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 Embellished Skirt
If you want to give the now ubiquitous midi skirt a modern sheen, then look for styles with embellished detailing. Floral appliqués or jewelled embroidery take it up a level into a more elevated space. The honey tone of H&M’s calf-length version feels particularly luxe, too. That’s not to say that it’s only to be worn to big events – dress it down with a T-shirt and chunky loafers for day, or wear with a silk shirt and a kitten heel for evening. Consider layering under a sporty windbreaker to offset its feminine polish.
Sheer embellished skirt, £34.99, H&M
The Perfect Summer Top
The ‘jeans and a nice top’ combination is a go-to for most of us during the spring/summer transition. It’s still a bit punchy for a breezy summer dress at the moment – especially during the evening – but a pretty top in a light fabric celebrates warm weather without going all in. We’re tempted by this tie-front shirt by Nobody’s Child, which will serve you well with denim, but also with a pair of loose-fitting trousers on holiday. It’s also made with a linen-blend, which means it’s slightly less prone to creasing. At £55, it’s £5 over budget but we couldn’t not spotlight this as a high-street buy with real longevity.
White linen-blend tie front shirt, £55, Nobody’s Child
The Tank Top
As we’ve highlighted already this month, the tank top is the basic staple of choice this summer. A streamlined, sportier alternative to a boxy T-shirt, it’s been given a luxury glow-up via Prada, Loewe and Bottega Veneta. The good news is that you don’t need to pay a lot to find a great version – the high street offers an abundance of them. We recommend Rise and Fall, a forever destination for well-made wardrobe classics – and somewhat a secret among fashion insiders – which has our favourite, a sleek racer-back style. We’ll be wearing ours with a pair of high-waisted trousers and sandals.
Black tank top, £35, Rise and Fall
The Boxer Shorts
The boxer short arrived as a denim alternative last summer, and continues its rise this year – particularly if you can’t get on board with the emerging bloomers trend. French Connection – which is undergoing a revival – has released a fun green striped pair that are great with a T-shirt as a relaxed weekend or holiday look, but also with a silk shirt and barely there, plain heels for a playful evening outfit.
Striped drawstring shorts, £45, French Connection
The Statement Necklace
COS is such a go-to destination for high-street jewellery that looks more expensive. This molten pendant necklace looks as if it’s been inspired by one of the all-time jewellery greats, Elsa Peretti and her minimalist, sensual pieces. It’s a real statement style that will dress up the most low-key of looks. It pairs well with a simple slip dress or a silk shirt, but our style director Rachel Story recommends styling with tailoring, as seen below.
Molten pendant necklace, £45, Cos
Lead picture: Courtesy of Mango
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