11 Affordable Items to Instantly Elevate Your Basics in 2020

last updated 17 March 2021

Here at Who What Wear, we are firm believers that good style shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. If we're honest, some of the most fashion-savvy people we've encountered in our lives have been the most cost-conscious, as having to be more careful with your budget can often result in greater creativity and originality.

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Luckily, in the UK, we have a wide range of affordable offerings available to us, and brands are getting smarter about designing pieces that aren't going to fall out of favour the following season. The likes of Arket and & Other Stories, in particular, have become known for their quality, expensive-looking designs that are indiscernible from their designer counterparts. Add to this the fact that the minimalist aesthetic has ruled over the past 12 months, meaning it's even easier to hunt down those affordable yet premium-looking gems.

As someone who has spent many years following high street and affordable fashion—both in my spare time and as part of my job—I have a good sense of what to look out for when it comes to finding the good stuff for less. To help you on your way, I've rounded up 11 chic basics items everyone will mistake for designer offerings. From chunky sandals to tailored shorts, scroll down to shop my edit.