We all have those small but surprisingly handy hidden talents. Maybe you’re the friend who always manages to bag sold-out festival tickets, the human calculator who can split a bill to the penny, or know the key to karaoke without clearing the room after one chorus. All impressive in their own right. My special skill, however, is a little more practiced than instinctive—I can spot a luxury-looking piece in any high street store. The kind that prompts people to ask to see the label because they simply can’t believe it didn’t come with an extra zero on the price tag.
I’ll admit, though, that with the ever-improving calibre of high street collections, this knack is no longer tricky to master—once you know what to look for. Cos, Massimo Dutti and Topshop even have their own runway shows highlighting the chicest items to buy. So, allow me to share my secrets.
Massimo Dutti Spring/Summer 25 runway
First, pay attention to fabric composition. Natural fibres—cotton, silk, linen, wool—always look more elevated, and with a little TLC, they’ll stay that way for longer, too. Next, focus on cut and colour. Skip micro-trend prints or one-season shades; clean lines and timeless palettes always feel more expensive. And finally, upkeep is everything. A bobbly jumper or a creased shirt will undo even the chicest of buys—yes, this is your reminder to dust off the iron (sorry).
So, now the talent is yours. Consider it officially passed on—or, if you’d rather skip straight to the good part, shop my edit of high street heroes below. And if anyone’s looking to trade talents, karaoke aficionados, I’m all ears.
Shop the most expensive-looking buys on the high street
M&S is famous for its cost-effective cashmere and this crew neck is sure to become a building block for countless outfits.
With so many cuts, colours and fabric compositions on offer, dresses are arguably one of the most difficult items to shop for. This satin slip, however, is reminiscent of more luxury labels.
Pony hair and fur-like finds are having a huge moment since the Autumn/Winter 25 runways, so consider this Cos find an entryway into the look.
Massimo Dutti is one of the best places to search for more expensive-looking fashion finds, as the brand has been built around understated elegance. This top, however, sits more on the statement side with a cape-like design that will elevate everything from jeans to mini skirts.
Aligne is one of the best kept secrets of the fashion industry, stocking everything from chic co-ords to well-made denim designs. While anything from this store will slip into the more expensive-looking realm, they're best known for their blazers.
Now, I know I promised everything in this edit would be below £200, but I've sneakily squeezed these trousers in anyway because they're simply too good to leave out. Style with anything from a simple tee to a structured shirt for an effortless yet elevated outfit.
Topshop's return has every fashion fan rather excited, and its shoe collection is just as good as it was in the old days—particularly this timeless suede mule.
Just like Aligne, Damson Madder is another fashion fan favourite, and with coats (which can get rather costly) under £150, it's easy to see why.
Yes, a classic cotton T-shirt is a must in any wardrobe, but a silk style appears much more polished. Wear with everything from jeans to skirts to trousers for an elevated take on everyday dressing.
I added this Katie Loxton patent red bag to my own collection only last week and have had countless compliments on it so far. Plus, it even fits a laptop inside.
This cotton blend shirt perfectly toes the line between classic and contemporary with a tie waist and exaggerated collar, making it look much more expensive than its £75 price tag.
Jackets are often much more costly than a shirt or dress because of the many elements that go into them, so a chic collared style at under £150 is certainly worth a moment of our attention.
Suede has seen a huge amount of interest this year, spanning jackets, bags, and of course shoes—as have more formal footwear finds. So, this two-in one trend piece is just as classic as it is chic.
