are so in. They’re great paired with a white shirt and heels or wedges and a vest, this is a trend that’s “Stayin’ Alive” this season.
- Premium Flared Seven Jeans, Mango
- Ashbury Flared Jean In Palmetto Wash, J.Crew
- Wrangler Marfa High-Rise Flared Jeans, Urban Outfitters
- Mossimo High Rise Wide Leg Jeans, Target
6. WHEN THE WIND BLOWS
Don’t underestimate the autumn weather that’s on it’s way. You can wear your summer dress on the days that threaten to rain, just make sure you’re bringing a grey bouclé coat with you. Grey is the new nude. Neutral and chic.
- Slim Pocket Coat, Topshop
- Oversized Bouclé Coat, Forever 21
- Bouclé Coat, Mango
- Long Line Jacket In Texture, Asos
7. GO COLD SHOULDER
Yes, the off-the-shoulder trend will still be in play until late autumn, we predict. So if you want to make yourself part of this trend, grab one in this season’s most versatile color and pair it with everything from maxi skirts to denim shorts.
- Cotton Off-The-Shoulder Top In Stripe, J.Crew
- Jess Pom Pom Trim Off-The-Shoulder Denim Top, Boohoo
- Contemporary Self-Tie Top, Forever 21
- Off-The-Shoulder Top In Cotton, Asos
8. YOUR AT-HOME MAXI
The maxi has taken many forms this season, but as autumn is approaching the key trend will be floaty, cool printed dresses. The kind that you can glide around in at home and pair with a pair of killer boots to run errands.
- Patterned Maxi Dress, H&M
- Ruffled Printed Dress, Mango
- Kimchi Blue Cordelia Tie-Front Midi Dress, Urban Outfitters
- Strappy Plunge Floral Maxi Dress, Missguided
9. DUST IT OFF
The nude duster is genius. It can lift any outfit up and, paired with a long sleeved shirt or sleeveless vest, could become the new staple of your wardrobe. It’ll make any outfit look more expensive if worn well.
- Long Sleeve Maxi Duster Coat Nude, Missguided
- Waterfall Woven Blended Duster, Boohoo
- Sleeveless Trench Coat, H&M
10. THE COOLEST LOAFERS
Loafers are the staple of effortless cool. They make any outfit look polished, and if you want comfortable luxe style you should get a pair with gold detail. The best thing about a pair of loafers is that they go with almost any outfit.
- Faux Suede Chain Loafers, Forever 21
- MYSTERY Loafers, Asos
- Loafers With Studs, H&M
- COACH Olive Loafer Flats, Macy’s