Despite their cheap prices and swift stock turnover, high street fashion labels have not been able to escape the recession unscathed.

A recent article by British newspaper The Times stated that the sales of high street brands 'have faltered as consumer anxiety about unemployment and the economy has deepened'.

However, despite such gloomy statistics, industry players in Singapore maintain that the future is still bright for high street retail.

Spanish brand Bershka, British brand New Look and Japanese brand Uniqlo have all entered Singapore for the first time in recent months, a sign that major labels consider this to be a market ripe for more high street variety.

And more familiar brands are still going strong as well.

'The brands we represent have clear directions as to what target segments they are after and are focused on delivering the right products and the right retail experience,' says a spokesman for Wing Tai Retail, which distributes brands like Warehouse and Topshop in Singapore.

'These brands are innovative in product development and have carved a niche for themselves by getting new designs quickly to the market, delivering value-added services, staying relevant to trends and being sensitive to the needs of today's consumers.'

Indeed, delivering trendy looks and classic staples quickly and cheaply is the key reason high street brands have stayed in the good books of shoppers who do not want to go broke to look in vogue.

For example, the latest fall/winter collection at Topshop features lots of biker chic ensembles that are similar to those that posh brand Balmain is offering, while sister label Warehouse is stocking gorgeous tweed jackets that would make Coco Chanel proud.

Those lusting after Prada's double- breasted jackets or Ralph Lauren's fitted suits can get similarly dapper, slim-cut styles from G2000 or Topman.

Here is a look at some of this season's best high street offerings.

TOPSHOP

Fact: Founded in 1964 by British designer Jessie Pearman, this brand became the first high street retailer to show on schedule during London Fashion Week when it presented its in-house design collection in 2005. According to the Fashion Week organisers, what scored Topshop its spot was the brand's quirky and well-made pieces.

Latest looks: Fashionistas are one step closer to looking like model Kate Moss. The runway darling's latest collection for Topshop personifies her hippy style and features lots of chiffon blouses and dresses with billowing sleeves. The 1980s look is also seen in metallic sheens of mini-dresses.

G2000

Fact: This Hong Kong brand founded in 1983 has been serving the sartorial needs of Singapore women since 1990. The brand originally catered clothing sizes suitable for Asian consumers.

Latest looks: With chic tailored suits and crisp shirts being all the rage now, there is no better time to invest in a well-tailored corporate suit complete with hip, stylish details. Women can update their corporate look with the brand's new slim-fit shirts ($49) and tapered suits (from $99 to $199), while guys can opt for a form-fitting suit ($299) and slim-cut burgundy shirt ($49).

BEN SHERMAN

Fact: Designer Ben Sherman (his real name is Arthur Benjamin Sugarman) launched the brand in 1963 by creating a line of button-down shirts. The brand counts many British rock bands like Blur and Oasis as fans.

Latest looks: Live the rock 'n' roll spirit by donning one of the brand's latest funky graphic tees, emblazoned with images like electric guitars. The best of the crop are the four T-shirts featuring images taken by famous British rock concert photographer Ami Barwell ($89 each).

TOPMAN

Fact: Launched in 1978, this offshoot of Topshop has just started its CTRL campaign in Britain, where it selects music from up-and-coming bands to showcase on its website.

Latest looks: Look dapper in jackets (from $179 to $273) from Topman - these utilitarian pieces look smart when thrown over a well-pressed shirt and tie. If jackets do not rock your boat, perhaps quirky knitted tops will. Colourful cardigans (from $69 to $159) scream casual chic, while polo knitted T-shirts (from $46 to $53) will definitely look hot.

WAREHOUSE

Fact: The first Warehouse store opened its doors in London in 1976 with a vision of making fashion accessible to all. Its catalogues have featured supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Stephanie Seymour.

Latest looks: This British fashion label is going big on the 1980s revival this season, with pieces featuring eccentric floral prints and acid-washed denim jeans. Jackets also feature structured shoulders pads, such as this tweed blazer.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.