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.
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.
June’s arrival comes on the back of our first taste of summer. The heatwave offered us a chance to test out our warm-weather wardrobes and identify any gaps that are yet to be filled. For me, the heatwave instantly showed me the pieces I depend upon most, like easy throw-on dresses with instant polish, smart linen trousers with a touch of tailoring, and pretty blouses that can move between lunch dates and al fresco dinners with ease.
In line with summer’s arrival, the high street has served up its new collections, and I’ve spent hours searching through the new arrivals to hunt down the most expensive-looking styles. Below, you’ll find a series of sophisticated dresses that will be a breezy addition to everyday, workwear and holiday wardrobes. You’ll notice fresh takes on classic summer buys, from flare linen trousers to silky lace trim shorts. Now to the good part—keep scrolling to shop the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street right now.
Shop The Most Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
This pretty top is already on its way to me. I'm planning on wearing it to make my linen trousers, shorts, and pretty skirts instantly polished this season.
Every stylish person is calling upon longer lengths to make shorts more sophisticated this season. This Zara pair is sure to move fast.
In-the-know fashion people always turn to COS for expensive-looking handbags. This black and raffia minimalist style is sure to be an instant hit.
The shape! The versatile shade! I'll be restyling this dress for day and evening throughout the summer months.
I recently tried on this blouse. I was won over my the relaxed fit, ruffle sleeves and intricate embroidery.
My linen trouser collection is in need of a little rejuvenation and Mango has answered my call with this soft green pair.
I'm only interested in elegant sandals that will outlast moving trends. This pair ticks all the boxes.
With more heatwaves on the horizon, I'm ensuring that my dress collection is ready for the heat. The one thing I'm missing is a sleek mini dress, and & Other Stories's style is so classic.
Whilst I wish I could promise the summer rain was done, I can't. Instead, I can offer a sleek way to take on the cooler moments and sudden showers, and this is it.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
I've been searching for tops that are a little more exciting than a simple tank top or T-shirt, but still as timeless. Now, this sweet cami is ready to be styled up with jeans, tailoring, floaty skirts and more.
I've personally tried this dress on and can confirm that the fit and silhouette are exquisite. Dress down with simple sandals or elevate with a sleek mule for summer weddings and garden parties.
There are a lot of linen trousers around right now, and if you're looking for a distinctive yet relaxed silhouette, Free People's flare style currently has all my attention. Made from a breezy linen and cotton blend, the style also comes in other shades.
Everything COS does looks designer. From it's refined tailoring to minimalist sandals, the entire summer collection is an anti-trend dressers dream. Next on my wish list are these sleek yet comfortable sandals, with a suede lining and pared-back straps which are sure to outlast moving trends.
Whether you're looking to take your casual looks to all new heights, or looking for a sweet dress for your dressier occasions, this will rise to all occasions.
Blouses have become one of the most worn categories in my wardrobe since spring, and I expect they'll hold their place through autumn too. H&M's collection is full of stellar styles, from bolder styles to more pared-back versions like the one above.
My tailored shorts are working hard, but when I want something a little more playful, it's lace-trim shorts that I turn to. Just picture the lace trim peeking out under a long Tee or paired with a sleek halterneck top.
There's nothing more versatile and enduring than a spacious raffia tote bag. Every summer, we find ourselves reaching for this style over and over again, and now I'm ready to invest in one with durable leather straps that can be reworn every singly year.
Massimo's entire collection is impressing me right now, but the one piece I can't stop thinking about is this pretty embroidered skirt. The intricate lace is so beautiful.
& Other Stories is known for its pretty dresses, and I just know this classic style is about to become a best-seller. The pretty sleeves, shirred waist and sleek shade add all the elegance needed for a chic summer.
Sandal season is here! And just in time, Whistles has released a pair of refined sandals that keep their place in your wardrobe for many years to come. This 100% leather pair has a croc-embossed effect which adds to the high-end appeal.
Pretty blouses are here to stay. Style throughout the summer with light jeans, tailored linen shorts, breezy trousers and floaty skirts.
I'm so pleased that playful balloon shapes have returned to bring an elegant edge to summer trousers. But, this pair does more as the hem ties can be loosened to create a simple wide-leg shape. I might also be adding the brown and black colourways to my wardrobe too.
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.
I stopped scrolling when I saw this sweet M&S top. The first thing to get me was the sweet bows on the shoulders, followed by the sculptural shape created by the shirred waist. Don't just save for special occasions, you can style this casually with loose trousers or easy shorts.
Honestly, this whole look is a 10/10. Pair this breathable cotton maxi skirt with the matching top, or mix and match with the rest of your summer wardrobe.
If you're not quite ready to launch into sandals, it's time to add a sleek ballet flat to your collection. Alohas elegant styles are beloved by fashion people and editors alike (and come in so many great colours).
Massimo Dutti always gets it right. For those milder summer days, reach for this sophisticate overshirt with delicate buttons and a soft silhouette.
I've been waiting weeks for this dress to finally arrive! From the elegant shape to the timeless shade, this dress was made to turn hears every single summer.
The incoming sunshine is calling out for pretty tops with intricate embroidery. Enter Mango's sweet top with delicate embroidery and a tie back.
Ray-Ban has a history of iconic sunglasses, and this rectangular style is about to join the lineup. Personally, I wear sunglasses all year round, so I know I'll get plenty of wear out of this chic pair.
I've already spotted a few stylish people wearing Free People's sleek linen skirt set. The linen infusion brings an airy edge to this polished co-ord.
Even at the height of summer, the cooler evenings can call for a light jacket. This linen style will add just enough warmth, as well as bring a playful edge with the sweet embroidery.
A great shirt will work hard in every wardrobe, and no one knows that better than With Nothing Underneath. Now, this bold blue shade is calling my name.
COS is known for its excellent tailoring, and this pair is about to become a best-selling style for the brand. The barrel-leg shape is so refined.
I recently tried on these Reiss jeans and immediately had to share them. First, the barrel-leg silhouette is exquisite, then add in the seriously soft and comfortable denim and they've swiftly become one of my go-to pairs.
Sandals with a touch of embellishment always look so expensive, and this pair is no exception. No matter the year, you can depend on these sleek sandals.
I've been looking for a light layer for the cooler moments, and this overshirt has officially called off my search. The soft blue shade, the toggle closures and the curved collar come together to create an incredibly expensive-looking piece that can be styled with everything from jeans to shorts to tailoring.
Restock alert! Sézane's best-selling Gaspard cardigan has been restocked in the vibrant red shade, and I won't let it pass me by.
The accessories switchover is underway as sandals and woven bags rejoin our wardrobes. Of them all, this patterned woven style is one of the most expensive-looking I've found on the high street.
If you haven't yet explored Gap's summer dress collection, you're missing out. This is just one of the standout styles, exuding elegance and moving seamlessly from day to night with a touch of styling.
I saw these sandals in person the other day, and yes, they immediately came home with me. Leaning into the suede trend, Anthropologie offers up this sleek pair with bold gold hardware then instantly elevates your footwear collection for the warm days.
I scrolled through hundreds of H&M new-in buys to find these trousers, and it was so worth it. The striking shape, the linen infusion and the classic spring appeal has put this pair firmly on my wish list.
I've truly fallen for every piece in Massimo Dutti's latest collection, but the first thing that is joining my forever wardrobe is this black dress. The neckline brings a touch of intrigue to such a pared-back piece, and I already know that I'll be restyling it for day and night.
Nothing signals the arrival of the warm days quite like the return of the basket bag. COS's bags are frequently praised for their designer appeal.
I know a great pair of jeans when I see them, and the drape of this pair has all my attention.
If you didn't know, Gap's spring/summer 2026 collection is full to the brim with pretty styles, including this elegant dress. It also comes in classic black and a vibrant red.
Easy skirts are back in our wardrobe rotations, and if you're searching for a style that is enduring, classic and incredibly wearable, this one's for you.
This spacious woven bag is the perfect companion this spring. Fill up with picnic snacks, beach essentials or your work day must-haves!
If you're searching for a dress that looks incredibly current yet will hold it's place in your wardrobe for years to come, this is the one for you.
If you're updating your denim collection for spring, look to Gap's comfortable drawstring pair with a bold horseshoe cut. Currently I'm stuck between the light wash and dark blue denim.
This is the most expensive-looking high street bag I've seen in a while. Move fast—this won't stick around for long.
The denim dress is back! Now, Mint Velvet gives it a contemporary update with a halter neckline and bold seam detailing.
From puff sleeves to broderie cutwork to the bold collar—M&S is leaning into the romantic side of blouses with this pretty style.
Anthropologie's beloved Calla bag is back in new shades. Currently, this soft green is all I can think about.
Impeccably cut denim that leans timeless rather than trend-driven. The ultra-high rise and straight leg create a long, flattering line, exactly the sort of polished jean that anchors a capsule wardrobe.
I've tried on so many spring dresses recently, and the one I can't stop thinking about is this COS style.
Every single year, Zara brings back its criss-cross sandals. This year, the style comes in a tactile embossed form, crafted from 100% lether.
Another piece I've tried on recently and adored is these & Other Stories' trousers. Polished yet breezy, rely on these trousers all spring and summer long.
Trust Abercrombie to come through with the perfect cut and shade of spring denim.
COS's excellence in tailoring extends to warm-weather linen buys. This season, the high street brand is embracing contemporary barrel-leg cuts with its signature ease to look incredibly polished even through a heatwave.
I wear jeans throughout the seasons, and on the hottest days its loose-cut white jeans that I turn to most. Zara's collection is top tier right now.
It's true! Anthropologie's beloved Nola bag now comes in a smaller size. Based on how the previous style flew last year, we expect this will sell out fast.
Navigating warmer days and sudden spring showers just got easier (and chicer) with & Other Stories's belted car coat.
As soon as I saw Coco Schiffer wearing these jeans I had to know where they were from. I still can't believe this pair is a high street find!
This spring I plan on spending less time putting together outfits and more time embracing the sunshine. Easy, throw-on dresses with a sophisticated appeal will get me there.
I have this blazer in black and get compliments on it every time I wear it. Now, Zara offers the same style in a sleek cream colourway. Yes, it's already in my basket.
Anytime I spy a great pair of jeans, I have to shout about it. ASOS Design's pair has a timeless cut, elegant wash and touch of stretch for added comfort.
Pretty spring looks deserve an equally pretty bag, and this one is top of my wish list right now.
Easy, relaxed and incredibly chic—Free People is showing off with these trousers.
I always find myself turning back to pretty tops when the weather brightens, and few do boho style as well as Free People. Paired with jeans, tailoring, shorts or floaty skirts, this top will bring a romantic edge to spring dressing every single time you wear it.
Last year, I bought a black smock-waist dress from H&M that induced compliments every time I wore it. Now, the brand is bringing the style back in a soft cream shade that exudes elegance and ease in equal measure.
