During my day at Bicester Village, I created one full look from each designer for a different occasion. Minimalist trailblazer Jil Sander’s pastel shades, creamy whites, and dark neutrals are the epitome of elevated workwear. Don’t get me wrong—I’d be happy to wear almost any of the brand’s items outside of the office, but the oversized silhouettes and contemporary cuts make them perfect for premium professional styling. I opted for a suit with black sandals and a bag, but my favourite piece was this fuzzy, peach tank top, which gave dimension and texture to a tailored look. In Isabel Marant, I was excited to find this black maxi dress. Its one-shoulder neckline and elasticated waist allow for easy styling whether I want to wear it with heels for a wedding or with sandals for an evening drink on holiday.
Acne Studios gave much in the way of cool, casual staples, with a wide selection of denim hues. I paired my jeans with this oversized, printed, long-sleeved T-shirt and this white-leather biker jacket (possibly the greatest jacket I’ve ever worn). Leather and shearling outerwear is a house signature and therefore an excellent investment piece. I loved the quantity of zips, the oversized shape and buttery-soft leather that I think will only get better with age. What’s more, it was more than half off! The selection in Marni really quenched my thirst for vintage style. So many of the pieces nodded to the ’60s or ’70s with orange-and-green floral prints, flared trousers and accessories such as large, round sunglasses. In all, each store had its own stand-out pieces and discounts. During events such as Member’s Week and the Extraordinary Sale (mark your calendars—it’s happening now and runs until 15th August), all the stores celebrate with a different offering, so downloading the app is the best way to keep abreast of what’s on offer.
No matter where I’m shopping, my rules are always the same: Look for pieces with longevity; try not to buy items that are too trend-led so you can wear them multiple times in different ways; and don’t buy anything you don’t feel 100% comfortable in as it will end up at the back of your wardrobe, unworn, in a year.