I'm a Stylist— Here Are 26 Expensive-Looking Classics I'd Recommend From Arket

A good wardrobe is nothing without a solid base of classic capsule pieces. You know the ones—the items you pull out and incorporate into your outfits most days. The simple yet far-from-boring staples you’d be lost without. It could be the perfect white T-shirt, a pair of jeans or your favourite blazer that goes with everything. 

As a stylist, I’ve spent the best part of a decade searching for the perfect versions of these items to use in photo shoots or to recommend to all of my clients as well as to fill my own collection with. And surprisingly enough, the one place I always turn to isn’t the most expensive designer; it’s actually on the high street. In my opinion, Arket classics win every time, and I constantly find myself suggesting the brand when people ask me where to find the 'perfect' items. Not only that but I return to it myself every season to top up my basics for the months ahead. 

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Annemiek wears Arket's timeless tailored trousers

The key is that Arket does simplicity really well, with each item looking and feeling much more expensive than its actual price tag. It may not be the cheapest place on the high street to shop, but since the quality is easily the best, I’m always happy to invest a little more knowing that the pieces will last. Plus, it’s still much lower in price than its designer counterparts. 

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Lorna wears her classic Arket blazer with black jeans. 

So I thought I’d round up an edit of the pieces I always recommend below. I’m not lying when I say my wardrobe is full of Arket T-shirts, tailoring, shirts (I’m wearing one as I write) and jeans, not to mention the boots I've lived in for three winters straight. Keep scrolling, and you’ll find all the Arket classics you’ll never regret adding to your collection.

1. Coats & Jackets

2. Shirts & T-Shirts

3. Tailoring

4. Boots

5. Jeans

6. Knitwear

Up Next: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.