Fashion Forward: Exploring & Other Stories’ Latest Collections
Welcome to The Great Try-On. With the arrival of spring, we took the opportunity to try on the latest pieces from your favorite brands and documented the process. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see the items in person and read honest reviews. Our goal is to help you make successful purchases this year.
Speaking from personal experience, & Other Stories is one of our top choices among high-street stores. Over the years, I have come to rely on this brand more and more. Their unique interpretation of trends and extensive selection of wardrobe essentials, such as striped tops, classic jeans, and tailored pieces, have made them stand out. & Other Stories strikes a chord with seasoned shoppers like you by offering a combination of timeless staples and current, yet practical, items.
As part of our Great Try On series, I decided to visit my local & Other Stories store and explore their new collection. I wanted to try on both the trend-led pieces and the brand's timeless classics. Despite my preference for classic styles, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved some of the more fashion-forward items. For instance, I never thought I would invest in a cargo maxi skirt, but it turned out to be one of my favorite pieces from the entire experience. This just goes to show the power of trying on clothes in person. It can help you discover new styles and ensure that your hard-earned money is well-spent.
I am 5' 4" tall and a true UK size 12 with an hourglass figure. I have large breasts and shapely hips, and I am content with my body. However, it is important to address the ongoing sizing issues I encounter with & Other Stories. Last year, I had a similar experience with & Other Stories sizing, and I must admit that I faced challenges. Despite this, there have been improvements in recent months.
This time, I was able to comfortably fit into a size 40 (confirmed by staff as a 12) in tailored trousers that closely resembled the ones I struggled with before. There was more space around the hips and buttocks, although the waist was a bit loose. The same goes for & Other Stories jeans, where I wear a 30 waist just like in other stores. However, the fact that the largest jeans size available is a 32 waist makes me believe that the brand can still improve in this area.
You might not encounter any problems with the sizing at & Other Stories, but I wanted to provide an honest review by sharing my personal experience and comparing it to previous visits. It would be fantastic to witness & Other Stories expanding their size range to be more inclusive. While this is not an isolated issue with & Other Stories, inclusivity has to begin somewhere, correct? Everyone deserves access to beautiful, well-crafted clothing, and there were certainly items I came across during my try-on session that I believe should be available to all. Keep scrolling to discover my top picks from & Other Stories' spring 2023 collection.
1. Oxford Shirt + Pencil Skirt
It's interesting how certain items that we typically consider to be timeless and immune to trends can actually become trendy. This is exactly the case with striped Oxford shirts. These shirts, with their white collars and cuffs, are adored by both bankers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Naturally, I was eager to get my hands on one that I had spotted on the & Other Stories website. Luckily, it was available in-store and there were plenty of them.
I decided to grab both a medium and a large size, but to be honest, there wasn't much of a difference between them. The fit of the shirt is already quite relaxed, so I ultimately chose the medium size. I knew I wanted to pair it with something more streamlined, like a pencil skirt, and I didn't want any excess fabric to tuck in. After taking some outfit photos, I untucked the shirt from the skirt and was pleasantly surprised by how little it had wrinkled. As someone who tries to avoid ironing whenever possible, this is definitely a major selling point for me.
2. Trench Coat + Basics
When it comes to outerwear, & Other Stories consistently impresses me. Over the years, I've found some of my favorite coats from this brand, and this trench coat is no exception. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the brand truly knows how to create outerwear that stands out. The sizing is quite generous, as I typically wear a 40 but could have easily gone down to a 38. The sage color of this trench is unique yet practical, making it a great alternative to the classic beige style.
However, if you prefer a taupe shade that aligns better with your aesthetic, there is an option available. As for the jeans, I already own a pair of & Other Stories' Favourite Cut jeans in a 30 waist, and I was pleased to discover that the new Mood Cut style has a similar fit. These cropped jeans hit just below the ankle on me and despite being a devoted straight-leg jeans enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by how flattering these flares looked on my legs.
The kick-out detail was charming without feeling overdone, and the denim wash had a premium appearance. Needless to say, I'm completely sold on them.
3. Cargo Skirt + Crew-Neck Knit
Apart from leather blazers and shoulder bags, I have been consciously avoiding investing in any Y2K or '90s fashion trends. While they may be popular now, I anticipate that another decade or movement will soon replace them, especially with the release of new designs like Daisy Jones and the Six and the influx of retro styles on the spring/summer 2023 runways. However, there is one element from this aesthetic that I believe will endure, and that is cargo. Pockets have made a comeback on trousers in recent seasons, but this year, the focus is on the cargo skirt.
I have come across many other options, but they have been rather underwhelming. However, the moment I tried on this particular style, I could tell it was different. The cotton fabric was lovely and thick, and the beige color was just right, not overly yellowed. Things were off to an impressive start. In the changing room, it was mostly a success. The size 40 had a roomy waist but fit nicely on my thighs and bum. I decided to compare it with the size 38, but unfortunately, I couldn't even get it past my thighs. Although I didn't purchase it, I can't stop thinking about it. The column shape of the skirt probably contributed to how sleek it felt when I wore it. If I do decide to buy it, I will definitely take it to the tailors to have the waistline taken in and enhance that silhouette.
4. Nice Top + Jeans
Rosettes are currently a popular trend that can be seen everywhere. They are so visually appealing that even someone like me, who typically dresses conservatively and plainly, is tempted to try them out. I had already come across a similar gathered top on the & Other Stories website and had discussed it with my colleagues. We exchanged comments like "If it's available, you have to try it on" and "I'm really curious to see how it looks." Thinking that it could be the perfect addition to my spring outfits with jeans, I immediately headed to my local store when I spotted it prominently displayed. There's no denying that it's beautiful. However, the price gives me pause. I'm just not convinced that any top following such a trendy style is worth it. It does have a lot of intricate details and boning to ensure a perfect fit, so if this is your style, it could be a wise purchase. But if, like me, you would only wear something like this occasionally for fun, then this might be one & Other Stories item to pass on.
In terms of sizing, it runs small. I am well aware that I have a larger bust (I wear a 32G bra), but even the largest size available at & Other Stories, a size 44, felt tight across my chest. Surprisingly, the size 38 fit me best in terms of waistline. Talk about extremes! However, I have a very pronounced hourglass figure, so I have to take that into consideration. Even if I were tempted to buy it, I would hesitate to purchase a larger size with the intention of having it tailored, as the combination of gathering and boning would make it quite expensive to alter. So, as much as I appreciate its beauty and acknowledge that it would fit well in the right wardrobe, it's a pass for me.
5. Striped Knit + Tailored Trousers
The Breton jumpers at & Other Stories are truly timeless, and I am considering adding a few to my wardrobe for the upcoming season. After trying one on, I am convinced that the close weave and silky material give it an elevated feel. The stripe sizing and spacing are just right, meeting my high standards. The medium fit is perfect as well, exactly how I like it. I can already imagine wearing it in a relaxed manner this spring.
The trousers I tried on looked very sleek on the hanger. After trying on sizes 40, 42, and 44, the size 40 fit me best. This is a big improvement from last season when even the size 44 was not quite right. One common issue for curvy women with trousers is waist pleating. As someone who studied fashion design, I have seen how pleats designed on a mannequin can look distorted on a real body with curves.
It seems that & Other Stories may need to reconsider the placement and amount of fabric used for pleats in order to improve the fit for those with different body types. This simple change could greatly enhance the overall fit and feel of their otherwise excellent tailoring section.
6. Trench Coat + Floral Skirt
The current color palette at & Other Stories resembles a dish of sugared almonds. Alternatively, it reminds me of the fashion-forward school uniforms from the film Do Revenge. Either way, it exudes a saccharine, pretty, and unapologetically spring-like vibe. When paired with florals, there is a risk of it becoming overly sweet for my personal taste.
However, I felt it was important to create an outfit that truly reflected the store's aesthetic. Although it hasn't been made available online yet, I noticed many people picking up and considering this skirt, which served as an indicator for me to do the same. The print was charming, but it also allowed for a touch of edginess when paired with black leather boots.
During the height of summer, I envision pairing it with chunky black sliders to create a contrasting look for the different seasons. The fit was slightly on the larger side, but I didn't feel the need to size down. If you prefer a more precise fit, I would recommend sticking to your usual size. I decided to repurpose the crop top I wore earlier and completed the ensemble with yet another & Other Stories trench coat that caught my eye on the shop floor. What can I say? I am a woman who knows her preferences.
7. Blazer + Jeans
I have a bit of a blazer collection, so I snuck one into the fitting room. I already have a few & Other Stories blazers that have held up nicely and are usually made from higher-quality materials. While they may be a bit pricier than what you'd find at other stores, I believe the cost is justified. Most of the blazers in the store still had a wintery feel, but this black one caught my attention. The sharp lines and padded shoulders add a unique touch compared to my current blazers. The fabric was beautiful - even though it's 100% wool, it didn't feel too heavy or wintery, which is perfect for the upcoming warmer months. The fit was spot on, and the length hit just right on my lower backside. I think it would still be a good length for someone taller. It's fully lined and overall feels luxurious, which is important when considering a higher-priced item.
I also picked up a pair of the brand's popular jeans, the Favourite Cut. I've had a size 30 waist pair for years, and I'm happy to see the sizing has stayed consistent. My original pair is a bit too stretchy and loses its shape after a day of wear. This new pair felt sturdier and less stretchy. Maybe it's time for an upgrade.
8. Knitted Dress + Ankle Boots
Spring may be approaching, but knitted dresses still have plenty of life left in them. After searching for the perfect option, I found it at & Other Stories. This dress is on the thicker side, yet the fabric is incredibly soft, making it comfortable to wear. With a generous fit, I opted for a small size, indicating that it could be suitable for various body shapes. Ribbed-knit dresses always exude a premium look, and this one is no exception. The added detail of slits on the hem and cuffs adds a nice touch, allowing you to effortlessly showcase your favorite footwear and jewelry.
