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.
1. ARKET
We're all about boxy silhouettes at the moment, and this will look great layered over t-shirts, tanks and under trenches alike.
Equal parts cute and chic, this puff sleeve blouse will outdo itself as a wardrobe staple. It's made from crisp 100% cotton so you know it'll hold its distinctive shape.
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 nappa leather, so you know they will comfortably take you from day to night.
We think this is pretty much the perfect office outfit and it's one you'll want to keep wearing long after you've clocked off for the weekend too. Simply add a trench coat or a light jacket for colder days.
We can guarantee the complements you'll receive will be endless when wearing these flattering jeans. And who doesn't love loose-legged blue denim?
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.
This minimalist maxi will look beautiful with all your shoes.
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.
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.
2. COS
It's such a simple detail, but the subtle tied hood 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.
Good denim is a wardrobe foundation, but these turned up jeans have elevated the basic style into something cool for 2024.
How to get Linda Farrow sunnies for a high street price,
I haven't seen anything that mimics the quality and cosiness of luxe velvet quite like this jacket. It's cut for a boxier fit and has handy pockets should ypu need them.
COS knows how to do minimalism to perfection, and this dress is a lesson in refined restraint.
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.
When its finally mild enough to forgo a chunky knit, consider this a transitional hero.
These trousers will look flattering on every figure and from every angle., and the cleverly placed pleats create a leg-lengthening illusion.
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.
It's so hard to believe this is high-street and not designer.
3. ZARA
I love this take on the leather coat, and it doesn't scrimp on looking both feminine and tailored.
Picture this with strappy sandals once the weather heats up...
Off-the-shoulder tops are having a comeback and this knit taps into the trend without being too overt.
This jacket is too good to relegate to just the autumn and winter months, so you can it wear open over a light dress in spring and summer too.
Yes, this really is from Zara. And yes, it really is under £40.
I could wax lyrical about the beautiful colour of these colours for hours but I think they pretty much speaks for itself.
This skirt is the epitome of high luxury on the high street, and Its simple silhouette is one that just doesn't age (just watch where you sit first).
Mark my words, Mary Janes will continue to be the shoe of summer 2024.
A long black skirt will work hard for you, all year round.
This necklace is a quick and easy way to update an simple spring outfit.
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