I Just Tried On the 7 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

I am a firm believer in investing in beautiful pieces for your wardrobe that will not only bring you joy but also last you from season to season. When we think of investment buys, it's often items with a large price tag that come to mind, as well as classically chic designers such as Celine, Totême and The Row, to name a few. These brands are well-known for their timeless cuts and shapes, and they tend to stick to a muted colour palette, too. While I can appreciate the beauty of such pieces, as you may well already know, my style is far from minimalist, so for me, an investment buy isn't always restricted to a beautifully cut black blazer or camel coat. I believe investment pieces can be statement pieces, too, which is why some of my most stand-out dresses and bags are also some of my oldest and most loved.

Said pieces don't need to break the bank, either. How we invest in our wardrobes is of course relative to each of us as individuals, and premium pieces you'll love forever can most certainly be found on the high street, too, which is a blessing for those of us who can't always stretch to The Row price points, right?

Over the years, I have picked up some essential tips on what to look out for when searching for those expensive-looking gems that are affordable, too. Each season, I always look out for certain pieces on the great British high street that I know are versatile winners, such as sequinned blazers and dresses, simple leather trousers and elevated jewellery. Then, I head to the brands that I know really excel in each area. If you’re looking for designer-style coats that are a bit friendlier on your wallet, my go-to is Mango or Massimo Dutti. When it comes to premium party wear, & Other Stories always delivers. Whenever I wear Zara jewellery, I always get asked where it’s from. And finally, Arket is guaranteed to be at the top of my wish list for footwear forever more. 

With all this in mind, I knew I had to bring the changing rooms to you and try on the best on the high street right now. So I headed out to see what was in store and cherry-picked the most expensive-looking pieces I could find. Enjoy!

1. Mango Faux-Shearling Jacket

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: Faux-shearling jackets can be a bit hit-or-miss, but when I saw this Mango one in-store, I quickly picked one up to try on. Now, trust me when I say that the imagery on the Mango website really doesn't do it justice, because it is completely amazing. Mango has somehow managed to get the outer fabric to look like real leather (it is faux), and I sized up to an XL to get that oversized high-end biker jacket look. I'm in love!

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: I haven't bought a floral dress in a while, as lately, I've struggled to find one that would work through the winter and didn't require a cardigan or extra layer. Enter this gorgeous long-sleeved pink number. This floral dress from & Other Stories fits like a glove and has a beautiful ruched detail and a devoré fabric. Dress it up or down depending on your plans this season.

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3. H&M Padded Gilet

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: There's something so chic about an oversized gilet. Plus, it's a great styling piece to add some interest to an everyday look such as an oversized-knit-and-leggings combo. I loved the shape and belt detail of this one. 

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4. Zara Crystal Boots

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: I actually can't believe these boots are from the high street. The finish is really impressive, and they're pretty comfortable to walk in, too. With the festive season just around the corner, these are bound to work hard for you! A pair of boots like this will also get a lot of mileage in your existing wardrobe, helping to add a touch of sparkle to even the simplest of looks.

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5. COS Cashmere Jumper

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: I have to admit I have been almost obsessively scouring the high street for the best cashmere this season, as I always feel the cold and want to invest in knitwear that will last for more than a season. What I've learnt on my travels is this: The store that comes out on top, every time, is COS. They're still an investment at just under £200, but the weight and thickness of the cashmere are unrivalled at this price point. This beige colour is timeless.

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6. Marks and Spencer Puffer Jacket

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: I've spied quite a few gems in Marks and Spencer this season, and this puffer is no exception. Just because it's not black doesn't mean it isn't a classic either. Wear this apple green with nearly every other colour in your winter wardrobe.

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7. Massimo Dutti Knitted Dress

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(Image credit: @LILYRUSSOBAH FOR WHOWHATWEAR UK)

Style Notes: As one of the few high-street stores catering to a customer looking for a more elevated style, Massimo Dutti is killing it this season. I have mentioned its coats and footwear in the past, but I also absolutely love this knitted dress in buttery yellow. I'll wear it with knee-high boots or heels and a clutch bag.

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SHOP MY OTHER FAVOURITE EXPENSIVE-LOOKING HIGH-STREET BUYS

Next Up: From Mango to M&S, These 12 Shearling Coats Look the Most Premium

Freelancer Fashion Editor

Lily Russo-Bah is a London-based freelance fashion editor and the founder of beachwear shopping destination Beachflamingo.com. A fashion expert who started her career at Grazia magazine in 2008, where she worked across both digital and print as fashion editor, compiling shopping pages and styling main fashion, and in 2014 was awarded Gold as one of the top five journalists in MHP’s Journalists to Watch.

She is known for her expert eye, compiling killer edits and her obsession with anything pink. She is a self-confessed swimwear obsessive with so many bikinis she doesn’t have the time to count them. From runway trends to the high-street hits you need to add to cart right now, one of her favourite pastimes is spotting the next cult buy and under-the-radar designers.

When she isn’t scouring the shops for the next must-have trends, she can be found dancing Brazilian samba and booking her next sunshine getaway.