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 timeless clothes that will become favourites, start scrolling.
The It-Girl Sunglasses
Aviators have been steadily making a comeback for the last 18 months, but expect them to go stratospheric in 2026. A reaction against the tiny 90s rectangular styles that were popular the past few years, the Top Gun favourite are favoured by Jennifer Lawrence and Victoria Beckham. Luxury titans such as Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, Prada and Gucci have championed their renaissance, but you don’t need to spend a lot to achieve the same look; River Island’s version for £16 are a budget-friendly option that will perfectly offset feminine looks.
Brown aviator sunglasses, £16, River Island
The Little Denim Dress
La Redoute is such an underestimated treasure trove for affordable fashion – you’ll find the much pored-over nonchalant French Girl chic for a lot less than some of the better-known mid-level Parisian brands. This denim shirt dress is versatile, but timeless – wear it now with a black roll-neck, tights and loafers, and then swap for bare legs, sandals and a basket bag when the weather warms up. The oversized proportions give it a relaxed, modern edge, too. I must also mention this floor-sweeping, minimalist maxi dress that would be an excellent addition to your summer holiday.
Sara Mini Dress, £27.49, La Redoute
The Dinner Date Top
H&M’s Victoria Beckham-adjacent cowl-neck blouse looks much more expensive than it is. An easy way of injecting elegance, its fluidity, colour and V-front detailing will ensure it becomes a go-to every time you need a quick way of bringing glamour to a look. Dress it down with denim and a pair of loafers, or team with a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers for an easy evening holiday outfit.
Cowl-neck blouse, £22.99, H&M
The Perfect Wide-Leg Jeans
Some of my favourite, most enduring jeans come from Gap; they’re relatively inexpensive and are seemingly indestructible. This season, the brand’s denim is particularly strong – I love the mid-rise, loose-fit silhouette made in a super soft Lyocell blend, meaning they’re not only comfortable, but lightweight too. If they get wet they won’t feel heavy, and will serve as a great staple in the summer months when typical denim feels too warm and rigid. I like them in the classic indigo wash, but the lighter blue will work well in spring.
Indigo soft baggy jeans, £50, Gap
The Chunky Bangle
The bangle is the jewellery hero of 2026. Part of the move towards maximalism, this 70s statement piece looks great over a sleeve or over a sun-kissed bare arm on holiday. It confidently transforms a look and can be transported easily in a carry-on. Pioneering jewellery designer Elsa Peretti is responsible for luxury fashion’s original versions, and her influence can be seen in Cos’ textured cuff made using recycled brass.
Textured brass cuff, £45, Cos
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.
Lead image courtesy of H&M
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?