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.
Emily Dawes
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.
I hope this edit helps save you time and money as you build a collection 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:
Party season will soon be upon us, and instead of buying pieces specifically for the festivites, I'm looking to polished pieces that have a party edge, and will work beyond the holidays in my everyday wardrobe. Style up with a satin skirt or tailored trousers for evening, or move to day with relaxed jeans and trainers.
Zara's elegant winter coat has received a fair amount of attention recently, and it's easy to see why. The design calls upon classic design details to secure its timeless title, with contemporary twist by way of the leather underside of the collar. The jacket can be secured to create a funnel-neck look with the leather collar exposed, instantly moving from classic to contemporary.
A pair of brown satin M&S trousers joined my wish list last week, but quickly sold out. Luckily, I discovered this sleek black pair with bold front pleating and an extravagant wide-leg shape. For daytime, pair with a fluffy knit and ballet flats, or take to evening with a sleek top and mules.
This recommendation comes directly from my wardrobe. Looking to add a touch of French flair to my winter looks, Mango's heeled ballet flats joined my wardrobe last week, and I've worn them over and over again since. They're comfortable, chic and feel a touch more evening than regular flats.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
It's officially time to add a chic coat over my treasured knits and blazers, and this season I've searched for something timeless, cosy and elevated. Enter M&S's refined single-breasted coat, which will bring a sophisticated finishing touch to all my outfits from day to night.
Winter 2025 is all about expensive-looking knitwear. From scarf details to bold belts, it's the finer details that our taking our knitwear from simple layering staples to eye-catching pieces this season.
Our calendars are starting to ramp up the festive season with a series of cocktail evenings, dinner parties and other celebrations. Instead of layering in sequins for one season, I'm calling upon to elevated appeal of velvet to bring that refined evening edge to my looks.
Both my fellow shopping editor and I have both saved this to our wish lists this week. Getting dressed on dark mornings is hard enough, so rely on a sleek knit dress to make the choice that much easier. Simply add knee-high boots (I've found a pair below) and throw on your favourite winter coat.
If you're looking for a way tot feel instantly polished, a smart blazer is probably the answer. Now, H&M introduces a refined asymmetric style with a sweet tie bow in winter's trending shade. Truly, this blazer ticks so many style boxes its no wonder it looks triple the price.
A great coat is worth spending a bit more on, and & Other Stories has convinced me with this highly chic offering. The longline silhouette balances the bold collar, which has all the makings of a high-end design. Now to choose between the dark brown and soft grey.
COS's merino tops are a staple feature of my winter wardrobe, but this season the brand is bringing a sophisticated edge to cosy dressing. Enter the off-the-shoulder merino wool top—equal parts cosy and chic.
Two key winter trends come together to make this sleek and cosy COS jacket. The funnel-neck detail is both contemporary and insulation, and the teddy finish is primed for the season. The classic boxy shape will ensure that year after year you'll find yourself reaching for this timeless jacket.
I've noticed an uptick in pleated skirts this season, and right now Zara is making a play for the standout style of the moment. The fluid a-line silhouette is bolstered by the classic canvas shade and seam detailing, which accentuate the shape of the skirt. Pair with your favourite neutrals and knee-high boots, or add a pop of colour and flats.
A great pair of jeans always deserves a little celebration, and joining my classic straight-leg and bold wide-leg styles is this standout pair by Mango. The barrel-leg silhouette is ready to renew my denim looks, with the perfect amount of drape and distress. Trust me, this pair won't stick around for long.
Arket's speciality is doing staple pieces really well, and bringing an update to the classics. After seeing a few stylish people reaching for wrap shirts over the past few weeks, I set out to find my own, and of course, Arket came through. The deep brown shade instantly feels elevated, and the additional button lets you play with the form of this shirt.
One of the many categories Massimo Dutti excels in is footwear. Each year we're presented with a series of high-end looking boots, and for 2025 this is my personal selection. Bring an elegant finishing touch to dresses, trousers, skirts and more with this embossed effect pair. Also note the slight curve to the heel that ensures this pair could easily pass for a designer buy.
A great trench coat is one of the hardest-working pieces in the cooler months, and if you're looking for a style with classic appeal and a modern edge, this is the one for you. Topshop leans heavily into minimalism to secure this trench's place in your wardrobe for years to come, with a contrast collar that can be secured to get the funnel-neck look.
I spotted some of my fellow editors sporting Marks & Spencer looks this fashion week, and did a double-take when I saw this bag. In person, it looks like a designer buy, and I've been waiting for this deep brown shade to come in stock.
The second drop of H&M's autumn/winter collection has arrived, bringing with it a wave of boho styles that are fast filling up my wish list. At the top is this standout blouse, with bold shoulder pads contrasting the soft fluid shape, making the entire blouse feel incredibly high-end. Pair with tailoring, skirts, jeans and more.
COS has a very specific way of making classic pieces feel incredibly contemporary with a small switch to silhouette. Here, the humble cardigan that works hard every single year has had a slight cinching around the wait to bring it straight into winter 2025. If you're looking for a staple knit with enduring appeal, this one's for you.
I've been closely watching the "coming soon" tag on this Arket bag for weeks, and now it's available to shop! Moving into my autumn/winter palette, I'm looking for rich shades to bring depth and newness to my wardrobe, and this bag ticks every box. Wear over the shoulder with the long tubular straps or reach for the smaller top handle for in-hand wear.
Knitwear is swiftly becoming a staple once more, and whilst I have a few favourites that I rely on year after year, I'm ready for something new. Massimo Dutti's sleek khaki style with an integrated scarf is both contemporary and anti-trend, destined to be a favourite for years to come.
By now, we're all well aware of the Sloane trousers. They're classic, polished and incredibly chic, and now Abercrombie has updated the style with buckle hardware for a fresh update. Often, it's the small details that make a piece look so expensive.
Reversible jackets are rising in popularity this season for their versatile appeal. Here, Mango takes it one step further, bringing two textures into the mix as well as two key shades. For a cosier look, keep the soft brown shearling side on the outside, pairing with your brown-based pieces. For outfits that work best with black, swap in the smooth black side.
Mixing textures can bring a depth to a look that instantly elevates it beyond its price tag, and this real suede shirt is up to the task. Wear it in place of your favourite cotton styles, whether that's with beloved jeans, sleek skirts or smart tailoring.
The three pillars of my shoe collection are great boots, easy flats and cool trainers, and now the latter is getting a fresh update. The iconic Japan sneakers are beloved for their retro silhouette, leaning into the low-profile trainer trend. Now, the brown snake effect is making a play to be the next It style.
Speaking of satin skirts, now that our light linen styles are packed away its time to turn our attention to more autumnal styles. This season, lace detailing is accenting all styles from vest tops to dresses, bringing a romantic edge to our staple looks. I also adore the mix of black and brown shades here.
Now that autumn is here, my tailored trousers are working overtime, and now I can call of my search for a pair of sleek pinstripe trousers. Style with classic shirts, easy tees, or go bold with the matching blazer.
The cooler days have arrived and now its time to add a light jacket into our everyday outfits. Personally, I'll be reaching for Zara's faux suede style, with a pared-back appeal to suit my minimalist aesthetic and the exact shade of tan that works with every colour in my wardrobe.
A soft knit T-shirt is one of the most versatile pieces for the transitional period, and the brushed finish cements the elevated feel of the top. Play with contrast by styling with denim jeans, crisp tailoring or satin skirts (there's one below if you need!)
Shirts are a key part of my capsule wardrobe all year round, and I'm always looking for one that is a little different to rejuvenate my collection. This green, blue and white palette has all my attention, and the varied stripe weights adds to the elevated appeal of the shirt.
Now that light summer dresses have been packed away, all eyes are on sleek knit styles, and H&M is setting a high standard with this sleek burgundy style. The scooped neckline and flared sleeves are the refined details that ensure that no one will believe this dress is under. £40.
Every year, Zara’s suede jackets vanish faster than you can say “add to basket,” so this season, I’m determined to beat the rush. After a thorough scroll through the entire new-in drop, this limited edition jacket quickly stood out as my absolute favourite.
COS is known for it's excellent trousers, and now the brand brings together polish and comfort to create the fluid drawstring trousers. With just enough smart details to take on office looks, whilst still feeling relaxed enough for off-duty attire, this pair is set to become a new best-seller for the brand.
Whilst I wish every day was a heatwave, the British weather has been reminding us that summer includes cooler moments. On grey or rainy days, a reliable denim jacket is one you'll want to have close to hand, and Aligne's newest offering could easily pass for a designer style. Add to your basket now, and also prepare your wardrobe for autumn's arrival.
I'm looking to take my top collection up a notch this season, and silhouette is the first update I'll be making. Enter, this draped chocolate brown style from Massimo Dutti. Destined to bring a polished edge to everything from jeans to floaty summer skirts.

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
- Emily DawesSenior Shopping Editor
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
-
Yes, Chic Outfits Will Happen With These 32 New Items From Zara, J.Crew, COS, and H&MElevated knits, trend-forward outerwear, and more.
-
Looking Stylish This Fall Means Wearing Your Pretty Dresses With This Unexpected ItemHere's how to master the look.
-
Anyone Can Wear a Cardigan, But Only Fashion People Wear Them Like *This*Take note.
-
H&M's Highly Anticipated Glenn Martens Collaboration Is Finally Here—Shop Before It Sells OutInspired by Y/Project.
-
Here Are the Sweaters You Should Be Shopping at Zara, H&M, and COSThe only sweater guide you need this season.
-
These Under-$80 H&M Items Are Giving Elevated Countryside ChicExpensive-looking finds ahead.
-
Forget What You've Heard—Ankle Boots Are Still In, and This Expensive-Looking (But Just $50) Pair Is ProofGrab them before they're gone.
