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March 18, 2022 at 06:20AM

There’s nothing like finding a really expensive-looking piece of clothing and discovering it’s actually affordable, is there? As editors, we do a lot of scrolling for research for our Who What Wear articles, and we’re used to seeing beautiful outfits from influencers and fashion people. But so often, they’re made up of high-end designer pieces that most of us would probably have to spend a long time saving up for. We’re all for investing in quality over quantity, but when we do come across a chic, timeless outfit that turns out to be from the high street, you can imagine our excitement.  

By now we’ve managed to work out some common threads between these affordable but expensive-looking outfits, from the brands that pop up the most to the specific styles that always make a look feel polished. The key, we’ve discovered, is to keep it classic since the high street does elevated basics so well. So as we head into spring, we thought what better time to round up the seven items to look out for that will elevate your wardrobe for the new season ahead without breaking the bank. From beautiful shirting to minimalist blazers, these are the pieces that will instantly make your 2022 wardrobe feel more polished without the price tag. Keep scrolling to shop.

Stripes are stripes, whether they’re done by designers or the high street. And this season, in particular, our favourite affordable destinations have taken this French-girl, minimalist trend and created some really special pieces to refresh your spring capsule. 

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Slouchy bags are already a fashion-girl favourite for 2022 and always make any outfit look expensive. Because they don’t need any flashy logos or features to look good, they’re the perfect accessory to buy on the high street. 

There’s no need to spend hundreds on shirting when the high street does it so well. For the most premium look, opt for crisp Oxford shirts in classic colours like white and pale blue. 

Prints can often be instantly recognisable, which means they also date quite quickly. If you opt for minimalist dresses over florals, they can end up being more timeless and more premium-looking despite the really affordable price tag. Add one of these understated numbers to your spring rotation, and you’ll have all your friends thinking they’re designer. 

Another spring wardrobe hero I always turn to the high street over designers for are blazers. There are just so many good-quality ones out there that can elevate a look as soon as you throw them on. Opt for the oversized and boxy styles for a more expensive look, and no one will ever know. 

The high-street items that look the most expensive are always simple, minimalist classics. Wide-leg trousers are one of those things, and most affordable brands have excellent versions these days. 

Tweed and bouclé-style boxy jackets are making a big comeback in 2022, having already been spotted on the most stylish people we know. If you can’t afford to shell out for the latest Chanel, don’t worry—the high street has so many great premium-looking options for spring. 

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Opening Image: @_jessicaskye; @thevisuelofgrace

Author Emily Dawes | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC