As a shopping editor, I spend a large proportion of my time scrolling through online stores, eagle-eyed and on the lookout for the best buys. As we're a site that tries to cater to all needs (high-street, high-end and second-hand), I like to think that I have a pretty good idea of what constitutes a successful purchase. This is, however, particularly tricky when it comes to high-street, as you can't always rely on price to guarantee quality (which, to be fair, it doesn't always).
While there are a few items that can benefit from a little more expense, in general, I'd say that you can usually find expensive-looking high-street iterations of most wardrobe staples. In my experience, fabric is key, and while that might be harder to judge when shopping online, there are certain options that are safer bets than others. For example, I find that 100% cotton is something that can look premium at a more affordable price point, especially when it's paired with a minimalist silhouette.
Of course, this is not a definitive rule, and you can definitely find cheap-looking leather or cotton, for example. However, it might be a way to help you sift through the overwhelming number of items that often confront us online. To give you a head start, I did a bit of digging and came up with an edit of high-street buys within each category to spark your imagination. Scroll down to see and shop my picks.
1. White Cotton
Style Notes: Nothing looks quite as sleek as white cotton––a shirt tucked into jeans or wide-leg trousers makes for a seamless everyday ensemble. Timeless, effortless and so easy to style with any outfit, white cotton will also work for dresses and trousers, too.
Shop the Fabric:
A staple every wardrobe would benefit from.
White trousers aren't just for the warmer months––try styling this with a suede jacket.
Make a cotton dress work for autumn by adding knee-high boots and a maxi coat.
2. Ribbed Knit
Style Notes: While knitted textures generally give off an expensive-looking air, there's something about ribbed knitwear that sets it apart from the rest. A light supportive weave with the sculpting power of jersey and the cold-weather defence of wool; what's not to like?
Shop the Fabric:
I'd wear this with a grey coat and cream wide-leg belted trousers.
This just looks so expensive, doesn't it?
No doubt you'll want the matching top, too.
3. Plissé Pleating
Style Notes: Plissé is a material that's defined by micro-pleats, which give it a crinkled or puckered effect. One of the reasons it looks so expensive is down to these pleats; they obscure any wrinkles, ensuring you always look fresh and put together. Plus, they’re less commonplace than thicker pleats—and their rarity makes them feel more inherently premium.
Shop the Fabric
So comfy.
Thinking ahead to party season––just add tailored trousers.
So easy to throw on with flat boots.
4. Suede
Style Notes: Suede is always relevant in the fashion world, but it's bigger than ever this season. The luxe, premium material looks as expensive as it feels. Real or faux, there's no shortage of offerings when it comes to jackets, skirts, boots and especially, bags.
Shop the Fabric:
This is giving Chloé vibes.
One of those wow pieces that'll always get you compliments.
This looks even more expensive IRL.
5. Classic Denim
Style Notes: If you want to make your denim and jeans look more expensive, I advise sticking to a palette of classic blue tones, which can be interchanged with one another––and just about every other colour in our wardrobe, with ease.
Shop the Fabric
A fashion editor-favourite.
This could easily be mistaken as designer.
Love this over a roll-neck knit.
6. Luxe Leather
Style Notes: Last but certainly not least is leather. Real leather pieces are known for being expensive and thus give off a premium-looking feel without having to try. Nowadays you can get faux-leather pieces of incredibly quality and at more reasonable prices on the high street; no one will know the difference.
Shop the Fabric:
The worn look of this style looks like it could be a luxe vintage find.
These will show off a great boot.
Love this cropped trench.
