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- SHOP: Fashion guide to the best denim whether you’re tall or petite
Fashion has always been a bond between my mother and I. Countless hours spent in our respective bedrooms, critiquing outfits and discussing different styles – it’s our version of quality time together.
I was 14 when we went on our first ‘proper’ shopping trip to the King’s Road in West London. She sat patiently outside the changing rooms while I tried on half of Jack Wills and Zara.
Luckily for her, my taste has matured. Fast-forward to today, I’m 24 and she’s now 60 and we share trousers from Reiss. Not that you’ll see us skipping down the road in matching outfits, but we do gravitate toward many of the same shops.
Our similar heights and builds help, but I’m convinced that it’s also because many High Street brands are doing a better job than ever of appealing to a broad range of ages.
Take Marks & Spencer. Walk into any of their shops and you’ll see a 20-something browsing next to someone in their 70s.
Other stores have got in on the act too. H&M has just launched a collection by Glenn Martens – the creative director of luxury Italian brand Diesel – which features stars such as Joanna Lumley, 79, and Richard E. Grant, 68, posing alongside teen models.
While my mother and I are drawn towards to a similar style we define as ‘casually elegant’, there are, of course, moments when I see her in something I wouldn’t dream of wearing, or she raves about a brand that leaves me cold. (And I’m sure she’d say the same about some of my outfits, too!)
So here are the nine stores we shop in together – and the three brands that I leave to her…
Brands we both love
1. Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet is our go-to for all things suede. We both love their tan pocket-detail jacket (£285) – a must-have for autumn. Mum’s a fan of their dresses, especially the fluted sleeve styles (from £150), while I favour the elegant knits. This cream high-neck knit top (£79) is my go-to for warmth and sophistication.
Cream Wool Blend Knit Top
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Khaki Corduroy Midi Dress
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2. Mango
More and more of Mango’s pieces feel high-end while, luckily for me, remaining at High Street price ranges. Mum and I agree that Mango does the best trouser suits on the High Street. The new maroon three-piece double breasted suit (jacket, £79.99, trousers, £49.99, and waistcoat, £45.99) could easily be mistaken for a Savile Row design.
Double-breasted suit blazer
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Bouclé jacket with pockets
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3. River Island
River Island may be synonymous with bold colours and sequins, but Mum and I always find some hidden gems. I’m obsessed with their beige co-ords, like the longline waistcoat (£110) and matching shorts (£69). Mum loves their accessories, with the leopard belt (£22) and brown slingback heels (£42) permanently on rotation in her wardrobe.
Studio Beige Tailored Waistcoat
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Beige Leather Leopard Triple Keeper Belt
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4. ME+EM
Jackets and jumpsuits are the two things that always call us to ME+EM. The brand is catered for the ‘contemporary woman’, but doesn’t feel specific to a generation. Mum adores their military-style chestnut jacket (£375), while I’m all about the slim ivory tweed version (£325). We’re also both fans of their jumpsuits, especially the Palazzo Travel style, which we both lust after whenever it’s re-released.
Italian Wool Blend Slim Crop Jacket
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Wool Blend Military Jacket
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5. Zara
Even my grandmother swears by Zara for elegant staples. She particularly likes their short boxy blazers (from £45.99). I have just purchased their fitted military jacket (£69.99) and my mother loves their satin slip skirts (from £25.99). As much as we try to opt for sustainable brands, it is undoubtable that Zara has stellar offerings for every age.
Jacket with Shoulder Tabs and Pockets
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Lace Satin Midi Skirt
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6. Sézane
A real crowd pleaser. I recently wore my mother’s blue broderie anglais Sézane dress to a wedding, styled with cream cowboy boots and a shearling bag. She wore the same dress in Tuscany with trainers and a basket bag. The Chlo shirt (£100) is a classic piece which Mum has multiple colours of – not my thing but super elegant on her. I, on the other hand, love the denim Aileen shirt (£100) and pair it with jeans.
Aileen Shirt
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Chlo Shirt
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7. Marks & Spencer
M&S know how to cater for multiple generations. My mother and I are both huge fans of its very affordable 100% cashmere on offer. We both sashay around the house in our wide leg cashmere trousers (£110) and dress up their fitted cardigans (£94) worn with smart trousers (£90) – even in the warmer months. And, it has to be said, M&S’ cashmere pricing beats most brands.
Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
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Pure Cashmere Wide Leg Trousers
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8. Reiss
Reiss really knows how to create timeless pieces. I first became a convert to the brand after I discovered its trousers, which didn’t come up short on my 5ft10 frame. My mum is similarly tall so loves them for the same reason. We both have a pair of the Priya style (£150) in the cream colourway and share – or rather fight – over the brown. We both live in the front pocket patch jeans (£158) and each own a variation of the white tuxedo jumpsuit (£248).
Patch-Pocket Flared Jeans in Dark Blue
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Sheer-Sleeve Wide-Leg Tuxedo Jumpsuit
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9. Holland Cooper
From outerwear to partywear, my mother and I pretty much see eye-to-eye on all the pieces we like from Holland Cooper. We share a pair of straight-leg houndstooth trousers (£299) and an oyster pussy bow blouse (£149). I pair this ensemble with a fitted waistcoat over the blouse and my mother leaves it loose. The fleeces (from £109) are another joint favourite – perfect for cooler days.
Ariella Blouse
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High Waisted Straight Trouser
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Brands my mother loves that I would never wear
Sosandar
My mother has a good eye, and the pieces she picks out from Sosandar always look fabulous on her, but they are most definitely not for me. Take their denim shirt dress (£79) – she styles this with brown suede tall boots and throws a cream jumper over her shoulders for a touch of warmth. Chic on her, definitely not for me though.
Indigo Blue Denim Fit & Flare Midi Shirt Dress
£79 Shop
The White Company
The White Company produces gorgeous items, but nothing ever grabs me – especially not for the steep prices. My mother loves the sparkle fitted knit tops (£98) to add a subtle bit of interest to a basic outfit.
Sparkle Knitted Henley with Viscose
£98 Shop
WYSE
WYSE feels more deliberately catered for an older generation of women. My mum is a lover of leopard print and WYSE knows how to do it well. She adores the Jodie dress (£280) and will add oomph to an outfit with one of the silk neck scarves (£50).
Jodi Dress – Leopard
£280 Shop
Read more
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