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 Party Skirt
I know party season isn’t for a while yet, but you owe it to yourself to invest in this M&S sequinned fringed skirt now. It was unveiled as part of the high-street brand’s first ever London Fashion Week show, and was the moment – Joan Collins on the front row aside – where everyone got their phones out and started taking pictures, mentally adding it to their shopping lists. Everything seen in the show was made available to buy immediately, both online and in store, which must have been a true logistical feat. There’s some great daywear such as this power shoulder blue shirt, but the partywear was particularly strong. As well as the pictured fringed party skirt (so perfect with a white shirt and heels), take note of this satin embellished kimono and the dramatic black cape – both great with jeans for a chic after-dark look.
The Weekend Top
Autumn is all about judicious layering, which is why Hush’s relaxed striped top is such a useful wardrobe addition. A great alternative to the T-shirt, it’s a piece to wear with everything – tucked into jeans and wide-leg trousers at the weekend or left loose over slinky slip skirts or leather pencil skirts for a low-key evening outfit. It’s light enough not to add bulk to knitwear when the time comes for chunky jumpers, and the stripes have a sporty, faintly 90s energy, which add personality and colour. A perfect weekend or WFH style hero.
The Statement Sock
Over the past 18 months, socks, quite rightly, have become fashion’s most democratic accessory, and I’m a huge fan. The right sock can transform an outfit, and now we’re fully into loafer season, it’s time to give them their due. As I’m sure you’re aware, bare ankles are no longer a good sartorial move; the needle has moved to socks. A cobalt blue version with a ribbed finish like these from Glassworks London will put an instant pep in your step, and they’re a suitably compact accessory to travel with. A fashion sock is an easy, budget-friendly way of updating your look; do not overlook their playful power this autumn.
The Perfect Autumn Knit
I’d be the first to say that Matalan is not high on my radar of style-led high-street brands, but its autumn/winter 2026 collection is strong. The chain has undergone a new direction and it shows – think sharper silhouettes, elevated fabrics and unexpected textures. There’s a few standouts, the oversize suit but also this £20 charcoal fluffy polo and its exaggerated collar, which is very versatile. I’d wear it with high-waisted jeans but also a voluminous skirt and loafers. A name to keep your eye on.
The Fashion-Girl Jacket
Toteme’s scarf coat went viral when it was first launched back in 2021, sparking countless high-street takes. Its genius was both aesthetic and practical – the silhouette is quietly elegant and the in-built scarf means you never have to carry one again, making winter dressing less bulky. H&M’s style comes in burgundy and also a warm tawny brown shade, which would work well with denim this autumn.
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.
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