There’s a misconception that you can’t find classic wardrobe items on the high street—that the pieces are too trend-led and their appeal will fade when new sartorial movements come into play. However, we’re here to prove otherwise.
All of our favourite high-street brands are known for getting specific things right, whether that’s an entire product category, such as COS’s trousers, or a particular item, for example, & Other Stories’ wool-blend blazer. These are the items that are either available all year round or re-released every season, and it’s no coincidence that they’re also the brands’ bestsellers.
To save you time and help you identify these high street items that are genuinely worth investing in we’ve rounded up all the most expensive-looking pieces that tick the ‘classic’ box as well. And the list you’ll find below also happens to be perfect for helping you build out your autumn/winter capsule wardrobes. You’re welcome!
Rachael wears a striped jumper from & Other Stories.
Style Notes: Many high street destinations do striped knits, but none compare with & Other Stories’ elite selection in our opinion.
Stripes are so reliable.
This style will carry you through winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Made from 100% responsible wool.
Style Notes: There are only a few high street items with good enough quality and longevity for me to recommend buying them even if you had an unlimited budget—but I would choose ARKET’s blazers over any other brand every time.
The best-selling blazer.
Looking to take your blazer looks further? Why not add pinstripes into the mix.
Style Notes: Fashion people everywhere have been wearing COS trousers on repeat for years. The quality and fit is impeccable.
This pair comes in a range of versatile shades.
The precise pleating makes this pair look so expensive.
Lorna wears a t-shirt from Arket.
Style Notes: Our editors have proclaimed this Arket T-shirt the perfect style. Need we say more?
So many great outfits start with a great t-shirt.
The cut and 100% cotton composition make this a really good choice.
I wear a grey t-shirt and blue jeans at least once a week.
Mona wears a coat from Mango.
Style Notes: Celebs, influencers and editors everywhere know the best place to turn to for expensive-looking wool coats on the high street is Mango.
This elegant coat features a slightly nipped waist.
Camel styles are eternally chic.
The collar sets this coat apart.
Monikh wears a jumper and trousers from Marks & Spencer.
Style Notes: I’ve tried so many different brands for cashmere, from uber-luxury to the high street’s offering, and M&S are the styles that have lasted in my wardrobe the longest.
M&S’s beloved cashmere comes in every shade of the rainbow.
A soft layering piece you’ll rely on on cooler days all year round.
If you told me this was three times the price, I’d believe you.
Louisa wears jeans from Arket.
Style Notes: Straight, flared, wide and more, Arket takes jeans seriously with a style to suit all preferences. What’s more, the styles come in a range of colours and washes so you’re sure to find a pair to treasure forever.
A pair many of our editors swear by.
Loose jeans are here to stay.
Style Notes: Although their pieces are still an investment, if you’re looking for real leather wardrobe items that will last forever thanks to their classic design and luxury quality, we’d always recommend making your way to Whistles.
A classic piece that will earn its keep.
A classic biker jacket will serve your wardrobe for years.
Brittany wears the COS leather crossbody bag.
Style Notes: Some high-street brands are guilty of taking their accessories a step too far, be it with oversized zips or unnecessary branding. COS, however, opts for the pared-back approach, making its arm candy the most expensive-looking out there.
This bag is so good, they’ve brought it out in a variety of colours.
Carry as a tote or wear crossbody.
Style and practicality combined.
Danielle wears shoes from Marks & Spencer.
Style Notes: As fashion editors we take shoes very seriously. If you’re looking for comfort, style, quality and excellent value—you can’t beat M&S.
I can’t believe these are still in stock.
Style with skirts, trousers, jeans and dresses.
It’s hard to find a pair of leather boots this classic for under £100.
Style Notes: While puffer jackets have proven popular across the high street, it goes without saying that Arket’s puffer coat collection is the chicest of them all.
For the chilliest days, a long puffer coat will keep the majority of your body warm.
The elastic drawstring means you can adjust the shape for maximum warmth.
This one comes in four versatile shades.
Lydia wears a knit dress from H&M.
Style Notes: There’s so many classics sold at H&M, but it’s their knitted dresses we come back to year after year as being the best, with the most inclusive sizing too.
Throw on and go with this sleek knit dress.
Just add knee-high boots.
I’d style this with camel or brown tones.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.