When I first heard that one of my favourite designers, Rejina Pyo, was collaborating with British high-street stalwart John Lewis, I thought Christmas had come early.

In case you're unfamiliar with the Rejina Pyo brand, let me enlighten you. Known for her timeless collections designed for the contemporary woman, Pyo draws inspiration from the worlds of art, food and culture to create timeless ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that fuse modernity and elegance. Mention must also be made of her store in London’s Soho; it's a design haven full of curated antique decor, so if you're into interiors, it's a must-visit.

John Lewis, however, needs no introduction. One of the few enduring British department stores and a benchmark retailer for all things high-quality at the most reasonable prices, it has introduced a few exciting fashion collaborations over the years, including A.W.A.K.E. Mode and Collagerie.

It's rare to find a perfect synergy between a high-end designer and a high-street retailer, but this collection shows just how special and spot-on collaborations can be when done right, by truly bridging the gap between the aspirational and the affordable. Not only that, but given the reputations of both Rejina Pyo and John Lewis, shoppers can feel confident in investing knowing that no corners have been cut.

Hero items from the collection include a soft, butter-yellow-toned leather trench, a classic grey wool top coat, a timeless belted suit in a rich merlot-brown and, lastly, a copper-hued faux-fur teddy coat. Denim jeans also play a part, offered in rich blue and washed brown-black, as well as a nice stack of knitwear styles, some in cashmere blends for that ultra-soft feel. Shirts with eye-catching buttons, dresses with voluminous sleeves and a claret merino knitted top-and-midi-skirt set all come straight out of the classic Rejina Pyo playbook.

For finishing touches, find leather knee-high riding boots, luxe belts, satin kitten heels, envelope-style shoulder bags in burgundy and black, cosy wool snoods and mini bracelet bags in faux fur (to match the jacket), all finished with an exaggerated buckle motif, which gives a little bit of a Western flair and is a nice through line to bring the collection together.

This collection is made for autumn dressing; the colour palette draws from nature, tapping into the trending hues of now, such as butter yellow, slate grey, copper, khaki green and burgundy. I fell in love with the yellow trench, ultra-soft knitwear, faux-fur coat and denim, which are great options for elegant desk-to-dinner dressing.

Launching on Thursday, 9 October (today!), the 34-piece collection brings together a classic British aesthetic with Pyo's Korean modernity. Combining utilitarian city style with "feminine" countryside simplicity, this capsule collection is elevated and effortless, designed to be worn season after season. Scroll on for my best bits from the collaboration.

Shop the Rejina Pyo X John Lewis Collection:

When sale season rolls around, it can be tempting to treat yourself to a new dress here or a fresh knit there, all with the added benefit of a discount. But the way we approach sale shopping is the same way we approach regular shopping. We never advise spending needlessly or without a strategy. While there are rare sale-shopping unicorns out there—pieces so amazing that you can justify buying them on a whim—we’ve found that if the item (be it a bag, coat, or pair of shoes) didn’t pique our interest when it was full-price, then we probably shouldn’t buy it just because it’s been reduced.

Contributor Monikh Dale wears a pair of sandals from The Row. 

Instead, a hack all editors use is to scout the websites of our favourite brands before the sales even begin, identifying the pieces we’d love to own ahead of time. Then, should we find they’re discounted when the sale starts, we know we’re not spending for the sheer sake of it. So the big question is, Which are the best brands to shop on sale?

Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi wears a checked dress from Ganni. 

From contributor Monikh Dale to Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi, the members of the Who What Wear UK team have come together to reveal the sales they wait the whole year for, categorised ever so neatly by brand. Scroll below to see the pieces we’re earmarking ahead of the sales as well as some of our favourite finds that have already been reduced.

ÉTOILE ISABEL MARANT 

Étoile Isabel Marant is the sort of brand which elevates everyday dressing, which is undoubtedly why it's always on our assistant editor Nell Block's sale-shopping hit list. While we're yet to see these pieces marked down, we're hoping they will be soon. 

COS

Our shopping editor Joy Montgomery always shops COS's sale. Owing to its sleek tailoring and minimal silhouettes, these are cut-prices investments you won't ever regret making. 

BY FAR

Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi and contributing editor Maxine Eggenberger each have a thing for bags and shoes, so it's little wonder cult brand BY FAR tops both of their sale-shopping priorities. Right now, The Outnet has the best selection of discounted BY FAR pieces we've seen. 

FAITHFULL THE BRAND

Okay, okay, we know we're still in the depths of winter, but that hasn't stopped both Nell and fashion and social media editor Zoe Anastasiou adding Faithfull the Brand to their lists. "I'm so ready to wear these pieces come summer 2021," professes Zoe. 

THE ROW

Our contributor Monikh Dale has a knack for finding the best high-end pieces, particularly on sale. And now that one of her go-to brands, The Row, has landed on The Outnet, we've loved seeing the discounted pieces she's scooped via Instagram. 

& OTHER STORIES

Editor Emma Spedding and Joy both proclaimed & Other Stories as one of their favourite sale-shopping haunts. Its impressive winter sale has already started, and these are the pieces we have our eye on. 

GANNI

Zoe, Maxine, Emma, and Joy all revealed that Danish brand Ganni is on their sale radar, with Joy saying she always finds the best marked-down items in Liberty's sale. Here are the dresses, tops, and skirts we'll be watching over the festive period. 

UTERQÜE

Brands don't come much sleeker than Zara's sister brand, Uterqüe. Like other Inditex companies, Uterqüe's sale can take a week or two to heat up, with initial discounts proving to be minimal. However, once prices start being slashed, you can bet Hannah will be there. 

ARKET

Our love of Arket knows no bounds, but it's Emma who always unearths the best pieces from the high-street store. While the sale is yet to kick in, these are the items we're hoping will make an appearance in it. 

REJINA PYO

Cool and classy, Rejina Pyo is one of our favourite brands year-round. However, it also does an epic sale, in which Hannah has found many a high-end bargain. 

WHISTLES

From its cult lace-up boots to gorgeous outerwear, Whistles is our one-stop shop for refined statement pieces that transcend seasons. Here are some pieces that we'd love to see on sale as well as a staple skirt that's already been discounted. 

RIXO

Rixo's pieces are always in demand, but once they hit the sale, they're like gold dust. This is one brand that it really pays to keep an eye on as sale season progresses. Below are the items we want. 

DÔEN

Maxine used to shop Dôen's sale and have her order shipped to relatives in the US. Now that it has made its way onto Net-a-Porter, this process has been made significantly easier. 

Next up, Your guide to all of the big spring/summer 2021 trends. 

Over the last few months, many of our lives have changed immeasurably. From a complete adjustment in work routines to drastically altered social lives, relatively nothing is the same as it was back in February. While we all are processing these changes differently, adjusting to a life in which many choices are beyond our control, one factor that has remained within our control is the way we choose to get dressed in the morning. 

Whether you have opted to completely embrace loungewear or prefer a slightly more polished aesthetic, there is no denying that what you wear each day can have an impact on your overall outlook and even mood or productivity. With this in mind, I decided to turn to the experts and asked a few of my favourite designers exactly what they have been wearing to work from home. And with answers from the women behind some of the fashion industry's buzziest brands—including Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey of Rixo, Ditte Reffstrup of Ganni, Haeni Kim of Kitri and Rejina Pyo—you're definitely going to want to read on.

Whether based in London or across various parts of the globe, a common thread amongst all the designers is that they are continuing to dress up despite remaining at home. From flowing midi dresses to loose-fitting jeans, comfort is, of course, a priority, though their style and personal aesthetics have not wavered. 

If you've ever wondered what your favourite designers wear when they're off duty, this one is certainly for you. Keep scrolling to see what the designers behind Ganni, Rixo, Rejina Pyo and Kitri are wearing at home. 

Rejina Pyo of Rejina Pyo

"We’re currently in quarantine at my family country house in Korea, so we are trying to spend lots of time outside with our son Luka. The shirt is the Maja top, which is like an oversize golf shirt, paired with the Oscar linen shorts and, of course, Larissa sandals." 

"Wearing this to have dinner with my husband and son. The Mia wrap top is lightweight for the warm weather we're having. I’ve layered our Imogen set underneath, which is made from sustainable Tencel and super soft. The skirt is our Blair pencil skirt/ It features our hand-painted S/S 20 Hawaiian print. Shoes are our classic Larissa sandals, which I have been wearing every day." 

"Once the quarantine is over I'll be working from our Korean office. This would be a go-to look. Our Sabrina T-shirt paired with the Astrid skirt, teal Romy wedged Sandals and tiger-print Nane bag." 

Ditte Reffstrup of Ganni

"When this whole WFH thing started, the first few days, I was just in my pyjamas all the time. But I found it was giving me the Sunday blues every day. So I started making an effort and dressing up more. It really made me realize how I dress for myself and nobody else. It’s actually become a bit of an act of self-care. I love these little red Mary Jane slip-ons paired with a denim skirt and some crispy white cotton."

"We have three kids. Our youngest is just 3 years old. So as you can imagine, we have had our hands full juggling homeschooling, work and endless video calls. Somedays I like to just go for something practical like baggy jeans and a mesh turtleneck in a happy colour."

"When everything shut down, we decided to start a Ganni podcast called How Are You. Nicolaj and I have been calling up friends from around the world to ask them how they are in these crazy times. We’ve spent a lot of time at home recording. It’s been really nice to play around with my wardrobe from home. I am living in this brown maxidress dress styled with jeans. It’s such an easy and flattering shape." 

Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey of Rixo

"Orlagh is in lockdown in London, and I’m isolating in the countryside outside Manchester in my family home. It’s the first time Orlagh and I have been apart for so long since we launched Rixo, which is tough! I am very lucky that we have a garden, so I try to keep a routine of Monday through Friday working and at the weekends spend as much time as I can outside to get some fresh air, reading books that have been on my list for ages. Most days, I wear a vintage shirt (this polka-dot one has a '70s contrast collar and was a bargain at £3) and will pair with a Rixo silk skirt like this pink check Tina skirt since it’s really lightweight and easy-to-wear." — Rix

"I have our Zadie dress in at least three different prints and have been wearing that shape regularly too. It’s the best dress to slip on and wear all day. It’s comfortable, and I feel great when I wear it, as the shape is really flattering. I’ve worn her around the house, while glued to my laptop for work, to bake scones (I’m doing a lot more cooking while in lockdown, which I really enjoy) and also I hoover the house in her!" — Rix

"I’m in London and moving house in the midst of lockdown. This Kiara dress is perfect because she’s super lightweight and lets me move freely whilst I sort through and pack up everything. I also love the print. It’s got such a '60s vibe to it, but in a shape that suits my lifestyle. Anything that feels special, but you can wear day to day is a winner for me!" — McCloskey

"I’ve also been reworking and improving fits during lockdown, spreading my patterns out on the floor in my now-empty (from my moving prep) living room. The sleeve on this shape is my ultimate favourite. I have worked on it for the last few seasons until it’s been perfected. With this dress, I don’t need to wear a bra since it has an under-bust seam and a drawing string that holds you in. It makes for a super-comfy wear!" — McCloskey

Haeni Kim of Kitri

"Perfect for dress-up Fridays. It’s been good to get dressed up every now and then to keep my sanity! I wear it with velvet slippers at home but can’t wait to wear it with great heels once the lockdown is over." 

"Making the most of the one walk a day in the sunshine. I’ve loved wearing this dress during the lockdown. The lively print helps lift my mood, and it’s perfectly comfortable to curl up on the sofa in."

"This daisy print from our spring collection has been very popular, and luckily I nabbed the sample before the lockdown! Daisy is such a cheerful and positive flower, signalling a new day. I layer it with our yellow cardigan for extra-positive vibes." 

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. 

This might seem like a really odd statement to be writing on a fashion website, but I have to admit I miss handbags. Like a lot. Since London went into a full lockdown the last week of March, I haven't used a single one, and while I'm no Kylie Jenner (who has a closet full of Birkins), I do feel like my few treasured accessories deserve a day out. 

Back in early March—before the world started adhering to the rules of social distancing—the team here at Who What Wear took to the streets in order to trial summer's most coveted handbag trends. And if, like us, you too are missing your carryall, you are in for a treat. From Shrimps' beaded iterations to soft fabric styles courtesy of Rejina Pyo and The Row, this season is shaping up to be bold where handbags are concerned. Between mock croc and leopard print, floral patterns and lime-green shades, the bags of summer 2020 are supposed to make a statement. And even with nowhere to go, these small additions can act as the mood-boosting accessories you need to see you through your walk around the park or quick dash to the shops. Of course, when you find something as cute as By Far's mini shoulder bag, you'll find any excuse to use it.

Handbags may be getting less use than usual, but that does not make them any less lust-worthy. Keep scrolling for nine handbags trends that are sure to put a smile on your face this season. 

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. 

The Duchess of Sussex is in London this week for what many are calling her farewell royal tour, as Harry and Meghan officially end their royal duties on the last day of this month. Ahead of International Women's Day, on Friday Meghan visited Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham to talk to students about gender equality. Meghan said of her visit: "For me, it was incredibly important to be with the women of our future. And that is all of the young women here, as well as the young men who play a very large part in this."

Meghan knows how her outfit choices can hold huge significance and convey a message, and so it's unsurprising that for this moment she decided to support an emerging British womenswear designer. The woman she turned to was Rejina Pyo, the Korean-born designer that has become one of the most exciting names on the London Fashion Week schedule. Meghan wore a cream blazer by British favourite ME+EM, cropped black trousers and Rejina Pyo's Nane Tote in an ivory open-knit fabric. The top-handle bag has a statement bow on the strap and has been a fashion favourite for several seasons now and comes in numerous playful prints and colours.

Keep scrolling to see how Meghan wore her £300 It bag, and shop all the different versions available below.

Shop the Nane Tote Bag:

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring and summer 2020.

Regardless of what year you came into this world, we can all learn a thing or two about style from our wiser fashion counterparts. These are the women who have lived to see generations worth of trends come and go and have spent the better half of a lifetime honing in on what they can now claim as a strong sense of personal style. Since this group of women offers a wealth of knowledge, I was curious to know what kind of style lessons they can teach the rest of us.

I spoke with a handful of the many chic older women I've taken to following on Instagram for style inspiration. Grece Ghanem is a 54-year-old from Montréal with a penchant for print-mixing and "old Céline." Lyn Slater, otherwise known as Accidental Icon, is a 65-year-old from New York whose career took off when she started blogging several years ago. Finally, Renata Jazdzyk is a 50-something living in Newcastle you've seen wearing all the buzzy street style looks. They each shared the fashion "mistakes" from their past, what they learned from them, and how they choose to dress instead now.

To be clear, I say the word mistakes lightly. We all make them, and I'm not here to shame anyone's sartorial choices but rather to celebrate and share the wisdom that only comes after taking the time to reflect on how you'd like to evolve your style. This kind of self-reflection doesn't necessarily require having decades of outfits to look back on (people of any age can vow to make better fashion habits at any point), but the years each of them has under their belt certainly gives more weight to the following advice.

Keep reading to discover eight fashion mistakes from women over 50 and the style lessons they have learned from each.

Mistake: Only Wearing One Bold Colour or Print at a Time

"Colour-blocking and mixed prints can elevate a basic outfit, make you look stylish and street style ready. I learned to start small and build up my look to boldly styling red and fuchsia or striped and leopard looks." — Grece Ghanem

Shop pieces that "clash" well:

Mistake: Misinterpreting the Expression "Killer Heels"

"I am a shoe-a-holic in all senses! However, I’ve learned to pass on pretty shoes if the stilettos were too high or the shoe too uncomfortable, preventing me from walking with confidence. Remember: Sneakers are not only for the gym. They add the perfect twist to those feminine dresses. At the end of the day, you are wearing the piece and not the piece is wearing you. To give that magnificent shoe justice, you need to be able to walk that walk." —Ghanem

Shop stylish sneakers:

Mistake: Only Shopping in the Women's Section

"Dare to take a step into the menswear section for those oversized sweaters and button-downs for a relaxed and slouchy look. I learned to never assume my size, to size up for an oversized look but to never downsize. Wearing clothing that is too tight or small is definitely a fashion mistake in my book." —Ghanem

Shop men's items we'd gladly wear:

Mistake: Wearing Heavy Pierced Earrings All the Tme

"Wearing very heavy pierced earrings all of the time. I always loved statement earrings and wore them every day. Unfortunately, over time, it stretches your earlobe and ultimately you can't wear any pierced earrings unless you have your ear surgically fixed. I dealt with it by wearing clip-ons, and since I love vintage jewelry, it opened up a whole new world of fabulous and very dramatic earrings for me." —Lyn Slater

Shop clip-on earrings:

Mistake: Wearing Something That Doesn't Feel 100% Like Me

"It happens rarely, but sometimes I will try something that deep down I know is not right for me, but I love the way the garment looks on the hanger, so I wear it anyway. I always end up looking uncomfortable. It impacts my mood and makes me feel anxious. So bottom line, if I do not feel 100% myself in it as much as I stare at it lovingly, I don't wear it. That includes telling creative directors I work with, 'That's not happening,' if they want me to wear something (like a black leather miniskirt) that is not me." — Slater

Shop pieces with loads of personality:

Mistake: Matching Every Accessory Perfectly

"Another mistake of mine was making sure that all my accessories were perfectly in the same colour, and I often wore too many of them at the same time. Scarf, belt, bag, shoes—they all had to match and be in the same colour, followed by my jewellery. Now I believe that less is better. Everything does not have to be perfectly matched at all times. Sometimes mixing colours and patterns can result in creating something unique and one-of-a-kind. Thanks to the various colours, our outfits become more interesting, more energetic and help us to look younger." — Renata Jazdzyk

Shop mismatched accessories:

Mistake: Wearing Clothes That Don't Fit Properly

"I used to wear wrinkled skirts (at the waist). As a result, optically they often made me look shorter, and they were not very flattering! I’m really pleased that these types of skirts are not in fashion anymore. Now I choose pencil skirts that go really well with oversized tops, knits or blazers or asymmetric skirts that are fun and can't harm your silhouette." —Jazdzyk

Shop tailored pieces:

Mistake: Wearing Mostly Black and Grey

"In the past, my wardrobe has been overwhelmingly full of clothes in only two colours: black and grey. I ruled out any other colours from my wardrobe. As a result of this, no matter what I wore and how interesting my shirt, skirt or trousers were, I always looked the same. Over the years, I've learned to break my black-and-grey habit, and I have started to add colours to my outfits. I’m not scared of colours anymore. On the contrary, I think they reflect my personality better." —Jazdzyk

Shop trending colours:

Up Next: Eurofash: What Scandi, French, Spanish and Italian Girls Are Buying on the Cheap

Lisa Aiken is Net-a-Porter’s retail fashion director and the woman responsible for our extensive wish lists and dented wallets. She is something of an oracle for the Who What Wear team in the UK. We trust her every recommendation (and attend her seasonal trend presentations without fail); we look to her wardrobe choices and unwaveringly cool NAP edit to make our own moves; and now, she’s a regular columnist here on the site—hurrah! For May, it’s all about the virtues of that contemporary brand price sweet spot…

Looking through my wardrobe recently, I realised the vast majority of pieces I love and wear on a daily basis are made up of my favourite contemporary brands. Of course, I still save up to buy those key designer purchases, but they’re not the items I rely on day in and day out.

Contemporary brands, on the other hand, are the bread and butter of my daily wardrobe. They’re the pieces I pick out first thing every morning, no matter what season or city I’m in. Even during fashion month, when I’m travelling I often wear more statement, fashion-forward pieces, and I actually prefer to wear contemporary brands because they’re more under the radar. I love wearing pieces that feel like hidden gems.

Essentially, contemporary brands aren’t your big-ticket buys—they’re your stealth purchases, the ones people don’t necessarily know where you got them. They’re the ones that form your everyday functional wardrobe and are the answer to a perfect shopping fix.

Now our thoughts are turning to warmer months, I asked some of our favourite contemporary designers—from Ganni, Rixo and Staud to Rejina Pyo, Wandler and Yuzefi—to create a series of capsules just in time for the summer season ahead. In addition, we’re set to stock a raft of new contemporary labels you don’t even know yet—so check back soon for additions. For now, just keep scrolling to see all of my favourite midpriced brands—and good luck stopping yourself from shopping them all.

WANDLER

GANNI

Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

SIMON MILLER

BY FAR

NANUSHKA

ALBUS LUMEN

STAUD

Related: From Dresses to Bags, I've Handpicked 21 New-In Pieces Just in Time for Payday

REJINA PYO

CARRIE FORBES

Don’t forget to see my predictions on next season’s trends.