7 Affordable Classics to Make All Your Winter Outfits Better

There’s nothing like finding a really expensive-looking piece of clothing and discovering it’s actually affordable, is there? As editors, we do a lot of scrolling for research for our Who What Wear articles, and we’re used to seeing beautiful outfits from influencers and fashion people. But so often, they’re made up of high-end designer pieces that most of us would probably have to spend a long time saving up for. We’re all for investing in quality over quantity, but when we do come across a chic, timeless outfit that turns out to be from the high street, you can imagine our excitement.  

In fact, we Who What Wear editors actually have a dedicated Slack channel to discuss the best high street pieces we see, either on influencers or on our own travels. And by now we’ve managed to work out some reccurring factors across these affordable but expensive-looking buys. The key, it seems, is to keep it classic, understated and poli shed. So as we head into the depths of winter—often a hard season to dress for—what better time to use our experience to round up the seven best classic high street items you can wear right now to elevate your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Keep scrolling to see them all, from beautiful knits to minimalist blazers, these are the best affordable high street pieces that will instantly make your winter outfits better. Keep scrolling to shop.

1. Smart Coats

A good smart coat is not only versatile enough to take you to the office and drinks in the evening, but it also works wonders to make even your most relaxed loungewear outfits look polished for popping out at weekends. 

2. Knee High Boots

Knee high boots are just one of those items that always seem to make an outift look put-together. Whether you opt for flat or heeled styles, a classic pair will be useful in your wardrobe for years to come. 

3. Banana Bags

Banana bags are a fashion-girl favourite right now, and always make any outfit look expensive. The crossbody shape adds a cool-factor, and because they don't need any flashy logos or features to look good, they're the perfect accessory to buy on the high street. 

4. Knitted Dresses

Prints can often be instantly recognisable, which means they also date quite quickly. If you opt for minimalist knitted dresses over florals, they can end up being more timeless and more premium-looking despite the really affordable price tag. Add one of these understated numbers to your winter rotation, and you'll have all your friends thinking it's designer. 

5. Oversized Blazers

Another one of the best high street pieces you can buy is a blazers. There are just so many good-quality ones out there that can elevate a look as soon as you throw them on. Opt for the oversized and boxy styles for a more expensive look, and no one will ever know. 

6. Wide-Leg Trousers

The high-street items that look the most expensive are always simple, minimalist classics. Wide-leg trousers are one of those things, and most affordable brands have excellent versions these days. 

7. Cable-Knit Jumpers

Tweed and bouclé-style boxy jackets are making a big comeback in 2022, having already been spotted on the most stylish people we know. If you can't afford to shell out for the latest Chanel, don't worry—the high street has so many great premium-looking options for spring. 

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Opening Image: @_jessicaskye; @thevisuelofgrace