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Just a few years ago, Marks & Spencer‘s own CEO admitted its clothing had a certain ‘frumpiness’, while fellow high street stalwart Next was only good for drab work trousers.
Meanwhile carrying a Radley London handbag with a twee Scottie dog embellishment was a sweet affectation for grandmothers.
However, these brands are among several high street labels that have undergone a style renaissance – attracting new fashion-conscious audiences of all ages.
Just a decade ago, many people wouldn’t be seen dead in supermarket clothing, but now Tu at Sainsbury’s and Asda‘s George label are holding their own against affordable, trend-led high street stores such as H&M.
Similarly, the likes of Boden and Mint Velvet have shrugged off their mumsy image with offerings that are attracting Gen Z buyers as well as midlife shoppers with a keen sense of style.
According to luxury stylist Angela Kyte, what all these brands have in common is that they’ve worked behind the scenes to provide trend-led collections at a fast fashion pace but with higher quality.
‘What is happening on the British high street right now is more than nostalgia, it is a reset,’ she told the Daily Mail.
‘Brands like Boden, Radley, Mint Velvet, and Tu at Sainsbury’s have quietly redefined what affordable style looks like, proving you don’t need to sacrifice cut, fabric, or confidence for price.
‘They’ve stepped away from fast fashion’s throwaway pace and returned to what truly matters: beautifully-made staples with personality, pieces that flatter real bodies, and designs that fit seamlessly into everyday life. These labels have each found their lane again.’
If you’re keen to embrace the new era of the high street, here we reveal the 27 hero pieces from brands that really deserve a second chance in your wardrobe.
First on Kyte’s list is M&S, which is ‘finally balancing timelessness with trend’.
‘It’s mastering wardrobe essentials that feel current but never try too hard,’ she explained.
It’s quite a turnaround for the high street stalwart that once attracted a more traditional shopper who favoured practicality and wardrobe staples over the latest fashions.
Now, while the brand hasn’t alienated its core base, there is the addition of unmistakably on-trend items lining the racks to tempt both younger buyers and millennial women who are very much invested in looking good – as well as celebrity collaborations with the likes of Sienna Miller and former Made in Chelsea star Binky Felstead.
Part lingerie, part grunge, the camisole dress is a key piece for winter, which is a great option for transitional and cold weather dressing.
It’s versatile so can be worn over sweaters and with black tights for colder months or in combination with sloppy knitted cardigans for an undone effortless feel.
The rich burgundy elevates the look here. There are also strong undertones of boho dressing, which is returning in a big way.
There is a pull towards items that celebrate the outdoors, leading to trends that feel cozy and comforting, and the duffel coat gives consumers that much needed mood boost that reminds them of countryside walks and simpler times.
As reds and burgundy have grown in popularity over the past few seasons, we’re starting to see rich bitter chocolate hues come through, according to trend forecaster Robbie Sinclair.
Patent and high shine leather is key as we head into the winter season with fabrics that drink up the colour. The classic trench is key for this winter season but updates come through in the form of high shine finishes.
Knitted vests have been trending for the last few years, and consumers are looking for the perfect update. Items like soft touch gilets are a great move on for this best selling silhouette.
As wide legs and barrel jeans continue to dominate as the most important trouser silhouettes, we’re also seeing a return to flared silhouettes. This wide leg Palazzo shape is an important item for the coming season.
So, just how did M&S become cool? The answer lies largely with Maddy Evans, the former fashion director of Topshop, who was hired in 2019 as head of buying and promoted to director of womenswear in 2022.
Her presence has helped M&S fill the crucial gap left by what was one of the most high street’s most popular brands by offering must-have pieces such as a faux croc leather trench coat that is rapidly selling out and being re-stocked.
It’s also adopted a faster fashion approach, meaning new items can move from the drawing board to the shelf in as little as a month – enabling the retailer to react to demand and the newest trends.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ms Evans said: ‘We’re pleased to see womenswear achieve its highest ever style rankings, particularly with the 35-54 customer – a clear sign our focus is landing and our ranges are resonating with more people more often.
‘It’s important that we keep up momentum so this season we’re supercharging newness across the board: from dresses and partywear through to denim, knitwear and outerwear. We’re investing in fabrics, silhouettes and trend-led pieces our customers want; while still delivering the value they trust us for.’
At the same time, fashion bosses at Sainsbury’s have also worked to introduce more shoppers.
‘Supermarkets like Tu and George are levelling up with accessible trend pieces that punch well above their price point,’ Kyte explained.
Both chains have also collaborated with celebrities, including Vogue Williams, Oti Mabuse, and Maisie Smith in recent times, allowing them to capitalise on their large followings.
In July, Sainsbury’s revealed its Tu Clothing was going from strength to strength, with womenswear sales surging by a respectable of 13 per cent.
At the time, bosses said the sales boom was ‘driven by improved design and strong availability’, Fashion Network reported.
There’s also an increased interest online, and UK-based TikTok user Hafash shared a clip of Sainsbury’s latest collection, dubbing it ‘underrated’ – and her followers agreed, claiming the new collection has ‘so many nice pieces’.
This a savvy pick for its elevated texture and modern silhouette, the soft suedette finish gives it a luxe feel, while the oversized bomber shape and collared neckline bring high-street edge, stylist Angela Kyte explained.
A stylish purchase: the textured finish adds instant luxury, while the relaxed collar and soft grey tone make it effortlessly wearable.
With affordable price, it’s a savvy way to bring statement outerwear into your wardrobe without over-investing, said Kyte.
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The black pointed-toe ankle boots hit the mark because the sleek, faux-leather finish gives an elevated polish.
These boots are a smart buy, they deliver style boost and everyday practicality without being overly trend-driven.
Like Sainsbury’s, George at Asda is also having a moment.
In August, the company revealed George ‘continued strong momentum’ to secure a 2.5 per cent increase in fashion sales.
Looking to capitalise on its non-food sections further, Asda created the first standalone George store at Crown Point in Leeds in May, showcasing the best clothing and homeware products.
Three months after the opening, bosses revealed that customers received the store well, and that they plan to open ten more George stores around the nation in coming months.
George has also received a warm reception on TikTok. One influencer, Southerly Bower (@southerlybower), took to the platform to share a clip of herself trying on her most-loved items in the changing rooms.
She said: ‘I knew this coat was going to be good. I know it’s going to be a love or hate but I’m a lover.’
The influencer then praised a khaki denim jumpsuit before showing off a burgundy puffer coat and telling her fans: ‘This is the warmest, thickest… look at the colour! I’m going to go to every Asda in the world to try and find my size’.
This a savvy pick for its elevated texture and modern silhouette, the soft suedette finish gives it a luxe feel, while the oversized bomber shape and collared neckline bring high-street edge.
This dress is a standout party piece: the sequin embellishment delivers high-impact glamour, while the bow-front detail adds femininity and charm. Its mini length brings youthful vibrancy.
This piece’s soft, textured knit brings instant cosy luxury, while the V-neckline and relaxed fit keep it modern and versatile, said Kyte.
Supermarkets aside, Next has also recently managed the impressive feat of attracting a younger audience and recording impressive sales figures to prove it.
The retailer has long held a reputation for dressing the oldest and youngest in society, which is why it might come as a surprise that Gen Z and millennials are now also flocking to stores to upgrade their wardrobes.
Just weeks ago, the chain reported a knockout trading update of a 10.5 per cent surge in full-price sales and upgraded its annual profit guidance by £30million to £1.13billion on the back of improved performance.
The revival is in part thanks to the store’s introduction of smaller, third-party brands to its website.
Julie Palmer, a partner at consultancy Begbies Traynor, said: ‘At a time when many retailers are feeling the squeeze from rising costs, weak consumer confidence and uncertainty around the next Budget, Next appears largely immune.’
Although other factors have come into play, including the temporary online shutdown of competitor Marks & Spencer’s after a vicious cyberattack and an improved clothing supply from countries like Bangladesh, the store’s improved fashion status has undoubtedly contributed to the positive outcome.
Next’s digital strategy particularly excelled in 2020, when it introduced smaller and third-party brands to its website with the launch of its marketplace, Next Label, allowing other companies to sell items on Next’s website in exchange for a cut.
The launch meant that, if shoppers are unable to locate desired items from Next’s collections, they can instead shop at a host of other brands on the same website, including Reiss, Boden, and Lipsy London.
And it’s not just clothes covered, but nearly all sections of retail, thanks to the massive range of brands sold on next.com, including Clinique, Armani Beauty, Smiggle Toys, Made.com, and the list goes on.
Despite new-age platforms like Amazon boasting similar offerings, Next, a British high street stalwart, has the level of familiarity within the population that new platforms can only dream of.
Discussing the shift, Kyte said, ‘Next continues to lead with consistency, it is reliable, polished, and now increasingly fashion-forward thanks to clever brand collaborations.’
Outerwear in a bold animal-inspired print immediately elevates a basic base layer, according to Kyte. This turns your coat into the statement piece.
Polka dots offer print impact while remaining timeless; a top in this pattern updates a look without risking it becoming a passing trend.
The trench is a style pillar, its classic lines deliver elegance, while a good quality version will work from spring rain through autumn layers, making it very much an investment that can be used year-round in a range of ways.
This fluid slip silhouette is inherently elegant yet effortless, and in a subtle brown tone it becomes a versatile option, perfect for layering by day and switching to heels at night. Great addition to any capsule wardrobe.
Leopard print on denim gives the all-denim base a bold twist, ideal for when you want casual cool with a bit of personality rather than plain black or blue jeans.
While Next extended its online offering, brands like Radley have found a new lease of life by modernising designs.
Radley, founded in London by Australian architect-turned designer Lowell Harder, made its name selling mid-range bags featuring its famous Scottie-dog mascot.
But, in the words of Florence Welch, ‘the dog days are over’. Thanks to the latest design director, Fernando Soriano Iglesias, Radley’s focus is now on stealth wealth-looking totes and the sort of bags you’ll find trending on Instagram.
His experience at Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Loewe is already evident in this season’s polished offerings.
Now, it’s not uncommon to see hip influencers raving about Radley pieces, and London-based fashion influencer Sahra shared an entire post dedicated to styling her new Radley bag.
This large bag is a smart purchase thanks to its structured yet relaxed silhouette: the supple leather gives it polish while the ample size and organisational compartments keep it work-ready.
This open top tote in Dark Oak is clever because the spacious, wing-shaped silhouette combines practicality with polish, said Kyte.
She added that the crackled leather finish lends texture and luxury that transitions seamlessly from workday to weekend.
The suede medium flapover shoulder bag is a good choice because the rich Italian suede and warm coffee tone offer texture and timeless style, while the smart three-compartment layout and refined silhouette make it as functional as it is elegant.
Designers at Boden, meanwhile, also revived designs to bring customers in and ward off the financial losses it experienced not so long ago.
‘Boden has matured into a confident, colour-savvy brand with structure and joy in equal measure, while Radley has reclaimed its place as the go-to for understated British elegance in accessories,’ Kyte said.
Boden’s latest collection is brimming with bright bursts of colour, playful patterns, and trendy silhouettes.
It’s a return that will have mid-life women looking for complementary but trendy styles breathing a sigh of relief.
According to the stylist, this is a standout pick: its voluminous bubble hem adds modern flair without sacrificing sophistication, and the mid-calf length makes it both polished and day-to-night versatile.
Kyte explained that this is a smart buy: crafted in rich wool, it brings heritage polish to your wardrobe while the natural-waist fit and shape keep it modern and flattering.
Pair it with a cashmere roll-neck or tailored blazer and your staples instantly feel considered and season-proof.
According to Kyte, the wide-leg trousers are a smart purchase because their high waist and fluid pleating deliver elongation and movement, anchoring a look with ease and sophistication.
This piece taps into heritage charm with a modern edge: the refined Mary Jane strap silhouette gets a bold update with leopard print, turning an otherwise preppy shoe into an instant styled-up staple.
Mint Velvet, meanwhile, is aiming to extend its audience by releasing a new, elevated collection, Mint Studio.
The range, described as having a ‘luxury finish that’s uncompromising on quality’, is intended for shoppers looking to build a capsule wardrobe with investment pieces that will stand the test of time.
Though the price points are also elevated, with items costing more than the average £150 price point of Mint Velvet products, women looking to invest in staple pieces will likely fork out the extra sum in the name of quality.
And its main collection is attracting younger audiences in equal measure, with TikTok user Evie Mills, from the UK, receiving floods of compliments on her video showing her followers how she styled her Mint Velvet knitted jumper.
Kyte concluded, ‘Mint Velvet owns relaxed luxury with feminine silhouettes and soft tailoring that feel expensive without the attitude.
‘As a stylist, I see this shift as a celebration of longevity over hype, a reminder that when quality, fit, and wearability come first, style naturally follows.’
This jacket is a standout investment: the rich texture and warm brown tone give it luxurious presence, while the fold-over collar and compact 21-inch length make it refined yet easy to pair with everything from tailored trousers to casual denim.
Kyte considered this to be a strong purchase thanks to its rich burgundy tone and elevated lace detailing. She added that the high neckline and long sleeves lend it refinement, while the cotton-blend lace and button-back make it wearable beyond the party season.
This skirt delivers on both edge and elegance, the high-rise silhouette flatters the waist while the front split adds just the right amount of movement.
Crafted in genuine leather with subtle detailing like rear welt pockets and a side zip, it makes a durable investment piece.
This is a smart purchase because it combines timeless elegance with trend-led appeal; the neckline subtly highlights the shoulders while remaining effortlessly chic.
