At Who What Wear UK, we pride ourselves on predicting the next big item before it even makes it to the shop floor in order to get you the best possible insider info. We're keen, to say the least, which means we'll scour the posts of the thousands of fashionable people we follow on Instagram for unexpected high-street sightings to share with you (that is, after we've bought and tested our faves).
Our skills are so attuned that, more often than not, we'll have an inkling about a certain piece before it hits the big time. Other times, we do a quick scroll through our saved posts before we notice a burgeoning trend . Either way, you can trust that we're on it. Right now, there are some beautiful items making a strong bid for inclusion in this gallery, from the ultimate pair of jeans to the accessories that look way beyond their high-street price tags. Keep reading to see our picks of influencers wearing the latest high-street items.
The Chicest Examples of Influencers Wearing High Street:
1. Whistles Leather Coat
Style Notes: It turns out winter hasn't been quite as cold as we'd thought thus far, so instead of loading up on faux fur, Monikh's longline leather coat is the ideal transitional option. Rainproof, windproof and undeniably chic, this is a sleek pick for those looking for something to wear over their jumper and jeans pairing.
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This is already selling fast.
2. COS Wide Leg Trousers
Style Notes: I cant think of a fashion editor that doesn't have at least one pair of tailored, wide-leg trousers in their wardrobes, and COS' herringbone trousers toe the perfect line between smart-formal and everyday elegance. Take a leaf out of Francesca's book and add a chunky knit and trainers for an easy weekend look that stills feels put together.
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I love the head-to-toe grey styling.
3. Free People Suede Jacket
Style Notes: Just when we thought chocolate brown suede was the best thing to happen to autumn/winter 2024, we spotted this moss green suede jacket on Jessica Skye and were instantly hooked. Bravo, Free People—this is the perfect throw-on-and-go jacket for chilly mornings, and did we mention it also comes in electric blue, sand beige, navy and black?
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So good you want to reach out and stroke it.
4. Nobody's Child Vintage Mid Wash Denim Jacket and Jeans
Style Notes: What better than one great denim find? Two of course, and extra points go to Liv Madeline for doubling on Nobody's Child's vintage wash, a slightly distressed pairing that looks especially chic with a a grey maxi coat over the top. I'm confident that this is an ensemble that will persuade even the most sceptical of double denim doubters.
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The bigger, boyfriend fit feels so current.
Any jeans that look equally good with trainers and heels is a win in our book.
5. Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Trousers
Style Notes: Black trousers might be considered a staple, but dark brown is the 2024 update we've been waiting for to bring tailoring up to date. Try Massimo Dutti's wool blend trousers for a comfy pair that can be dressed up or down with just the change of a shoe, they're the perfect neutral base for just about any winter trouser outfit you can think of.
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The matching suit blazer is still in stock too.
6. GAP V-Neck Pocket Cardigan
Style Notes: Finding designer-coded dupes is a speciality of mine, and this sumptuous, chunky cardi immediately gave me Khaite's Scarlet knit vibes. It would appear that the public would agree as this has been selling like hot cakes, so I'd advise being quick to snap up this cute cardi for less than than 5% of the cost of the luxury inspiration.
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It also comes in beige, black and khaki green.
7. Albaray Argyle Jumper
Style Notes: Argyle knits are having a moment right now, but Albaray's subtle take on the trend is perfect for those who don't want to look like they're wearing a novelty Christmas jumper. We love how Sarah Louise Blythe pairs hers with grey trousers and a leather handbag to make it feel more elevated than the usual jumper + jeans combo.
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A classic wear-with-everything knit.
8. John Lewis Sleeveless Cardigan
Style Notes: If putting together the words "sleeveless" and "cardigan" feel like an oxymoron, you haven't seen just how versatile this button up is. Although Danielle makes hers the star of the show by wearing with nothing undeneath, its also perfect for layering over tees, vests and turtlenecks when you need an extra layer but don't want to overheat in bulky cable knits.
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See More of Our Favourite Buys From Last Month:
1. Marks and Spencer Textured Buckle Coat
Style Notes:Back for another year, Marks and Spencer's bestselling teddy coat continues to be a resounding hit with editors and influencers alike. If you're looking for a designer-coded coat that is cute, cosy and undeniably chic, look no further than this, and at under £80, it's conclusive proof of just what the high street can do on a modest budget.
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Act fast to get this while you still can.
2. Me + Em Zip Front Pointe Dress
Style Notes: Sorry LBD, it's far too cold outside to be thinking about spaghetti straps and micro hemlines. Instead, Thandi's choice of Me + Em's zip front dress [pictured above] goes to show just how elegant and versatile black dresses can be at all lengths, especially when paired with a dressy mule.
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So good with knee high boots.
3. Aligne's Daphne Blazer
Style Notes: It's blazer season! Well, for us, it's blazer season all year round, but Aligne's clever spin on the classic has us wanting to wear a blazer with every outfit. Scoop necked and nipped at the waist, this flattering jacket comes in different colours and prints, but there's something about cocoa brown that we're all over for autumn.
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A cult classic in the making.
4. Mango Kitten Heel Shoes
Style Notes: How could we fall out out of love with kitten heeled slingbacks when they look this good? I predict this party season is about to be a slingback extravaganza, started in part by Miu Miu's O.G buckled heels, and continued by high street beauties like these from Mango.
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You could convince me that these were designer.
5. Sézane Le Cabas Tote
Style Notes: I've lost count of how many times I've spotted this Sézane bag on Instagram this week. Roomy, practical and perfectly proportioned, it's refreshing to find a bag that can carry so much, and looks good while doing it. This glossy tan colourway is a Who What Wear favourite, but it also comes in black, red and camel too.
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A 2024 It bag.
6. COS Chunky Crew Neck Jumper
Style Notes: A good knit (or three) is the backbone of any smart autumn/winter wardrobe, and COS always delivers on the style and substance stakes. Take it from Francesca [pictured above], you can build 100 different outfits around this neutral knit, and it's just the right thickness to wear now over a t-shirt and throughout winter under your wool coat.
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The perfect cosy crew neck.
7. J Crew Collection Trench Coat in Leather
Style Notes: They might not have bricks and mortar stores in the UK (quite yet), but America's favourite premium and affordable store J.Crew do actually ship across the pond, so we can enjoy their exceptionally good basics and limited collections too (think GAP meets Massimo Dutti). This leather coat is on the pricier side as part of their elevated collection range, but you'll rewear an investment like this every autumn for years to come.
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The secret to making every outfit look even sleeker.
8. & Other Stories Loose Duffle Jacket
Style Notes: After seeing this on Karina [pictured above] and Who What Wear editor in chief Hannah Almassi, I'm convinced that this cool barn coat is one of the best on the market. From the boxy fit to the toggle hardware, this looks far more expensive than it's price tag, and reaffirms the utility jacket as the It coat of autumn/winter 2024.
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It's a miracle this is still in stock.
9. Zara Dark Denim Jeans
Style Notes: ICYMI, denim is everywhere right now, and should you be looking for a pair that are actually flattering, try Zara's in an expensive-looking dark indigo wash. Pair with a check blazer like Aida [pictured above], or wear simply with a chunky knit.
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Get them while they're still in stock.
Sezane Trench Coat
Style Notes: We're in the habit of spotting high street pieces that look like they could be designer, and Sézanes trench coat takes top spot on that list. This minimalist wonder will go with everything in your wardrobe, from jeans to maxi skirts.
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Be still my beating heart.
M&S Knit Vest
Style Notes: The eagle-eyed among you will recognise this popular M&S vest from it's debut last year, and it's bestselling success has secured it a spot as a reoccurring favourite. Light, easy, and impeccably polished, it's the kind of piece you'll reach for as soon as the temperatures drop, just add over a white tee for laidback luxe.
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You can also buy this in grey, mocha and fern green.
COS Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: Make the most of a year-round staple. COS have a reputation for being experts in foundational basics, but bags like this prove they have an eye for stand-out pieces too.
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If you already own the classic black leather, why not try their new suede iteration?
H&M Denim Jacket
Style Notes: Too cold to go coatless? Too warm for your winter coat? H&M's denim jacket is the ideal light layer for transitional dressing, and it'll look just as good thrown over a lighter midi dress now, as it will with a fine knit and jeans in a weeks time.
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I have a feeling this is about to be very popular.
Anthropologie Melie Bianco Brigitte Bag
Style Notes: Viral sensation and one of the bestselling bags of 2023, Anthrologie's Melie Bianco bag is back for another year in a bigger size, and with more colour options too. Soft pink! Chocolate brown! This buttermilk yellow! There's a lot to love about this updated version of our favourite designer-coded bag, just snap it up now before it goes to waiting list. Again.
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Autumn in a shoulder bag.
Arket Shearling Jacket
Style Notes: Arket's autumn 2024 collection recently dropped, and every piece is enviably good. Expect quilted coats, muted colours, and lots of very good accessories—but this fluffy shearling coat has the potential reach bestseller status the fastest.
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Dressy enough to wear for evening too.
ALIGNE Jeans
Style Notes: Francesca's Aligne find is a masterclass in how to make denim feel luxe.Wear with heels and a statement earring, voila, the dream evening outfit. Swap out for a wool coat and a chunky knit like Francesca hass and its a polished look for daytime too. Is there anything these jeans can't do?
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More washes please, Aligne! We could wear these on repeat.
Mango Loafers
Style Notes: Unless you've been taking time out from social media, you'll have noticed that loafers are everywhere at the moment. Unsurprisingly really, when it's full of the kind of versatile we're ready to wear now with skirts and dresses and in a few weeks with wool trousers and jeans.
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Easily one of my favourite colours of the season.
Whistles Leather Jacket
Style Notes: Jackets, trousers, blazers and boots—this autumn is all about leather. Whistles are no stranger to the material but a classic leather jacket is a gentle introduction for those looking for an easy way to wear the finish with slip skirts, jeans and capri pants for a nod to vintage styling. Just add a bandana for your neck to elevate the look.
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Exceptionally versatile.
Arket Poplin Shirt
Style Notes: An oversized shirt like this will work hard in your wardrobe, just ask Hanna. Worn loosely and layered up, tucked into high-waisted skirts and trousers, or even open over swimwear, these shirts are a year round staple for those building a capsule wardrobe that will serve them for years to come.
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There's no need to size up—this already comes loosely cut,
COS WIde-Leg Wool Trousers
Style Notes: It might not be 5 degrees quite yet, but autumn is just around the corner. In case you needed further proof, Louisa's wool trousers from COS are a sure sign that chillier days are coming, and we're fully ready to embrace long-legged season.
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Act fast, these are already selling out quickly.
J. CREW RAFFIA TOTE BAG
Style Notes: Summer accessorising tends to mean one thing—basket bags, and J. Crew's deceptively roomy tote is an overpacker's dream. You can carry everything (including the kitchen sink) in this ludicrously capacious bag, and it just so happens to help that it looks great while doing it.
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A truly hidden gem.
HUSH STRIPED TROUSERS
Style Notes: When it too warm for jeans but you want a little more coverage than shorts, these comfy lounge trousers are just the ticket. Take notes from Marianne and pair with a simple tank top for an easy weekend outfit that's just as comfy as your PJs.
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Since these cropped up on Instagram, they've been selling at speed.
COS DRAWSTRING SHORTS
Style Notes: Another pair of white shorts making their way onto our wish lists are COS' loose-legged option. Easy, breezy, and ready to throw-on-and-go, these deserve a spot in your wardrobe for their sheer versatility. Wear with tees and trainers, jumpers and sandals, shirts and ballet pumps—the possibilities are endless.
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At this price, I'd buy two pairs.
& OTHER STORIES STRAW HAT
Style Notes: And just like that, we've found a designer-looking summer hat for under £30. Thank you Claudia Berresford for a) putting this on our radar, and b) showing us exactly how to style it too. I'm convinced, no one will believe that this from the high street.
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Let's just keep this secret between us.
ARKET CLOUD JEANS
Style Notes: Over the last six months ARKET's Cloud jeans have a developed a devoted following. It's easy to see why, as this comfy, laidback fit is perfect for the days you want an easy outfit that doesn't look sloppy. Anouk's black pair sold out fast, but you can still shop the style in blue and white ready for summer.
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It's no surprise that we've spotted fashion people in Arket's best-selling Cloud jeans.
OMNES ORLA DRESS
Style Notes: Call off the search! We've found the perfect wedding guest and event dress for every occasion in your calendar. Omnes affordable dresses have been a favourite of ours for a while now, and when we saw Karina in the Orla dress we remembered why. Look no further for flattering dresses under £100 that look a million dollars.
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Don't fancy sleeves? Check out Omnes' impressive collection of slip dresses too.
BERSHKA BERMUDA JORTS
Style Notes: Long shorts might be controversial but its clear that they are a hot topic of conversation right now. Like them or loathe them, the high street has cottoned onto their popularity and has served up several styles in everything from linen to denim. Bershka's Bermudas are particularly good for their fit, price and sheer range of colourful options, so you can take your time finding the pair for you.
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These also come in blue washes too.
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