I was a teenager in the 00s, and that means Abercrombie & Fitch was synonymous with logo hoodies and grainy Facebook photos of friends posing outside the London store with topless men (if you know, you know).
Thankfully things have changed dramatically, and along with a new CEO, the label has had a total rebrand. It now stocks a collection of some of the best staple pieces I've ever tried (seriously) in an impressively inclusive range of sizes. Plus, this week there's 25% off everything for Black Friday. The discount is only available to members, but it's free to sign up.
From the Tik-Tok trending Strappy Plunge Corset Maxi Dress to the Curve Love jeans, Abercrombie is all over social media for the right reasons and popular pieces come and go at the speed of light. More recently, I can't seem to escape the Sloane Tailored Trousers, with reviews claiming they're the perfect wide-leg style, so I had to find out for myself.
I headed into the new store on Carnaby Street in London, and my totally honest mini review? It's small and stock is seriously limited. So if you're nowhere near the capital, no problem, ordering online is probably your best bet anyway.
They did, however, stock the Sloane trousers and they were everything I was hoping for. High-waisted with a partially elasticated waistband, they're both flattering and seriously comfortable. I'd say the tailored pair fall between a wide and a straight-leg cut - chic and versatile. They also have press creases which make them look expensive.
© @holliebrothertonAvailable in waist sizes 24-37 inches and extra short to long lengths, I'd say they run true to size, although a little on the shorter side. For reference, I'm 5'6 and the long was perfect for me.
They retail for £65, which is by no means cheap, but taking cost per wear into consideration, I think they're quite affordable - especially with the Black Friday discount. I styled them with a classic white tee and trainers, but would also wear them with loafers, crop tops, shirts, knitwear and blazers - basically everything in my wardrobe.
Abercrombie's relaxed-fit leather trousers have also been on my wish list for a long time so I was very excited to see them in stock, and I was so impressed. I've tried countless styles from other brands and often found them a bit unflattering, but the Vegan Leather High Rise Loose Pants come in the perfect high-waisted, thigh-skimming cut.
Again, I'd consider them closer to straight-leg than loose. The best bit? They're incredibly soft and comfortable. They didn't have the long in stock, but I quite liked the cropped finish of the regular with a pair of heeled boots.
Also on my shopping list was a staple black mini skirt that I can wear all-year round. The mini skirt has made a massive comeback in recent seasons and I love styling them with an oversized blazer and a pair of loafers, but it's hard to find the right cut in a material that doesn't instantly crease. I recently saw Kate Hutchins wear the Scarlett Mini Skort and thought it could be the one.
It's technically a skort not a skirt, but the extra lining when wearing something so short is no bad thing. Featuring a high waist with a side zipper closure and slightly elasticated back waistband, it's so flattering as it's slim-fit but doesn't cling to your stomach. I'd say it's true to size, but it is definitely mini.
I could have spent more time in store, but after buying everything I'd tried on, I thought any longer could be dangerous. With it's previous reputation, it's easy to overlook, but don't rule out Abercrombie for your new season staples. It's also stocked at ASOS.
