I’ve been thinking a lot about the Great British high street lately – and how, in the immortal words of Joni Mitchell, "You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone."

Because, while the depth and diversity of our retail offering has long been the envy of my friends across the globe, reports of dwindling footfalls, slashed profit margins and closure upon closure are somewhat souring the taste…

It’s high time for some good news – namely, that despite the slew of less-than-favourable reporting, the quality and offering of our high-street hero destinations has far from diminished. Quite the opposite, in fact.

I don’t believe in buying #newnewnew season on season. Even if my bank account was able to handle the pressure of a constant purchase stream, my conscience simply could not countenance pursuing an outfit with the intention of throwing it away again after one or two (or three or four) wears.


Abigail wears Eliana dress by Kitri; Large pearl hair clip by Warehouse; Geometric heel court shoes by Reserved.

The way that people shop and consume fashion is changing. Sporting the same pair of shoes for three days on the trot (pun intended) is no longer held up as the most heinous of sartorial crimes… Elsewhere, it is far more satisfying to buy a series of adaptable wardrobe pieces that can be styled up and down with a simple change in accessories.

It's still completely possible to give the Great British high street some love, while taking all of the above into account. So, I’ve done the legwork and narrowed down some hero styles that will stand the test of time, without putting a dent in your credit rating.


Abigail wears Large pearl hair clip by Warehouse.

A gingham dress, like Kitri's bestseller, is as synonymous with spring as florals... Not groundbreaking, by any means, but a stylish no-brainer from whichever angle you look at it. Frosting the ensemble with a pearl-bedecked hair clip (here, by way of Warehouse) – arguably the most ubiquitous trinket of the season – will bring it well and truly into the now.


Abigail wears High-rise culotte jeans by & Other Stories; Libby poplin side-tie blouse by Urban Outfitters; Leopard-print silk scarf by & Other Stories; Geometric heel court shoes by Reserved.

Bulletproof combinations of "jeans and a nice top" are worth their weight in gold. These wide-leg iterations from & Other Stories flirt with a culotte silhouette, and as such prove to be not only flattering but also airy enough so as to not feel restricted in spring's rising temperatures. A bow-tied blouse, care of Urban Outfitters in this case, is a chic counterpart; considered details lend interest sans the expiry date  that comes with being too "trendy".  As for colour? I'm throwing that responsibility to a citrus satin scarf – also from & Other Stories – which will no doubt double-duty as a belt on my good hair days...


Abigail wears High-rise culotte jeans by & Other Stories; Libby poplin side-tie blouse by Urban Outfitters; Leopard-print silk scarf by & Other Stories.

If we're talking about bastions of the British high street, goodness knows where we'd all be without "Marks & Sparks". Purveyors of quality staples and seasonal cult hits (remember that pink coat of 2013?), M&S is a steadfastly reliable destination if you're after anything from undies to a cracking three-course dinner for under £10...


Abigail wears Dana yellow cross-front top by Reiss; Linen blend fit-and-flare midi skirt by Marks & Spencer; Contrast ribbon hat by Mango; Geometric heel court shoes by Reserved.

This season, I'm earmarking Marks & Spencer's deliciously #OldCéline skirt as my one-to-watch – and catch it while you can – hero. From a practical perspective, its cotton and linen-rich blend makes it breathable for clammy commutes and sojourns on the riviera alike; meanwhile a recipe of statement, oversized buttons and soft pleating just oozes sophistication.


Abigail wears Dana yellow cross-front top by Reiss; Linen blend fit-and-flare midi skirt by Marks & Spencer; Contrast ribbon hat by Mango; Geometric heel court shoes by Reserved.

A vibrant knitted top to contrast (hello, Reiss) completes the sun-in-the-city style tale – and if, indeed, the South of France is your final destination, by all means live out your fashion fantasies with a wide-brimmed straw hat via Mango.

Oh, and speaking of shoes that go the distance? Well, mine are from Reserved – and, much like everything else that I've tapped for this edit, they are by no means reserved for one season alone...



Find your high-street hero pieces, and shop the edit here:




Also on Because Magazine:

+ Discover why Caroline Issa thinks that you should get over your fear of insects.

+ Stuck with how to style your silk blazer? Here's three ways...

+ You are what you eat, so put your wardrobe where your mouth is!