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.
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:
It's about that time when we start thinking about coats, and Zara is already making a play for the chicest new addition of the season. The refined colourway, the pared-back design, the understated look—every detail of this coat exudes luxury, except for the price tag.
The second drop of H&M's autumn/winter collection has arrived, bringing with it a wave of boho styles that are fast filling up my wish list. At the top is this standout blouse, with bold shoulder pads contrasting the soft fluid shape, making the entire blouse feel incredibly high-end. Pair with tailoring, skirts, jeans and more.
COS has a very specific way of making classic pieces feel incredibly contemporary with a small switch to silhouette. Here, the humble cardigan that works hard every single year has had a slight cinching around the wait to bring it straight into winter 2025. If you're looking for a staple knit with enduring appeal, this one's for you.
I've been closely watching the "coming soon" tag on this Arket bag for weeks, and now it's available to shop! Moving into my autumn/winter palette, I'm looking for rich shades to bring depth and newness to my wardrobe, and this bag ticks every box. Wear over the shoulder with the long tubular straps or reach for the smaller top handle for in-hand wear.
Knitwear is swiftly becoming a staple once more, and whilst I have a few favourites that I rely on year after year, I'm ready for something new. Massimo Dutti's sleek khaki style with an integrated scarf is both contemporary and anti-trend, destined to be a favourite for years to come.
By now, we're all well aware of the Sloane trousers. They're classic, polished and incredibly chic, and now Abercrombie has updated the style with buckle hardware for a fresh update. Often, it's the small details that make a piece look so expensive.
Reversible jackets are rising in popularity this season for their versatile appeal. Here, Mango takes it one step further, bringing two textures into the mix as well as two key shades. For a cosier look, keep the soft brown shearling side on the outside, pairing with your brown-based pieces. For outfits that work best with black, swap in the smooth black side.
Mixing textures can bring a depth to a look that instantly elevates it beyond its price tag, and this real suede shirt is up to the task. Wear it in place of your favourite cotton styles, whether that's with beloved jeans, sleek skirts or smart tailoring.
The three pillars of my shoe collection are great boots, easy flats and cool trainers, and now the latter is getting a fresh update. The iconic Japan sneakers are beloved for their retro silhouette, leaning into the low-profile trainer trend. Now, the brown snake effect is making a play to be the next It style.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
Speaking of satin skirts, now that our light linen styles are packed away its time to turn our attention to more autumnal styles. This season, lace detailing is accenting all styles from vest tops to dresses, bringing a romantic edge to our staple looks. I also adore the mix of black and brown shades here.
Now that autumn is here, my tailored trousers are working overtime, and now I can call of my search for a pair of sleek pinstripe trousers. Style with classic shirts, easy tees, or go bold with the matching blazer.
The cooler days have arrived and now its time to add a light jacket into our everyday outfits. Personally, I'll be reaching for Zara's faux suede style, with a pared-back appeal to suit my minimalist aesthetic and the exact shade of tan that works with every colour in my wardrobe.
A soft knit T-shirt is one of the most versatile pieces for the transitional period, and the brushed finish cements the elevated feel of the top. Play with contrast by styling with denim jeans, crisp tailoring or satin skirts (there's one below if you need!)
Shirts are a key part of my capsule wardrobe all year round, and I'm always looking for one that is a little different to rejuvenate my collection. This green, blue and white palette has all my attention, and the varied stripe weights adds to the elevated appeal of the shirt.
It's often the small details in a piece that set it apart from the rest, and in this case, it's the silhouette of these tailored trousers. The bold barrel leg style in a deep navy hue could easily pass as a three-figure purchase, especially when paired with the matching blazer.
Now that light summer dresses have been packed away, all eyes are on sleek knit styles, and H&M is setting a high standard with this sleek burgundy style. The scooped neckline and flared sleeves are the refined details that ensure that no one will believe this dress is under. £40.
Every year, Zara’s suede jackets vanish faster than you can say “add to basket,” so this season, I’m determined to beat the rush. After a thorough scroll through the entire new-in drop, this limited edition jacket quickly stood out as my absolute favourite.
Last year, Mango released a similar knit that flew off the shelves so fast that I missed out. This year, I'm not letting this striking style pass me by. With a fitted waist and soft balloon sleeves, this knitted jacket was set to be a success. Then the smattering of vintage-look buttons were added, and it's officially a standout buy.
Free People has brought its expertise in pretty design and delicate details to create the Faded Gardens Tank. With sweet tie sides and intricate embroidery, this top is primed to bring a boho edge to jeans, skirts, and even tailoring. The hard part is choosing between the ten colourway options.
COS is known for it's excellent trousers, and now the brand brings together polish and comfort to create the fluid drawstring trousers. With just enough smart details to take on office looks, whilst still feeling relaxed enough for off-duty attire, this pair is set to become a new best-seller for the brand.
Whilst I wish every day was a heatwave, the British weather has been reminding us that summer includes cooler moments. On grey or rainy days, a reliable denim jacket is one you'll want to have close to hand, and Aligne's newest offering could easily pass for a designer style. Add to your basket now, and also prepare your wardrobe for autumn's arrival.
I'm looking to take my top collection up a notch this season, and silhouette is the first update I'll be making. Enter, this draped chocolate brown style from Massimo Dutti. Destined to bring a polished edge to everything from jeans to floaty summer skirts.
If you've been searching for a sleek alternative to a boring straight leg, informal wide-leg or dated skinny jean, this slim flare in a perfect shade of deep blue denim should be on your radar. Arket's denim always impresses me with the quality so I'm excited to try this fresh pair which look like they can easily be dressed up or down.

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
- Emily DawesSenior Shopping Editor
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