This Zara Alternative Is Often Overlooked—12 Expensive-Looking Buys You Need to See

As a shopping editor, a large part of my day is spent exploring the new-in sections, identifying the most high-end-looking pieces and sharing my insights with you.
Often, there's one item that deserves praise, other times, a rising trend brings a premium feel to the wardrobes of our favourite fashion people and very occasionally, it's a whole brand that deserves celebration. Right now, I'm talking about the latter, as I can't stop thinking about the expensive-looking buys I've found at River Island.
I'll admit that River Island isn't a brand I regularly check, but after finding so many great pieces in its new-in section, all that is about to change. The recent drop brings a fresh wave of slick tailoring and clever proportional play and taps into some of the key trends that we'll all be wearing this spring, from barrel-leg silhouettes to belted detailing. One of the identifying features of a piece that can pass for double (if not triple) its price tag is the finer details. Here, think sharp pleats, neutral shades and refined cuts.
Finding expensive-looking high-street buys takes an expert eye and plenty of time to scour the hoards of recent arrivals, but as I think shopping should be a pleasure, not a chore, I've done the hard work for you by bringing together the 12 most premium-looking River Island buys available now. Read on to see and shop my picks.
Shop the 12 Most Expensive-Looking Buys at River Island Right Now:
The longline silhouette of this waistcoat and deep denim-like shade make this feel endlessly premium.
From the shade to the bold turn-up cuffs, these trousers are immediately joining my sleek tailoring collection.
We all know how versatile a great shirt can be, and River Island sets this one apart with bold cuffs.
Bring a stylish edge to your legging looks with a split-hem detail.
Fashion people are layering belts into all their outfits right now. Here, it's done for you.
A trending shade, fresh silhouette and unique suede finish? I have a feeling these will sell out quickly.
A pair of elegant mules can take any outfit to new heights, from tailoring to dresses.
Check prints are key this season, and few outerwear styles are as practical for spring as the trench coat.
The pleated skirt is the graceful and elegant skirt style fashion people and editors are wearing on repeat right now.
If you've taken a peek at spring 2025's key handbag trends, you'll know that compact east-west bags are up there.
No matter the year or season, a classic striped cardigan is always a staple.The sleek round neck and brown buttons bring an elevated feel to this one.
Every denim item I'm interested in right now is in this deep indigo wash. Made from 100% cotton and featuring a bold wide-leg shape, these jeans will easily bring a contemporary feel to my simplest looks.
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
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