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If there's one brand we always turn to for luxury investment buys without the designer price tags, it's ME+EM. By now, this timeless mid-range British label has become a firm celebrity favourite, but if you're yet to browse its beautiful range and add one of its classic pieces to your wardrobe, listen up.
The brainchild of former-advertising exec Clare Hornby, ME+EM launched back in 2009, but its ethos of eschewing fast-fashion to create chic staples that will last forever and always look stylish is still disrupting the market.
In short, ME+EM is our first port of call for those key pillars of our wardrobe that we're happy to invest in, such as the perfect pair of jeans, a beautiful dress that'll work for any occasion, or perfect tailoring that makes us feel good every time we slip it on.
Every piece the brand designs goes through a lengthy and rigorous process to ensure that it meets 'the 3 Fs': flattering ("a flattering silhouette is ageless," explains Clare), functional ("we obsess over the role of a piece in your wardrobe and how it can work with all your essentials") and forever ("we thoroughly edit trends, only committing to the ones that have long-lasting appeal").
"When I went into advertising I couldn’t afford designer clothes full price but didn’t like the quality of high street," she told Marie Claire. "I just knew there was a gap to be filled between high quality and price."
To hit this sweet spot, ME+EM only works with specially vetted factories, and it keeps costs down by cutting out excessive marketing campaigns and only selling directly to customers.
Celebrity fans of the label include the Princess of Wales, who owns several Breton tops. Nicole Kidman, Trinny Woodall and Cat Deeley have also been seen in ME+EM, while Claudia Winkleman often wears the brand's blouses to present The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing.
New at ME+EM this month is a riot of summer fashion, including several stunning wedding guest dresses, some lighter cheesecloth styles for sunny days and a cool striped trouser suit. Excitingly, the brand has also launched swimwear for the first time, including an elegant lace beach dress and the black swimsuit of our French Riviera dreams.
Bear in mind that these are forever pieces for your capsule wardrobe, so don't expect £40 price tags. Do, however, factor in the cost per wear, because buying once is better for your bank balance and the planet. Importantly, don't miss the ME+EM sale section, which is full of older season gems for up to half price.
Ready to join the ME+EM fanbase? Here are just a few of the best ME+EM dresses, blouses, knitwear and more that you'll never want to take off...
For a twist on the ubiquitous shirt dresses that flood the rails every season, look to this understated ME+EM style with its pinstripes and pleated skirt. The embroidered lace on the sleeves gives it an elevated and elegant finish.
Crochet jumpers have been trending for a while now, and we love how easy they are to throw over vests as a layering staple. ME+EM's fine-knit features intricate stitching, allowing glimpses of your base layer to show through.
ME+EM's trousers are hard to beat if it’s feminine silhouettes that you love, from wearable high waists and nautical stripes to retro-inspired wide-legs. This style offers it all and is one you really will wear forever.
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We can't shop enough striped shirts for wearing everywhere, including as beach cover-ups on holiday.
Red Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Tomczak, has announced brown as her colour of the summer – and we think it should be yours too. ME+EM has given this A-line style a summery update by cutting it from a breezy linen blend. The best part? It has pockets!
The fisherman sandal is officially back, and it's perfect for those who prefer a touch more coverage from summer shoes. Crafted from cream leather, this buckled style looks very similar to designer iterations.
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Our deputy digital editor recently spotlighted ME+EM’s striped shirt dress as the stand-out style of the brand’s newest collection. 'This midi balances the borrowed-from-the-boys appeal of a shirt dress with a few feminine touches: shorter puff sleeves and a tiered skirt, with the latter detail playing into the burgeoning boho revival,' she says.
Read the full review here.
Looking for a comfy day-to-night dress for your holiday capsule wardrobe? Check out ME+EM’s navy maxi. We love how the brand has tapped into this season’s tank-top dress trend by opting for a jersey top and breezy cotton skirt.
We’ve waxed lyrical about the versatility of a good trouser suit, which is why we’re very excited to see ME+EM offering a new three-piece set for high summer. And it’s in the colour of the season: buttermilk yellow.
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Every wardrobe needs at least one white summer dress, and this lightweight style's gently gathered sleeves and twist detail makes for a timeless choice.
Minimalists, we've found your dream holiday dress. Made from textured cheesecloth with a shirred bodice, it's comfy and chic in equal measures and set to be a mainstay in our summer capsule wardrobe.
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We live in denim dresses year-round, but particularly in the transitional months. This style feels both timeless and of the moment, with its on-trend dark wash, patch pockets and swing silhouette.
Consider ME+EM’s elevated beach dress a wardrobe essential in summer. It will look amazing over swimwear (we’re picturing a black bikini and oversized straw bag), but will also look the part for picnics in the local park – just make sure to pack a cardigan.
Utility dressing is big this season, and we love ME+EM's nod to the trend with these cool wide-leg culottes. Pair with cream knitted vests and oversized sunglasses for fashion-forward summer style.
