Chic, classy, affordable

High street fashion in the UK is all about looking smart without spending big.

Love the latest spring/summer collections from Stella McCartney, Mathew Williamson, Alice Temperly, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Luella Bartley but find them too expensive? The high street could be the answer to your prayers.

Considered the favourite destination for fashionistas on a budget, high street labels offer chic and affordable translations of the latest looks from the catwalks of London, New York, Milan and Paris. They thrive on the idea that trends change and consumers want new designs without spending too much – which also explains why they find favour with the younger segment of the market. British high street brands such as Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Next, New Look, Debenhams, Reiss and River Island are also popular with the trendy set in the UAE.

MH Alshaya Co., a leading Kuwait-based franchise operator, represents several UK high street brands including River Island, Debenhams, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Next in the region. Landmark International, part of the UAE's leading retail company, the Landmark Group, also represents brands such as New Look and Reiss.

The popularity of high street brands with consumers internationally has prompted several haute couture designers including the UK's favourite designers Luella Bartley (New Look), Stella McCartney (Swedish brand H&M) and Giles Deacon (New Look) to create collections for them. However, it's not just designers who have succumbed to the lure of high street fashion. Top Shop and New Look have roped in celebrities such as fashion icon Kate Moss and young and hip songstress Lily Allen to design collections for them. In fact, Topshop's Kate Moss spring/summer collection 2008 has been made available in the UAE this month.

In addition to Moss's collection, Top Shop has also launched its trendy, colourful spring/summer line 2008, which includes an interesting mix of nautical inspired high waisted dresses, ethnic tie-dyed pieces and vintage looks reminiscent
of the 1940s and 70s. Capes, oversized cardigans and brightly coloured skinny trousers also make an appearance.

Important trends seen on catwalks in London, New York and Paris for spring/summer 2008 are also present in lines launched by high street brands this summer. For instance, NEXT's new collection has distinctive silhouettes, prominent prints, and beautiful colour combinations. Kevin Long, Marketing Manager, NEXT, says that the company's latest collection reflects the elegance of the 1930s and the bold glamourous appeal of the 1970s. The collection's key colour themes range from pastels to sophisticated earth tones with a fusion of olive, plums, taupe and teal, and a scattering of reds and blues.

Dorothy Perkins, which has 600 stores in the UK and 52 international outlets including some in the UAE, also has a spring/summer collection that displays nautical influences, chic daywear, luxurious fabrics and eye-catching prints. The spring/summer line from Evans, the plus size specialist retailer from the UK, sees influences from various genres including 70s vintage with contemporary influences. Ombre maxi dresses in vibrant colours, cute print tops and dark indigo high waisted jeans are all reminiscent of this period.

The 'High Street Retailer of the Year' award winner, Topman's collection for spring/summer 2008 combines functional detailing and casual wear in a collection that's both luxurious and practical. The line sees scoop neck t-shirts and granddad tops being paired with twisted denim jeans while graphic print hooded tops have been teamed with nylon jackets.

The spring/summer collection for women from Reiss has gone back to basics with references to sportswear, utility and the 80s.

The range includes more casual separates and daywear pieces while focusing on Reiss' signature of elegant party-wear and slick tailoring. Casual trousers including a slouch fit with paper bag waistlines; slim leg with elasticated hem and silk harem pants are part of the collection.

Sportswear and utility influences are also part of the men's spring/summer line from Reiss.

T-shirts are slouchy with necklines that have been opened up to ring in the relaxed look. Worn effect fabrics and ultra soft v-necks feature tiny button detailing while basic pieces including sporty hooded knits are available in luxurious cotton cashmere in summer colours such as citrine, sky blue and pastel pink. This season sees more relaxed and casual trousers with slouchy styles such as slant pocket chinos in crumpled and washed cottons and coloured tracksuits with a contrast tie-cord.

New Look's spring/summer line 2008 promises to appeal to women who want to emphasise their femininity but don't mind adding an element of masculine modernity for a twist. Pastels and neutrals have an important place in their collection with a focus on dip dye fabrics, crisp cottons and linens. Their menswear collection has sleek and strong shapes featuring the day tuxedo, fitted nylon bombers and heavy gauge cardigans that are worn with newly proportioned tailored shorts. The range features looks by designers Julien Macdonald, John Rocha, Betty Jackson and Jasper Conran.

Gordon Bullock, Brand Director for Debenhams, says the new collection for women features a kaleidoscope of inspirations including the luxurious safari look, feminine and romantic clothing and looks from the 70s, 50s and 80s with a modern take. The men's collection is also influenced by the 50s style, and incorporates fine tailoring and a youthful appeal.

This and the ones from other high street brands reflect the fashion trends dominating the season.

They are also perfect complements for the casual, laidback ambience that's typical of summer, be it a weekend at the beach, brunch with friends or a relaxed romantic dinner on a breezy spring evening. What makes them more attractive is that they don't set your mortgage back by a few months.