The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
I shop for a living, so I know a chic buy when I see one—below you'll find the affordable pieces that caught my eye this week that genuinely look five times their actual price.
Emily Dawes
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.
As we welcome in 2026, there's plenty of newness around. Some of you will have already set your resolutions for the year and have clear intentions for what the coming 12 months will hold. For me, I've set aside strict changes to my life, instead opting for more overarching moods that feel much more attainable. In terms of my wardrobe, this year is all about leaning into my personal aesthetic and only adding pieces to my wardrobe that feel truly worthwhile. To kick off the new year, I've hand-selected 9 pieces that exude elegance through elevated silhouettes, considered details and refined colourways that will instantly make my 2026 outfits that much chicer. Now to the good part—keep scrolling to shop.
Shop The Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
Zara has spent all winter proving that it excels in refined outerwear, and this long wool coat is the latest example of that.
If 2026 is the year that you refresh your denim collection, look to COS for inspiration. The latest offering features playful front pleats set against a wide-leg silhouette for extra drama. Trust me, you'll get a series of compliments when wearing these.
The one shade that will always turn my head is a vibrant red, and H&M's polo is ready to catch attention throughout winter and into spring. Take note of the cosy mohair infusion in the composition.
When searching for great handbags on the high street I often find myself at Mango, and this one is a real standout. Classic and cool in every way, the east-west silhouette in a deep brown has all the makings of a high-end piece without the price tag.
I'm in the midst of stocking up on staples, and of all the striped shirts around, & Other Stories has caught my eye with this 100% cotton style with brown, black and white stripes.
Wondering what the next big skirt trend will be? It's the kilt. Look to bold pleated styles this season, paired with slouchy knitwear, easy T-shirts or lace accents for a dressier appeal.
When working with muted tones, the accent is placed on finer details like texture and form. This jumper plays with both through the voluminous sleeves and soft-to-touch mohair-blend finish.
I hadn't even begun to think about trench coats until Topshop released this style. The brand brings softened edges to the usually structured coat, which feels fresh and renewed for rainy days.
I have a pair of similar square-toe ballet flats, and every time I wear them I get so many questions on where they're from. Sadly, my pair has sold out, but Anthropologie's offering is a seriously strong contender. Pair with tailored trousers, floaty dresses and even cut-off denim in the summer months.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
This entire outfit looks so high-end, I'm ready to recreate every single detail.
A fresh wave of new-in styles have arrived at COS, and of them, this funnel-neck cardigan has all my attention. From the brand that brought us that cashmere knit, I expect this merino style will join it's best-seller roster.
I'm building upon the basics right now, and giving my white shirt a rest in favour of this sweet denim style.
There's been a lot of buzz online about how much these Zara loafers resemble designer styles. Personally, I agree.
Mark my words, the funnel-neck trend is set to stick around for 2026, and the next trending buy will be the funnel-neck trench coat. Snap yours up now courtesy of Massimo Dutti.
I've had this sumptuous cashmere and wool knit on my wish list for weeks. Now, it comes in a sophisticated navy shade. Yes, its gone straight in my basket.
With many of us looking to support our capsule wardrobes right now, I searched for great denim on the high street, and Mango came through. The relaxed, longline cut of the Danila jeans gives a seriously expensive impression, yet come in at just £36.
I immediately stopped scrolling when I came across this bag. Anthropologie is known for curating a selection of handbags that have a distinctly elegant look. Just wait—you'll be seeing this bag everywhere very soon.
A few weeks ago I snapped up a seriously chic high-neck blazer from Zara, and now they've brought out a grey wool version that is destined to join my collection.
COS's prowess on the high street comes from the undeniably refinement of its designs. Take this sleek wool jacket as an example—the high neckline and structured silhouette could easily pass for a designer piece.
January can often feel like the longest month of the year, so I've pencilled in a selection of events and special moments to break up the cool days. For these, I'll be relying on Massimo's sleek top to accompany my jeans and tailoring in dressier moments.
Jeans are my most relied upon wardrobe staple, and this year I'm leaning into contemporary silhouettes to bring a fresh edge to my hardworking capsule buys. Enter the bold barrel-leg jean, a striking silhouette sure to rejuvenate our treasured pieces even when styled over and over again.
For a long time I've coveted The Row's 90's bag, a compact barrel style that seems to be the ultimate everyday companion. Instead of the four-figure price tag, I've sourced this sleek suede style from Mint Velvet.
The icy weather has arrived, and if you're wondering how to balance style and function, a great wool coat is the answer. Mango's latest style has a long length for insulation, a refined camel colourway for easy styling, and a bold collar for a fashion-forward edge.
Moving into 2026, we're going to see a real focus on silhouette. Hourglass shapes are a clear trend in coats and jackets, and now Aligne is leaning in by offering a fresh denim update to its most treasured best-seller.
The chill in the air is set to stick around, and if your knitwear collection is in need of some bolstering, I'd recommend looking to Marks & Spencer's latest style. The understated colourway and design ensure its longevity in any great wardrobe, with a high v-neck that lends itself perfectly to the current trends.
The new year has arrived and with it, Zara's next It buy. Keep your eye's peeled for this double-faced jacket's take off, as its sure to be a sell out in the next week.
Streamlined silhouettes are continuing to dominate trainer trends for 2026, and Hush offers a supremely elevated option in deep burgundy. The tonal laces are also a nice touch.
I'm starting to think about spring layers, and so this funnel-neck jacket in a chic chocolate brown shade is top of the hit list.
V-necks are what the cool-girls are investing in now. This H&M number looks so premium.
This looks so sumptuous and soft! I adore the geometric pattern and soft taupe tone.
Is this about to be COS next best-selling trouser style? I think so. Casual elegance in a nutshell.
Mango coats are not to be slept on. This handmade oversized piece looks insanely luxe.
I have been hunting down a new east-west bag which doesn't break the bank. This leather number from COS joins it's long list of cult handbags.
Wear the classic way, or turn the collar up for a more fashion-forward look.
The latest addition to COS's exquisite knitwear collection is this refined funnel-neck style and its in stock (for now).
If you're looking for an elegant infusion, add this Zara bag to your outfits for an instant lift.
Aligne's beloved Bonnie blazer has a striking silhouette, refined neckline and now the deep burgundy shade has been restocked!
The silhouette of this top has all the makings of a designer buy, and will bring a refined edge to any outfit. Pair with tailoring, jeans, skirts and much more.
The shape! The shade! Mark my words, these are about to be H&M's next best-selling jeans.
Anytime you want to pull together a polished look, layer this coat on top.
Trust COS to bring every sophisticated detail together to create this incredibly chic knit top.
I did a double take when I saw this designer-looking bag.
The deep aubergine shade! The cinched silhouette! The asymmetric closure! Every detail of this blazer is spot on.
Whistles has launched it's Limited Edition collection, and its full of capsule wardrobe heroes and playful trending styles.
Just in time for party season! Layer over jeans, tailoring or a sweet mini skirt.
If you're looking for a way to elevate knitwear for evening, look to COS's off-the-shoulder jumper. The incredibly soft style is crafted from 100% merino wool.
Mango is leaning into bold silhouettes this week with this chic cardigan. The rounded shoulders and slight peplum design add to the impactful look of this cardigan.
If you haven't checked & Other Stories' new in section recently, you may be missing out on a series of excellent denim arrivals. My personal favourite are these wide leg jeans in a deep blue shade that I just know will instantly work hard in my wardrobe.
Spacious, sleek and smooth suede—Mango's shopper is sure to sell out fast. Let this be your refined work tote, or fill to the brim with everything you'll need for a winter break!
Massimo Dutti is always looking to elevate our everyday pieces, and right now its all about the off-white shirt. The classic button-up style will be a feature in your outfits throughout the year, with the slightly lemon shade ready to brighten up your favourite looks.
We all know about Topshop's excellence in denim, and now its time to get to know its tailoring. The sharp pleats and draped look of these trousers brings a high-end feel to this affordable pair. Plus, I adore the deep brown colourway.
H&M's footwear collection has been so strong this season. Case in point: these loafers. The design is eternally chic, and the croc effect brings an elevated touch to this pair. This winter, we've been styling our loafers with everything from tailoring to denim to dresses.
Massimo Dutti teased this scarf knit last week with a 'coming soon' tag, and finally, it's officially stocked. My knitwear collection is due a little joy, and this sunny yellow jumper is exactly what it's calling out for.
Move fast! This leather-look burgundy skirt looks incredibly high-end, and only required a cosy knit and boots to make a highly elegant winter look.
If you've been sleeping on M&S's handbag collection, it's time to wake up. The brand has a series of chic bags available this winter, and this one if my personal favourite.
COS brings its excellence in tailoring to form these bold barrel-leg trousers. A wintery tactile update comes in the form of flocked denim, which creates a velvet like texture.
Once again, COS shows that it knows all about expensive-looking knitwear. The deep brown shade and cosy finish is exactly what I've been searching for.
Bringing together cosy knit and a striking neckline, Reformation has done it again.
I'm rejuvenating my winter layers with the addition of this pretty pink mohair top. Now, I'm adding it over a long-sleeved top, whilst I'll wear it on its own in Spring.
The scrunched finish of these loafers has a definitively designer feel about them, and brings a relaxed mood to this serious shoe.
Massimo Dutti's jacket brings together the ease of a bomber jacket with the sophistication of a scarf coat. Naturally, it's already sold out once, so I'm making sure to snap it up now before the restock sells out too.
As soon as I saw this outfit I knew I wanted to recreate the whole look immediately. To emulate the polished ensemble, simply grab you favourite neutral knit and sleek boots.
When considering how to style the merino top above, the obvious ideas of tailoring and jeans came to mind along with the most polished options: satin trousers. One of my personal favourite styles is this exact pair from Reformation.
