I'm a Pro at Assembling Elevated Outfits on a Budget—These 5 Looks Do It for Me

I don't know about you, but I'm already bored of my entire wardrobe this year. Maybe it's balancing working from home and the office, or maybe it's that in-between time when I'm ready to wear my summer clothes but the British weather likes to remind me that cold winds and rain are its speciality. Whatever it is, I'm in the market for a few new pieces to make me feel excited about getting dressed again. Just as well, then, the new-in sections are stocked high with fresh pieces to spread instant joy. I'm searching for those key items that will work seamlessly with my current favourites (hello, versatile linen shirts) while delivering that new-clothes feel.

While I've been on my mega hunt to find the best bits, I've found that the high street is reigning supreme. As a stylist, I spend a lot of my time putting outfits together, so I thought I would create some easy spring outfit inspiration with the pieces I've found. And the best part? Each outfit comes in at under £250 each.So whether it's the brand new Arket denim skirt paired with a blazer, or the Mango trousers that are bringing all the Y2K vibes, these are all the best high-street buys right now, plus how to style them. Happy scrolling.

Outfit 1 = £241

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Denim skirts have been key this spring, so for an outfit you can wear now and take into summer, ditch the winter tights and layer light layers of cotton and linen with a classic blazer. Sticking to separates in neutral tones is the key to making this look feel polished with minimal effort, and you can always trade the strappy heel for a chunky flat sandal for the day. 

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Outfit 2 = £170

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

There's no doubt about it. A nod to all things '90s is leading the way once again this season. Give in with halternecks, cargo trousers, wedges and mini shoulder bags. Trust me—you won't regret it (especially if you throw in a claw clip.) 

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Outfit 3 = £221

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Let's just say I've been slightly (read: completely) swayed by TikTok's "ladcore" aesthetic, and while you aren't going to catch me in a football top any time, there is a stylish way to introduce a sportier edge to your spring wardrobe before it naturally becomes a key trend later in the year. Thankfully, Arket and Marks and Spencer are one step ahead when it comes to androgynous basics, and adding a satin slip keeps the outfit still looking polished. 

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Outfit 4 = £184

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Striped trousers are everywhere–from Kitri and Ganni to Totême and Khaite–and I want in. I've already seen this particular Kitri pair on Jessie Bush with a shearling jacket, but when warmer weather finally arrives, I'll be wearing it with a cut-out racer vest and clashing striped oversized shirt. 

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Outfit 6 = £227

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Waistcoats have been worn as suits, over T-shirts and on their own as tops a lot this year, and I'm also a big fan of wearing one open over a floaty dress. Keep the look in line with 2023 styling by adding chunky gold hoops and Western boots. 

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Next up, From Diane Kruger to Parisian Influencers, This COS Blazer Is the Month's It Buy

Opening image: @_jessicaskye and @frannfyne

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.