Going shopping with your sister can be a trial for any brother – and it appears it is no different even if she is a top British actress.

Harry Potter star Emma Watson was spotted getting some retail therapy in London in the trendy Spitalfields Market last week before flying out to the US.

Her brother Alex accompanied the actress ahead of Emma’s return to university in Rhode Island, dutifully lending a hand as she perused some shoes in Office.

Dress-down: Emma Watson at Spitalfields with brother Alex

He manfully carried the bags as his 20-year-old sister looked to splash the cash, apparently on a new pair of trainers.

Judging by the vast yellow bag he was clutching, they had also visited vintage warehouse Beyond Retro which is renowned for its huge collection of unique clothes.

Emma is now back on American soil, and told her fans on Twitter yesterday: ‘It’s great to be back at uni – having the best time! Good luck to everyone else starting school this week, Em x’

Alex, who modelled with his sister in a Burberry campaign, currently has longer hair than Emma after she went for a drastic crop.

Rock chic: Watson was dressed for comfort in jeans and Doc Martens

He had his greasy hair pulled back into a half pony tail, while Watson looked boyish with her new Twiggy-esque style.

The actress, who plays Hermione in the hit films, opted for a major revamp and lopped off her locks when the last movie was wrapped up earlier this year.

The star has become a major fashion figure as well as an actress thanks to campaigns with Burberry and eco label People Tree.

But during the low key trip to Spitalfields on August 28, she looked very dressed down in a shapeless grey jumper, skinny jeans and blue Doc Martens.