We Try Before You Buy: 9 High-Street Pieces Destined for Cult Status

This week, we're celebrating the Great British high street, and in order to show you the best pieces, we called in over new-in 100 samples and whittled them down to nine. These pieces cover many of the key trends for spring/summer 2019 but also prove that the high street is capable of producing items that will remain relevant for years to come.

These hero high-street pieces include Topshop's strappy barely there sandals, a beige wrap coat that no one will believe you found in Marks & Spencer, a pink boilersuit that keeps selling out from Urban Outfitters and an organza polka-dot blouse from Zara that we all want to buy. Keep scrolling to see the nine high-street pieces we're championing for this spring.

1. Massimo Dutti Tie-Dye Shirt

Tie-dye is one of those trends I thought would be a complete no-go for me until I saw this blouse from Massimo Dutti. It's an unexpected print for such a smart shirt, but unlike the DIY T-shirts, this looks really expensive. I tried it on with several pairs of trousers, but found it looks best with white jeans or light linens.

2. Whistles Spotty Midi Dress

"Literally everyone in the Who What Wear UK office fell in love with this pretty polka-dot dress, and I can understand why. It's a universally flattering shape rendered in a print that won't date and a colour that suits many skin tones. It's perfect for wedding-guest season. The only advice I'd give is that since it's a tad sheer, I'd probably invest in a nude slip skirt to wear it with," says Hannah Almassi.

COS Graphic Top

"I'll start with the fact that I have, in fact, now bought this COS blouse and lost count of the number of compliments I've received from it. It's the ideal light layering tool, but it also packs plenty of personalities when worn on its own, thanks to with its distinctive watercolour print. I've styled it with Dorothy Perkins's wine-coloured slip skirt and Topshop's strappy sandals for a smart casual vibe, but it also looks fab with jeans or high-waisted trousers for a more casual look," says Joy Montgomery.

3. Topshop Scarf-Print Dress

I'm a big fan of printed midi dresses and was really impressed by the fit of this Topshop £49 pick. The scarf neck tie is a little different and makes it feel smarter than many of the other printed midi dresses around. It's perfect for a spring wedding.

4. Zara Organza Blouse

"Okay, I've officially fallen in love with a top. From the tulle-like fabric and the polka-dot print to the ethereal pussy-bow and sheer sleeves, this has everything I want from a polished blouse, and in my opinion, it would not look out of place on a runway. Well done, Zara. I'll be tucking it into Topshop's white straight-leg jeans (I'm a total white-jeans convert—who knew?) and throwing on a blazer and slip-on mules for spring," says Joy.

5. Urban Outfitters Boilersuit

"Sweet mother of the fashion gods, thank you! This pink boilersuit keeps selling out for a reason (perhaps many reasons), and now that I've tried one on, I'm a convert. Like a giant, chic babygrow (but in the most uplifting, flattering colour and with a pinched-in waist), this is surprisingly flattering for the amount of comfort it also provides. It requires little to no accessorising, but I'd always prefer to sass it up with a pair of heels," says Hannah.

6. ASOS Velvet Suit

"I'm not exactly venturing out of my comfort zone with this outfit, as I'm a sucker for anything tailored and/or '70s-inspired (and this has both!). ASOS has really nailed it with the rust colourway and the luxe velvet fabric, which will satisfy all your throwback needs. I also thought the trousers were beautifully cut. It's high waisted, slim in the legs and gently flares out at the bottom, creating a kick-flare finish (the most flattering silhouette, in my opinion)," says Joy.

6. Marks & Spencer Beige Coat

This coat doesn't look particularly standout on the M&S website, but when it arrived at the Who What Wear UK offices for me to try on, every single editor was gushing about how expensive it looks. The weight is perfect for spring weather, and the oversized fit means it can be worn with chunky jumpers on colder days. Judging by the London Fashion Week street style pictures, tonal beige outfits are the leading trend for spring. I paired the coat with a white shirt and a pair of beige patchwork cord jeans by Topshop.

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

7. Warehouse Patent Trench

"Another very similar patent trench coat has been trending (and subsequently sold out), but I have to admit that this Warehouse version feels and looks far more luxe than its competitor. I've been looking to update my overwhelmingly brown wardrobe, so a jolt of cornflower blue in the mix—courtesy of this cute Jigsaw jumper—has definitely done the trick. I've bought two pairs of these Charles & Keith boots in brown and black. They're beyond comfortable and provide a lot of design bang for your buck," says Hannah.

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2019.