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, I scroll new-in collections as a 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.
The ruching and cut-out details on this dress tick off two of 2022’s biggest trends in one go. They’re also extremely flattering, so it’s a win-win.
I love the oversized shape and cuffs on this classic shirt with a twist.
The tan leather. The beige canvas. The gold hardware. Need I say more?
I did a double take when I saw these in H&M’s new-in section this week because I couldn’t quite believe they were high street.
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Dressing in head-to-toe cream tones is a sure-fire way to make your outfit look expensive. This comfy yet chic knitted dress is the perfect place to start.
I’m all about a pop of pastel this spring, and sugary lilac is my current shade of choice. It looks so elevated when paired with the sleek tailoring on this smart blazer.
A classic knit Breton is one of the most polished pieces you can own.
Arket’s new spring drop is full of expensive-looking basics, including this taffeta shirt, which I’ll be wearing with neutral tailoring to add a spring twist.
There’s something about the monochrome print and sleek cut of this midi dress that makes it feel extremely premium. I’ll be wearing this for all the weddings I have this year.
A beautiful camel coat is a capsule-wardrobe essential, and this new Arket jacket fits the bill perfectly.
A knitted dress and boots might just be the ultimate transitional outfit.
Denim shirts are back, and this premium-looking one has gone straight onto my spring wish list.
This navy blazer is a timeless classic and the epitome of chic.
It’s trench season, people. Mango has the best offering on the high street. This one comes in sizes from XXS to 4XL.
A great pair of black wide-leg trousers is indispensable in your capsule wardrobe.
I just bought this jumper, and the knit feels so heavy and expensive in real life.
The perfect spring office shoe.
The modern design of these Mango trousers makes them look like a designer pair.
Arket’s striped jumpers are known to be the most perfect. And since the cream keeps selling out, I’m predicting this brand-new navy version won’t hang around for long, either.
A camel blazer is such a key capsule-wardrobe piece, and I would have thought this was designer if I hadn’t seen the £35 price tag.
There’s nothing more flattering than a tie-waist shirt dress, and I particularly love the way the chic stripes and oversized cuffs on this H&M number add an expensive touch. A great option for the office with knee-high boots.
If you’re still on the hunt for the ultimate pair of black trousers to wear with everything, allow me to introduce you to these.
The number of five-star reviews on this beautiful cream coat prove how expensive it looks and feels. You’ll be grateful for it throughout spring.
This cashmere-mix cardigan is on all the Who What Wear editors’ wish lists, including mine.
Wool jumper dresses are everywhere right now, but if you’re looking for something slightly different from the ribbed body-hugging types, this COS number is a flattering, comfortable and incredibly polished alternative.
Slit hems are still one of the most stylish ways to upgrade your classic black-trouser outfits. Wear them with a blazer for work, or add a going-out top for evening affairs.
For a seriously special bag that doesn’t have a designer price tag, look no further than COS this season. This minimalist’s dream can be worn on the shoulder or lengthened as a crossbody.
I just can’t stop with the striped-jumper obsession. 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 a chic transition into spring. I’ll be wearing mine with knee-high boots for extra sass.
I’ve heard some serious fashion insiders raving about how expensive these trousers look and feel, 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 under £20, these slingbacks will make every one of your jean outfits look polished this spring.
The perfect trench coat doesn’t exi—oh, wait. Well done, H&M!
This dress is at the top of my wish list right now. I’d wear it 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 learned my lesson this time and will be adding this to my 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 a 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.
This buttery-soft faux-leather skirt could so easily pass for designer.
I’ve recently fallen in love with a very similar designer style, but for £40, I’m sold on this alternative.
The popular black and white version of this jumper has been sold out for a while now. So thank you, Arket, for bringing this updated version into our lives.
The whole Who What Wear team has these in their ASOS baskets right now.
A dreamy trench that deconstructs to become a gilet. That’s two chic, office-appropriate coats in one.
Leather trousers are a timeless investment if you find the right style, and this COS pair might just be perfect.
Blazers are such an easy option to throw 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 and with chunky sandals and a basket come summer.
Does it get more timeless than a navy wool coat?
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.
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.
A wardrobe essential.
The perfect transitional jacket.
I want to live in this jumper.
The detailing on this jacket is beautiful.
You’ll get so much wear out of this day-to-night dress.
Dare I say these are the perfect wide-leg trousers?
This has made me want a fleece.
I can’t believe this coat is under £200.
Comfy and smart.
The subtle checks elevate this knitted vest.
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.
