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.
As we welcome in 2026, there's plenty of newness around. Some of you will have already set your resolutions for the year and have clear intentions for what the coming 12 months will hold. For me, I've set aside strict changes to my life, instead opting for more overarching moods that feel much more attainable. In terms of my wardrobe, this year is all about leaning into my personal aesthetic and only adding pieces to my wardrobe that feel truly worthwhile. To kick off the new year, I've hand-selected 9 pieces that exude elegance through elevated silhouettes, considered details and refined colourways that will instantly make my 2026 outfits that much chicer. Now to the good part—keep scrolling to shop.
Shop The Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
The icy weather has arrived, and if you're wondering how to balance style and function, a great wool coat is the answer. Mango's latest style has a long length for insulation, a refined camel colourway for easy styling, and a bold collar for a fashion-forward edge.
January can often feel like the longest month of the year, so I've pencilled in a selection of events and special moments to break up the cool days. For these, I'll be relying on Massimo's sleek top to accompany my jeans and tailoring in dressier moments.
Jeans are my most relied upon wardrobe staple, and this year I'm leaning into contemporary silhouettes to bring a fresh edge to my hardworking capsule buys. Enter the bold barrel-leg jean, a striking silhouette sure to rejuvenate our treasured pieces even when styled over and over again.
COS's prowess on the high street comes from the undeniably refinement of its designs. Take this sleek wool jacket as an example—the high neckline and structured silhouette could easily pass for a designer piece.
For a long time I've coveted The Row's 90's bag, a compact barrel style that seems to be the ultimate everyday companion. Instead of the four-figure price tag, I've sourced this sleek suede style from Mint Velvet.
Moving into 2026, we're going to see a real focus on silhouette. Hourglass shapes are a clear trend in coats and jackets, and now Aligne is leaning in by offering a fresh denim update to its most treasured best-seller.
The chill in the air is set to stick around, and if your knitwear collection is in need of some bolstering, I'd recommend looking to Marks & Spencer's latest style. The understated colourway and design ensure its longevity in any great wardrobe, with a high v-neck that lends itself perfectly to the current trends.
The new year has arrived and with it, Zara's next It buy. Keep your eye's peeled for this double-faced jacket's take off, as its sure to be a sell out in the next week.
Streamlined silhouettes are continuing to dominate trainer trends for 2026, and Hush offers a supremely elevated option in deep burgundy. The tonal laces are also a nice touch.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
I'm starting to think about spring layers, and so this funnel-neck jacket in a chic chocolate brown shade is top of the hit list.
V-necks are what the cool-girls are investing in now. This H&M number looks so premium.
T-bar shoes are a French woman staple. This leopard-print pair will give a subtle bit of wow-factor to simple trousers and satin skirts ensembles.
The Aligne new-in section is full of spring gems. This suede jacket is speaking my name this week.
This looks so sumptuous and soft! I adore the geometric pattern and soft taupe tone.
Wait, these look designer! The slight curved heel and crinkle leather give these a wealth-whispering appeal. Team with jeans for a luxe off-duty look.
Is this about to be COS next best-selling trouser style? I think so. Casual elegance in a nutshell.
Mango coats are not to be slept on. This handmade oversized piece looks insanely luxe.
I have been hunting down a new east-west bag which doesn't break the bank. This leather number from COS joins it's long list of cult handbags.
Wear the classic way, or turn the collar up for a more fashion-forward look.
The latest addition to COS's exquisite knitwear collection is this refined funnel-neck style and its in stock (for now).
If you're looking for an elegant infusion, add this Zara bag to your outfits for an instant lift.
Aligne's beloved Bonnie blazer has a striking silhouette, refined neckline and now the deep burgundy shade has been restocked!
The silhouette of this top has all the makings of a designer buy, and will bring a refined edge to any outfit. Pair with tailoring, jeans, skirts and much more.
The shape! The shade! Mark my words, these are about to be H&M's next best-selling jeans.
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.
If you're yet to add a pair of smart tailored trousers to your capsule wardrobe, this is the pair you'll depend upon throughout 2026. The drape is polished, the wide-leg contemporary and the shade incredibly versatile.
This whole look is the epitome of chic. Grab your trusted white skirt, layer in this elegant pencil skirt and pull on a pair of sleek heels to replicate instantly.
Anytime you want to pull together a polished look, layer this coat on top.
The silhouette of these jeans is so exquisite that they're already selling fast.
Trust COS to bring every sophisticated detail together to create this incredibly chic knit top.
I did a double take when I saw this designer-looking bag.
The deep aubergine shade! The cinched silhouette! The asymmetric closure! Every detail of this blazer is spot on.
Whistles has launched it's Limited Edition collection, and its full of capsule wardrobe heroes and playful trending styles.
If you're looking for a sophisticated shoe on the high street, look to Massimo Dutti's stellar offerings.
Just in time for party season! Layer over jeans, tailoring or a sweet mini skirt.
If you're looking for a way to elevate knitwear for evening, look to COS's off-the-shoulder jumper. The incredibly soft style is crafted from 100% merino wool.
Mango is leaning into bold silhouettes this week with this chic cardigan. The rounded shoulders and slight peplum design add to the impactful look of this cardigan.
If you haven't checked & Other Stories' new in section recently, you may be missing out on a series of excellent denim arrivals. My personal favourite are these wide leg jeans in a deep blue shade that I just know will instantly work hard in my wardrobe.
Spacious, sleek and smooth suede—Mango's shopper is sure to sell out fast. Let this be your refined work tote, or fill to the brim with everything you'll need for a winter break!
Massimo Dutti is always looking to elevate our everyday pieces, and right now its all about the off-white shirt. The classic button-up style will be a feature in your outfits throughout the year, with the slightly lemon shade ready to brighten up your favourite looks.
There's no denying the versatility of a great blazer, but if you're looking for something a little more fashion-forward, this Zara style is the answer. The stand collar adds a point of difference to classic styles, with a sleek collar fastening.
We all know about Topshop's excellence in denim, and now its time to get to know its tailoring. The sharp pleats and draped look of these trousers brings a high-end feel to this affordable pair. Plus, I adore the deep brown colourway.
H&M's footwear collection has been so strong this season. Case in point: these loafers. The design is eternally chic, and the croc effect brings an elevated touch to this pair. This winter, we've been styling our loafers with everything from tailoring to denim to dresses.
With all the timeless hallmarks like a notched collar and single-breasted design, this coat was already great. Then, the brand added the sculpted silhouette, instantly launching it into excellent territory. Trust me, this won't wait around.
Massimo Dutti teased this scarf knit last week with a 'coming soon' tag, and finally, it's officially stocked. My knitwear collection is due a little joy, and this sunny yellow jumper is exactly what it's calling out for.
Move fast! This leather-look burgundy skirt looks incredibly high-end, and only required a cosy knit and boots to make a highly elegant winter look.
If you've been sleeping on M&S's handbag collection, it's time to wake up. The brand has a series of chic bags available this winter, and this one if my personal favourite.
If you're looking for a chic way to lounge whilst binge watching Christmas movies, this sleek hoodie is the answer.
COS brings its excellence in tailoring to form these bold barrel-leg trousers. A wintery tactile update comes in the form of flocked denim, which creates a velvet like texture.
I spotted these yesterday and they're already on their way to me. Sleek loafers are the ideal companion for so many outfits, from smart tailoring to relaxed denim to contrasting floaty dresses. The textured finish and deep brown shade set this pair apart.
Once again, COS shows that it knows all about expensive-looking knitwear. The deep brown shade and cosy finish is exactly what I've been searching for.
Ever since these jeans launched, I've spotted them on stylish people and my fellow editors consistently. Now, they've had a restock, but don't expect them to stick around for long.
It's officially time for gloves to rejoin your daily essentials, and this pair is lined with cashmere for an extra cosy finish.
Massimo Dutti's footwear collection should not be slept on. These loafers will hold their place in your capsule wardrobe year after year.
If you thought this was a designer buy, I wouldn't blame you. Bring a touch of polish to your looks when this bag is in tow.
From dolled up for party season to cosy knits and loafers, I just know I'll be relying on this satin skirt a lot this season. Plus, the matching top is so chic.
Bringing together cosy knit and a striking neckline, Reformation has done it again.
The timeless shade, the bold neckline—I just know that this Zara jacket won't stick around for long.
I'm rejuvenating my winter layers with the addition of this pretty pink mohair top. Now, I'm adding it over a long-sleeved top, whilst I'll wear it on its own in Spring.
The scrunched finish of these loafers has a definitively designer feel about them, and brings a relaxed mood to this serious shoe.
There are so many details drawing me to this sleek coat, from the deep burgundy shade to the bold funnel-neck design. Throw over day and night looks this winter, and every winter to come.
Marks & Spencer has made a name for itself as a brand that excels in tailoring, and this season it's truly outdoing itself. Leaning into timeless designs, M&S takes the pinstripe trousers and adds a contemporary wide-leg silhouette and sharp pleats to bring them straight into 2025.
The sculptural shape of this blazer is truly exquisite. Bring a sophisticated finish to tailoring or simply jeans with this blazer in tow.
Small details can set a piece apart, and for this knit its the tactile finish. The fuzzy finish of the alpaca blend jumper along with the deep rust shade has set it apart from the rest.
When searching for expensive-looking handbags on the high street, we often find ourselves turning to COS. The brand brings together sophisticated designs and timeless details to make truly high-end-looking pieces, like the Marais bag. There is a larger version if you tend to pack more, but I think this smaller size is ideal for everyday.
Massimo Dutti's jacket brings together the ease of a bomber jacket with the sophistication of a scarf coat. Naturally, it's already sold out once, so I'm making sure to snap it up now before the restock sells out too.
Knitwear is back as a mainstay in our winter wardrobes, and Whistles has lent into the key trend of the season: the funnel-neck. With a cosy alpaca blend finish and deep navy shade, every detail of this striking knit looks incredibly elevated.
As soon as I saw this outfit I knew I wanted to recreate the whole look immediately. To emulate the polished ensemble, simply grab you favourite neutral knit and sleek boots.
This season I'm leaning into elevated textures to bring a premium touch to my more affordable looks. First on my list is a sleek satin shirt, which looks even more rich in this deep khaki shade.
When considering how to style the merino top above, the obvious ideas of tailoring and jeans came to mind along with the most polished options: satin trousers. One of my personal favourite styles is this exact pair from Reformation.
Rejuvenate your T-shirt looks by swapping in a cosy knit version this winter. The rich rust shade instantly drew me in, and the cosy alpaca blend finish secured its place in my basket. Pair with jeans, tailoring or even the skirt above.
