High-street shopping has received a bad rap over the last few years, but there are great 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 Street Style Favourite Normcore Jumper
Unassuming grey knitwear became an unexpected hit at the autumn/winter 2025 shows; Stella McCartney’s were slouchy and hooded, while Victoria Beckham introduced hers as mini dresses. I also liked Cecilie Bahnsen’s take, where chunky jumpers were styled with metallic skirts. Simultaneously on the rise are V-necks, the perfect blend of elegance and preppiness. All of this makes M&S’ cloud-coloured version very desirable indeed. Its drop shoulders give it a relaxed, insouciant energy, which is handy for balancing more classically feminine, or lighter fabrics like silk. This jumper is an easy school-run go-to with jeans and loafers, but it’s also a grounding force for an evening look – just team with a lace-trimmed skirt (like this one from Rixo) and a low heel. I’ve found other budget-friendly options at Gap and Mango – the latter’s layered charcoal design will offer warmth and style.
The Polka-Dot Tights
Hosiery is no longer an afterthought – in style circles, a great pair of tights is now an outfit-maker. I’ve talked before of the look-completing qualities of the right socks, and now it’s time for tights to have their moment in the sun. Whether you’re swayed by pattern or colour, a well-chosen pair adds personality. Look to Alexa Chung for style inspiration, or writer and content creator Camille Charriere, another long-standing fan who created a capsule line for Swedish Stockings last winter. This polka-dot design from Boden reminds me of Victoria Beckham’s version, and they make for a really easy way to refresh a favourite LBD or party skirt.
The Perfect Lace-Trimmed Camisole
If you find the perfect camisole top, you never look back. It’s a classic foundation piece that you’ll return to again and again – on holiday and at home, with jeans and a blazer for an effortless party look, with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers for dinner, or tucked into shorts in the warmer months. This lace-trimmed, jersey style by H&M features a slit to each side revealing a hint of skin. Run don’t walk for this one.
The Grown-Up Party Skirt
I know it’s early to be thinking about party season, but it’ll come round sooner than you think, and when it does you’ll thank me for bringing this perfect evening skirt from Mango to your attention. I love it with a T-shirt and loafers, or, as styled here, with a chunky knit for that ideal combination of easy glamour (the above M&S grey jumper would be perfect here). For a dressier look, consider a pair of Carrie Bradshaw-inspired 90s’ mules.
The Cool-Girl Windbreaker
Can a windbreaker ever be cool? Earlier this year, I wrote that this outdoors staple was spring’s buzziest style and for autumn/winter 2025, it still has cachet – a totem of the low-key 90s style that we celebrated this summer with the Oasis reunion. Prada, Toteme and Dries Van Noten have all launched designer versions, but La Redoute’s oversized design ticks all the right boxes for much less money. The slouchy silhouette, lightly ballooned sleeves and exaggerated hood take it out of a purely functional category, making it feel contemporary and fashion-focused, too.
Lead picture: Courtesy of H&M
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
Any Questions or Tips to add?