The Ultimate Guide to Fashion-Forward Looks: UK & USA (High Street & Designer Options)

Author: Tellar Style Team | July 2025

This guide is independently researched, unbiased, and 100% free.

What Does "Fashion Forward" Mean in 2025?

Fashion-forward dressing is about pushing boundaries while staying wearable. It means staying ahead of trends—integrating bold silhouettes, unique layering, unexpected textures, or reimagined tailoring. The goal isn’t to wear what’s popular—it’s to wear what’s next.

In both the UK and USA, fashion-forward wardrobes mix:

Emerging designers with heritage brands
High street staples styled in new ways
Elevated basics layered with avant-garde pieces

Key Fashion-Forward Pieces in 2025

1. Deconstructed Tailoring

Boxy or asymmetric blazers
Low-fastening single-button jackets
Wide-leg suiting separates

Where to shop:

High street: COS, Arket, Zara Studio
Designer: Acne Studios, The Row, Stella McCartney

2. Maxi-Length Everything

Maxi denim skirts, trench coats, and shirt dresses are dominating runways and streetwear.
Often styled with fitted tops or structured boots.

Where to shop:

High street: Mango, H&M Premium, Massimo Dutti
Designer: Jil Sander, Totême, Proenza Schouler

3. Gender-Neutral Utility

Functional fabrics, workwear jackets, parachute trousers, and oversized shirts.
A clean colour palette (sand, khaki, charcoal) enhances versatility.

Where to shop:

High street: Uniqlo U, COS, Weekday
Designer: Lemaire, Sacai, JW Anderson

4. Statement Knitwear

Summer knits, see-through crochet, open-weave tunics, asymmetric wraps.
Perfect for layering over trousers or styled under tailored blazers.

Where to shop:

High street: & Other Stories, M&S Autograph
Designer: Khaite, Jacquemus, Gabriela Hearst

5. Art-Inspired Prints & 3D Texture

Look for sculptural ruching, blown-up florals, embossed or bubbled textures.
Wear with minimal basics to balance the silhouette.

Where to shop:

High street: River Island Limited Edition, Urban Outfitters
Designer: Dries Van Noten, Marni, Maison Margiela

Styling Advice for Fashion-Forward Dressing

Mix proportions intentionally. Pair oversized trousers with a fitted knit tank, or a cropped blazer with a maxi dress.
Monochrome always works. All white, all navy, or all camel lets the cut do the talking.
Layer your textures. Think linen + silk + leather, or cotton + mesh + wool—even in summer.
Start with statement accessories. A sculptural shoe, oversized clutch, or abstract sunglasses can elevate a basic outfit.
Don’t forget structure. Even in creative looks, maintain balance: if the top is experimental, keep trousers tailored.

Best Brands for Fashion-Forward Style (UK & USA)

High Street Heroes

Brand	Region	Fashion-Forward Features
COS	UK/EU	Sculptural cuts, colour-blocking, minimal tailoring
Arket	UK/EU	Timeless neutrals, oversized basics, elevated workwear
& Other Stories	UK/EU	Innovative textures, asymmetric dresses, wide-leg sets
Reformation	USA	Eco-led, fitted silhouettes, trendy colour palettes
Uniqlo U	Global	Clean lines, genderless styles, future-friendly shapes

Emerging & Designer Labels

Designer	Region	Why Fashion-Forward?
JW Anderson	UK	Playful shapes, gender-fluid tailoring
The Row	USA	Impeccable tailoring, minimalist sculptural looks
Proenza Schouler	USA	Layered elegance, modern classics
Cecilie Bahnsen	EU	Voluminous shapes, tactile fabrics
Khaite	USA	Bold yet wearable American statementwear

The Problem: Sizing Is Inconsistent

Across all these brands, sizing varies dramatically. A size 10 in COS might not fit like a 10 in Reformation or Massimo Dutti. That’s why guessing your size—especially with fashion-forward fits—leads to returns, disappointment, and missed confidence moments.

The Solution: Tellar.co.uk

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s Leading Sizing Tool, matching your unique body measurements to 1,500+ brands, in real-time.

It’s not a guess. It’s smart data.

🔍 How Tellar.co.uk WorksInstruction on Posts

Measure once, using your bust, waist, and hip—or enter your best-fitting brand size.
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool to get your exact fit in brands like COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, Massimo Dutti, and more.
Shop with confidence—no guesswork, fewer returns, and the right size first time.
No app, no downloads—just visit in-browser. Always free, always unbiased.

➡️ Create your free Tellar.co.uk profile

➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup Tool

➡️ Download a free printable measuring tape

🧠 Access the Free Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar isn’t just a sizing tool—it’s a free style library with thousands of fashion posts, all created by independent stylists. 100% honest, always free.

📏 Universal Sizing & Fit Guides

👖 Garment Fit Guides

👚 Tailoring & Style Deep Dives

Why Tellar.co.uk Works for Fashion-Forward Dressers

If you're pushing boundaries with your outfits, you need to know how each piece fits your body. Whether it's a wide-leg pleated trouser or a cropped utility jacket, fit is everything.

With Tellar:

You’ll know your size before you shop.
You’ll save time avoiding returns and exchanges.
You’ll unlock confidence with clothes that fit perfectly.

📣 Follow Tellar for Daily Fashion Intelligence

Stay updated with live fashion advice, fit science, and body-shape styling solutions.

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

✅ Final Thoughts

Fashion-forward style is about evolution, not just trends. Whether you're layering sculptural knits or mixing asymmetrical tailoring, your look is only as good as the fit.

That’s why Tellar.co.uk is your best fashion tool—pairing real-time data with styling expertise. No guesses. No bias. Just better outfits.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start now at 👉 Tellar.co.uk