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 Spring-Ready Jeans
Wide-leg silhouettes are going nowhere in terms of denim, which is what makes this ASOS cut all the more desirable. While the 90s style of Caroline Bessette Kennedy in Love Story might have put cigarette pants back on the map, when it comes to jeans, loose fits, barrel or straight-legs are still the freshest. I love a relaxed, high-waisted jean during the warmer months – they’re airy, and pair well with a lot of my most-worn summer styles such as tanks, T-shirts, linen shirts, sandals, espadrilles and ballet pumps. A bargain with milage.
The Romantic Top
We all need a summer top that can be worn everywhere with everything; enter H&M’s feminine smocked blouse which feels romantic without being saccharine. I’d wear this with jeans, denim shorts or breezy palazzo pants, but it would look equally great with a midi skirt. Just add understated gold earrings and a thong heel and you have an evening-ready outfit. It would also take up minimal space in your suitcase.
The Warm Weather Office Skirt (That Will Also Work OOO)
It is rare to find a piece of clothing that you would wear to the office and also on holiday, but Mango’s chic check skirt is one of these uncommon beauties. Wear with a white shirt and loafers for the office, and then, when off-duty, swap for a T-shirt or tank. All you need is a pair of sandals and oversized shades and you’re good to go. The check nods to the traditional version of British summer that’s all bucolic picnics and rolling hills, but isn’t as girlish as a classic gingham. The angular wrap silhouette gives it a more polished, contemporary energy.
The Holiday Trousers
If you want to give your holiday wardrobe an update, then these TBCO trousers and their wavy print are a perfect addition. Of course, you can wear them at home too, but the pattern is so upbeat it’s taking my mind to sunnier climes and beachside cocktails. They’re versatile enough to be worn at night with a flimsy silk vest, by the pool over your bikini or with a white T-shirt for city strolls. They’d also make for a great airport outfit; comfortable (note the elasticated waistband), but chicer than your old trackies.
The Upbeat Sunglasses
If you’re someone whose style uniform tends to be on the serious side, then one, low-risk way to add a shot of playfulness is through your choice of sunglasses. Depending on your pick, they have the power to immediately lift an outfit. These from Oliver Bonas (a brand whose joyful new SS26 collection is pure sunshine), are made from recycled materials, and simply have a feel-good vibe. Maybe it’s the green frame or the tortoise-shell arms, but they’re a fast dopamine hit.
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 Mango
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