French Connection

Now considered an old-timer on the list of high street brands, French Connection has worked hard over the past couple of years to free itself from the shackles of its FCUK identity – and it appears to have succeeded. Designs are a mix of mature and on-trend, with unfussy separates and outerwear in a range of good-quality fabrics and in bright but rarely garish colours and patterns; the look manages to be very distinctively ‘French Connection’, even though it’s not that obviously different from the rest of the high street. Dresses and eveningwear in sequinned and glittery fabrics, and simple cotton shift dresses are among the most popular offerings for women. The classic T-shirts and knitwear remain firm favourites, and its good selection of denim jeans and cotton workwear trousers complement every wardrobe. The French Connection Denim boutique is at 11 James Street in Covent Garden.