High-street shopping has received a bad rap over the last few years, but there are pieces to be found. These are our best high-street buys – that also look more expensive.
In a world of disposable fashion, where so much of what we wear ends up in landfill, budget-friendly clothing is thought to be among the worst culprits. Although the materials of our wardrobe favourites matter, what’s also important is how often we wear the styles we buy.
Whether designer or high-street, what’s needed is a thoughtful approach – only buying clothes that we really love because those are the pieces that won’t be quickly discarded. And there is treasure to be found on the high street, which is why each month we’ll highlight five pieces under £50 that won’t age. Each of these high-street buys look more expensive than they are, because shopping on a lower budget doesn’t mean negating style. Most will have a travel lens, but we also believe that, swimwear aside, what you wear on holiday shouldn’t be too far from what you wear in your day-to-day life anyway. For high-end energy clothes that will become favourites, start scrolling.
The Polo Shirt
This preppy classic returned last summer thanks to Loewe, Celine and Gucci and it’s still going strong. We love this one from JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration, available in navy as well as white. Perfect with high-waisted trousers, it looks particularly fresh with indigo denim. For a more feminine twist, wear yours with a pencil or mini skirt. An oversized polo also makes a great companion as an on-flight layer.
The High-Waisted Jeans
A pair of indigo-wash jeans is an easy way of smartening up denim. Choose a high-waisted, wide-leg pair and dress it up with a shirt tucked in, or team it with a polo shirt or a T-shirt for a more relaxed off-duty outfit (
hello city break outfit). These by H&M are one of our best high-street buys, and come in three other washes: white, faded blue and mid-blue.
The Pearl Double Ring
The right jewellery can instantly amp up an outfit, which is exactly what we love about this coiled fresh water pearl double ring. It doesn’t demand instant attention, but has a quietly elevated edge. It also won’t take up much space in your suitcase.
The reliable cardigan has undergone a renaissance in recent years, now considered a mainstay in the wardrobes of editors and influencers. Think of this grey sparkly design now on sale at Aligne as the winter alternative to the going-out top, and a strong date-night contender. It’ll work as well with denim as it will thrown over a summer dress.
The Denim Pinafore
A great spring-ready dress with real versatility, M&S’ denim pinafore can be worn with a roll-neck, tights and boots now, before swapping for a breton, T-shirt and ballet pumps when warm weather finally arrives. In the summer or on holiday somewhere hot, it needs nothing more than a strappy sandal, or a retro trainer.
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Lead picture: Courtesy of H&M
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