Throughout a long and un-rivalled reign, Topshop and Zara have trumped all other highstreet shops, claiming the top spots as our go-to shopping destinations for fast fashion. However, things might just be about to change.
Last November, trusty womenswear store Warehouse announced a much-needed makeover to coincide with its 40th birthday this year. Pulling together a power-house team to head up the relaunch, Warehouse hired Hunter Creative Director, co-founder of design company, Established & Sons, and husband of Stella McCartney, Alasdhair Willis as a brand consultant to oversee the retailer’s new identity, from digital overhauls and branding to new store experiences.
Additionally, British fashion designer and Central Saint Martins alumni Emma Cook has taken on the role of Warehouse’s new Creative Director and will present her first full collection this autumn, explaining in a statement last year: "I’m really looking forward to help establish the brand's new DNA and to champion a new vision for the British highstreet."
Ahead of the big facelift being unveiled in the coming months – we've seen a preview of the autumn collection and boy is it good, think highstreet Céline – here are some of our favourite picks for summer. Topshop, watch your back...
At the SS16 shows Erdem, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Ellery and Peter Pilotto all showcased an off-the-shoulder silhouette and there are plenty of ways to embrace the style of the season. For a casual take, wear a Bardot-esque top with jeans or a high-waisted skirt. For a dressier, nighttime option, this off-shoulder midi dress is a quick and easy way to work the trend. Pair with mules and you have your summer party look sorted.
From Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung via Jane Birkin, Breton stripes are the gift that just keep giving. Upgrade yours with this flute sleeve dress. Wear with sandals and shades for an effortlessly cool, easy-going summer look.
Why not kill two birds with one stone by nailing both the denim and ruffle trends with this dress. Made from lightweight denim this shift is the winning ticket to take you from the workplace to summer's evening drinks.
This season, step away from skinny jeans and try wide-leg trousers. If you can't afford the Isa Arfen frill-hem trousers (they're £570) at less than a tenth of the price this pair from Warehouse have got our vote.
Biker jackets are perennially stylish but it's time to stash your leather one away and trade it in for this light-weight suede number. Throw on over a dress or dungarees or team with cropped, frayed jeans and backless loafers.
For the sunny months, we're into slip dresses in a big way, taking the lead from the SS16 catwalks were every fashion house from Céline, Saint Laurent and Pucci to Calvin Klein, Burberry, Givenchy and Alexander Wang's last ever collection for Balenciaga featured spaghetti-strap, lace-edged camis, slinky dresses or grungy negligees. Wear over a T-shirt or thin knit for work and wear solo for the weekend.
We couldn't resist adding another off-the-shoulder piece to our summer wardrobe. We'll be wearing this ruched blouse with Vetements denim (or rather more purse-friendly Vetements-inspired denim) and plenty of attitude.
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