There’s a misconception that you can’t find classic wardrobe items on the high street—that the pieces are too trend-led and their appeal will fade when new sartorial movements come into play. However, we’re here to prove otherwise.
All of our favourite high-street brands are known for getting specific things right, whether that’s an entire product category, such as COS’s trousers, or a particular item, for example, & Other Stories’ wool-blend blazer. These are the items that are either available all year round or re-released every season, and it’s no coincidence that they’re also the brands’ bestsellers.
To save you time and help you identify these high street items that are genuinely worth investing in we’ve rounded up all the most expensive-looking pieces that tick the ‘classic’ box as well. And the list you’ll find below also happens to be perfect for helping you build out year-round capsule wardrobes. You’re welcome!
1. & OTHER STORIES STRIPED JUMPERS
Rachael wears a striped jumper from & Other Stories.
Style Notes: Many high street destinations do striped knits, but none compare with & Other Stories’ elite selection in our opinion.
Shop & Other Stories Striped Jumpers:
& Other Stories
Wide-Sleeve Knit Sweater
Stripes are so reliable.
& Other Stories
Relaxed Collared Sweater
This style will carry you through winter, spring, summer and autumn.
& Other Stories
Wool Knit Jumper
Made from 100% responsible wool.
2. ARKET BLAZERS
Emily wears the Arket blazer.
Style Notes: There are only a few high street items with good enough quality and longevity for me to recommend buying them even if you had an unlimited budget—but I would choose ARKET’s blazers over any other brand every time.
Shop Arket Blazers:
Arket
Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer
The best-selling blazer.
Arket
Double-Breasted Pinstripe Blazer
Looking to take your blazer looks further? Why not add pinstripes into the mix.
Relaxed Wool-Blend Blazer
This new colour is just gorgeous.
3. COS TROUSERS
Yatri wears COS wide-leg trousers.
Style Notes: Fashion people everywhere have been wearing COS trousers on repeat for years. The quality and fit is impeccable.
Shop COS Trousers:
COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
The precise pleating makes this pair look so expensive.
COS
Barrel-Leg Wool Trousers
This chic pair also comes in navy.
COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
The navy looks so chic with baby blue.
4. ARKET CREW-NECK T-SHIRT
Lorna wears a t-shirt from Arket.
Style Notes: Our editors have proclaimed this Arket T-shirt the perfect style. Need we say more?
Shop Arket Crew Neck T-Shirt:
Arket
Crew-Neck T-Shirt in Black
So many great outfits start with a great t-shirt.
Arket
Crew-Neck T-Shirt in White
The cut and 100% cotton composition make this a really good choice.
Arket
Crew-Neck T-Shirt in Grey
I wear a grey t-shirt and blue jeans at least once a week.
5. MANGO WOOL COATS
Mona wears a coat from Mango.
Style Notes: Celebs, influencers and editors everywhere know the best place to turn to for expensive-looking wool coats on the high street is Mango.
Shop Mango Wool Coats:
Mango
Double-Breasted Wool Coat
This elegant coat is truly timeless.
Mango
Lapels Structured Coat
Black styles are eternally chic.
mango
Oversized 100% Wool Coat
This blazer-style is perfect with jeans
6. M&S CASHMERE
Monikh wears a jumper and trousers from Marks & Spencer.
Style Notes: I’ve tried so many different brands for cashmere, from uber-luxury to the high street’s offering, and M&S are the styles that have lasted in my wardrobe the longest.
Shop M&S Cashmere:
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
M&S’s beloved cashmere comes in every shade of the rainbow.
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan
A soft layering piece you’ll rely on on cooler days all year round.
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
If you told me this was three times the price, I’d believe you.
7. ARKET JEANS
Louisa wears jeans from Arket.
Style Notes: Straight, flared, wide and more, Arket takes jeans seriously with a style to suit all preferences. What’s more, the styles come in a range of colours and washes so you’re sure to find a pair to treasure forever.
Shop Arket Jeans:
Arket
Jade Cropped Slim Stretch Jeans
A pair many of our editors swear by.
Arket
Cloud Low Loose Jeans
Loose jeans are here to stay.
8. WHISTLES LEATHER
Marisa wears the Whistles leather jacket.
Style Notes: Although their pieces are still an investment, if you’re looking for real leather wardrobe items that will last forever thanks to their classic design and luxury quality, we’d always recommend making your way to Whistles.
Shop Whistles Leather:
Whistles
Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
A classic piece that will earn its keep.
Whistles
Agnes Pocket Leather Jacket
A classic biker jacket will serve your wardrobe for years.
9. COS HANDBAGS
Brittany wears the COS leather crossbody bag.
Style Notes: Some high-street brands are guilty of taking their accessories a step too far, be it with oversized zips or unnecessary branding. COS, however, opts for the pared-back approach, making its arm candy the most expensive-looking out there.
Shop COS Bags:
COS
Leather Crossbody Bag
This bag is so good, they’ve brought it out in a variety of colours.
COS
Mini Folded Crossbody Shopper
Carry as a tote or wear crossbody.
COS
Oversized Quilted Crossbody
Style and practicality combined.
10. M&S SHOES
Danielle wears shoes from Marks & Spencer.
Style Notes: As fashion editors we take shoes very seriously. If you’re looking for comfort, style, quality and excellent value—you can’t beat M&S.
Shop M&S Shoes:
M&S Collection
Leather Loafers
A penny loafer is a true classic.
M&S Collection
Buckle Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps
Style with skirts, trousers, jeans and dresses.
M&S Collection
Leather Chelsea Chisel Toe Boots
It’s hard to find a pair of leather boots this classic for under £100.
11. ARKET PUFFER COATS
Aida wear an Arket puffer.
Style Notes: While puffer jackets have proven popular across the high street, it goes without saying that Arket’s puffer coat collection is the chicest of them all.
Shop Arket Puffer Coats:
Arket
Long Down Puffer Coat
For the chilliest days, a long puffer coat will keep the majority of your body warm.
The elastic drawstring means you can adjust the shape for maximum warmth.
12. H&M KNIT DRESSES
Lydia wears a knit dress from H&M.
Style Notes: There’s so many classics sold at H&M, but it’s their knitted dresses we come back to year after year as being the best, with the most inclusive sizing too.
Shop H&M Knit Dresses:
Throw on and go with this sleek knit dress.
I’d style this with camel or brown tones.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.