I’m always in changing rooms trying on the best high street buys. Here, I’m testing out Arket’s expensive-looking trench jacket and wide-leg jeans.
We all want to look like our most polished selves, don’t we? While, sadly, I’m not here to provide you with a week at a spa or an endless allowance at The Row, I am here to bring you a treasure trove of the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street every week. It’s my mission to prove that you can find premium pieces to elevate your wardrobe without the designer price tag and to make it easy for you to pinpoint the items on the high street that are really worth adding to your wardrobe.
There are some amazing gems out there that your friends won’t believe aren’t designer, but there’s a lot to sift through to find them. That’s where I come in. As a Who What Wear editor, I scroll new-in collections as a hobby, and I can spot an expensive-looking (and -feeling) piece a mile away. I’ll be adding the best bits I find to this list. Some may be more “affordable” than others, but you can be confident every piece is here because I believe it offers great value.
I hope this edit helps save you time and money as you build a closet of classic pieces that bring joy and last much longer than just a few seasons. Now to the good part. Keep scrolling to shop.
I love the masculine, boxy shape and double breasted buttons on this ridiculously chic blazer.
This new-in dress is already selling fast, and I can see why. It’s the perfect work dress that could also be worn to an event like a wedding. You can even add a polo neck underneath during these transitional months.
M&S does some of the best quality and best value linen pieces. These trousers look so elevated, even when paired with a simple T-shirt.
This Boden skirt is giving me major Gabriela Hearst vibes.
A dress this good from H&M? You can bet it will sell out extremely quickly.
I can’t believe how affordable this elegant linen skirt is. I love it worn low slung on the model with some midriff on show, but I’ll probably wear it with a simple white tank tucked in and some leather sandals.
Hello, designer-looking sandals!!
The cream version of this bomber FLEW out of stock recently, but I actually think this black version has a longer life span (especially for clumsy coffee-spillers jeans and trousers.
I’ve already seen so many influencers in this three-piece suit which I thought was designer when I first saw it. The waistcoat feels particularly special IMO.
The black version of this comfy-but-chic dress sold out instantly, but I’ve got my eye on this new neutral version.
The most expensive-looking earrings on the high street? We think so.
The best high street sandals always fly out early, so be sure to invest in your favourite pair before you miss out.
COS’s best-selling pair of trousers are back for another year and I don’t plan on missing out again.
This looks like such an easy dress to throw on and still feel put-together for work or weekends.
This elevated denim skirt has been on my wish list for a long time, and it’s just landed back in stock.
A basket bag is a key summer investment. This one feels so unique, it could easily pass for designer.
Full skirts are a big trend for 2023, this one feels classic enough to wear for years to come as well.
Holidays are calling, and I’m feeling a monochrome moment in this chic swimsuit.
How cool are these?
Heavenly.
If I had to bet, I’d put money on the fact that these were designer.
This greige colour feels so chic.
A new colourway of Arket’s famous, best-selling bag!
Literally, the perfect summer dress.
I can already tell these will be a bestseller.
I’m very into ballet pumps that feel more tough than pretty.
I love this textured skirt paired with the matching bomber jacket.
Trench coat weather is in full swing, and this relaxed style is my top high street pick for the season.
A much more affordable Bottega bag dupe.
A unique take on a classic.
These best-selling linen trousers have just been restocked.
A linen shirt is a spring/summer staple, and this natural beige option has my vote this year.
No one will think this isn’t designer.
This is a beautiful, structural trench. The longer length makes it feel especially premium.
These under-£20 trousers sell out every year, and I’m grateful to H&M for bringing them back again for 2023.
This dress comes in five different colour ways, and I have a feeling it’s going to be hugely popular this wedding season.
I just saw our contributor Monikh wearing this and I honestly thought it was from an expensive designer.
The stitching, the buttery black leather, the simple straps… Boden has absolutely nailed the perfect minimalist sandal for 2023.
Simple, but so versatile. See five ways to wear this one here.
The kind of heels you reach for time and time again. They’ll look great with jeans and a nice top, and with fancier occasionwear outfits too.
COS’s first denim skirt release sold out in days, but we’ve been given a second chance with this elegant A-line version. It comes in fresh white, too!
I’ve been waiting so long for this bag to come back in stock. Now, ARKET has answered my spring wardrobe prayers.
If you’re looking for that designer loafer look on a budget, don’t skip this classic pair.
COS’s famous wide leg trousers in this lush rose pink colour—which is basically a neutral.
Year after year, my khaki shacket becomes my most worn wardrobe item from the second spring hits until I finally have to layer up again in winter.
There’s no way you could wear this suit and not look polished.
The gold hardware, the satchel shape, the canvas detailing and black leather trim; Everything about this bag screams expensive (apart from the price).
You could buy a pair of designer loafers, or you could opt for this extremely designer-looking style from COS. Your choice!
An all time classic that’s just landed back in stock. I bought this a few years ago and it’s still one of my most worn wardrobe pieces.
I’m thinking ahead to the many weddings (and hopefully holidays) I have this year with this designer-looking dress.
There’s something inherently chic and French about the slim cigarette pant. And yes, skinnies are back.
This polished jacket sold out last year, so I’m very grateful for a second chance.
Up Next: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About
