Confession time. I spend a lot of time looking at clothes. More specifically, I spend a lot of time scouring the high street for the best pieces from new-in drops. We're lucky that our high street is filled with great staples of course, but every once in a while an extra special find will pop up that blows us away. And I can wholeheartedly say, there is nothing more satisfying than finding those rare high-street pieces that look like they came straight from the runway. You know, the ones that make friends, colleagues and even strangers on the street say "where did you get that?", followed by "wait, it's from the high street?".
Whether it’s through incredibly intricate details or high-quality fabrics, these kinds of pieces make you walk a little taller and fill you with a sense of (almost smug) satisfaction at having been one of the few to find and bag an elevated wardrobe hero at a covetable price point.
Well, needless to say, there are only a few select brands that can deliver these kinds of pieces and there are three in particular that have become my go-to for not only wardrobe staples, but pieces with a certain je ne sais quio;Arket, COS and Zara are responsible for so many of the pieces that I can’t believe come from the high street. Need some proof? I’ve managed to narrow down a few of the new-in pieces that have made me click add-to-basket a little quicker than usual and have shared them below.
Keep reading to discover my edit of the new-in Arket, COS and Zara pieces that I just can't believe are high-street.
The Best New-In Items From Arket, Cos & Zara
1. ARKET
Arket
Short Trench Coat
We're all about cropped trenches at the moment, and this will look great layered over t-shirts, tanks and jumpers alike.
Arket
High-Waist Tailored Trousers
We think this is pretty much the perfect office trousers and it's a pair you'll want to keep wearing long after you've clocked off for the weekend too.
Arket
Mary Jane Leather Ballet Flats
No capsule wardrobe can call itself such without a good pair of flats, and a variety of them at that. These are cut from buttery soft leather, so you know they will comfortably take you from day to night.
Arket
Midi Wrap Dress
Equal parts smart and chic, this wrap dress will outdo itself as a wardrobe staple. It's made from crisp 100% cotton so you know it'll hold its distinctive shape.
Arket
Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper
You'll have to forgive how much I rant about knitwear, but that's because it bridges the gap between high street and designer so effortlessly. This number is made from alpaca blend for a cosy finish you won't want to take off.
Arket
Coral Pintuck Relaxed Jeans
We can guarantee the complements you'll receive will be endless when wearing these flattering jeans. And who doesn't love pleated denim?
Arket
Suede Tote Bag
This is so low-key, slinky and stylish; it gives us some serious '90s vibes. It's so easy to dress up or down and all you'll have to do is add a tonal, fuss-free outfit to achieve maximum sophistication.
Arket
Lined Canvas Jacket
I've been looking for the perfect canvas jacket, and this one has really caught my eye. IT also comes in a lighter cream shade.
Arket
Midi Denim Skirt
This minimalist denim skirt will look beautiful with all your shoes.
Arket
Cotton Cardigan
We just love the luxe finish of this cardigan. The tailored fit, on-trend stripes and attention to detail give it an air of French glamour, making it the ultimate high-street find. Style it with everything from sneakers to Mary Janes.
Arket
Leo-Print Leather Belt
Proof that animal print is not just for the maximalists.
2. COS
COS
Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat
It's such a simple detail, but the tied belt gives this trench a designer feel. You can exaggerate the look with the incorporated belt or simply leave a few buttons undone to show off the outfit underneath.
COS
Mini Studio Bowling Bag - Leather
I haven't seen anything that mimics the quality and luxury of a designer tote quite like the bowling bag.
COS
Bay Barrel-Leg Jeans
Good denim is a wardrobe foundation, but these turned up jeans have elevated the basic style into something cool for 2025.
COS
Minimal Suede Trainers
How to get designer-looking trainers for a high street price,
COS
Fine Pure Cashmere Cardigan
COS knows how to do minimalism to perfection, and this cardigan is a lesson in refined restraint.
COS
Tailored Wool Slim-Leg Trousers
These trousers will look flattering on every figure and from every angle., and the cleverly placed pleats create a leg-lengthening illusion.
COS
Scarf-Detail Silk Blouse
When its finally mild enough to forgo a chunky knit, consider this elegant scarf blouse.
COS
Perforated Leather Slingback Heels
These shoes make looking like you put tons of effort into your outfit a breeze. Simple and classic, the wearable heel height is just enough lift without compromising on comfort.
COS
Mismatched Stud Earrings
As you can probably guess, I'm a bit of a sucker for a glossy finish and these earrings will make every outfit look far more expensive.
COS
Flared High-Neck Wool Mini Dress
It's so hard to believe this is high-street and not designer.
Reversible Slim Leather Belt
Simple, yet so very effective.
3. ZARA
ZARA
Leather Effect Bomber Jacket
I love this take on the leather bomber, and it doesn't scrimp on looking both chic and expensive.
ZARA
Satin Shirt With Gold Buttons
So elegant.
ZARA
Pleated Midi Skirt
Picture this with strappy sandals once the weather heats up...
ZARA
Pointed Leather Slingback Pumps
Mark my words, pointed flats will continue to be the shoe of summer 2025.
ZARA
Suede Maxi Tote Bag
Yes, this really is from Zara.
ZARA
Faux Suede Jacket
This jacket is the epitome of high luxury on the high street, and Its simple silhouette is one that just doesn't age.
ZARA
Plain Knit V-Neck Sweater
This jumper is too good to relegate to just the autumn and winter months, so you can throw it over your shoulders in spring and summer too.
ZARA
Zw Collection Darted Wool Blend Trousers
I could wax lyrical about the beautiful colour of these colours for hours but I think they pretty much speaks for itself.
ZARA
Kitten Heel Boots
Black kitten boots will work hard for you, all year round.
ZARA
Zw Collection Wool Dress With Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are having a comeback and this mini into the trend without being too overt.
Remy Farrell is a London-based fashion editor with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she ventured into beauty, compiling reviews and diverse beauty content.
In her role as fashion editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new brands to share with the WWW UK readership, and loves uncovering hidden gems to make shopping accessible to everyone.