The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Finding high street buys that look like designer is my hidden talent. Keep scrolling to see my top picks this week.
We all want to look like our most polished selves, don’t we? Whilst, sadly, I can't provide you with a week at a spa or an endless allowance to spend at The Row, I can bring you a treasure trove of the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street every week. It’s my mission to prove that you can find premium items to elevate your wardrobe without the designer price tag, and to make it easy for you to pinpoint the bits that are really worth adding to your wardrobe.
There are some amazing gems out there that your friends won’t believe aren’t designer, but there's also a lot to sift through in order to find them. That’s where I come in. As a Who What Wear UK editor, I scroll new-in sections as a hobby, and can spot an expensive-looking, luxe-feeling piece a mile away. I’ll be adding the best bits I find to this list. Some may be more "affordable" than others, but you can be confident that everything is here because I believe it offers great value for your wardrobe and your pocket.
I hope this edit helps save you time and money as you build a collection of classic pieces that bring joy and last much longer than just a few seasons. Now to the good part—keep scrolling to shop.
Shop the Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items This Week:
Sleek, elegant and under £100? It's no surprise that this chic coat has already sold out once. Now, it's back in stock.
Monochromatic looks always have a premium feel to them, and a light beige skirt in a classic shape is a reliable piece to instantly elevate your looks.
Deep brown, soft suede and enough room for all your essentials? This bag does it all. And has already made its way onto my wish list.
Cosy season is upon us, but finding knitwear that feels more elevated than simple is rare. Enter River Island's asymmetric button cardigan in winter's trending shade.
I've long been a fan of COS's denim, and the latest addition to its collection features a contemporary wide-leg silhouette, ready to be dressed up with boots, or worn casually with trainers.
If your boots have been working overtime, look to a refined flat. Massimo Dutti brings a fresh edge with a cow print effect that fashion people are adoring right now. Simply, they're chic and comfortable.
I'm not the only one whose noticed that Zara's outerwear collection is full of designer-passing pieces this winter. The latest piece to catch my eye is this burgundy wool cape with scarf detailing that brings an added premium feel.
I'm always enamoured by Damson Madder's offerings but its shirts might be my favourite. With intricate embroidery, playful oversized and doubled up collars and a timeless gingham print, I expected this to be at least double the price.
I've recently been focused on affordable jewellery that isn't just the staple pieces of hoops and chain necklaces, and & Other Stories has filled all my jewellery box dreams. Add these sculptural earrings to any look to bring a refined finish.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
I've spotted so many fashion people wearing suede jackets this season, but I've been holding out for the perfect one. From smooth faux suede fabrics to the perfect caramel shade, this ticks all the boxes.
An easy way for a simple item to become spectacular is by switching up details, like buttons. With a very Schiaparelli feel with mixed design metallic buttons, I have a feeling this cardigan will move quickly.
With the styling versatility of jeans and cold-weather texture of velvet, this is exactly how to bring white shades into winter.
I've got a black version of this pair and they've become my most worn shoe. The square-toe looks so chic peeping out under tailored trousers or wide-leg jeans and this burgundy shade is sure to elevate them even further.
I'm not much of a sequin girl, so this party season I've been hunting down great prints, and came across this highly chic Mango dress. I can see this styled with flat knee-high boots for a work look or taken to evening with mules and a clutch bag.
Trust & Other Stories to take simplicity and make it so much more. This simple black long-sleeve top features twisted details bringing texture and and dimension whilst still being incredibly wearable.
If there's one brand that consistently offers up excellent handbags with serious staying power, its COS. Meet the latest addition, the Eastside Bowling Bag, destined to be as in demand as the brand's Studio Bowling Bag.
If you still haven't added a barn jacket to your collection, take this as your sign! With classic cord details on the collar and cuffs as well as bold patch front pockets, I have a feeling this will become a best-seller.
I've never taken the time to explore Massimo Dutti's jewellery, and now I've seen their seriously chic selection, I highly regret not knowing about it earlier. There are so many refined pieces with a contemporary edge, like this abstract teardrop bracelet.
Scarf coats have all my attention this season, and the deep navy shade and minimalist shape of Zara's version feels endlessly premium.
Party season is upon us, and I've been searching for the perfect outfit that doesn't feel to dressed up, but still seriously chic. This co-ord is the answer.
Whilst I may be a minimalist, even I'm drawn to the playful feel of a touch of animal print. I'll be wearing these with tailored trousers, jeans, dresses and more, this season and well beyond.
I've spotted to many stylish people wearing knitted vests in the cold weather. With a neutral shade and classic cable-knit details, this will be easy to add into my outfit rotations.
I haven't stopped thinking about the drape on this pair. They definitely live up to the 'fluid' name.
Whether you want to take your day time looks further or up to ante at night, a bold cuff bracelet is an easy way to make the simplest looks feel highly considered.
Boho styles are back to stay, and with sweet tiers, bold flounce sleeves and a very 2024 burgundy shade, this dress has all my attention.
Every top on my wish list features an interesting neckline right now, and Arket's top selection is the best it's ever been.
The grey winter skies have me calling out for a splash of colour, and Topshop's vibrant leather coat has all the impact I'm looking for.
The nipped waist and wide sleeves give this simple cardigan a high-end finish.
Party season is on the horizon, and a day-to-night gingham dress with sweet bow details is everything I've ever wanted.
Almost flat boots with the impact of a heeled boot? Yes, please.
No matter the season, a sleek skirt with intricate details that make it feel more expensive than it is will always go straight in my basket.
From scarf blouses to satin shirts, refined tops are big news this winter and Arket's draped neck top is one of the best I've found. Just wait until you see the back.
Knitwear is back as a key part of our daily uniforms. If you're looking to break away from classic crew or V-neck styles, or want a cosy piece that can take on the cooler evenings, look to an off-the-shoulder style in a timeless shade.
As someone who wears denim almost every day, I'm always looking for something a little different. I've already got colourful jeans and printed styles in my arsenal, but this boucle pair is unlike anything I've ever seen before.
Zara's shoulder bag has a distinctly vintage feel with is elongated shape and strap detailing.
Our calendars are already filling up with Christmas parties, winter weddings and other celebrations. To prepare, look to an elegant dress that is so refined you'll want to rewear it over and over again.
Take the polished edge of a boxy cardigan and add a sumptuous cashmere finish and you're officially ready to tackle to drop in temperatures in style.
I always find myself turning to darker, rich tones during the winter months, and these cream trousers bring the perfect addition of lightness to add a fresh feel.
I can't be the only one who's noticed how strong Marks & Spencer's outerwear collection has been this year. Bringing a playful edge to the winter months, the brand offers this bold animal print coat with a soft finish.
Zara has been teasing the arrival of this sleek burgundy bag for weeks, and finally I can add it to my basket. There's plenty of room for your essentials and the elevated shade is sure to go with all your looks.
Arket knows all about understated pieces that will prove their worth over many years, and this jacket is one such piece.
So many of our editors have fallen for this sleek co-ord, ready to make deciding what to wear that much easier. Whilst I adore this soft brown colourway, it also comes in a 5 other shades.
A striking shade, a bold square-toe and an architectural heel—I have a feeling this pair will sell out very quickly. Especially as there's a very Prada feel to them.
Elegant, minimalist and ready to pair with jeans, skirts, tailoring and more.
Sharp shoulders, a straight cut and a timeless silhouette—this is the kind of coat you'll reach for year after year.
For dinner dates or cocktail hour, a "nice" top with a wintery edge is the perfect companion for jeans, tailoring and skirts. COS offers this refined off-the-shoulder style in both cream and black.
Our straight-leg jeans have been benched for the time being as wide-leg silhouettes take centre stage. Dive into the cut with M&S's bold palazzo style.
A trending shade? Check. A comfortable flat sole? Check. A fashion-forward edge? Check. This pair ticks so many boxes that it's even harder to believe they're from the high street.
Looking at all the designer bags of the moment, there's a clear design detail they all share—the east-west silhouette.
The scarf-knit trend is one I'm predicting will stick around for years thanks to its cool yet classic appeal, and Topshop ups the ante with a striking asymmetric button closure.
If you're looking for a reliable piece to bring a touch of polish to even the simplest outfits, this tweed jacket in deep red is ready to rise to the challenge.
Take the '90s buckle motif and add a bold east-west silhouette and you get River Island's striking clutch bag. With a removable strap for various ways to wear, this is ideal for daily jaunts and evenings out.
One exciting part of winter dressing is the mix of fabrics we get to play with, and these soft, highly elegant velvet trousers will instantly breathe new life into your looks.
From parties to winter weddings, & Other Stories' elegant draped dress is one you'll want to rewear all season long and well beyond.
This knit swiftly sold out in the original blush colourway, but I have a feeling the rich-looking camel iteration will be even more popular.
Brown boots are selling out all over the high street, so I suspect this John Lewis pair will follow suit. The kitten heel feels so current whilst the pointed toe bestows them with a timeless quality.
Seriously, no one will believe this cost you less than £40. I'm also tempted by the cream version.
A very chic dress that will work for daytime and evening with a simple swap of shoes and outerwear.
I know I'll get lots of wear out of this top over the next couple of months; it's the perfect way to dress up jeans.
& Other Stories always delivers when it comes to tailoring, and these trousers are next on my wish list.
I have a winter wedding coming up, and I've ordered this dress for the occasion.
It's time to add coats into our outfit rotations, and this elegant scarf style is sure to bring a premium edge to any look.
With the architectural heel, curved edge and square toe finish, it's seriously hard to believe this pair of boots are only £65.
Trust me when I saw Marks & Spencer's outerwear collection is so strong this season, and the first thing I'll be adding to basket it this deep burgundy faux leather jacket.
Thanks to Zara, the little black dress has been officially replaced with the asymmetric midi. The gathered fabric brings a softness to the dress that can easily be styled for day or night.
Aligne ensures that even knitwear is a standout piece. Note the nipped waist to celebrate your silhouette, accented by the perfectly placed buttons.
When it comes to excellent denim, you can always rely on Free People to have the trending cuts. Right now, it's all about the barrel-leg silhouette, and this pair comes in 20 colours and washes.
If you want to look put together whilst remaining seriously cosy, a knitted co-ord should be on your radar. Bring a touch of sunshine to the everyday with this soft lemon duo. Shop the skirt here.
Not only is this bag so sleek, but also seriously practical. Slide onto your shoulder, or adjust the strap to wear crossbody.
A burgundy trench coat has been on my wish list for a long time, and Topshop's style has a pebbled texture to the faux leather that feels seriously high end.
Leopard print has returned in a big way for autumn, and this deep tones of this sleek skirt make it easy to style for day or night.
Every single bag on my wish list right now has one expensive-looking detail in common: suede. With a soft brown shade and striking east-west silhouette, this is a bag fashion people are sure to snap up quickly.
Mango offers extra refinement to the leather-look jacket with this minimalist style. Note the pockets integrated into the design to keep the streamlined silhouette, and it comes with a detachable sheepskin collar for a warm touch when winter arrives.
Fabrics are an easy way to bring an expensive feel to your outfits, and these satin trousers from COS will bring an elevated polish whilst remaining seriously comfortable thanks to the elastic waist and wide-leg silhouette.
H&M has been excelling in floaty, boho wares recently, and I predict this flounced dress will be the next sell-out style. With a deep burgundy shade, bold tiered sleeves and delicate tie neck and waist details, the details really make this dress feel so premium.
If you're finding your reliable white shirt a little repetitive, you might be interested in adding this fashion-forward style to your arsenal. With bow closure detailing and wide puff sleeves, your classic white shirt just got a whole lot more impactful.
M&S's striking new silhouette has caught the eye of many of editors and fashion people alike. The style comes in a mid-blue and black, with three lengths to choose from so you can find your perfect fit.
Barn jackets are trending right now, bringing chic style and practicality together in perfect harmony. Pilcro's design features a mix of tonal brown hues with bold black cuffs and a traditional (and cosy) cord-lined collar.
With deep pleats, a rich brown shade and supple leather look, this skirt is ready to bring instant polish to any outfit this autumn and winter.
We all know and love Arket's sumptuous Alpaca-blend jumper, now H&M brings a highly elevated cardigan style to the mix. The luxurious fabric features an alpaca wool-blend, in a versatile and seriously elevated dark beige shade.
Keeping the classic details of a trench coat like the double-breasted silhouette and sharp lapels, this balances classic style and fresh modernity with a deep blue denim finish.
I've been searching for an elegant top for evening that is still warm enough for the incoming winter months, and Arket has got it oh-so right. From the soft plissé fabric to the voluminous sleeves, this top is sure to be a head-turner.
With our coats covering up most of our outfits right now, there's still a chance to add a playful edge with a standout bag, and few are as refined yet on trend as this one.
It takes real design prowess to make the simplest items feel premium, but COS manages to do it every single time. With a soft cowl neckline, season-ready long sleeves and soft drape, this is the ultimate dress up or dress down dress.
The days are just about to get even cooler, and I'm readying my wardrobe with this refined coat. The brushed texture brings contrast to any pairing, be it denim or tailoring, whilst the soft mushroom shade could convince anyone that this coat was three or four times the price tag.
I'm a dedicated minimalist but even I've been searching for a pair of leopard print jeans this season. Others haven't quite met my requirements of a versatile cut and almost neutral colourway, but with a wide-leg silhouette and muted brown shades, Hush's offering ticks all the boxes.
Boots are once again big news for autumn and winter, and this is a pair you're sure to pull out every year. Let the deep burgundy shade peek out under knit dresses, crisp tailoring or even a pair of leopard print jeans..
The temperatures have dropped and its time to add an extra element of warmth to our ensembles. Personally, I'm looking to this relaxed car coat with a soft and warming lining.
Looking to revitalise your most reliable outfits? Why not add in a pair of highly elegant burgundy ballet flats for an instant richness.
It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to denim, but this pair has all my attention. With a comfortable subtle stretch and deep blue shade, this is a pair you'll easily come to rely on. Note the striking front pockets and slight flared silhouette.
Our lightest linen dresses are packed away for the cooler season, allowing knit iterations to come to the fore. From the soft brown shade to the bold pleating and fluted sleeves, this is a style you'll rely upon every single autumn.
When it comes to a trusted winter coat, it's never too early to start hunting for the one. For 2024, my sights are set on John Lewis's highly expensive looking wrap front style in a rich burgundy shade.
COS consistently shows off its design prowess, and this skirt is a clear example of that. Made with a mix of tactile merino wool for an autumn edge, the skirt is cut to flare creating soft pleats that make the silhouette even more high end.
A classic knee-high silhouette will forever feel relevant in your wardrobe, and the extra addition of a deep brown hue and suede finish bring further elevation to this pair. Style with your trusted knit dresses and mini skirts, or let the pointed toe peek out from underneath tailoring or jeans.
It can be difficult to reimagine knitwear, but Mango makes it look easy with this sleek asymmetric button closure and contemporary scarf detail for an extra cosy finish.
I recently tried on these trousers, and can confirm how premium they truly are. The front pleating and darts alongside the wide-leg silhouette look far beyond the £40 price tag.
As such a premium-looking combination, I've been hunting for a brown suede coat to join my outerwear roster, and Anthropologie's style ticks all the boxes.
Cosy knits are a priority for me right now as the weather shifts into autumn mode, and the mixed knitwork of this design paired with the autumnal khaki shade has all my attention.
Classic, anti-trend and understated—these knee-high boots will be a trusted companion every autumn and winter. The kitten heel will add a comfortable element for all-day wear. Pair with tailoring, jeans, skirts and plenty more.
Country jackets are the rich-looking jacket trend that has taken autumn 2024 by storm, and this one will bring a fresh edge to your cold-weather looks.
Playful animal print pieces are everywhere I look, and Nobody's Child brings a wearable feel to this bold print with this sweet scoop neck dress.
With Amazon Prime Day only a few weeks away I had a pre-emptive scroll through the site for hidden treasures, and this is the first thing I saved to basket. In a soft suede-look finish, this bag is practical and chic in equal measure.
A denim jacket features in our capsule wardrobes year after year, and French Connection revitalises the style with utility detail pockets and a deep blue wash.
COS brings a polished finish to every single piece it creates, and this striped cardigan is a prime example. The perfectly placed stripes are eternally chic, and the boxy silhouette brings a relaxed edge.
Bring your skirt selection straight into the new season with this sleek faux leather midi. The pleat details and contemporary silver bar fastening add to the premium feel of this skirt.
Twill jackets are the rich-looking outerwear trend taking over this season, and H&M has upped the ante with this long coat version. Not the contrasting collar detail, hidden buttons and fluted sleeves, all details that had me second-guessing the price tag.
Colour is one of the main ways that I'm revitalising my wardrobe for autumn, and this reliable striped shirt in sleek red stripes is sure to seamlessly blend right in.
Tailoring is a cornerstone of our wardrobes, and the most expensive-looking styles are set apart by the cut and finish. From the perfectly draped trousers to the square neck waistcoat, every piece of this suit is just so good.
Cosy and chic is a hard pairing to master, but New Look has excelled with this jacket. The finish of the jacket adds a vintage feel that makes it look even more premium.
I keep seeing stylish people adding pops of animal print into their looks, and in my opinion there's no easier way than with a sleek slip skirt. This one has finally come back in stock!
As I've said before, a premium touch can often be found in the finer details of a high street item, like the suede finish of this refined COS bag. COS's swing crossbody has long been an editor favourite at the Who What Wear offices, and the new brown suede style lit up our slack channels.
As autumn settles in, we're looking to hard-wearing fabrics like faux leathers for both warmth and texture. This pair comes in one of the hottest colours of the season: burgundy.
There are an array of seriously chic neutrals around right now, but my attention has been truly piqued by this green cardigan. The drop shoulders and raglan sleeves add a relaxed, oversized shape that I'm ready to wrap myself up in all autumn long.
H&M takes on the classic trench coat style with an upgraded suede-like finish for an added premium edge.
Boho influences are spreading through the new in section in response to Chloé's autumn/winter runway, and this sleek dress ticks all the boxes.
When hunting for expensive-looking pieces on the high street its all about the finer details. For example, the deep brown shade of this cardigan, finished with an elegant organic-shaped gold button.
This is the kind of bag that will have passersby asking "where did you get that?". The design has a designer feel to it, and combined with the elevated burgundy hue it makes the price tag even harder to believe!
Whilst this coat is definitely pricier than many high street pieces, compared to the designer scarf-jacket offerings this is much more reasonable. Made from a soft wool blend, the silhouette is oversized to accommodate autumn knits.
Calling all classic style lovers—the Arket jumper is back. A favourite style last year, the relaxed fit alpaca-wool blend jumper has returned in 5 excellent shades, but this deep yellow has all my attention.
COS has finally reissued the designer-looking handbag that's both practical in size and striking in design. Though more of an investment than many high street pieces, compared to designer counterparts the price is much more reasonable.
Speaking of which... How good is this trench? And it's reversible, meaning you get two styles for the price of one!
The perfect top to go with jeans, wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, mini skirts... Need I go on?
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
- Florrie AlexanderActing Affiliates Editor
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