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:
ZARA
Cropped Wool Coat With High Neck
I’m starting to think about spring layers, and so this funnel-neck jacket in a chic chocolate brown shade is top of the hit list.
V-necks are what the cool-girls are investing in now. This H&M number looks so premium.
M&S
Hair on Leopard Print T-Bar Kitten Heel Mules
T-bar shoes are a French woman staple. This leopard-print pair will give a subtle bit of wow-factor to simple trousers and satin skirts ensembles.
The Aligne new-in section is full of spring gems. This suede jacket is speaking my name this week.
Autograph
Wool Rich Intarsia Striped Jumper With Cashmere
This looks so sumptuous and soft! I adore the geometric pattern and soft taupe tone.
Massimo Dutti
Leather High Heel Ankle Boots
Wait, these look designer! The slight curved heel and crinkle leather give these a wealth-whispering appeal. Team with jeans for a luxe off-duty look.
COS
Pleated Wool-Blend Tulip Trousers
Is this about to be COS next best-selling trouser style? I think so. Casual elegance in a nutshell.
MANGO
Handmade Oversized Wool Coat
Mango coats are not to be slept on. This handmade oversized piece looks insanely luxe.
I have been hunting down a new east-west bag which doesn’t break the bank. This leather number from COS joins it’s long list of cult handbags.
Shop More Expensive-Looking High-Street Items:
ZARA
Long Double-Breasted Coat
Wear the classic way, or turn the collar up for a more fashion-forward look.
COS
Chunky Funnel-Neck Wool Jumper
The latest addition to COS’s exquisite knitwear collection is this refined funnel-neck style and its in stock (for now).
ZARA
Embossed Leather Bowling Bag
If you’re looking for an elegant infusion, add this Zara bag to your outfits for an instant lift.
ALIGNE
Bonnie Ponte Waisted Blazer
Aligne’s beloved Bonnie blazer has a striking silhouette, refined neckline and now the deep burgundy shade has been restocked!
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Rib Waisted Top
The silhouette of this top has all the makings of a designer buy, and will bring a refined edge to any outfit. Pair with tailoring, jeans, skirts and much more.
H&M
Barrel Leg Low Waist Ankle Jeans
The shape! The shade! Mark my words, these are about to be H&M’s next best-selling jeans.
Massimo Dutti
Embossed Leather High-Heel Ankle Boots
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.
Hush
Adena Wide Leg Trouser
If you’re yet to add a pair of smart tailored trousers to your capsule wardrobe, this is the pair you’ll depend upon throughout 2026. The drape is polished, the wide-leg contemporary and the shade incredibly versatile.
This whole look is the epitome of chic. Grab your trusted white skirt, layer in this elegant pencil skirt and pull on a pair of sleek heels to replicate instantly.
MANGO
Wool-Blend Funnel-Neck Coat
Anytime you want to pull together a polished look, layer this coat on top.
ZARA
Zw Collection Balloon High-Waist Jeans
The silhouette of these jeans is so exquisite that they’re already selling fast.
COS
Belt-Detail Funnel-Neck Wool Vest
Trust COS to bring every sophisticated detail together to create this incredibly chic knit top.
JW PEI
Clara Lock Accent Bucket Shoulder Bag
I did a double take when I saw this designer-looking bag.
M&S
Tailored Cinched Asymmetric Single Breasted Blazer
The deep aubergine shade! The cinched silhouette! The asymmetric closure! Every detail of this blazer is spot on.
Whistles
Khaki Rib Cable High Neck Jumper
Whistles has launched it’s Limited Edition collection, and its full of capsule wardrobe heroes and playful trending styles.
Massimo Dutti
Animal Print Leather Court Shoes
If you’re looking for a sophisticated shoe on the high street, look to Massimo Dutti’s stellar offerings.
H&M
Shawl-Detail Satin Blouse
Just in time for party season! Layer over jeans, tailoring or a sweet mini skirt.
COS
Off-The-Shoulder Merino Wool Jumper
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.
MANGO
Oversized V-Neck Cardigan
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.
& Other Stories
Wide-Leg Jeans
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
Oversize Long Sleeve Shirt
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.
ZARA
Wool Blend Blazer Zw Collection
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.
Topshop
Co ord Subtle Pinstripe Low Rise Buckle Detail Trousers
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.
ZARA
Extra-Long Wool Blend Coat
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
Knit Sweater With Scarf Detail
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.
MANGO
Faux Leather Godet Skirt
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.
M&S
Faux Leather Buckle Tote Bag
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.
H&M
Hooded Wool Jumper – Cream
If you’re looking for a chic way to lounge whilst binge watching Christmas movies, this sleek hoodie is the answer.
COS
Flocked-Denim Barrel-Leg Trousers
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.
ZARA
Embossed Leather Loafers
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.
COS
Flecked Chunky Wool-Alpaca Cardigan
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.
M&S
Mid Rise Relaxed Horseshoe Jeans
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.
COS
Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
It’s officially time for gloves to rejoin your daily essentials, and this pair is lined with cashmere for an extra cosy finish.
Massimo Dutti
Gathered Leather Loafers
Massimo Dutti’s footwear collection should not be slept on. These loafers will hold their place in your capsule wardrobe year after year.
ZARA
City Bag With Double Handle
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.
COS
Bias-Cut Satin Midi Skirt
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.
Reformation
Elio Knit Top
Bringing together cosy knit and a striking neckline, Reformation has done it again.
ZARA
Wool Blend Bomber Jacket With High Neck
The timeless shade, the bold neckline—I just know that this Zara jacket won’t stick around for long.
ALIGNE
Jess Mohair Knit Top
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.
ASOS DESIGN
Formal Longline Funnel Neck Trench Coat in Burgundy
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.
Autograph
Wool Blend Pinstripe Wide Leg Trousers
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.
ZARA
Fitted Blazer With Topstitching Zw Collection
The sculptural shape of this blazer is truly exquisite. Bring a sophisticated finish to tailoring or simply jeans with this blazer in tow.
Whistles
Rust Alpaca Collar Neck Knit
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.
COS
Marais Mini Bowling Bag
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
Wool Blend Bomber Jacket With Scarf
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.
Whistles
Navy Alpaca Blend Funnel Knit
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.
Topshop
Pleat Front Midi Skirt in Stone
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
Coat With Combined Leather Effect Collar
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.
M&S
Satin Twill Triple Pleat Palazzo Trousers
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.
ZARA
Textured Top With Belt
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.
COS
Velvet Elasticated Straight-Leg Trousers
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.
ALIGNE
Daphne Waisted Blazer
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.
Massimo Dutti
Satin Shirt With Batwing Sleeves
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.
& Other Stories
Shawl-Collar Wool Maxi Coat
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.
Reformation
Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant
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.
ZARA
Short Knit Coat With Scarf
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.
COS
Funnel-Neck Teddy Jacket
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.
Massimo Dutti
Alpaca Blend Knit Polo Jumper
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.
H&M
Rib-Knit Peplum Cardigan
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.
Massimo Dutti
100% Wool Knit Sweater With Scarf and Pocket
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.
Abercrombie & Fitch
A&f Sloane Tailored Hardware Wide Leg Pant
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.
& Other Stories
Adidas Japan W Sneakers
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.
ZARA
Zw Collection Tailored Button Blazer
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.
& Other Stories
Cotton Shirt Midi Dress
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.
ZARA
Windproof Water Repellent Long Trench Coat With Belt
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.
& Other Stories
Leather Bowling Bag
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.
Massimo Dutti
100% Wool Knit Cardigan With Scarf Detail
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.