I'm a Polished Dresser on a Budget—Here's Where I Buy My Spring Tailoring

Okay, I admit it: I have expensive taste. When it comes to building my closet as a fashion editor in my thirties, I tend to err on the side of minimalist tailoring and elevated basics which tend to look better in beautiful, expensive fabrics. Often I think to myself I could do with an extra few zeros on the end of my bank balance to be able to indulge my fantasy of owning a capsule wardrobe filled with brands like The Row and Totême.
But in reality, that’s far from a priority—and after almost a decade of working in the industry, I’ve had to get resourceful with my shopping habits in order to find the most expensive-looking pieces for more affordable prices. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve gotten pretty good at it—and I now know which stores are best for which pieces, and where to turn to fuel my desire to look polished on a budget.
It’s not solely tailoring I shop for, but it does play a huge role in my capsule wardrobe— even more so over the past few years when the trend for relaxed tailoring has become so prevalent again. As well as my desire to find quick, easy ways to look put together when rushing to get dressed in the morning.
So, as we launch into spring I thought I’d let you in on my specific go-tos for really good affordable tailoring when I’m looking to invest in new pieces—from lighter suits to crisp shirts. Of course, it can differ from season to season, depending on each brand’s offering. But having spent the last few weeks keeping a close eye on the high street’s new-in sections, I can confirm this is where I’ll be turning to this season.
Keep scrolling to see, and I’ve also added links to some of my favourite premium-looking pieces in case you’re in the market to shop.
1. H&M for Suits
SHOP SUITS:
2. Arket for Shirting
SHOP SHIRTS:
3. Mango for Blazers
SHOP BLAZERS:
4. COS for Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers
Such a good dupe for those The Row trousers.
5. & Other Stories or Weekday for Waistcoats
SHOP WAISTCOATS
Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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