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 Supermarket Winner
A fashion friend recently divulged that Tu at Sainsburys was really good at the moment, and she wasn’t wrong. This shirred top and its frilled hem is a perfect day-to-night option, great with a relaxed pair of barrel-leg jeans, but also with a black palazzo pants and gold hoops for the evening. I’m a big fan of shirred detailing, which creates shape without any of the discomfort of boning or anything too structured. I also like this black cap-sleeve top which reminds me of Agnes B’s famed snap cardigan, and also these suede loafers, a great transitional buy. Wear now with denim shorts and a shirt or a slip dress, then change for jeans when autumn arrives.
The Satin Ballet Pumps
Satin ballet pumps are having a real moment (Cos’ £80 khaki version have already become a fashion-girl favourite), and bring a feminine edge to summer looks. H&M’s backless design comes with a sturdy low heel, providing a touch more arch support than typical flat versions. Use them to offset casual outfits – I like them best with denim or sporty separates, for example tracksuit bottoms or retro running shorts. I’m still not sure if I’m onboard with the capri pants renaissance, but they’d be a good aesthetic match too.
The Aviator Sunglasses
Aviators – this season’s key sunglasses silhouette – are such an easy way of giving your summer wardrobe a 2026 facelift. They add a masculine, relaxed energy to feminine looks, and somehow make the wearer look glamorous in a very enigmatic, nonchalant way. Channel your inner Gloria Steinem (the ultimate aviator inspiration) and invest in Mango’s £29.99 version before they sell out.
The Love-Forever Shirt
I have written before about the power of the oversized shirt as a summer staple (nay an all-year-round staple), and this one from Whistles is too good not to share. Reduced from £89 to £35, it comes in a timeless blue and white stripe, making it as great for the office as it is a relaxed weekend or holiday essential. The borrowed-from-the-boys loose fit means they can be tucked into high-waisted trousers or shorts, or worn unbuttoned as a breezy layering option.
The Elegant Summer Evening Dress
Dressing for the evening during the summer months is a logistical nightmare – depending on the situation, it demands a level of polish that can be at odds with clothes that also keep us cool. River Island’s chocolate brown bandeau dress is pulled-together but still warm weather-appropriate. It has the visual impact of a refined co-ord with the ease of a one-and-done dress – which also makes it easier to pack for your holiday.
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?