These 29 High-Street Tops Could Easily Pass As Designer

I'm a dress girl through and through, preferring to wear them throughout the seasons, so admittedly the tops section of my wardrobe is a little lacklustre. That plight is common consensus, as ‘jeans and a nice top’ is the elusive fashion pairing we’re all searching for.

We’re shortly entering the period for transitional dressing and this season I’ve witnessed some beautiful pieces at sensible price points. Retailers are refining their top and blouse selections and weaving in billowy-shaped garments, that can be worn with skirts, trousers, and jeans. I’ve spotted the prettiest of tops featuring gauzy open weaves, embroidered detailing, and romantic adornments—whether it be a ruffled collar or broderie anglaise fabric.

There’s a certain method I adhere to when it comes to shopping for good quality tops on the high street. I prioritise natural fibres and simple pared-back designs, as I know they’re likely to withstand the test of time. Nine times out of 10 I’ll opt for a white variation—white tops always hit the sophistication brief. Paired with jeans, they can be transitioned into an evening outfit with the addition of strappy heels and a red lip. The other style I adore is a dropped shoulder scooped neck cut. Specific, yes, but it’s the perfect way to modernise an outfit, without too many bells and whistles. The length can be tucked into the waistband of maxi and midi skirts for a bohemian feel.

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(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Claudia wears the shirt blouse hybrid that's becoming increasingly popular. The addition of a cuffed hem gives this blouse a vintage feel.

As my love affair with Parisian style grows, so too does my pursuit for the perfect embroidered blouse. If you’re nodding in agreement, then rest assured, I have you covered on the pretty blouse front. Keep scrolling for my edit of 29 expensive-looking tops on the high street. It's guaranteed to have you feeling excited about top-half dressing once more.

Shop my high-street-top edit

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.

She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.

Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.

She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.