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:
Anytime you want to pull together a polished look, layer this coat on top.
The silhouette of these jeans is so exquisite that they're already selling fast.
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.
If you're looking for a sophisticated shoe on the high street, look to Massimo Dutti's stellar offerings.
The cut and flow of these trousers are absolutely spot on.
Just in time for party season! Layer over jeans, tailoring or a sweet mini skirt.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
Marks & Spencer has done it again: this time with a sleek brown coat with a sculpted silhouette. The double-breasted style is undeniably classic, yet the fitted waist brings a contemporary finish. Call upon this coat every single winter.
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.
Alongside M&S, 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.
There's no denying the versatility of a great blazer, but if you're looking for something a little more fashion-forward, this Zara style is the answer. The stand collar adds a point of difference to classic styles, with a sleek collar fastening.
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.
With all the timeless hallmarks like a notched collar and single-breasted design, this coat was already great. Then, the brand added the sculpted silhouette, instantly launching it into excellent territory. Trust me, this won't wait around.
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.
Last week, I found myself reaching for silk trousers three days in a row, so I immediately knew I had to share a pair here. From day to night, they instantly bring an elegant touch, and this & Other Stories pair also comes in a party-ready silver.
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.
If you're looking for a chic way to lounge whilst binge watching Christmas movies, this sleek hoodie is the answer.
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.
I spotted these yesterday and they're already on their way to me. Sleek loafers are the ideal companion for so many outfits, from smart tailoring to relaxed denim to contrasting floaty dresses. The textured finish and deep brown shade set this pair apart.
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.
Ever since these jeans launched, I've spotted them on stylish people and my fellow editors consistently. Now, they've had a restock, but don't expect them to stick around for long.
It's officially time for gloves to rejoin your daily essentials, and this pair is lined with cashmere for an extra cosy finish.
Bring a rich edge to winter dressing with sleek satin trousers. Contrast with chunky knits, or lean into the refined look with the matching blazer.
Everything about this maxi dress feels incredibly timeless.
Massimo Dutti's footwear collection should not be slept on. These loafers will hold their place in your capsule wardrobe year after year.
If you thought this was a designer buy, I wouldn't blame you. Bring a touch of polish to your looks when this bag is in tow.
A classic black coat is one of the most versatile wardrobe additions around, and Topshop brings it's eye-catching spin with a structured finish and oversized silhouette.
From dolled up for party season to cosy knits and loafers, I just know I'll be relying on this satin skirt a lot this season. Plus, the matching top is so chic.
Bring together a stylish accent and cosy feature in this mohair-blend brushed scarf. Layer over coats, a simple roll-neck or even a basic Tee to bring a winter edge to your outfits.
Bringing together cosy knit and a striking neckline, Reformation has done it again.
The timeless shade, the bold neckline—I just know that this Zara jacket won't stick around for long.
Clearly, funnel-necks have all my attention right now. Massimo Dutti's knitwear collection for winter 2025 is the strongest I've ever seen.
I spotted these tailored trousers in-store the other day and had to try them on immediately. The flowing shape and bold front pleats demonstrate just how good Mango's tailoring is.
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.
There are so many details drawing me to this sleek coat, from the deep burgundy shade to the bold funnel-neck design. Throw over day and night looks this winter, and every winter to come.
Massimo did a black version of this knit which sold out almost immediately, now the grey version has been released. The front closures take this knit from simple to statement, whilst being incredibly wearable. Expect lots of compliments when wearing this knit.
Marks & Spencer has made a name for itself as a brand that excels in tailoring, and this season it's truly outdoing itself. Leaning into timeless designs, M&S takes the pinstripe trousers and adds a contemporary wide-leg silhouette and sharp pleats to bring them straight into 2025.
These ballet pumps have become a core style for H&M, reinvented every few collections for the coming season. For winter 2025, texture is a prominent detail, and now alongside the animal print versions comes a refined black pair with a tactile finish.
Scarf details are taking over outerwear and knitwear, and now this sleek feature is all over our pretty tops. For evenings out or upcoming festive parties, look to this & Other Stories blouse to bring an elegant edge. Pair with tailoring, jeans, skirts and more.
The sculptural shape of this blazer is truly exquisite. Bring a sophisticated finish to tailoring or simply jeans with this blazer in tow.
The barrel-leg silhouette isn't going anywhere, and if you're looking to instantly update your favourite outfits for the new season, consider layering in a new cut of denim. Personally, I tend to stick to blue and black jeans, so to bring a fresh touch to my looks I'm looking to this ecru pair. Years later, Topshop is still a master of denim.
Small details can set a piece apart, and for this knit its the tactile finish. The fuzzy finish of the alpaca blend jumper along with the deep rust shade has set it apart from the rest.
When searching for expensive-looking handbags on the high street, we often find ourselves turning to COS. The brand brings together sophisticated designs and timeless details to make truly high-end-looking pieces, like the Marais bag. There is a larger version if you tend to pack more, but I think this smaller size is ideal for everyday.
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.
Knitwear is back as a mainstay in our winter wardrobes, and Whistles has lent into the key trend of the season: the funnel-neck. With a cosy alpaca blend finish and deep navy shade, every detail of this striking knit looks incredibly elevated.
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.
Zara's elegant winter coat has received a fair amount of attention recently, and it's easy to see why. The design calls upon classic design details to secure its timeless title, with contemporary twist by way of the leather underside of the collar. The jacket can be secured to create a funnel-neck look with the leather collar exposed, instantly moving from classic to contemporary.
A pair of brown satin M&S trousers joined my wish list last week, but quickly sold out. Luckily, I discovered this sleek black pair with bold front pleating and an extravagant wide-leg shape. For daytime, pair with a fluffy knit and ballet flats, or take to evening with a sleek top and mules.
With a deep burgundy shade, tactile finish and elegant east-west silhouette, this baguette bag is currently at the top of my wish list. From everyday jeans outfits to elegant evening looks, this bag is sure to rise to the occasion.
Winter 2025 is all about expensive-looking knitwear. From scarf details to bold belts, it's the finer details that our taking our knitwear from simple layering staples to eye-catching pieces this season.
Our calendars are starting to ramp up the festive season with a series of cocktail evenings, dinner parties and other celebrations. Instead of layering in sequins for one season, I'm calling upon to elevated appeal of velvet to bring that refined evening edge to my looks.
Both my fellow shopping editor and I have both saved this to our wish lists this week. Getting dressed on dark mornings is hard enough, so rely on a sleek knit dress to make the choice that much easier. Simply add knee-high boots (I've found a pair below) and throw on your favourite winter coat.
If you're looking for a way tot feel instantly polished, a smart blazer is probably the answer. Now, H&M introduces a refined asymmetric style with a sweet tie bow in winter's trending shade. Truly, this blazer ticks so many style boxes its no wonder it looks triple the price.
Knee-high boots are undeniably versatile. Whether peeking out under tailored trousers or pairing with knit dresses, so may winter outfits call for a sleek pair of boots.
From the elegant neckline to the fitted waist silhouette, Aligne proves once again that it knows exactly how to make a designer-looking piece. Trust me, everyone will be asking which high-end brand this comes from.
This season I'm leaning into elevated textures to bring a premium touch to my more affordable looks. First on my list is a sleek satin shirt, which looks even more rich in this deep khaki shade.
A great coat is worth spending a bit more on, and & Other Stories has convinced me with this highly chic offering. The longline silhouette balances the bold collar, which has all the makings of a high-end design. Now to choose between the dark brown and soft grey.
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.
Scarf detailing is back for another winter, bringing a sophisticated finish to our staple pieces. Now, Zara offers this soft short knit coat with added scarf accent as the elegant finishing touch for any winter outfit.
Two key winter trends come together to make this sleek and cosy COS jacket. The funnel-neck detail is both contemporary and insulation, and the teddy finish is primed for the season. The classic boxy shape will ensure that year after year you'll find yourself reaching for this timeless jacket.
Rejuvenate your T-shirt looks by swapping in a cosy knit version this winter. The rich rust shade instantly drew me in, and the cosy alpaca blend finish secured its place in my basket. Pair with jeans, tailoring or even the skirt above.
One of the many categories Massimo Dutti excels in is footwear. Each year we're presented with a series of high-end looking boots, and for 2025 this is my personal selection. Bring an elegant finishing touch to dresses, trousers, skirts and more with this embossed effect pair. Also note the slight curve to the heel that ensures this pair could easily pass for a designer buy.
A great trench coat is one of the hardest-working pieces in the cooler months, and if you're looking for a style with classic appeal and a modern edge, this is the one for you. Topshop leans heavily into minimalism to secure this trench's place in your wardrobe for years to come, with a contrast collar that can be secured to get the funnel-neck look.
H&M's affordable knitwear is looking better than ever this season, and currently at the top of my wish list is this peplum cardigan. This season, cardigans are getting a waisted treatment, and the peplum form accentuates that fit and flare shape.
I spotted some of my fellow editors sporting Marks & Spencer looks this fashion week, and did a double-take when I saw this bag. In person, it looks like a designer buy, and I've been waiting for this deep brown shade to come in stock.
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.
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.
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.
The focus on tailoring, silhouette and structure ensure this blazer feels at least three times its price tag. The sculpted waist form can be shown off when buttoned up, or worn loosely for a more relaxed look.
A sleek woven handbag has been on my wish list for weeks, and now ASOS's sleek style has taken the place of the designer style I'd be eyeing up.
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.
I recently tried on this jacket and can confirm that it's even better in person! The minimalist design and lightweight form cement this as a staple piece for years to come, and the burgundy shade is innately rich-looking.
Every great wardrobe deserves a sleek black dress to rely on, whether bringing a smart touch to office looks or dressing up for dinners out. The classic design has an innately elegant feel to it, ready to work hard in your wardrobe for years to come.
Sleek, low-profile trainers have officially taken over from chunky styles, and right now both our readers and our editors are infatuated by COS's chic offering. The hard part is choosing between the elevated colourways.
A trench coat is a standard feature in any great autumn wardrobe, and Zara's latest release is one of the chicest around. Plus, it's water repellent, ready to take on sudden showers whilst looking incredibly elevated.
The minimalist design and classic shape of this bag come together to create a very designer-looking bag. Whilst it also comes in a sleek grey, the tan version is calling my name.
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.
Soon enough, scarves will return to our everyday outfits, and I'm getting ahead by adding this scarf detail cardigan to basket. The scarf can be detached and restyled for various looks, and of course is made from a sumptuous 100% wool.
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.
