The 30 Most Premium-Looking Pieces From COS, Mango and H&M

If you want to shop more consciously, ask yourself this simple question ahead of purchasing: Will I wear this item at least 30 times? The #30WearsChallenge was initiated by Livia Firth of Eco Age last year, but the idea remains a very solid one. It doesn't mean you need 30 totally different outfits to work around one key buy; it just means that what you're getting has the potential to be a winner in your wardrobe for some time to come and isn't such a fad that it feels outdated when a new season rolls in.
That's how I try to approach the high street, anyway. I aim to think about whether the new piece actually works with the other things I already own. I've made mistakes in the past snapping up lovely bits that are so at odds with the rest of my closet they don't see the light of day. Additionally, I ask myself whether something looks and feels high-quality enough to last. Do I genuinely love it? Can I wear it in different ensembles, and moreover, will I wear it at least 30 times?
Tanice Elizabeth in a COS look.
There are a few stores where I find this strategy to be more achievable than others. COS, Mango and H&M have created some of my most frequently worn affordable items. In fact, as I type, I'm wearing a striped knit H&M dress that I bought a few years ago, which served me well during my pregnancy, postnatally and also now that I'm back to work and living in stretchy clothes. In addition, I've also gotten excellent use out of Arket and & Other Stories pieces, but today my focus is on the other three brands because their new-in sections are looking particularly strong.
COS
Brittany Bathgate in a COS knitted set.
What's good at COS right now?
Sitting at the more conceptual end of the affordable spectrum, COS will always be a go-to for classic items with a twist. But it's becoming increasingly good at delivering more adventurous and artistic pieces too, choosing unusual colours, unique fabrics and prints, and quite daring shapes.
Multiple editors on the team are looking to buy or have already bought one of these easy-breezy T-shirt dresses. They come in various colourways, but the pink is so punchy. I love it.
H&M
Lydia wearing a now-sold-out H&M cardigan.
What's good at H&M right now?
From spring and summer basics (like Breton knits, simple vests and classic denim knee-length skirts) through to house dresses and vibrant co-ords, H&M has quite a few comfy clothing areas covered very well.
Bretons come back each and every spring. Go oversize, and try tucking into straight-leg jeans for a 2021 update.
MANGO
Anne-Victoire Lefevre in a Mango look.
What's good at Mango right now?
Earthy, neutral tones in simple separates or flouncy dresses are really ticking the boxes. From ecru jeans and natty knits through to plain polka-dot midis, the below edit revolves around a simple palette, meaning everything can work nicely together.
I have quite a few pairs of Mango earrings that I've bought over the past decade and still get a lot of wear out of them now. However, this cool chain has piqued my interest in 2021.
Up next: the big colour trends of spring/summer 2021.

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
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