The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
I shop for a living, so I know a chic buy when I see one—below you'll find the affordable pieces that caught my eye this week that genuinely look five times their actual price.
Finding high-street buys that look like designer is my hidden talent. Keep scrolling to see my top picks this week.
We all want to look like our most polished selves, don’t we? Whilst, sadly, I can't provide you with a week at a spa or an endless allowance to spend at The Row, I can 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 items to elevate your wardrobe without the designer price tag, and to make it easy for you to pinpoint the bits 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 also a lot to sift through in order to find them. That’s where I come in. As a Who What Wear UK editor, I scroll new-in sections as a hobby, and can spot an expensive-looking, luxe-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 that everything is here because I believe it offers great value for your wardrobe and your pocket.
As we near the end of the summer months, our wardrobes have already been tested to the max. Sudden heatwaves saw us lean heavily into our lightest pieces, whilst soft showers coaxed a few light layers back into our daily rotations. Whilst the weather remains unpredictable, our assured staples remain a constant, from floaty dresses to light trousers, and the high street is making sure that we have plenty of expensive-looking styles to choose from right now.
This week, I’ve searched for a mix of pretty pieces and staples, highlighting long-sleeve blouses for those cooler moments, versatile trousers that will blend easily with the rest of our wardrobes, and a selection of seriously refined accessories, from the standout canvas bag to the trusty loafer. Tonal shades are guiding the way as we look for timeless additions that will see us through the last of the sunny days and nestle instantly into our forever wardrobes, feeling just as current when we pull them out next summer. Now to the good part—keep scrolling to shop the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street right now.
Shop The Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
As light jackets slowly return to our wardrobes, I'm looking for a blazer with a little difference. Luckily, Massimo Dutti knows exactly what I need: a soft tonal shade, sharp shoulders and bold stand collar/
Nobody's Child may be known for its dresses, but its pretty blouse selection is just as stellar. Layer with satin trousers, tailoring and relaxed denim.
Sézane's new collection has launched, and through a host of cosy knitwear and standout jackets I found this designer-looking style. Canvas bags are the perfect transitional piece to move out of our raffia totes, and this one has a seriously high-end appeal. Find it on so many editor's wish lists right now.
If you're as dedicated to the jeans-and-a-nice-top duo as I am, you'll be pleased to see H&M's new style. The fluttering sleeves, fitted waist and tie back has placed this firmly on my wish list.
Comfortable light trousers will be the most hard-working piece in your transitional wardrobe. And Zara brings a fresh twist with the barrel-leg silhouette.
When my outfits aren't quite hitting, I know I just need to layer on statement jewellery.
H&M has officially restocked its best-selling cashmere knit! With a soft silhouette, bold ribbed cuffs and a rich shade, it's no surprise that this style sells out every single year.
Many of us are currently restocking our capsule wardrobes, and a pair of classic straight-leg jeans will always be a worthwhile addition.
These M&S loafers stopped me in my tracks. They look at least triple the price tag, with soft ruching and a croc effect to make this pair a standout. Plus, M&S loafers are known for being seriously comfortabel.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
Zara's viral autumn jacket is back again! Last year, it sold out in a matter of weeks. This time I won't miss out.
Now that the weather is starting to cool, this blouse is ready to take over from my short sleeve versions and bring a dainty polish to my early autumn outfits.
The tailoring of these trousers could easily convince anyone that they're a designer buy. Add to your forever wardrobe now.
Supple, slouchy bags are a key style right now, and this is the most expensive-looking style I've found on the high street.
If you're wondering where to find sumptuous cashmere on the high street, COS would be my personal recommendation. This cosy cardigan was a best-seller last year, and now its back in a fresh blue shade to revitalise your wardrobe in time for autumn.
With trousers and jeans about to return in a big way, I've been on the hunt for pretty tops that will make my staples look incredibly elevated. Enter Ninety Percent's Orla top.
If your classic jeans could do with a fresh infusion, look to this sleek pair from Abercrombie. The waistless design is streamlined, focusing on clean lines and a relaxed silhouette.
I've already started setting my sandals aside in favour of sleek loafers. Marks & Spencer's styles are known for their refined look and comfort.
My late-summer and early autumn calendars are full of reasons to get dressed up, and this & Other Stories dress is sure to look the part for all occasions. Style with tonal accessories or make the most of the versatile brown shade with bold shades.
I'm readying my wardrobe for autumn's arrival, and the first thing on my list is a lightweight jacket. Enter H&M's sleek trench style, which will inevitably sell out before the new season even arrives.
I'm not ready to give up the sweet effect of blouses, so I'm turning to long sleeve versions to bring a pretty touch to my autumn looks. Nobody's Child has so many great styles right now.
A little known secret amongst fashion editors is that & Other Stories does seriously expensive-looking bags. Take this woven style, it's spacious, sleek and primed to become your everyday companion.
The fit! The neckline! The denim wash! Abercrombie's new top is all I can think about right now.
Barrel-leg cuts have cemented themselves as a classic cut for fashion people. Now, Zara offers a seriously sleek silhouette in a fresh white shade which will rejuvenate autumn basics throughout the new season.
If I have to hang up my trusty sandals, I'm happy to do so for these sleek ballet flats. Crafted from smooth leather and with a soft rounded toe, this timeless pair will bring a refined edge to all your looks from now on.
It's true, COS's best-selling cashmere is officially back in stock. As it tends to sell out every single year, I'm getting ahead of the rush.
There's a back to school feel in the air and I'm ready to update my workwear wardrobe. First on the list are these polished trousers.
Zara's belted shirt dress comes back every single season (and sells out every time). Now, a soft pink version has released which is already moving fast.
I picked this blouse and the matching skirt up a few weeks ago and have worn them on repeat in the city and abroad since.
I added these exact jeans to my wardrobe a few weeks ago and I've had so many questions about them ever since. Finally, they're back in stock!
COS's Paradigm bag sold out instantly. Now it's back in a smaller version that is the perfect everyday style.
The frog-fastening trend is here to stay, and Aligne is leading the seasonal switchover with this sleek satin version. Mark my words, it won't stick around for long.
I honestly did a double take when I saw this as I was convinced it was a designer buy that's been sitting on my wish list. In fact, it's a sleek alternative from J.Crew.
These Zara shorts are polished, timeless and finally back in stock!
H&M has reworked the simple denim dress into a striking silhouette, and naturally it's already in my basket. Pair with neutral tones or go bold with vibrant red accessories.
In the blink of an eye, we'll be layering jackets back into our wardrobes. If you're ready to get ahead of the inevitable sell out, I'd snap this sweet check style up now.
The kind of dress that makes getting ready in warm weather incredibly easy. I love the pintuck detailing, which gives the relaxed linen silhouette a much more elevated feel.
The rich brown leather and woven finish make this look seriously premium
A best-seller for a reason. COS always gets trouser shapes right, and this barrel-leg pair is no exception.
A polished blouse that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests
An effortless summer dress you'll reach for whenever you don't know what to wear. The halterneck silhouette does all the work, so you can keep everything else simple.
Bermuda shorts are still going strong, and this linen-blend pair are already a fashion-person favourite.
There's something so chic about an easy matching set, and the inky navy shade makes this one feel especially elevated. Wear the pieces together now, then style the shirt with denim when temperatures dip.
If you prefer your denim classic, this '90s-inspired straight-leg shape is hard to beat.
Personally, I think that the best dresses are ones that can be restyled for all occasions. For day, add sandals to this dress, or take to evening with mules, swapping in ballet flats for your office commute.
COS is known for its excellent denim, and this new style is set to join it's best-seller lineup.
Well done & Other Stories. This bag looks so incredibly high-end, no one will believe its from the high street.
It may not be jacket season yet, but already the best new styles are selling fast. Personally, I don't want to miss out on this cool Topshop style.
From the shade to the shirring to the puff sleeves, this Whistles dress is just so pretty.
The dainty Mabel Tank comes in four refined colourways. Now, I'm stuck on which one to go for...
A pair of sleek leather sandals will work hard in your summer wardrobe every single year.
Soft ruching and a flowy skirt? Yes, please.
Zara's viral jacket is back, now in a breathable linen version. Don't wait around, this is sure to sell out fast!
If you like your trousers bold, refined and summer-ready, look no further. These are the kinds of trousers that will move seamlessly with your wardrobe for all plans, from work outfits to elegant evenings on far-flung islands.
Take a moment to appreciate all the pretty details that make up this striking dress. Seriously, no one will guess that this is from the high street.
Anthropologie's Calla bag is so beloved that the brand brought it out in a bigger size for those who like a little more room. Now, a new shade has arrived, and I just know it's going to be an instant favourite.
This whole look is exactly what I want to wear this weekend. Swap in a simple Tee, an oversized shirt or an embellished crop top to restyle this skirt for various occasions.
My linen shirts have been working overtime, and now I'm looking for something a little different. Enter Zara's lace-trim version, ready to bring a relaxed edge to my looks.
If you're looking to add a sleek touch to your summer looks, consider layering in a pair of silk trousers. Pair with pretty blouses, simple Tees or oversized shirts.
Anthropologie's dress collection year is the strongest to date. Dress down with sandals or take to all new heights with a sleek mule.
The Alohas Ola flip-flops are all over my feed right now, and whilst they come in playful shades and a cool studded version, I just know this refined brown pair will work overtime in my wardrobe.
Airy, lightweight and seriously timeless—the Sifnos trousers will be a well-loved summer staple every single year.
If you haven't explore Gap's pretty top selection, take this as your sign!
For those who like their skirts minimalist yet impactful.
Trust me—this pretty dress will sell out fast. It's already sitting in my basket.
Mango teased these a few weeks ago, and finally they've officially dropped. Renew your summer palette instantly with these suede red sandals.
On the hottest time, I have little patience for stringing together outfits. That's when a reliable co-ord comes into its own, and Reformation's style is a breezy linen two piece that can be mixed and matched a hundred ways this summer.
COS gets the balance on classic and contemporary so right. These smart shorts will earn their keep in your wardrobe year after year.
I was missing a really staple skirt in my wardrobe that could move between work and weekends until I found this Zara style. It comes in a few chic colourways, and I might have to snap up more than one.
I tried on these lightweight trousers last week and they immediately came home with me. Airy, chic and classic, these will definitely work hard in my wardrobe this summer (and every summer to come).
If you're looking for a bag that bring a fresh texture to your looks, this one's for you. The dark brown adds a rich tone whilst the gold hardware brings an elevated feel that makes this bag fit comfortably into all your outfits, from relaxed to smart.
This heatwave, look to fluid silhouettes and breezy fabrics like this flowing midi skirt. Personally, I plan to copy and paste this entire look.
Woven ballet flats are proving to be so popular this summer. Now, Anthropologie brings its sophisticated eye to this summer-ready pair.
This summer I'm living in pretty dresses that can be thrown on in an instance and look put-together immediately. Enter Anthropologie's sleek style which can be dressed up with heels or worn casually as above.
With Nothin Underneath is known for its excellent shirts, and this summer I'm investing in a mix-and-match set to see me through the warm weather.
Every stylish person is calling upon longer lengths to make shorts more sophisticated this season. This Zara pair is sure to move fast.
I recently tried on this blouse. I was won over my the relaxed fit, ruffle sleeves and intricate embroidery.
Whilst I wish I could promise the summer rain was done, I can't. Instead, I can offer a sleek way to take on the cooler moments and sudden showers, and this is it.
There are a lot of linen trousers around right now, and if you're looking for a distinctive yet relaxed silhouette, Free People's flare style currently has all my attention. Made from a breezy linen and cotton blend, the style also comes in other shades.
Blouses have become one of the most worn categories in my wardrobe since spring, and I expect they'll hold their place through autumn too. H&M's collection is full of stellar styles, from bolder styles to more pared-back versions like the one above.
My tailored shorts are working hard, but when I want something a little more playful, it's lace-trim shorts that I turn to. Just picture the lace trim peeking out under a long Tee or paired with a sleek halterneck top.
& Other Stories is known for its pretty dresses, and I just know this classic style is about to become a best-seller. The pretty sleeves, shirred waist and sleek shade add all the elegance needed for a chic summer.
Pretty blouses are here to stay. Style throughout the summer with light jeans, tailored linen shorts, breezy trousers and floaty skirts.
I immediately stopped scrolling when I came across this bag. Anthropologie is known for curating a selection of handbags that have a distinctly elegant look. Just wait—you'll be seeing this bag everywhere very soon.
