Anne-Marie wants you to feel good. ‘I always used to worry when I left the house that people were looking at me, but I realised if I feel 100% confident in what I’m wearing, if I leave feeling completely like the bollocks in an outfit...then I don’t care what anyone else thinks!’
Although you may have heard of her more recently, Anne-Marie has been performing since 2012. She’s since quietly become a hugely in-demand vocalist; she’s toured with Rudimental, sang on Clean Bandit’s No 1 hit Rockabye, has been a judge on The Voice and collaborated with everyone from Doja Cat to Niall Horan. The 30-year-old has achieved massive success, but it’s only in the last year that she’s truly started to feel comfortable in her own skin.
That confident feeling was the driving force behind her first collection for New Look. There are A-line party dresses and pink varsity knits to go out in, and hoodies and T-shirts for the next day. ‘I wanted to make something for everyone,’ she says. ‘I can’t wait for the day when I see someone wearing what I’ve created. That could be a supermodel or a middle-aged parent; I just want people to enjoy it.’
Ideas came from everywhere – plaid kilts and blazers are a nod to punk, while Anne-Marie says her dad was on the mood board, too. ‘He was a mod and used to wear all this dogtooth stuff and I love that.’ She also lists ’90s and noughties pop stars. ‘I used to listen to Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful all the time,’ she says. ‘I love Alanis Morissette and Pink; all these women who were saying, “I’m fucking beautiful, I’m going to feel great about myself and so should you.” Having that as a teenager, when I started writing my own music, was so important.’
This summer, Anne-Marie released her second album, Therapy, after struggling during lockdown. ‘I started doing therapy halfway through 2020,’ she says. ‘I was in a really low place. I’d been in that place before, but I didn’t get help because I’d been able to distract myself with music and touring. In lockdown I didn’t have that. I’ve always needed to be around people and for the first time, I couldn’t be.
‘Although it was horrific to be still and on my own with my thoughts,’ she continues, ‘I wouldn’t have gone through with therapy if it weren’t for lockdown; I’d have continued distracting myself. So in a weird way, I’m grateful for having to stop, and coming out the other end in a really positive way. I learned to put myself first, which I never did before because I felt like it was selfish. In the end, I’ve realised that when you put yourself first, you give everyone a better version of yourself.’
Grazia's Favourite Picks From The Anne-Marie X New Look Collection
Add to your baskets now, mega-fans, as the collection dropped yesterday and is guaranteed to go quickly! For now, we'll be thinking about the denim staples and comfy sweats that, like Anne-Marie, we're going to be living in this autumn.
Anne-Marie Collection x New Look
1 of 10Coco Twinkle Black Diamanté Embellished Frill Collar Jumper, £32.99
This ultra-chic diamanté jumper has 'party season' written all over it.
2 of 10Florence White Frill Collar Gem Heart Button Blouse, £23.99
This super sweet blouse with an oversized frill collar is ideal for layering. Wear it under a cardigan or with a pair of jeans - it's the queen of versatility.
3 of 10To be Young Black Satin Bow Clip, £5.99
There's nothing quite like a ribbon in the hair to add a touch of romance to any outfit, and with an easy-to-secure clip to fasten, the only thing you'll have to worry about is which look from the collection to pair it with.
4 of 10No Clue Red Tartan Check Blazer, £39.99
Check hasn't gone out of fashion, and neither has the trouser skirt. This stand-out piece is perfect, especially when paired with the tartan check skirt. For now it's available to buy in petite, with tall coming soon.
5 of 10Break the Rules Cream Faux Fur Bucket Hat, £15.99
Okay, we're calling it. The accessories are just. too. good. We've been lusting over a faux-fur hat since Rihanna brought the look back last year, and this wearable cream style is perfect for the colder winter months.
6 of 10You're all Heart Black Argyle Sleeveless Jumper Vest, £23.99
The grandad tank top is still dominating the street style scene, and as well as being on trend, they're ideal for the transition into winter, layered under a suit or jacket.
7 of 10Suits You Green Bouclé Check Mini Skirt, £23.99
Just when we thought the tartan blazer had our hearts, we spotted another must have co-ord in the collection. The tweed-effect bouclé jacket and skirt are an exercise in day-to-night dressing.
8 of 10Oh a High Black Leather-Look Chain Block Platform Heeled Mules, £32.99
Mules don't show any signs of slowing down this season, and the chunky chain detail is EVERYWHERE for autumn.
9 of 10E-Zee Does It Black Zebra Print Brushed Long Shacket, £39.99
Instagram was absolutely obsessed with this jacket and trouser combo. With an eye-catching zebra print design, this unforgettable outfit will make you stand out in the crowd. This jacket will be available to buy soon, so make sure to bookmark and favourite before it sells out.
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