Look Good

20 new-in &Other Stories pieces bringing us joy this week

From 90s inspired co-ordinates to upgraded basics with a fashion twist, there’s always something for everyone at &Other Stories. Here are Bekki Ramsay's top picks...

Written by High Life North
Published 23.07.2020

You may have noticed that the very idyllic lilac colour is the ‘It’ colour of Spring/Summer, but did you know that the very humble cardigan is the ‘It’ silhouette, too? If you can’t get your hands on your nana’s hand-me-down knits, then this voluminous cuffed sleeved version is definitely worth being a backup.

It turns out that Spring/Summer 2020 fashion is all about two-pieces, too – and &Other Stories have certainly outperformed themselves with this combination. So, if you really want to make a fashion statement, why not team the aforementioned cardigan with the matching crop-top, shown above? Plus, as you’ll no doubt wear both as separates through the summer months, too – it’ll worth out as a cost-effective piece per wear.

If your trusty tapered trousers are on their way out or you fancy investing in a new pair, then these are certainly one’s worth considering. With their exposed stitch seam and front split from the hemline, they’re no doubt an unusual take on the classic black trouser, however, one that you’ll get many wears out of. Team them with a ‘nice top’ and some trusty heels for a glam feel or a classic tee and white trainer combo for a more daytime appropriate look.  

If you’re after the most perfect pair of strappy heeled sandals, then you’re in luck as these are usually sold out – and for a good reason, too. With their crossover design, they’re very chic, however, the classic square-toed finish and chunky heel makes them comfortable, too. Plus, as they’re 100% leather, they’re super durable, therefore, destined to be worn summer after summer.

If there’s one accessory you need to buy this season, it’s a teeny, tiny handbag. You may be thinking ‘really? But it doesn’t sound very practical.’ But hear me out: with many people working from home for the foreseeable future, there’s no longer a need to be carrying everything and the kitchen sink in our handbag for a lengthy commute. So, why not use this one-off excuse to be a bit more playful with fashion and try out a silly yet stylish trend? If you do want to try it out, this crocodile embossed version is certainly worth making the ‘style over substance’ call.  

Who’d have thought that you could purchase a Chanel inspired cardigan with the classic gold-toned button closures, on the high-street? And a high-quality one at that. With its long, oversized silhouette, it’d actually make the perfect addition to the above teeny, tiny bag and cycling shorts – giving off a Princess Diana inspired daytime look. However, if you’re wanting to wear it in the colder months, it’d also look chic with some classic denim wash jeans and a thick black hairband.

If you want to go super 90’s with the above cycling short and long-cardigan look, then look no further than these twisted sphered earrings. However, with their vintage-inspired shape, these pieces of ear-candy could no doubt be worn day in and day out with most outfits, and even pull the most basic of outfits together in a way that says ‘I’ve made an effort’ without you even trying.  

Did you really think we could get through a full fashion ‘new in’ edit and not mention the ‘it’ colour at least one more time? With utility pockets and an all-over workwear-inspired silhouette, this one-piece in purple really does do all of the hard work for you when it comes to looking stylish.

With every stylish influencer, Royal and school mum wearing them, we all know that VEJA has replaced the humble Adidas Stan Smith as the stylish trainer for summer dressing. However, were you aware that this trendy (and sustainable) trainer brand have created a cotton canvas version? Nope? Well, if you weren’t, the ‘Nova’ in a muted tone are the perfect investment to be worn with dresses, skirts and shorts, and for all types of occasions from visiting the pub to popping to the shops.

If there’s one thing that &Other Stories do very, very well – it’s creating dresses. Whilst they’re a little on the pricier side than most high-street stores, their high-quality materials and timeless silhouettes make them an investment that will see you through many summers to come. In fact, this flirtatious floral number is the perfect example. With its smocked panelling on the back and a square buckle belt, it’ll cinch you in the waist, before making it look even smaller from the power puff-sleeved shoulders. Team it with some heeled espadrilles for a date night look or with some flat sandals for a trip to the park for a picnic.

If you thought you owned every style of white shirt possible, then this delicious number may surprise you. With its smocked detailing, gathered shoulders and flared endings – it’s no doubt a statement but one that would make any outfit look incredibly expensive. Another added bonus is that it’s made of Tencel and linen, making it more sustainable than most cotton shirts, too.

If you’re feeling the above smocked shirt, then you’re in luck as &Other Stories are really killing it with the coordinates this season, and have released a matching skirt, too! Again, its smocked detailing makes for the most flattering of fits – which is then perfectly balanced out with a flared hem. As shown in the image, this skirt can be teamed up with the simplest of t-shirts and still look incredibly stylish. So, if you decide to buy either piece (or both), you’re likely to get your money’s worth.

Do you ever see an item of clothing in the most unique of colours and think ‘yep, I need that?’ Well, that’s exactly how we felt after we spotted this soft knit wrapped cardigan in the ‘new in’ section. Coming in the most gorgeous of turquoise greens (which we haven’t seen much of on the high-street), it proved to be a nice surprise. Not to mention it’s such a stunning item that you can let it do the talking and pair with a pair of denim jeans, too.

Linen is proving to be a popular trend on &Other Stories and for a good reason, too. Whilst many may believe that it’s a material strictly made for holiday wear; they couldn’t be more wrong. We still get hot days in Summer, and the thin linen texture allows us to roam freely on these particularly hot days. In fact, these pull-on trousers with their drawstring waist and flared legs, would make the perfect hot-weathered day-trip trousers – whether it’s on a nature walk or to the park to meet your friends. Plus, don’t they look incredible with the humble old Dad sandal?

&Other Stories are treating us well by also releasing the matching oversized linen shirt. With its duo-flap pockets, topstitched detailing and curved hemline, it’s an interesting take on a summer staple but one that will never go out of fashion. Plus, the good thing about a linen shirt is that it can be worn so many ways – as a bikini cover-up, knotted together at the front to imitate a shorter top, as an oversight or simply as a standard but chic shirt.

The must-have basic for Spring/ Summer 2020 is no doubt a racer-cut top, and for all of the right reasons – despite being a basic, they’re incredibly flattering and, somehow, look more expensive than the usual camisole. What’s more, as &Other Stories have a strong reputation for high-quality basics, they’re a good place to buy one. This particular version comes in a stretch, breathable cotton, and has thin straps and high racer cut neckline. You could pretty much pair this with anything, but it’d go extremely well with the linen two-piece previously mentioned, or with the shorts on the next featured piece.

Two big trends for Spring/ Summer 2020 is ‘Safari Chic’ and raffia, so I guess you could call these high paper bag waist shorts a double whammy. Plus, as the square buckle raffia belt can be removed – it means you can pair it with other summer pieces, such as a basic dress. In terms of the actual shorts themselves, they feature pressed pleats which not only make them look more expensive but with a tailored look, tend to be more flattering than you may think.

Another item you could pair with the aforementioned pleated shorts is this understated yet stylish top. With its smocked, stretchy panelling, it makes a flattering fit (is anyone spotting a trend here?), however, the good thing about this particular item is that the puffed sleeves are in a thin-layered material, meaning you won’t overheat despite having a powerful shoulder.

Alternatively, the puff-sleeved top could help create the most sophisticated of looks when combined with this linen-blend midi skirt, which has such a swishy look to it that it’d be hard not to show it off to anyone who spots you wearing it. The good thing about this particular skirt is that it has wrapped detailing and a waist belt tie, meaning it can be adjusted to your particular style – tight if you want to cinch in your waist but loose if you’ve been to a ruddy good BBQ. What’s more, we are excited to reveal that this skirt does, in fact, have pockets! Could it get any better? Oh actually, it’s also available in black, too.

And finally, we have another pair of strappy lace-up heels – but this time in the classic camel colour. With their block heel, again, they’re a comfortable fit, however, due to the lace-up detailing which will adorn your calf, they’re a little sexier than the last pair. However, with this being said, it doesn’t mean they can’t be dressed up or down. Many people wear these with jeans and look incredible. Plus, as they’re 100% real leather, they’re a strong investment for any summer wardrobe.

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