all you need to know about ME+em
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or potentially just off Instagram, you’ll have heard about British brand ME+EM. The leader in the pack in the “too good for high street, but not quite designer”" rat pack the UK breeds so well, ME+EM sprung onto the scene in 2009 but took a while to find it’s feet. I’ve shopped with them for a while now and as a woman with a very normal body shape and a budget that allows me to spend on quality ever so often, I thought I’d share my learnings…
jacket / denim shirt / cargo pants / loafers
so, what’s the concept?
Think of ME&EM as fashion’s answer to Meccano. The idea is that the pieces fit together to create a perfect capsule wardrobe. The shirts are designed for the neck to sit perfectly under the knits, the knits are made to work with the shirts’ cuffs, the jackets are made to fit over both. You get the idea. I’ve tried to demonstrate the versatility in these photos as I’ve altered one piece per photo.
For anyone who doesn’t quite know where to start it’s great, particularly for workwear. Their pieces are cut extremely well and flatter any shape, they have a certain sharpness to them that you wouldn’t get on the high street. This means that even things like their denim shirts are good enough for under a suit jacket in most working environments.
jacket / denim shirt / cargo pants / loafers
what’s the quality like?
The brands’ heritage is entirely British, though they do manufacture products across Europe. If anything that is a plus - their footwear is made in Spain and Italy in the same warhorses as some of the most renown lucky brands. Their suiting and shirting fabrics are sourced in Italy, their denim is made in Portugal. If you asked anyone in the industry where does it best, it’ll be where ME&EM make their products. In particular, their knitwear and wool products are exceptional and well worth the investment.
what’s the sizing like?
Sizing is very much as stated with the exception of trouser length, which often come up long and I have them altered to fit. This should be considered when buying trousers with zip or pocket details on the leg as you may have a problem with alterations. I’d say the products are made to fit someone 5ft8 to 5ft10, as I’m 5ft4 this means I’ve had this problem! All other products I’d say are bang on assuming you want a tailored look, if not then size up.
what are their hero products?
Gosh, where to start. There is a long list and a reason that a first time customer becomes a second or third quickly. Most people came to know the brand as the ones who made jersey pants acceptable for work with their tailored appearance (the work appropriate jogger and the ponte fit pants in particular ) and then move on to the other staples…
Suiting & Tailoring - A department the brand excel in, look no further if you are after long lasting, well fitting and well made suits and accompaniments. What’s even better is that they have core styles that do not change so you can add new colourways or a skirt to a trouser set over the years.
Cargo Pants - They were the first to make these evening (or even work) acceptable with their sleek tailoring and renown strong fit. My pants in the photos are these, and I’m desperately after these with the elasticated hem.
Coordinating Outfits - The always do brilliant coords. A blouse and skirt that looks like a maxi dress, for example. Just very useful pieces especially for short trips - work or pleasure.
Layering Tops - I mentioned before that the brand really thinks about how pieces will be worn. In line with that they do brilliant basics that sit perfectly under their tops and shirts. For example this lace sleeved top will sit perfectly under their sleeveless knits or pencil dresses. Or this soft-as-silk cotton basic has shirt-fabric sleeves so you can wear under a vest.
continued…
Knitwear - You really can’t go wrong with knitwear from the brand and you can hold me to this. The quality is incredible for the price and the fits are always exceptional and incredibly flattering. I am currently lusting after this grey knit, it’s divine.
Wide Leg Trousers - Probably my favourite thing about the brand is that their trousers fit me without an issue, putting the joy back into pant shopping. Their wide leg trousers in particular always make me feel good, and look the part too. For anyone else with a chronic fear, try them here.
Long Coats - On most people’s wish lists are their Long Line Coats. Made with the finest fabrics and cut beautifully, this really is an heirloom piece.
Cropped Boucle Jackets - The brand always have an array of cropped boucle jackets, just like the one I’m wearing in some of these photos. They last a lifetime and sit perfectly over dresses in the summer and knits in the winter. They’re also slim enough to fit under one of their coats.
Maxi Dresses - The brand has probably received the most press for their maxi dresses as they’re worn frequently by the royals (especially the Princess of Wales) and many a Middleton.
any other business?
I have to say their sales are very, very good. ME&EM don’t partake in things like Black Friday (at least not so far) but do often have clearance sections with past season collections in (currently found via this link). As their collections are so timeless, there wont be anything in the selection that wouldn’t work now so it’s a great way to get to know the brand with a hefty discount.