& Other Stories is the one-stop destination for all your winter wardrobe staples
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They say you shouldn't have favourites, but when it comes to the high street, & Other Stories takes my top spot every. single. time. Since joining the (semi-)corporate world four years ago, it’s been a staple player for, well, my workwear staples. Think structured blazers, barrel jeans and chic leather work bags which perfectly finish every outfit.
Of course, I’ve flirted with other British fashion brands — Cos, Mango, and Sézane have all earned spots in my wardrobe — but I'm always drawn back to the classic, timeless pieces & Other Stories has to offer. And it's likely that reason we often see in-the-know ‘it girls’ like Kate Middleton and Selena Gomez sporting looks from the European retailer.
Like its sister brand H&M, & Other Stories is known for its bank of sell-out designer collaborations. My favourite to date? A recent collection launched in partnership with contemporary London-based designer, Susan Fang, Not-so-subtly suggested by the title, ‘Dreams Unleashed,' it was characterised by an ethereal mix of statement pieces accented with ruffles and textured florals. Stun.
Although the brand is, admittedly, one of the more expensive options when compared with its off-the-rack rivals, I’d argue every piece is worth the investment — because as well as their delicious designs, each is made from sustainably sourced materials built to last. Need proof? The herringbone blazer I wore on the first day of my grad job five years ago still looks brand new.
Turning our attention to the current autumn/winter season, there are a few select items on my wishlist: cosy but not overly costly knitwear, a winter wedding guest dress, and a pair of leather trousers which I truly believe are as useful as a basic white t-shirt. Spoiler: I found it all in & Other Stories new-in section.
With the temperature taking a rather sudden nose dive, I walk (read: ran) to the brand's flagship store on London's Regent Street. As we all do, I told myself I was merely window shopping, waiting until payday to make sensible, considered purchases.
However, my willpower lasted a whole four seconds. I am still convinced the cost-per-wear of the wide-leg jeans and olive-coloured cardigan I picked up will drop to mere pennies in weeks — plus, considering the current length of my wishlist, you could rule that I was fairly restrained.
For those wondering what other standout pieces I discovered in store, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about the turquoise Satin Maxi Dress (trust me when I say it was giving Saint Laurent on a budget) every single day since.
Get ahead of the layering game.
Welcome to my & Other Stories Dressing Room Diary — AKA my current working wishlist:
Despite my mother's reservations — I get the Inspector Gadget joke every time I don my cropped canvas jacket — I wholeheartedly believe that a trench coat is a cold-season staple. Not only does it successfully protect your fashion wares from the (unpredictable) British elements, but the jacket adds a sophisticated, Parisian air to any look.
I like (read: love) that & Other Stories has accented this season's cropped version of the coat with oversized patch pockets and a utilitarian-style belt. In my opinion, it toughens it up and adds a little more interest to a basic (but reliable) white tee and jeans combo. But what drew me over to the rail was that mustard hue. While a beige trench coat goes with literally everything, I sometimes find the muted shade washes me out. Thankfully, this packs a little more punch.
While I'm planning on throwing this over *literally* everything — wide-leg joggers for a quick trip to the shops, or a midi dress with a pair of on-trend burgundy boots — my extended try-on session revealed that it also sat perfectly over the brand's Oversized Sweatshirt.
For reference, an oversized sweatshirt, often in go-with-everything grey, is something I re-invest in every winter, and it often quickly claims the title of ‘most worn’ in my wardrobe. To accent this thick, rigid number, the designers have added a unique spin in the form of oversized French motifs. C'est magnifique.
And these Wide Baggy Jeans? All I need to say is that I'm convinced they're the secret love child of a pair of black jeans and tailored work trousers.
When it comes to knitwear, I tend to play it safe, opting for neutral colours that work with everything (leather trousers to leopard-print jeans). However, the olive colour and oversized design of the sleeves on this mohair-blend cardigan — which you'll be pleased to know is not at all itchy — had me instantly sold.
I also appreciated the slightly higher cut of the neckline — as a gal with a fuller bust, I don't tend to favour a cardi with a deep V for fear that it'll make me look broader than I am — and the thick elasticated waistband which gave it more shape than you might expect of a wool-blend top layer.
I'm well aware that there are few things more stressful (fashion-wise) than shopping for a wedding guest dress. It's all about following the rules — no white or black — and avoiding anything that could have you accused of upstaging the bride. Then comes winter and the additional host of questions like what to do about a coat and footwear.
Thankfully, this turquoise Satin Maxi Dress ticks every box. While modest in the front, the cowl-neck back gives it a sexy edge that still wouldn't be considered too much for church-based ‘I dos.' The asymmetric stitching also allows it to drape without being shapeless. Cue attempting to convince another of my friends to tie the knot so I can justify the investment.
I've been a lover of leather trousers for years. First introduced via my sister's hand-me-downs, I've since invested in three pairs — one straight-leg pair from Abercrombie, a culotte style from Zara and an ankle grazer by M&S.
But having worn them for the office, date night and festive outings for the last four winters, I was ready for a fresh take — and this plum pair are exactly that. They're the perfect length to wear with boots, trainers or my suede clogs, plus that hue is subtle enough to suit everything a classic black pair would. So while GLAMOUR's already ruled that burgundy bags are the must-have accessory for A/W 2024, I'd extend that advice to your bottoms too.
If it wasn't obvious by my curtain fringe, I'm thrilled we've returned to the 70s — and even more so now that & Other Stories has brought its sell-out Belted Corduroy Jumpsuit back in a host of new colours. A pal snapped this up in the emerald green last year and has worn it on repeat, pairing it with cowboy boots for our regular trips to the pub and trainers for a Saturday AM brunch.
While this baby blue colour isn't something I would typically have gone for, being an English Rose with translucent skin, I was pleasantly surprised and knew it would work hard as a low-effort (but effective) option in my wardrobe.
You could describe me as a lazy dresser — essentially, I love nothing more than a mini denim dress or floaty midi that barely needs accessorising before I rush out of the door. This LMD would look ridiculously chic when paired with a pair of silver cowboy boots and a colour pop bag, as well as with a basic white trainer — and, as a self-proclaimed sweaty gal, was suede lined which will keep me warm in winter and cool in spring. Yep, she's a multi-season staple.
Save when you shop with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Sophie Donovan, follow her on Instagram @soph_don.
