If you're anything like me, the moment you see a designer item start trending, you start scouring the high street for a piece with similar flair, and minus a couple of 00's at the end of the price tag. If there's one thing we're all guilty for loving, it's an expensive-looking piece at a high street price, and, one brand is getting slightly too good at this. Of course, we're talking about Marks & Spencer.
This time, the item in question is the M&S Pure Cotton Striped Denim Top, £29.50, that has all the hallmarks of a designer buy - think structured silhouette, Scandi-cool and a whisper of Ganni influence. Last year Ganni's Poplin Peplum Tie Blouse went viral, and featured heavily in the wardrobes of both influencers and fashion editors, earning itself the nickname 'the Copenhagen blouse' for its playful spirit and popularity. Now, M&S has released a contender that not only pays homage to the Ganni cult classic, but also, dare I say, rivals it.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
A great alternative to the viral Ganni style, this M&S iteration is made from a soft striped denim and finished with short puff sleeves. The V-neckline fastens with a matching denim bow, giving the blouse a more feminine feel. Style with anything from black jeans to a midi skirt.
The moment I spotted it online I knew I had to try it on in store. Once on, my immediate thoughts were that this denim feels more comfortable than I was expecting, it's soft yet structured, a rare feat for high street denim. The fabric has enough rigidity to hold its voluminous shape without feeling overly tight, while the pinstripes give an almost vintage-inspired look. The elasticated puff sleeves create a billowing, and the tie neckline adds a touch of femininity without veering into overly twee territory.
To style the M&S denim top in an easy Scandi-inspired way, team with wide-leg white jeans and a pair of ballet flats. Dial up the drama and clash textures by layering it over a satin midi skirt and finish with gold accessories and knee high boots.
On sale
Ganni www.ganni.com
The original Ganni Peplum Tie Blouse has an open round neckline with tie bands, puff sleeves and a peplum hem. Loved by influencers and fashion editors alike, this Ganni blouse has built quite the reputation, and is versatile enough to style with jeans or tailored trousers.
Where high street pieces often miss the mark when it comes to creating an affordable alternative, the M&S denim top captures the essence of the Ganni original - elevated yet wearable, statement-making yet versatile. And, with a price tag that's less than your monthly coffee habit, it's an no-brainer. Shop before it sells out.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).