The fashion pieces the nation has been buying since shops reopened

Some questioned whether the reopening of non-essential retail stores would actually drive customers to the high street after lockdown. A debate that was quickly quashed as queues for stores from John Lewis to Zara snaked up and down London’s Oxford Street on opening day. 

On April 12, insight from PWC showed that 57% of UK consumers were excited for a physical shopping experience, and it hasn’t let up. In the first week of May, high street footfall increased by 296.3%, and in shopping centres, footfall rose by 318.4% on the previous year, according to the BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker.

It’s fair to say we’re all back into the swing of shopping, but what have we actually been buying? The high street bestsellers over the past month are an eclectic mix, but with heels and pretty dresses topping the list, it’s clear that post-lockdown celebration looks are firmly in our sights.

If you’re in need of a fashion fix but aren’t sure what to invest in right now, use this chic list of the nation’s most wanted as a shopping guide. Here’s what we’ve all been buying since April 12: 

Bold printed midi dresses at John Lewis

Slow fashion brand Kemi Telford launched into John Lewis last month and was one of the best selling labels in April. Its forte? Statement printed dresses, from African wax prints, to colourful florals and checks. It’s easy to see why we’ve been flocking to them: Telford’s fun frocks offer a dopamine dressing hit, and are endlessly versatile. They can be paired with sandals for occasions, or with loafers for work.