The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
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@emilyjdawesFinding high street buys that look like designer is my hidden talent. Keep scrolling to see my top picks...
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. Plus, there's a few early Black Friday deals inside for good measure.
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.
Shop the Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items This Week
The super-soft folds and finishes on this wool jacket could belong to a piece with a much higher price tag.
We're on trend watch here, and wool skirts are well and truly on our radar for 2024. This COS number comes in navy and a gorgeous (but less practical) cream colour, and it feels like an incredibly chic alternative to wide leg trousers or a knitted dress for work.
Wear these with your favourite cream knits for a look that's guaranteed to make people think you're rich. Maid in Manhattan, anyone?
These M&S gems are reminiscent of the sold-out-everywhere Miu Miu strappy kitten heels on my wish list. Winner.
Top of my wish list for 2024: A pair of indigo denim jeans.
No one beats uniqlo for excellent-quality, affordable wardrobe basics. Size up in this to give it some slouch and pair it with other tonal camel pieces (or the dark jeans above) for a really polished look.
Loafers are the perfect January investment. You can wear them with socks now (choose bold red ones for an influencer-approved look) but they'll be useful all through spring as well.
Another gorgeously soft (and designer-looking) wool piece from H&M's new-in section to get us all through the last months of winter.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items
Just when we thought COS's famous crossbody couldn't get any chicer, they go and bring out this khaki green version.
Texture makes a simple wardrobe staple like this camel knit feel elevated.
An easy, throw-on dress to make mornings easier and your January outfits feel more polished.
It might sound simple, but adding a crisp new white T-shirt to your wardrobe can make all your outfits feel fresh and much more expensive. This one's my favourite on the high street.
Dare I say, spring is right around the corner and H&M's trench coats always sell out in record speed.
Don't you just love it when H&M restocks its famously good (and really affordable) wide-leg trousers?
Freshen up your 2024 workwear wardrobe with this elevated blazer.
This under-£40, French-inspired cardigan is amassing hundreds of rave reviews.
Scarf details are the key for making jackets look really chic and premium in 2024.
Adding a touch of red will elevate your outfits in the fashion stakes.
This knit is so affordable, it's almost worth buying two to copy this stylish layering trick.
These will make easy items like leggings and throw-on dresses look polished, even without a high heel.
Layer up your creamy tones with this stunning wool coat for a designer look.
I would wear this with cream denim way into spring.
Clearly, I have a thing for fresh, new-season whites this week, and I can't get these premium boots off my mind.
Who can deny a great (affordable) H&M knit? The ribbed edging on this one makes it look so much more expensive than it is.
I've had my eye on ARKET's slouchy cloud jeans for a long time now, but this elevated dark denim pair has me completely sold.
Practical, roomy totes are (thankfully) about to have their time in the limelight come 2024. This larger version of COS's famous minimalist crossbody is going to be my next smart purchase.
Add this simple piece to any plain outfit and the whole thing will look extremely expensive—trust me.
On the more expensive side of the high street, but these could easily pass for a much pricier designer version. Plus, I can vouch for the premium quality of ARKET's footwear.
A beautifully tailored wool coat on the high street is like gold dust, and they always sell out.
There's something about wearing cream in winter that screams rich. I especially love this dress worn with this belt at the waist.
I love the extra dimension these patent mock-croc boots add to a wooly winter outfit.
Sézane's beautiful french-girl approved knitwear is worth the investment, trust me.
I honestly can't decide which colour I love most in this cosy knit, but camel is always a winner if you want to look expensive on a budget.
Julie (pictured above) has completely convinced me that I need this designer-looking jacket in my life.
Call off the search, I've found my perfect understated party shoes—and for under £50 no less.
A camel coat is such a timeless, elevated purchase, whether you get it from Max Mara or Mango.
M&S are winning in the high-street denim stakes right now, and I'm offering these turn up jeans as proof.
A great pair of leather (or faux leather) trousers are an essential in a winter capsule wardrobe, and I can highly recommend this best-selling pair from Zara which are back in stock, for now.
Mango's designer-looking faux-shearling jacket that's impossible to find in stock now comes in black. Run, don't walk.
Bearing a resemblance to Bottega Veneta's ultra-chic Sardine bag, Zara's new bag is one I plan on carrying to all my festive events (as well as day to day with the crossbody strap).
There's just something about the chocolate brown colour, the maxi length and the draping that makes this easy dress feel so premium.
If you're after a perfect 'nice top' to wear with jeans right now, & Other Stories just graced us with this perfect version that also comes in black.
COS outerwear is easily the best on the high street this year, and this new, beautifully soft wool style is a testament to that. In fact, I'll take this whole outfit.
I know these are on the pricier side, but they easily look like they could have another zero on the end. When I say it's love, I mean it.
If you're after beautiful quality coat on the high street, I'd suggest it's worth spending that little bit more to invest in one of COS's Responsible Wool Standard-approved styles. This new one ticks off the espresso-dressing trend for 2023 nicely.
COS's beloved quilting has been reconfigured into a crossbody form fit for all occasions. Constructed in 100% leather, the thoughtfulness of the quilting detail immediately adds a high-end touch to this bag.
The super soft fabric and relaxed fit of this coat makes it feel so premium.
The perfect ankle boots if you ask me. Real leather, a comfortable heel height and an elegant toe shape that will look so good peeking out under jeans, wide-leg trousers and dresses.
I can't get over how expensive M&S bags look this season—I keep recommending this one to everyone.
So pretty! I'd wear these with worn in Levi's and a red lip but you could just as easily pair with party dresses.
Hello, dream jumper.
Such a great affordable alternative to The Row's famous ankle boots.
There must be a reason that every fashion person owns this jumper in at least one colour. I just bought this one to find out.
I love this deep burgundy colour as an alternative to black boots—it makes them perfect for wearing with black dresses all winter. Don't miss Amazon's Prime Day deals while you're adding these to your basket.
TikTok is going wild for these viral trousers and I'm not surprised—they come in so many chic autumn colours, as well as different length and curve options, too.
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