For years, LK Bennett attire was considered the gold standard for women who wanted to look polished, professional and 'appropriate'.
The British luxury brand became the default for boardrooms, royal walkabouts and anyone who wanted to signal quiet confidence, including the likes of Princess of Wales, Holly Willoughby and Zara Tindall.
But let's be honest: over time, the quality slipped and the prices crept up (ever since the wedding of LK Bennett fan Kate to Prince William if you ask some disgruntled shoppers).
It left many women wondering why they'd forked out on a £185 pair of heels or a £300 dress only for them to sometimes feel uncomfortable, impractical and, frankly, underwhelming.
Now, the brand looks set to close its stores after only its brand and intellectual property (but not its shops, reported Retail Gazette) were acquired out of administration by investment firm Gordon Brothers, which bought Poundland for £1 last year.
However, shoppers shouldn't fret. Because elegant, well-made outfits and heels are still out there on the high street. You just need to know where to look.
As a personal stylist of nearly 20 years, I've watched clients quietly move away from LK Bennett, not because they no longer want polished workwear, but because the price stopped matching the quality, particularly when it came to tailoring, fabrics and shoes.
The biggest frustration I heard was that the brand's clothes began to feel stiff, dated and oddly proportioned for modern working lives.
But the good news? There are far better places to shop now, often for less money, and with more modern results. If you liked LK Bennett tailoring, try these instead...
Hobbs
Hobbs is a much stronger option for dresses, blazers and work-appropriate separates.
The tailoring is cleaner, the fabrics more forgiving, and the silhouettes feel current rather than corporate. Hobbs understands how professional women dress now.
Meanwhile, Hobbs is often overlooked for footwear, yet it consistently delivers elegant court shoes that actually work for real life.
The shapes are flattering, the heels are sensible, and they pair effortlessly with tailoring. This is one of my go-to recommendations for women in senior roles.
Arket
LK Bennett once owned the 'smart dress' category, but many women now want pieces that feel elegant without looking overly formal.
If you've moved away from obvious 'workwear' but still want polished, sophisticated attire, Arket is excellent.
Their trousers, knitwear and coats create a refined, modern wardrobe without feeling rigid or old-fashioned - while still being professional enough for work.
Aeyde
Meanwhile, if you relied on LK Bennett shoes, you have better options. Shoes are where most women feel let down.
Paying £250 plus for kitten heels that pinch, scuff easily or feel unstable is no longer acceptable.
If you like the clean, modern look seen on European CEOs rather than fashion influencers, Aeyde is worth knowing.
Understated, beautifully finished and comfortable straight out of the box, these are the kind of heels that elevate even the simplest outfit.
Marks & Spencer
A quiet standout, M&S kitten heels are some of the best on the high street right now: supportive soles, wearable shapes and classic colours that don't date.
Many of my clients are genuinely surprised by how good the heels are, until they try them on.
The British brand is also one of the strongest places right now for smart trousers and blouses. When chosen well, the quality and fit are very impressive.
ME+EM
ME+EM is go-to for many of my clients. Their dresses and co-ords are flattering, modern and designed to move with the body, ideal for long days, meetings and events.
Phase Eight
Phase Eight is still one of the best high-street brands for occasion dresses that don't feel try-hard at all.
The cuts of the outfits are reliable and the fabrics far more wearable than their price point suggests.
Next
Often dismissed, but Next consistently delivers wearable court and kitten heels that look polished and professional. Ideal if you need a shoe that works hard without costing a fortune.
The era of paying a premium for a logo that no longer guarantees quality is over. Today's elegant work shoes and clothing are about fit, finish and function, not heritage hype.
You don't need a royal endorsement to look polished, just smarter shopping. And in many cases, the best options are hiding in places you'd never think to look.