The 17 High-Street Brands Our Editors Always Trust for Wardrobe Essentials

I know the feeling all too well. You know exactly what you need to buy: a top to go with your favourite jeans, a chic trench coat to face the new season or a dress to wear to that event, but you just don't know where to find it. Usually what follows is hours of endless googling searching for "the one," but even if you are lucky enough to find it, how do you know it will fit? Or whether the quality is reflective of the price? Well, that means schlepping to the shops of course, and if popping to the high street on your lunch hour won't cut it (and please, do not mention the weekend queues), I have an easy solution.

I spent some time thinking about the wardrobe staples that you wear the most, be it a pair of flattering jeans, an everyday bag or a classic coat, and asked Who What Wear editors where they always go for these essentials. The brands on this list make the tried-and-tested pieces that we've worn ourselves and genuinely get our approval as picky shoppers, so know that you're in good hands. Oh, and the best part? The answers are all high-street favourites, so you needn't worry about having to fork out three figures for a plain white T-shirt.

Keep scrolling for 17 of the best high-street brands that Who What Wear editors and our favourite fashion creators truly rate and shop the key pieces.

1. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR TROUSERS: H&M

Style Notes: Given that affiliate editor Emily Dawes is an expert at shopping for petite trousers, you might think that high-street options would be limited for different leg lengths. Not so, says H&M. From its best-selling wide-leg tailored trousers to its denim offering (but more on jeans later), H&M has mastered a flattering fit for all sizes, and finding good tailoring under £30 is nothing short of miraculous.

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2. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR BAGS: COS

Style Notes: Seen on everyone from influencers to editors, this sleek bag has sold out more times than we can count, and we regularly scour the COS new-in section to see what else we can get our hands on. If you're looking for premium accessories at a reasonable price (and with the viral It factor), look no further than COS's bags.

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3. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR TRENCH COATS: MANGO

Style Notes: Remember the cream coat that Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung, Gigi Hadid and Katie Holmes all loved? Or perhaps the shearling jacket so good it came with a waiting list? Both coats were from high-street hero Mango, and with such a strong endorsement, it won't surprise you to find Mango coats are also a huge hit with our editors. Ally Payer's trench shows there's a lot to love about these high-quality, low-fuss pieces. Even if your next outfit is a simple T-shirt and jeans, add a Mango trench into the mix and hey presto, instant polish.

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4. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR JEANS: ARKET

Style Notes: As someone who wears jeans all year round, Florrie is more discerning than most when it comes to denim. Having tried on favourites from a variety of brands, one store she always comes back to is Arket. Known for brilliance in tailoring, knitwear and plenty more, its unsurprising that the high street hero has also perfected denim. With a variety of styles, cuts, and a few best-selling pairs like the Cloud and Jade, more than a few of our editors are fans of Arket's denim selection.

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5. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR LEATHER: ZARA 

Style Notes: You needn't go through hell for leather, especially not when the high street has all of the real, faux and vegan leather options you need (not that anyone will be able to tell the difference). Maxine's top tip for for leather? Zara. From glossy trenches to trousers that fit, Zara is steadily becoming the Who What Wear go-to for leather trousers, biker jackets, and trend-led bags and shoes that could have walked straight off the runway.

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6. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR TAILORING: MARKS AND SPENCER

Style Notes: Where do we begin? We already love M&S shoes, bags, and basics, and according to managing editor Poppy Nash, it stands to rights that its tailoring would be on point too. Not only is its size range one of the best on the high street (most pieces are size 6 to 24 and come in petite, regular and tall), but it's also one of the best places to get the versatile separates that every good capsule wardrobe needs. Head to M&S for the relaxed shirts, wide-leg trousers and boxy blazers that fashion people are wearing on repeat, and prepare for plenty of "You got that where?" comments.

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7. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR STRIPED KNITWEAR: WHISTLES

Style Notes: Looking for contemporary knitwear that's as cool as it is comfy? According to Maxine, you'll find it at Whistles. M&S might have great cashmere, and COS might have great neutrals, but Whistles has striped knits that'll elevate even the simplest of outfits. Between the responsibly sourced cotton and wool to the roll neck or crew neck designs, you're bound to find one to suit you.

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8. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR DRESSES: & OTHER STORIES

Style Notes: If I could wear dresses all day everyday, I happily would, but being a dress devotee means I'm particularly choosy about where I find them. I find midi and maxi lengths the most flattering, and while some brands have a tendency to design with a 7-foot woman in mind, & Other Stories have always gotten its fit and hem lengths right—but it's the sheer variety of styles on offer that makes it my favourite. Alongside ditsy floral tea dresses and tweed minis, you'll find eveningwear, incredible collabs and sculptural silhouettes that wouldn't look out of place at fashion week. In other words, there really is something for everyone. Every few months, I'll pop in and see if I can spot the "key" dress of that season, and right now it's a toss-up between the brown ruched maxi below or the winter-ready khaki style.

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9. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR T-SHIRTS: COS

Style Notes: A great T-shirt is hard to find, but luckily there are some high street brands that excel at this staple — COS being one of them. Although it has your basics covered (read: white, black and grey T-shirts), there are plenty of styles that will infuse a little more interest into your outfits, from playful stripes to interesting colours.

10. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR BLAZERS: ARKET

Style Notes: Whilst you're heading to Arket to check out their excellent jeans, take a minute to explore its blazer collection. As a key piece of every fashion person's wardrobe, finding the one can be tricky but our affiliate editor has it sussed. From the cut to the quality, this is the kind of forever piece you'll rely on for years to come.

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11. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR CO-ORDS: FREE PEOPLE

Style Notes: If there's one category that reflects Free People's laid-back, easy-going feel its co-ords. An instant outfit that just requires a few accessories to complete, these pre-made looks are ideal on days when time or inspiration is lacking. Thankfully, the brand excels in these pairings, ensuring no matter the day you'll have a ready-made chic look to rely on.

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12. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR CLASSIC JUMPERS: SÉZANE

Style Notes: Quality over quantity is always the best way to go when it comes to knitwear. And if you like to invest in pieces that'll last, looks premium and willgo the distance for years to come, then you'll most likely already be aware of Sézane's jumpers. Along with cardigans, vests and knit dresses, of course, the French brand always excels when it comes to knitwear you'll be able to love for a lifetime.

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13. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR BASIC BLOUSES: WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH

Style Notes: Button-down blouses have endless styling potential, but not every brand nails it when it comes to this staple shirt. Whether you want a timeless white version—like Alexis' perfect example here—or something with a little more detail, With Nothing Underneath is the place to look for this basic that's by no means boring.

14. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR OCCASION DRESSES: GHOST

Style Notes: Ghost is one of the worst-kept secrets among team Who What Wear, and it could likely be down to Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi. As it doesn't have the bricks-and-mortar presence of some of the others on this list, it might not be your first thought when shopping for something special, but it undoubtedly deserves a spot in your closet. As Hannah is WWW's dress columnist, you can trust that any dress with her approval is one worth investing in, and you'll find plenty of Ghost in her expertly curated wardrobe. "So flattering, so comfy, so many exciting colours and prints to choose from… The heavier weight and bias cut of Ghost dresses has everyone on the team here hooked," she says. And trust us, you will be too.

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15. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR COATS: ASOS

Style Notes: Both fashion editors Remy Farrell (as seen above) and deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger have championed ASOS' coats this year, and for good reason. While Remy has backed this light longline style, Maxine wore the suede trench that sold out within days. Both having impeccable quality, you're bound to find a style to suit you on site.

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16. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR CARDIGANS: ZARA

Style Notes: While a cardigan is a longstanding item in most people's wardrobes, the humble knit is more necessary than ever. Often used only as a layering piece, the cardi is now talking centre stage to be worn as a top, done up over dresses or layered over a T-shirt with jeans. While there are so many out there, Zara is leading the way when it comes to classic styles that'll still gain compliments.

17. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET FOR SHOES: CHARLES & KEITH

Style Notes: Best known for its shoes and bags, Charles & Keith has fast become one of the go-to destinations for styles that feel classic, with a twist. Whether it's a Mary Jane with a dainty heel, ballet flats to go with jeans or heels to make any outfit feel fancy, the singaporean brand has made its mark on the high street. And you can now find the new season styles at the likes of John Lewis.

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