Like every season, as we inch closer to high summer, I’m desperate to wear all the looks I’ve been planning in my head. But this summer feels different. Of course, each season, there are always underlying trends paving the way for designer brands and the great British high street alike, but there’s definitely an “anything goes” feeling at the moment, and if you are working an outfit, this season is all about committing and going all out no matter how understated or maximalist your style may be.
This week, I headed out to scour the shop floors of our favourite affordable stores and tried on some of the best buys. From Zara’s new limited-edition pieces to Mango’s new-season prints, there were so many highlights. Most interesting was COS, which has elevated its offering since the launch of the Atelier collection, but there’s also a lot to be said about Mango’s current colour palette and Zara’s sleek separates. So, which high-street summer pieces were my favourites? Read on to find out.