Confession time. I spend a lot of time looking at clothes. More specifically, I spend a lot of time scouring the high street for the best pieces from new-in drops. We’re lucky that our high street is filled with great staples of course, but every once in a while an extra special find will pop up that blows us away. And I can wholeheartedly say, there is nothing more satisfying than finding those rare high-street pieces that look like they came straight from the runway. You know, the ones that make friends, colleagues and even strangers on the street say “where did you get that?”, followed by “wait, it’s from the high street?”.
Whether it’s through incredibly intricate details or high-quality fabrics, these kinds of pieces make you walk a little taller and fill you with a sense of (almost smug) satisfaction at having been one of the few to find and bag an elevated wardrobe hero at a covetable price point.
Well, needless to say, there are only a few select brands that can deliver these kinds of pieces and there are three in particular that have become my go-to for not only wardrobe staples, but pieces with a certain je ne sais quio;Arket, COS and Zara are responsible for so many of the pieces that I can’t believe come from the high street. Need some proof? I’ve managed to narrow down a few of the new-in pieces that have made me click add-to-basket a little quicker than usual and have shared them below.
Keep reading to discover my edit of the new-in Arket, COS and Zara pieces that I just can’t believe are high-street.
We’re all about cropped silhouettes at the moment, and this will look great layered over jumpers, t-shirts and blouses alike.
Equally cute and cosy, this polo-neck will outdo itself as a wardrobe staple. It’s made from certified and pure merino wool and will be so easy to layer under pretty much everything.
No capsule wardrobe can call itself such without a good blazer, and a variety of them at that. Cut from leather, this one will easily take you from day to night.
We think this is pretty much the perfect daytime dress, and it’s one you’ll want to lounge in long after you’ve arrived home from the office. Simply use a leather belt to cinch the waist.
We can guarantee the complements you’ll receive will be endless when wearing this pretty number. It’s blended with both mohair and wool and has a lightly ribbed texture that makes it look so beautiful and soft. And who doesn’t love a pop of colour?
This is so low-key, slinky and stylish; it gives us some serious ’90s vibes. It’s so easy to dress up or down and all you’ll have to do is add a slim gold chain or crystal necklace to achieve maximum sophistication.
We’re all about our flared jeans at the moment and this mid-rise pair will look beautiful with all your shoes.
You’ll have to forgive how much I rant about loafers, but that’s because they bridge the gap between high street and designer so effortlessly. This pair is made from buttery leather with a matte finish that easily dupes designer pairs, and they tap into this seasons preppy trend, too.
We just love the satiny finish of this skirt. The gentle pleats, A-line silhouette and midi hem give it an air of old Hollywood glamour, making it the ultimate high-street find. Style it with everything from sneakers to heeled sandals.
If this bag doesn’t immediately scream designer to you, then nothing will. The beautifully interwoven straps feel so high-end and it comes with a detachable strap so you can go hands-free. It comes in a classic black colour as well.
It’s such a simple detail, but the subtle darts through the waistline of this dress give it an effortlessly tailored feel. You can exaggerate the look with a belt or simply leave a few buttons undone to show off lashings of jewellery.
This white shirt is a stunning foundational piece. It’s cut from crisp cotton that’s as durable as it is lightweight and has a relaxed fit that you can layer or wear fully buttoned to show off its sharp silhouette.
There’s a reason corduroy keeps popping up on our feeds and wish lists and it’s because no matter what it’s blended with, it always look polished. You won’t believe how soft this cotton one feels on the skin.
I haven’t seen anything that mimics the quality and cosiness of shearling quite like this coat. It’s cut for a slightly long fit and has handy pockets just below the waist.
COS may be known for being eternally minimal, but they still know how to work in a bit of glamour every once in a while. The shimmery threads woven through this top really make it go the extra mile.
This skirt makes looking like you put tons of effort into your outfit a breeze. Simple and classic, it’s been made with recycled fibres and is cut for a slim-fit that hugs your curves. The slightly high-waist is ideal for pairing with all kinds of cropped tops.
No fashionistas wardrobe is quite complete without a trench coat and this leather one is the perfect alternative to the traditional cotton-canvas style. It has a detachable belt and panelled pockets. Wear yours with colourful accessories.
This T-shirt will look flattering on every figure and from every angle. The slightly higher crew-neck gives it a touch of vintage varsity and it’s so easy to tuck into jeans or tailoring.
As you can probably guess, I’m a bit of a sucker for a glossy finish. These boots are cut from the comfiest leather that’s sure to make your countryside strolls feel like walking on clouds.
It’s so hard to believe this is high-street and not designer. The double-breasted silhouette paired with tonal satin lapels just exudes high-octane glamour. All black accessories will offset it perfectly.
I love the military feel of this jacket, and it doesn’t compromise on looking feminine and tailored. Gold jewellery will be the perfect match for the buttons.
Peplum is having a comeback and this cardigan taps into the trend without being too overt. The baby pink trend is a gentle way to inject a touch of colour without being too bold and the buttons can be adjusted to show off a necklace.
I wear my straight jeans pretty much on rotation. This pair is flattering, classic and above all, comfortable.
I could wax lyrical about the beautiful neckline of this top for hours but I think it pretty much speaks for itself. It’s structured through the body for support too.
This trench is too good to relegate to just the autumn and winter months. It’s got an incredibly buttery handle and looks polished with or without the belt.
This coat is the epitome of high luxury on the high street. Its simple silhouette is one that just doesn’t age and the notched lapels, buttons and pockets give it a touch of character. Just be careful when wearing it on the underground.
Mark my words, clogs will be the shoe of summer 2023.
Picture this with strappy sandals once the weather heats up…
A dark grey blazer will work hard for you, all year round.
Classic heels like these will never go out of style.
