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
Few of us need convincing that a trench coat is an excellent buy come autumn, but Asda’s £50 option might just encourage you to invest again. There is a lot to love here – the chocolate brown shade instantly makes it feel a touch more luxe than other high-street equivalents and if you’re a denim girl like I am, it’s the perfect bedfellow. The other point of difference is the longer length, which hits mid-calf, catapulting it high up on the fashion spectrum. Pop the collar up into a funnel-neck for new-season style kudos. This is one to make a beeline for now, before it sells out.
The Zebra-Print Blouse
Zebra will be this season’s key print, and of course M&S have delivered with a grown-up version that feels office-appropriate, but also interesting enough to wear for dinner with friends. The funnel neckline – very popular with the fashion crowd right now – is another big tick, and gives it an easy elegance. The cherry on top is the dramatic cape, statement-making in a refined way.
The New School Bag
Bucket bags have been making a stealth comeback for the past 12 months, predominantly via Prada who revived this functional style for spring/summer 2025. Ever influential, the brand has inspired a wider comeback which makes a lot of sense – the bucket is practical but not too big in the way a tote can be. This one – a faux leather design from Mango – is roomy enough for your laptop, but you won’t find yourself scrambling around inside to find your phone. They’re structured in a relaxed way, which means they can be worn in very different settings and – this is my personal favourite thing about them – they have a solid base, so they don’t fall over when standing up.
The All-Rounder Lace Trim Skirt
A lace-trimmed skirt will see you through autumn right up to party season and out again to spring/summer 2027. You can wear it to the office with a crisp oversized shirt or to dinner with a cami or a long-sleeve top. I also like them with a T-shirt and Tevas for a relaxed weekend vibe, and I’ve spotted the cool girls of Peckham wearing them with a low wedge (yes I’m afraid they’re back, do what you will with that information.) H&M’s budget-friendly version will also pair well with chunky knitwear for a wintery look that can be worn to work.
The 90s Minimalist Cuff
Arm cuffs have been trending all summer, with Zoë Kravitz and Alexa Chung wearing them around their upper arms. It’s a very nostalgic 90s look and one that comes with a minimalist elegance, but for back-to-school polished, classic styling is a safe option. They dress up a simple T-shirt, and serve as a perfect accent to shirting – either worn over the cuff or peeping out from under it. If you are still planning a shoulder-season holiday, they’re an easy way of giving an evening look – particularly sweeping maxi dresses – a sophisticated edge. Cos’ agate design comes in silver, which has slowly reentered the fashion spotlight after years of gold jewellery dominance.
Lead picture: Courtesy of M&S
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.
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