Why ME+EM is in every stylish woman's wardrobe

me and em
Why ME+EM is in every stylish woman's wardrobe ME+EM

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 chic, polished 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 elegant staples that will last forever and always look stylish is still disrupting the market. Like many of our style icons, 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 perfectly-cut dress that'll work for any occasion, or gorgeous tailoring that makes us feel good every time we slip it on.

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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 ME+EM fans include the Princess of Wales, who owns several of the brand's Breton tops. Nicole Kidman, Katie Holmes, Trinny Woodall and Cat Deeley have all been seen in ME+EM, while Claudia Winkleman often wears the brand's blouses to present The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing. Then, of course, it became the Labour womens' label of choice when Keir Starmer's party took power in July, with Lady Victoria Starmer entering Downing Street with her husband in the appropriately red Contrast Stitch Midi Dress, and deputy Angela Rayner choosing a green trouser suit for her cabinet appointment the next day.

New at ME+EM for March, there’s a host of stylish pieces designed to carry you through this transitional month and into a warmer, brighter spring. Think lighter jackets made for layering, pretty blouses, boho dresses and cool baggy jeans that will go with everything in your wardrobe. We've also added the gorgeous new bag our editor-in-chief is coveting for spring.

Bear in mind that these are high-quality 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, knitwear, accessories and more that you'll never want to take off...


Silk Cotton Sweet Pea Print Blouse

We are in love with the broderie collar on this pretty blouse. Layer it under your favourite knit for an elevated look or take inspiration from the brand and style it with ME+EM's houndstooth jacket.

$185.00 at meandem.com


Houndstooth Box Jacket

Preppy yet sophisticated, this jacket will quickly become your new workwear staple. Layer it over your white shirt for the office or wear it with your relaxed baggy jeans on your days off.

$350.00 at meandem.com


Oversized Stud Flat Ballerina

Studded ballet flats aren't going anywhere and ME+EM's oversized white pair are perfect for summer. They're also available in black.

$295.00 at meandem.com


Silk Lace Trim Full-Length Dress + Belt

If you love the boho look as much as we do, this dress is made for you. From its lovely mint colour to its beautiful lace detailing it ticks all the boxes. Take inspiration from the moto-boho trend and layer it under a leather jacket, or complete your look with biker boots, for an edgy feminine look.

£595.00 at ME+EM


Drawstring Bucket Bag

This bag is on Red's editor Sarah Tomczak's wish list. She said: 'It’s hard to beat ME+EM for good day bags and this drawstring bucket is their latest shape to get my seal of approval.'

$395.00 at meandem.com


Relaxed Engineered-Leg Jean

This relaxed engineered-leg jean shape will quickly become your go-to denim style. Wear with a white shirt and suede mules for an easy weekend look.

$185.00 at meandem.com


Mixed Media Shirt Collar Maxi Dress

A more sophisticated take on last summer's tank-top dress trend, this style features a fitted ribbed top and a fuller skirt in a contrasting fabric. Comfy and stylish, we envisage styling ours with ME+EM's black sandals.

£195.00 at ME+EM


Canvas High Top Sneaker

Another one of Sarah's favourites this season, she thinks these sneakers are perfect for Converse fans looking for a more elevated shoe in the same style.

$195.00 at meandem.com


Seam Detail Denim Skirt

With its tiered horizontal seam detailing, this denim midi skirt feels deliciously retro.

$195.00 at meandem.com


Lightweight Tailored Waistcoat

A stylish waistcoat deserves a place in your spring/summer wardrobe. This one comes in a lovely mint colour and is made of a breathable, lightweight fabric. We recommend getting the matching blazer and trousers for a statement look.

$195.00 at meandem.com


Travel Tailoring Contrast Stitch Midi Dress

With spring around the corner, now is the time to inject some colour into your wardrobe. The cheerful raspberry hue of this midi dress is just the thing, plus it's made from a ponte-jersey fabric that doesn't crease.

$275.00 at meandem.com


Merino Cashmere Rugby Stripe Shirt

Rugby shirts are everywhere right now and if you're looking for an elevated version of the classic top, you can't beat this pink and red colour combo in a merino cashmere blend.

$195.00 at meandem.com


Military Jacket

The ultimate outerwear staple, this military jacket will give any look instant polish. Paired with jeans and boots, it will see you through to spring in style.

$350.00 at meandem.com


Bowling Bag

Bowling bags are big news this season. The best thing about them? They're roomy enough to carry all the essentials and more. ME+EM's sleek suede version features a cross-body strap and handles for versatility.

$495.00 at meandem.com


Cheesecloth Tulip Print Shirred Zip Top

With its lilac and white print, lightweight cotton fabric and shirred bodice, this top is made for warm spring/summer days. Pair with white wide-leg trousers for a relaxed look or try an elegant co-ord with the matching midi skirt.

$85.00 at meandem.com


Chunky Cotton Bracelet Sleeve Crop Cardigan

A chunky cotton cardigan is the ultimate transitional piece, particularly in a wearable shade like navy. Layer this chic, boxy design over your favourite t-shirts until shorts-sleeves weather arrives.

$150.00 at meandem.com


Cotton Voile Soft Bloom Print Blouse

This elegant cotton blouse with its pretty print and subtle ruffled neckline is a versatile, transeasonal buy.

$165.00 at meandem.com


Tweed Knit Layering Sweater Vest

We love this tweed knit vest with its gold buttons - ideal for layering over white shirts and elevating your go-to jeans.

$175.00 at meandem.com


Embroidered Edge Layering Blouse

Thanks to its pretty embroidered edges, this white blouse will make all kinds of knitwear look all the more elevated when layered underneath.

$95.00 at meandem.com


Pleated Straight-Leg Trainer-Grazer Pant

These pleated trousers are so easy to dress up or down for work or play – they'll go with everything that's already in your wardrobe and instantly elevate any look.

$195.00 at meandem.com


Bouclé Varsity Swing Jacket

This relaxed bouclé varsity jacket is perfect for throwing over just about everything. Pair with wide-leg jeans or cargo pants for a striking off-duty look.

$350.00 at meandem.com

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