ROSIE GREEN: I'm a designer diva but I was delighted by British brands like John Lewis, Cos and Next after being challenged to explore the High Street - here's what I tried

Updated: 05:22 EDT, 17 September 2026 Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreTruth: I’m a designer diva not a high-street honey. For me, M&S is for dinner not dresses. John Lewis for toasters not trousers. Ever since spending my 20s working on glossy magazines, I’ve lusted after luxury labels – craving their fit, quality and design.But my preference is born from insecurity rather than snobbery. As a young girl from Birmingham I failed to hit Vogue’s posh-set criteria, so I thought designer clothes would make me immune from criticism. Of course I couldn’t afford them, but when you climb the ranks at a fashion magazine you’re given some and can buy the rest heavily discounted.Today I’m in a clothing paralysis. My old fears prevent me from hitting the high street, my current bank account means Chloé and Celine are out of reach. This is why the YOU fashion team staged an intervention to show me what’s out there.And I was both surprised and delighted.The John Lewis cashmere jumper was soft and stylish, the Next boots flattering. OK the Very shorts were pleather rather than leather, but they fitted well. I’m still shocked by some of the prices – the cashmere Cos jacket I picked out was a whopping £750 (of course I managed to choose their most expensive item!). I told the (millennial) fashion team this was what I paid for discounted designer in the 90s! Their kind smiles silently communicated that I needed to update my expectations as well as my style.The slinky slip from John Lewis Dress, £149, johnlewis.com. Necklace and Nomasei shoes, Rosie’s ownMy favourite look – this dress has slip vibes, but with a cut and fabric that’s more flattering on an older figure. The perfect desk-to-dinner piece, you could wear it to the office with a jumper and flats, or pair with heels and a structured cardigan for the evening. The heavier fabric is more flattering on my hips than the traditional slinky material.The luxe jacket from Cos Jacket, £749, cos.com. Shorts, £35, very.co.uk. Shoes, £42, next.co.ukMy cooler friends always rave about Cos and I’ve never really got it. Until now. This funnel-neck jacket has the pared-back elegance of a luxury brand and, while not cheap, it is way less expensive than a designer piece. The fit of the shorts belies their low price point and allowed me to try a new trend without risking bankruptcy. Ditto the shoes.The smart denim dress from Aligne Dress, £169, aligne.co. Boots, £99, next.co.ukAligne is a label that sits at the upper end of the high street and so this dress has a polished feel that comes from a more considered fit and quality fabric. This would be a workhorse in my wardrobe – I would throw it on and instantly feel more pulled together. The leather knee-high boots by Next were also surprisingly stylish, and go up to a size 43.Fashion director: Sophie Dearden-HowellMake-up and hair: Caroline Piasecki using Nars and Sam McKnight hair