Keep scrolling for my expert tips on how to trick people into thinking you spent more on your outfit than you actually did!
We all want to look like our most polished selves, don’t we? While, sadly, I’m not here to provide you with a week at a spa or 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.
I hope 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.
From the camel hue to the exquisite cut, this jacket looks so premium.
It’s all about the collar.
A ready-made outfit is something us editors all dream of, and a jumpsuit fits the bill every time. Note the striking balloon sleeves and defining thick belt.
The chic companion for your tailored trousers, sleek skirts, much-loved denim and more.
The bouclé fabrication elevates this knit dress beyond all others. Style with on-trend flats, or your favourite autumn boots.
The deep burgundy hue and striking closure detail combine for a very expensive-looking handbag. Well done, M&S.
Scarf coats continue to dominate, and COS’s pinstripe reimagination is top of my list.
There’s something about this mole hue that always feels so expensive. Snuggle up in style this winter.
Zara’s tailored trouser selection is so strong right now, and this navy pair is the latest to make its way into my collection.
A simple knit this may be, but look how elevated it looks paired with some slouchy tailoring.
This coat looks like it walked straight off one of the AW23 catwalks,
I’d take this whole suit tbh, but it’s the beautifully tailored trousers that have particularly impressed me.
I love this deep burgundy colour as an alternative to black boots—it makes them perfect for wearing with black dresses all winter. Don’t miss Amazon’s Prime Day deals while you’re adding these to your basket.
Draping, when done right, can make a high street piece look so elevated and expensive—like it does here.
This blazer-skirt combo is just heavenly.
I can’t believe these are M&S! Such a fresh and chic denim shape (and colour) for autumn/winter 2023.
H&M brings a version of this draped dress out each season and it never ceases to impress me with how flattering, affordable and versatile it is.
Layer up your neutrals for an outfit that is guaranteed to make you look rich—even when your jumper is only £35 from M&S.
It’s. Back. It’s worth being quick if you want the high street’s best coat, though.
The key to making your outfits look expensive and incredibly chic this season is to add a pop of this bright red.
So many of our editors have already ordered this beautiful jacket.
The cosy bouclé texture of this elevates it completely.
A perfect top for tucking into wide-leg trousers.
No one will believe this comes in under £100.
TikTok is going wild for these viral trousers and I’m not surprised—they come in so many chic autumn colours, as well as different length and curve options, too.
A greige coat will go with anything you put underneath it.
Everyone’s searching for low-heel ankle boots right now, and this might just be the perfect pair.
Fashion people keep integrating pops of red into their outfits right now, and this is one of the chicest way to do so.
Although not “cheap” by any means, this bag looks four times its price tag—at least!
It’ not often a pair of high street jeans can rival a designer cut but these just look so premium.
Such a useful and elegant piece you’ll wear on repeat.
The bouclé bomber jacket of dreams?
I’m all about knitted dresses this year and this one is top of my list.
This coat may stretch the limits of what I would normally include in this list of the best affordable buys. However, it looks so damn expensive (like, thousands), I think it still counts. Plus, it sold out in seconds last year so I didn’t want you to miss out.
Something as simple as a contrast waistband makes these wide-leg trousers look so much more expensive.
Another affordable hit from M&S’s bag department.
H&M releases a version of these perfect knee-high boots each year and they always sell out fast.
The best faux-leather jacket I’ve seen on the high street this season.
The best trousers on the high street, hands down. It’s a miracle they’re still in stock tbh.
Like she does with a lot of things, Monikh made me want this when she wore it effortlessly recently.
COS knitwear is always to die for. This may sit closer to the genuinely ‘expensive’ side, but the quality and design stand up against some of the most luxurious knitwear out there, making it a wise investment.
I adore this polished co-ord. So comfy, so chic.
Add this to any of your autumn outfits to instantly make them look more expensive.
I’m so impressed with M&S right now, these feel classic yet on trend.
I’m a sucker for a nautical stripe to add interest to an autumn outfit.
I honestly gasped when I found out these were M&S.
This is from Mango’s premium quality line, so it’s a bit pricier but it will last in your wardrobe for longer—exactly what you want from a classic like a trench coat.
I can never resist a cosy cable-knit jumper come autumn—this new Arket version comes in cream too.
Up Next: Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count