I'm a Fashion Expert, and I Think These 3 Trends Look Incredibly Expensive

How to look sophisticated on a shoestring budget? We talk about it a lot here at Who What Wear because we are fully aware that some of us have money to burn and some of us don't, but that if you're on this site it's because you share the very same passion for looking and feeling good. So if this season for you is going to be a frugal one, we have some ideas on how to get by in style.

For example, one route in is to invest in 2021's top trends without even buying anything new at all—online vintage and secondhand stores are ripe for pieces that feel right for now, and you'll feel all the more smug for finding something unique. In fact, we're featuring more and more pre-loved pieces within our regular shopping edits all the time. We also have the inside scoop that this £10 mascara is, well, at least face-changing if not life-changing. And there are other little clever hacks to be had, particularly revolving around what to look for when you are interested in purchasing something new. I'm convinced that certain affordable pieces can look much more expensive than their price tags, but it's sometimes hard to work that out for yourself via e-commerce shots and without having the experience of in-store shopping.

So, what's the answer? Well, I think there are a few simple looks, fabrics and outfit combinations to focus on. Featured below are three current looks that are actually quite timeless despite the fact that they can be found on the high street. It takes at least 30 wears for a garment to be considered more environmentally friendly, so whatever you do, make sure you're happy with what turns up on your doorstep and always try any new item on with at least three existing outfits already—that's my litmus test, anyway! Keep scrolling for expensive-looking outfit inspiration… 

1. Plissé, Pleats and Crinkled Fabrics

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(Image credit: @annaaborisovna)

A cream pleated dress is the very height of elegance, don't you think? You can easily make it look less formal with black accessories.

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(Image credit: @flex.mami)

Plissé tops with exaggerated sleeves are going to be all over your feed this summer—trust me. And they look just as great with a fancy skirt as they do with jeans.

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(Image credit: @smyth.sisters)

This is the kind of fabric to spend both comfortable and cosy moments in as well as look to for sharper outfit opportunities—it's pretty flexible.

Shop the look:

2. Knit Co-Ords

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

I just can't get enough of knitted co-ords and the high street does them so well. Look out for cute spring colours if you want something different.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Soft-as triple knits for loungewear? Count me in!

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Co-ords come in all shapes and iterations these days, so you can even find dresses to match to coatigans.

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3. Tunic Over Trousers

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

For the purists out there, a simple tabard or tunic over trousers can be very affordable to put together but always looks sleek.

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Adhere to minimal and/or matching colours and fabrics and the effect will be even more impressive.

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(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Shop the look:

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.