It’s a new season, which means my biannual wardrobe reassessment has officially begun. The charity and Vinted piles have been set aside, leaving some rather convenient gaps in my wardrobe that I’m already itching to fill. With a strict budget and expensive-looking pieces at the top of my wish list, there are three brands I immediately headed to: Zara, H&M and COS.
Each has its own speciality. Zara’s outerwear never ceases to impress me, from reversible jackets that could easily pass for designer to beautifully cut trench coats I’ll rely on for years. H&M is where I turn for the foundations of my winter wardrobe—think premium-feeling knitwear, great denim and elevated basics that make everything else I own work harder. Then there’s COS, which consistently excels at the pieces I’m willing to spend a little more on, from 100% cashmere knits and sumptuous scarves to impeccable tailoring and seriously good accessories.
So, if you’re also looking to give your wardrobe a winter update without the designer price tags, keep scrolling for the Zara, H&M and COS pieces I think look far more expensive than they are.
Shop The Best Zara, H&M and COS Winter Buys
I’m a sucker for a reversible jacket—especially when both sides look this chic.
H&M’s mohair-blend knits sell out every single year.
These straight-leg jeans are an easy choice for smarter winter outfits.
Navy knitwear is having a real moment this season, and this wool-and-alpaca blend is exactly the kind of elevated basic I’ll wear on repeat.
Rich brown tones always look particularly luxurious in winter.
Funnel-neck outerwear continues to dominate. Case in point: this expensive-looking coat.
Proof that sometimes the simplest pieces work the hardest.
The subtle curved shape gives these straight-leg jeans a more directional feel.
Yes, it’s an investment, but 100% cashmere is exactly the kind of thing I’m happy to spend a little more on.
The generous proportions of this suede tote bag only add to its luxurious feel.
Bomber jackets will never not be cool.
The chocolate-brown shade, contrast topstitching and compact bucket silhouette make this look far beyond its high-street price point.
Cape coats are one of winter’s most elegant outerwear trends.
If you’re ready to venture beyond classic blue denim, dark khaki is surprisingly easy to style.
Romantic blouses are still firmly on my radar.
Scarf jackets will never not look incredibly expensive.
Never underestimate the power of a really good white tee.
COS excels at understated outerwear, and this coat is a perfect example.
A sleek kitten heel is one of the easiest ways to make a winter outfit feel instantly more polished.
Cream knitwear is the backbone of my winter wardrobe.
Checks are back in a big way this season, and these dark-brown tailored trousers offer a subtle way to tap into the trend.
The layered neckline makes this merino-wool knit feel much more directional than your average grey jumper.
A double-breasted coat is one of those pieces that makes practically anything underneath it look more expensive.
This is exactly the kind of coat COS does so well: minimal, beautifully cut and quietly luxurious.
A little cashmere goes a long way.
The knot fastenings transform an otherwise simple black jacket into something that feels much more special.
If you already own a classic black coat, consider a light neutral next.
