High style at high street prices

As the guru behind Massimo Dutti joins John Lewis womenswear, get ready for...

One thing John Lewis never does is surprise me. Their collections are safe and reliable, but never exciting. Until now. Out of nowhere, John Lewis has created the autumn/winter wardrobe of my dreams.

The wide- leg trousers, elegant knitwear, crisp tailoring. It’s like Joseph at affordable prices. Times are tough on the High Street and the retailer hasn’t found it easy to forge an identity. John Lewis & Partners, launched in 2018, is a solid brand but hardly the cutting edge of fashion. Its own labels (Anyday, And/Or, Kin) tend to be overshadowed by concessions such as Hush, Mint Velvet and Boden.

now JL & Partners has produced its strongest collection yet, mainly due to their first-ever fashion design director, Spanish-born Queralt Ferrer. She was

responsible for the launch of highend brand Massimo Dutti, a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge.

in winter, i live in Massimo Dutti. The cashmere coat i bought years ago is still going strong. it is known for pared-back classics and it’s exciting to see that at JL.

‘ it is not about throwaway fashion, it’s designed and made to last,’ says Ferrer.

The collection has dispensed with the store’s middle- of- the- road aesthetic. There are no brash florals, rather an archive-print dress in green. Predictable stripes and fussy detail are out, too.

And while the fabrics aren’t as premium (or as expensive), the collection uses sustainable materials like Better Cotton, recycled polyester and certified wool.

it’s minimalist, but not boring. Just look at the bold pink suit and fabulous hot-pink coat.

There are flattering midi dresses, wide-leg trousers and chunky knitwear. And check out those stylish black £ 59 loafers. Granted, there is a lot of ‘wool mix’ and not as many natural fibres as i’d like, but with everything under £159 what did we expect? My cashmere coat certainly cost more than that.

n tHe new Jl & Partners collection, launched today, will become available throughout this month.

>> Coat, £129, jumper, £65, trousers, £69 and loafers, £59 Everything from John Lewis & Partners at johnlewis.com >> Coat, £159, jumper, £65, trousers, £79, boots, £109 and bag, £79

>> Coat, £159, blazer, £120, knitted vest, £39, trousers, £69 and loafers, £59 Print dress, £59, boots, £129 and bag, £69 >> Jumper, £45, necklace, £22, trousers, £79 and boots, £109 >> Jacket, £120, knitted vest, £39, trousers £79 and boots, £109