39 High-Street Winter Buys I Can't Get Out of My Mind
Dressing for winter doesn’t need to be all black woollen coats, jeans and oversized beige jumpers (though, that’s not to say these classic pieces don’t deserve a place in your wardrobe). There’s plenty of fun and creativity to be had when it comes to assembling your cold-weather get-ups, and the high street is the perfect place to find new additions to breathe life into your existing wares. This is why I decided to curate an edit of the best high-street winter fashion 2021 has to offer.
Basma Kahie’s Arket trench coat, boiler suit and white boots are perfect for winter.
The high street is always the first place I turn when I’m in need of a fashionable fix, but that doesn’t mean its appeal is fleeting. In fact, some of my favourite pieces that I pull out year after year come from the high street, and this year it has some of the strongest winter collections I’ve seen, so I decided to handpick items that I believe have staying power but that will also bring your look up to date.
I’ve whittled down what I consider to be the three must-see pieces from some of the high street’s biggest brands, which should hopefully give you an idea of each’s overarching aesthetic for the season ahead. From staples with a hint of trendiness to items that tap into the year’s biggest moments, continue on to see and shop the high-street winter fashion that’s really standing out in 2021.
H&M
1. Cable-Knit Jumper
2. Satin Dress
3. Wool-Blend Coat
MARKS AND SPENCER
1. Cashmere Jumper
Cashmere under £100 is hard to come by, especially when it looks this premium. Don’t miss out on this It knit a second time.
2. Leather Shirt
Every wardrobe should boast versatile shirts, and this one is perfect for styling with jeans.
3. Jumper Dress
An entire outfit I’d quite like to re-create.
ZARA
1. Party Blazer
I had a blazer like this in my early 20s, and now, thanks to Zara, I’m wishing I kept it.
2. Velvet Trousers
The ideal trousers for a house party or when you want to feel fancy working from home.
3. Cropped Cardigan
MANGO
1. Jazzy Jeans
If you live in jeans, then you’ll want to add this embellished pair into your denim repertoire.
2. Faux-Fur Bag
I didn’t think bags like this existed on the high street. So strong. Plus, it’s checkerboard, which is a surefire winner for 2021.
3. LBD
This midi makes me excited at the prospect of wearing a little black dress again. Just look at that those cut-outs.
REISS
1. Puffer Coat
2. Fair Isle Jumper
Finally, a Fair Isle jumper that doesn’t feel naff—and that I’d gladly wear post-Christmas.
3. Versatile Belt
Though belts have year-round appeal, I’m already planning on wearing this beauty with woollen trousers and a cashmere jumper.
RIVER ISLAND
1. Oversized Coat
The only thing better than a stylish coat? A stylish coat that comes with a matching scarf.
2. Colour-Pop Knit
Fashion people are still very drawn to this specific shade of green.
3. Leather Blazer
Slip skirts have stuck around for seasons now, cementing them as a sound style investment.
MONKI
1. Statement Shirt
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
3. Relaxed Knit
& OTHER STORIES
1. Belted Blazer
From the sophisticated cut to the heavy-duty fabric, this is everything I want my next blazer to be.
2. Tailored Trousers
3. High-Neck Dress
The scarf-detail collar is so pretty—and will help keep the winter chill at bay.
GAP
1. Shearling Shacket
Two of my favourite winter trends come together in this borg shacket.
2. Lightweight Cardigan
I practically collect cardigans, and I’m quite taken with this option, which I’d wear on its own as a top.
3. High-Waist Trousers
ARKET
1. Knitted Vest
2. Chain Jewellery
It might not keep you warm, but this bracelet is an excellent way to elevate basic roll-necks and jumpers.
3. Slip Skirt
KAREN MILLEN
1. Quilted Coat
I love trench coats, and this quilted style is different from any I already own.
2. Winter Florals
Good winter floral prints can be hard to come by, but not at Karen Millen. This lace-up dress also comes in a mini hemline, which is just as good.
3. Corduroy Trousers
COS
1. V-Neck Jumper
2. Checked Coat
Of all the checked coats I’ve seen this season, this is the one I can’t stop thinking about.
3. Oversized Scarf
JIGSAW
1. Breton Knit
2. Leather Leggings
3. Chunky Boots
Next Up: The High-Street Items That Deserve a Place in Your Forever Wardrobe
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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