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.

Four images of river island looks

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

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:

Florrie Alexander
Shopping Editor

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.