It's a common misconception that the high street is only good for fast, trend-led fashion. Of course, it does do that—and very well. The speed at which Zara can pick up the runway trends before we've even decided we want to start wearing them is impressive. But there are also classic, timeless items to be found that work seriously hard in your wardrobe and stay there for years to come. You just have to know the right places to look.
Jessica Skye wears an & Other Stories coat.
That's where we come in. High-street stores may seem like jacks of all trades with their extensive collections, ranging from outerwear and underwear to footwear. But actually, most of them have hero pieces they do best, and after years of trials (and plenty of errors), Team Who What Wear think we've got what classic pieces to buy from which high-street brands nailed. Some things in fashion may be worth investing more in, but if you can find a luxurious wardrobe classic on the high street, then it's a win-win in our eyes when it comes to getting the most out of your money.
Keep scrolling to see us reveal the more affordable destinations we always head to for these 13 capsule basics.
1. Arket for T-Shirts
Arket's T-shirts are the best around (even better than designer styles). Trust us—we've tried, and we've tested.
2. Boden for Breton Tops
It has to be Boden for classic Breton tops. They come in lots of different colours, and the cotton always washes really well and feels so expensive.
3. Mango for Faux-Leather Trousers
Mango's faux-leather trousers are so good we almost don't want to let you in on the secret. There are usually lots of style options, from full-length and wide-leg to tailored and cropped, but it's these straight ones we've got our eyes on for 2022.
4. Weekday for Straight-Leg Jeans
Weekday's jeans use the most expensive-feeling denim we've found on the high street. Plus, they all use organic cotton, which is much better for the planet.
5. H&M for Wide-Leg Trousers
H&M's wide-leg trousers are, in our opinion, the best on the high street thanks to the affordable price and range of options and sizes.
6. M&S for Cashmere
It's no secret we love M&S cashmere here. It feels super luxurious and lasts really well.
7. & Other Stories for Coats
& Other Stories always has the most expensive-looking coats on the high street, hands down.
8. Arket for Blazers
For a classic, slightly oversized blazer, it has to be Arket. This Hopsack style is woven in Italian mills and could easily pass for designer. It comes in five colours, too!
9. COS for Shirts
COS knows a thing or two about chic tailoring. That's why all its shirts‚ from classic poplin to fluid silks, are the best around.
10. Free People for Easy Dresses
For dresses you can throw on and feel instantly comfy and polished, we always recommend Free People.
11. Karen Millen for Skirts
Whether it's sleek leather minis like this one or floaty pleated versions, Karen Millen does excellent skirts, and most come in a plus-size option.
12. Reiss for Knitted Dresses
It's a fact: Reiss's jumper dresses are the most premium-looking on the high street. Can you believe this slouchy cream one isn't from a premium brand? We can't either.
13. Zara for Boots
We all know Zara does many things very well, but the whole WWW UK team agreed that its boot offering is hands down the best.
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