There’s simply no denying the fact that shopping online is far more convenient than standing for hours in fitting room queues, but nothing quite beats the feeling of getting up close and personal with a piece of clothing before committing to buy. That jumper that looked red on the website can turn out to be dark pink, and the mohair coat that looked like a fun, statement piece can be a lot less charming when it starts to shed everywhere. So dear reader, I’m happy to say this is where I come in.
At Who What Wear we’re committed to trawling through the stores both online and IRL to bring you an edit of the very best pieces really worth investing in, and I decided to take to the high street to find the hidden gems in one of our current faves—Massimo Dutti.
Zara’s elevated older-sister specialises in the kind of quiet luxury clothing, shoes, and accessories that no one will believe are high street purchases. Think low-maintenance, high-impact cotton separates, cashmere knits, structured blazers and elegant outerwear with designer potential. This season’s offering is a particularly chic approach to autumn, and the rails were packed full of pieces I immediately wanted to share. So, if you’re looking for an honest review of Massimo Dutti’s latest drop before you click “add to basket”, keep scrolling for the seven key pieces pieces I tried on in my local store, and wanted to immediately take home with me.
Style Notes: This coat is one of those pieces that really needs to be felt to be believed. From the moment I touched this cloud-soft, pleasingly strokeable coat, I knew I had to try it on, and it feels every bit as good as I’d hoped. If anything, photos don’t really do this coat justice, as the colour, cut and fabric make it look undeniably luxurious. This is exactly the kind of coat I’d like to “throw on” over a midi dress and knee high boots or a turtleneck and leggings for an effortless (but polished) everyday look.
Style Notes: This find comes courtesy of the very good in-store styling prowess of Massimo Dutti’s merchandising team. What I spotted on the hanger and initially thought was one clever jumper was in fact two pieces layered over each other, and I have to admit: the co-ordination works. A knit top and matching cardigan might be the solution to the question: “what should I wear in transitional weather?” as there is enough ventilation in a sleeveless top for when the sun is out, and as soon as it gets chilly, just add the cardigan. The whole look would work with jeans (a combination I saw and loved on @anoukvye), but while London is experiencing unexpected sun, I tried with a belted midi skirt and I think it works.
Style Notes: The first thing to cross my mind when I see the price of this coat is “really?!”, but it’s clear from the quality of Massimo Dutti pieces that it doesn’t fit into the regular “high street category”. If we think of it in the premium realm that falls just below designer (like Staud, Ganni, Mulberry etc) the slightly higher price tag makes sense for a weighty, buttery soft leather coat that is more of an investment piece than a flash-in-the-pan trend. One thing that we can always guarantee is that come autumn, leather jackets and trench coats will always come back into style, so why not try a piece that ticks both boxes at once? A sure-fire win for me.
Style Notes: If there’s one thing that Massimo Dutti know, it’s how to do a great bouclé jacket, and you’ll find six or different styles on the site right now that all look designer. This textured blazer feels like it stepped straight out of a Parisian wardrobe, and it is the perfect way to dress up the brand’s quality denim.
Style Notes: As someone who finds a crew neck jumper a little bit “samey”, there’s nothing predictable about this adorable cardigan. Kitsch knits are trending right now, and the sailor collar adds a little bit of vintage charm to what would otherwise be an overly simple cardigan. Swap my jeans for a short skirt and the pointy shoes for ballet flats or chunky loafers and i’m convinced you’ll get plenty of compliments on this outfit. It’s also perfect for winter with a turtleneck underneath. Not too high a price to pay for versatile cashmere.
Style Notes: This seriously good aviator jacket called out to me from across the store, but doesn’t seem to have landed online yet. Mark my words, as soon as the weather gets cooler this will be a bestseller—the aviator is always popular for autumn/winter, and this one is a thick, cosy coat designed to keep you toasty, and it helps that it looks good while doing it too.
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