The Affordable High-Street Dresses I’m Wearing Now

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I live in dresses. Sure, skirts are great, and I’ve been known to wear a trouser suit on occasion, but my favourite thing about summer (other than the best weather that Britain has to offer) is the moment that my extensive dress collection comes into its own. 

Mini, maxi, long-sleeved, sleeveless… I can’t tell you how many dresses I own. And for someone who is almost always rushing, there’s no easier outfit than a statement dress. It may take all of two minutes to pull out of the wardrobe and put on, but the final result implies a considered outfit that always looks polished in a way that jeans and a nice top just can’t match. 

Given the number of dresses that I see, fall in love with and immediately imagine in my wardrobe, there is only so much I can actually spend before I entirely empty my bank balance, but some of the best dresses I own (and the ones on my wish list) are from the high street. Not only does the high street jump now offer quality classics alongside trend-ticking items, but it also caters to a wider range of sizes and body types, and three of the leaders in affordable shopping are H&M, Arket and & Other Stories, who always top my hit list when I’m hunting for inspiration.  

On my latest trip around the shops, I couldn’t resist three dresses that really stood out amongst the hundreds of new-in pieces. Keep scrolling for my latest buys from H&M, Arket and & Other Stories, as well as some honourable mentions I’m saving for another payday.