Why ME+EM is the 'It' brand in every stylish woman's wardrobe
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.
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 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 January, there’s a host of stylish pieces designed to carry you through the tail-end of winter into warmer, brighter spring. Think transitional tweed jackets, pastel-hued knits and the fresh spin on a blazer that we never knew we needed until now.
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...
Travel Tailoring Contrast Midi Dress
The perfect back-to-work dress, this timeless fit-and-flare number is made from ponte-jersey tailoring that won't crease, with contrast piping to add shape. It comes in pretty pink, too.
Cotton Voile Broderie Layering Blouse
Whenever we stumble upon a blouse with lace, ribbons and/or ruffles at the collar and cuffs, we snap it up for layering under knitwear and blazers and making them feel ten times cooler.
Authentic Denim Wear-With-Everything Blazer
Shake up your blazer game with ME+EM's new denim-meets-tailoring spin. Go double denim with jeans, or throw it over anything you'd normally wear a denim jacket with.
Merino Wool Varsity Cardigan
We love this preppy chunky-knit cardigan with its colourful ribbed trims – ideal for elevating your go-to jeans or softening leather trousers.
Silk Ultra Feminine Maxi Dress
With its ruffled trims and floaty balloon sleeves, this silk dress in the most beautiful shade of 'Provence blue' would make a stunning wedding guest outfit. The only problem? You might overshadow the bride!
Striped Box Sweater
We've loved stripes forever, but they're also a key spring/summer trend for 2025, so add this sleek sweater to your jumper rotation now.
Spring Tweed Fringe Jacket
Tweed will be big news this year, and we love ME+EM's cheery pink take on the must-have transitional jacket. Note its tasselled trims for extra polish.
Sculptural Cotton Swing Coat
This is the definition of a 'buy once, love forever' piece. We love its swing silhouette that allows plenty of room for chunky knits. Plus, it's navy, so is super versatile.
Crystal Knot + Faux Pearl Brooch
The brooch looks set to be the next 'it' accessory, and we love this crystal and faux-pearl beauty. Pin it onto your blazer for instant sparkle.
Cotton Stripe Broderie Crop Top
Stripes, ruffles, broderie anglaise – it's all here in this statement blouse that pairs perfectly with high-waisted trousers (just tuck the lower hem in and leave the top trim on display).
Cashmere Button-Through Sweater Vest
There's not long now until knitted vest season is upon us once more. This capsule wardrobe hero in soft butter yellow will be just what you need on those in-between days.
Texture Pinstripe Relaxed Man Pant
These relaxed pinstripe 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.
Alpaca Cotton Jacquard Jumper
ME+EM's bestselling Nordic-style jumper is back this month in a chic new olive and blue colourway. We'll be wearing ours with chocolate-brown cords for a '70s spin on festive.
Impossibly Soft Feminine Stripe Shirt
We love the subtle feminine frills at the neckline and cuffs of this classic striped shirt – your new capsule wardrobe staple.
AM-to-PM Leather Maxi Skirt
Such a versatile investment for any stylish capsule wardrobe, this pleated leather skirt flares from the waist for a flattering silhouette. Mix up your textures by styling it with sequins for party season or cosy knitwear for the office.
Silk Forget-Me-Not Print Maxi Dress
Be the host with the most in this vintagey maxi dress with lace and ruffled trims. Then, dress it down under a leather jacket for an effortlessly cool transitional look heading into spring. It comes as a pretty blouse too.
Pintuck Detail Blouse With Tie + Cami
This elegant floaty blouse with its pretty embroidery and detachable neckline is a versatile, transeasonal buy.
Milano Knit Side Stripe Trousers
Soft to slip into for a chic but comfortable style solution, these trousers feature a cool contrasting side stripe. Pair with a blazer and trainers, and don't miss the matching top.
The Fragment Of Light Earrings
One for your Christmas list, these pearl drop earrings will earn you endless compliments and make beautiful heirlooms.
Wool-Blend Military A-Line Coat
Claudia Winkleman brought this stunning military-inspired coat to our attention when she wore it to film The Piano Christmas special, and we can't stop thinking about it.
Crush Velvet Mini Dress
It's officially velvet dress season and we're head over heels in love with this emerald beauty from ME+EM. Expect endless compliments all Christmas, and to never want to take it off.
Swing Houndstooth Jacket
The ultimate officewear staple, this houndstooth jacket in a deep merlot mix will give any look instant polish. Try it with tailored trousers and slingbacks.
Tulle Maxi Skirt
The balletcore trend is still going strong, and this tulle maxi skirt has been dyed in an on-trend burgundy hue and pleated to create a voluminous silhouette.
Extreme Tapered Jean
ME+EM's jeans are hard to beat if it’s on-trend silhouettes you love. With its relaxed, ‘horseshoe’ shape, this soft grey pair will quickly become your go-to denim style.
Lofty Merino Cashmere Silk Sweater + Snood
Because every capsule winter wardrobe needs a soft cream jumper to add cosy elegance to everything. This one comes with a detachable 'snood' so you can wear it two ways.
Cord Wide-Leg Pant
Cords are back in a big way and this tailored pair feels deliciously ‘70s with its flared hemline and high-waisted silhouette.
Stud Ballerina Flat
Studded ballet flats are still big news in fashion circles and ME+EM's Mary Jane take are top of our footwear wish list.
The Perfect Super Soft Cardigan Coat
More designer vibes from ME+EM here with this relaxed bouclé 'coatigan' that's perfect for throwing over just about everything.
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