We all want to look like our most-polished selves, don’t we? And although, sadly, I’m not here to provide you with a week at a spa and an endless allowance at The Row, I am here to 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 pieces to elevate your wardrobe without the designer price tag and to make it easy for you to pinpoint the items on the high street 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 a lot to sift through to find them. That’s where I come in—as a Who What Wear editor, scrolling new-in collections is my hobby, and I can spot an expensive-looking (and -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 every piece is here because I believe it offers great value.
Hopefully this edit helps save you time and money as you build a closet of classic pieces that bring joy and last much longer than just a few seasons. Now to the good part. Keep scrolling to shop.
Pieces this expensive-looking are rare occurrences on the high street, so it’s not one to miss. All of my fellow Who What Wear editors agree this slick premium-quality blazer looks like it came straight off a New York Fashion Week catwalk. Pair it with the matching wide-leg trousers and you’ve got yourself the perfect suit.
I just can’t stop with the striped jumper obsession since they manage to make every outfit look polished. I’d wear this one with leggings and ballet flats at the weekend or under a blazer for the office.
I love the rich green khaki shade of this luxe knitted dress for transitioning chicly into spring. I’ll be wearing mine with knee-high boots for extra sass.
Arket’s handbag game this season is strong. You’d never guess their buttery soft leather crossbody styles weren’t designer. The cream version here feels fresh for spring but if you’re after a traditional classic, it comes in black too.
I’ve heard some serious fashion insiders, from stylists to influencers raving about how expensive these trousers look and feel on, so I think I’m going to have to invest.
Finding the perfect leather trousers these days is like gold dust, especially on the high street where you can invest in real leather for a more affordable price. Luckily these just arrived and are still in stock… for now.
Coming in at under £20, these slingbacks will make every one of your jeans outfits look polished this spring.
The perfect trench coat doesn’t exi… oh, wait. Well done H&M!
This dress is top of my wish list right now to wear for date nights, birthday celebrations or, you know, just lounging around the house feeling fabulous.
The slightly tapered cut of these & Other Stories best-selling jeans is so premium.
Remember those M&S ballet pumps the whole Who What Wear team couldn’t stop wearing? They’re back with a 2022-ready ankle chain update.
The cream and black tweed versions of this jacket sold out very quickly. I’ve learnt my lessons this time and will be adding this to basket since it’s such a timeless piece.
I am powerless before a really expensive-looking striped jumper. This longline version will be great with slip skirt for spring.
A beautiful knit dress is set to be your spring hero piece. I love the demure cut out on this one.
The perfect knee-high boot to wear with all your skirts and dresses as we transition into spring. They come in black too.
Arket’s blazers are famous in the industry for being the best around (by far). This creamy beige version is heaven for spring and comes with matching suit trousers for a really chic full outfit.
This buttery soft faux-leather skirt could so easily pass for designer.
If, like me, you’ve been searching for the perfect biker jacket for years, you’re in luck. This genuine leather style will only get better with age, and it looks like it could easily have another zero on the end of the price.
I’ve recently fallen in love with a very similar designer style, but for £40 I’m sold on this alternative.
The high street’s most-wanted, most premium-looking bag has just been released in this new tan colourway.
How H&M manages to get their wide-leg trousers so perfect, we’ll never know.
The popular black and white version of this jumper has been sold out for a while now. So thank you, Arket, for bring this updated version into our lives.
The whole Who What Wear team has these in their ASOS basket right now.
A dreamy trench which deconstructs to become a gilet. That’s two chic, office-appropriate coats in one, then.
ADVERTISEMENT
Leather trousers are a timeless investment if you find the right style; and these COS ones might just be perfect.
Blazers are such an easy option for throwing on in the morning over a thin knit to make your whole outfit look expensive. I love the sleek (and flattering) waist tie detail on this one.
This is one of those throw-on dresses you can always turn to when you’re running late in the mornings. Pair it with knee high boots and a roll neck now, then chunky sandals and a basket come summer.
Does it get more timeless than a navy wool coat?
This piece may be simple, but something about the ruching and slashed neck makes it feel super expensive.
Arket always does the best-quality shoes. These new-in loafers have gone straight to the top of my wish list.
A twist on a classic black blazer, made from recycled wool.
If you told me this dress was designer, I’d believe you.
Mango has knocked it out of the park with this *perfect* trench.
There’s nothing more useful in your wardrobe than a striped knit. This polished style will make every outfit look chicer.
An item you’ll turn to again and again. The price reflects the real, beautifully soft leather that will only get better over time.
Influencers and editors are all loving collared striped jumpers right now. This is the perfect option that looks much more expensive than it is.
This chocolate shade feels so premium.
Full marks, H&M.
A wardrobe essential.
The perfect transitional jacket.
I want to live in this jumper.
The detailing on this jacket is beautiful.
This leather looks just as high-quality as any designer bag.
You’ll get so much wear out of this day-to-night dress.
Dare I say, the perfect wide-leg trousers?
This has made me want a fleece.
Great for wearing with dresses as we transition into spring.
The unique material makes this simple shirt stand out.
I can’t believe this coat is under £200.
Comfy and smart.
The subtle checks elevate this knitted vest.
This cut feels very couture.
COS does such good-quality tailoring that’s made to last.
Square toes are a huge 2022 trend. These would look great under the above trousers.
A wardrobe staple.
The best black knitted dress I’ve seen.
This handmade coat feels very luxurious.
An easy-to-wear dress for all seasons.
These buttery faux-leather trousers are going viral.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OK
