I Have Designer Taste on a High-Street Budget—19 Autumn-Ready Pieces That Caught My Eye This Week

Here's the thing about my wardrobe: I tend to gravitate towards pieces that are minimal, timeless and—dare I say—expensive-looking. This combination has always pointed me in the direction of designers who master the art of chic, understated luxury. Think clean lines, neutral palettes and quality fabrics that stand the test of time. Naturally, my taste often comes with a designer price tag, which isn’t always ideal for my wallet. Lately, though, I've been on the hunt for pieces that offer that same elevated vibe without the hefty cost, and I seem to have found my secret weapon: New Look. Yes, that New Look. The brand's autumn new-in pieces could easily sit next to my designer favourites and look at home.

New Look

(Image credit: New Look)

Now, I know what you're thinking: New Look, really? It’s a bit of a throwback, isn’t it? I mean, I used to spend afternoons in there with friends after school, picking up something cute to wear at the weekend. But now, as an adult, I'm rediscovering it in a whole new light. The brand's selection of classic, minimal pieces has really elevated, and I've been pleasantly surprised by how well these staples slot into my wardrobe. They're not trying to be too trend-driven, which I love. It's more about those forever pieces—think tailored blazers, sleek knitted dresses and the kind of wide-leg trousers you can wear from brunch to the boardroom. Take, for example, the stone-coloured wide-leg trousers I recently picked up—they look like something I'd find at a much higher price point, and they'll work so well for all the autumn events filling up my calendar.

New Look

(Image credit: New Look)

I decided to have a little online perusal of New Look's autumn new-in pieces, and I'm honestly blown away by what I found. The best part? I had to do a double-take on the price tags. There’s a knitted vest and cardigan set that feels like a designer lookalike, a pair of classic black loafers that are sleek and wearable and a crisp white button-down that's so versatile I'll probably be wearing it on repeat. These are the kind of pieces you'll reach for again and again—perfect for layering or styling up for a night out.

Below, I've pulled together a few that are already on my autumn/winter mood board. And trust me: you'll want to reacquaint yourself with New Look.

Shop My Favourite Expensive-Looking Pieces at New Look:

Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor at Who What Wear UK, where her expertise lies in paid for and affiliate stories for beauty and fashion brands. Humaa has a BA Hons degree in English literature and previously held editor roles at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Most recently she moved over from the Who What Wear US Branded Content team to join the UK title to help build out the team on home ground. She is a September baby and though does not believe in astrology, cannot deny that she is a Virgo through and through. When she's not trying to poke a hole through her credit card on a daily basis, because of her job writing many, many shopping stories, you can find her making her way through her Kindle Unlimited TBR list–spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain