When it comes to our purse strings, there is a lot of value in scouring the British high street for a bargain. While many of us covet designer brands we see on our favourite A-listers, it is a relief to know that we can still look incredible in pieces that our favourite stores such as Arket and River Island.
Shopping on the high street does not mean we should have to scrimp on style, in fact there are plenty of retailers who are creating eco-conscious and luxurious garments which wouldn't look out of place in a high-end boutique.
To make your budget friendly shopping a little easier we've put together a list of our favourite pieces this week.
Hello! Fashion shares the most expensive-looking pieces to shop on the high street this week:
1/29
Knot-detail waist belt
H&M
Why it looks expensive: Though made from faux leather, the texture of this knot belt will make any outfit look luxe.
Editor's note: I love an easy styling hack and this belt can be styled in multiple ways to jazz up and ensemble. I love it worn over a boxy blazer or sinching in a button up white shirt.
2/29
Halter neck long dress
Mango
Why it looks expensive: Cut-out dresses are all the summer rage right now and are included in collections from the likes of Jacquemus right through to Cult Gaia.
Editor's note: This matcha green-toned cut-out dress is the ultimate summer staple and is so easy to wear. Perfect with a slick backed bun and slides while on holiday or under a boxy blazer and paired with heels for a date night delight.
3/29
Maxi FLower High Heels
Zara
Why it looks expensive: Bold heels are a signature in many designer collections and floral heels in particular are hotter than hot right now.
Editor's note: We all know that the easiest way to breathe life into a plain outfit is with a cold shoe choice. These affordable floral options from Zara talk a big game and will elevate every summer 'fit.
4/29
Asymmetric Studded Belt
Stradivarius
Why it looks expensive: Both Sienna Miller and Rita Ora love a Y2K-inspired chunky belt, so why can't we?
Editor's note: Wear over a maxi skirt, slung on your hips over a mini dress or with your favourite pair of jeans, this studded belt is a one way ticket to it-girl status.
5/29
Vase graphic T-shirt
Pull & Bear
Why it looks expensive: Cool girls around the world are obsessed with oversized graphic tee's, donning them with lace skirts and chunky boots for all occasions.
Editor's note: Nothing beats a comfortable outfit that also looks cute and this boxy t-shirt is perfect for exactly that. Wear with shorts, a skirt, over a silk slip or with jeans and revel in the compliments.
6/29
Striped suit waistcoat
Mango
Why it looks expensive: Both celebs and cool girls alike have been loving pin-striped waistcoats, including Alexa Chung and Elsa Hosk.
Editor's note: Easy to style with jeans, a maxi skirt, a mini skirt or with a set of linen trousers, this scoop-necked option will be a summer wardrobe savior.
7/29
Plain top with back buttons
Zara
Why it looks expensive: Because of the cut of this top this could easily be from Jacquemus or Cult Gaia.
Editor's note: Personally, matcha-green is one of my favourite hue's at the moment and it's made even better when in a knit fabric. I love the idea pg wearing this with a set of baggy Jorts and boots in the summer.
8/29
Ballon hem maxi skirt
COS
Why it looks expensive: The fashion world is obsessed with a bubble hem at the minute and this maxi option exudes high fashion girly in the best way.
Editor's note: There's nothing better than a wardrobe staple that goes with everything and is also overly chic. You could wear this with a baby tee in summer, a jumper in autumn and a long trench in winter.
9/29
Printed Trousers
Reserved
Why it looks expensive: Cheetah print is still very much on trend and is currently found in new collections from both Ganni and Damson Madder.
Editor's note: Nothing beats a fun pair of pants in my eyes and these flared options are both affordable and funky. Pair with a puff sleeve blouse or a plain tank and enjoy the compliments.
10/29
Lace dress with ruffle design
Mango
Why it looks expensive: Delicate lace delights are hard to find now that boho chic has made a resurgence thanks to Sienna Miller.
Editor's note: Though this is on the price side due to it being from Mango's 'Capsule' collection, it would be hard to find a dress as beautiful with a more affordable pricetag. Perfect for wedding guest events, date night dinners, layered under an over sized t-shirt or on its own, this match-green delight is set to be a sell-out.
11/29
Dress with perforated embroidery
Reserved
Why it looks expensive: Lovers of crochet, figure-hugging dresses like this include Maya Jama, Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski. Do with that information what you will...
Editor's note: Flattering, versatile and overly chic, this black crocheted halterneck dress is the perfect summer staple that can be worn to almost any occasion. I love the idea of leaning into the sheer trend, wearing it over a bikini with slides.
12/29
Smocked bandeau dress
H&M
Why it looks expensive: Both the colour red and smocked texture are currently doing the round in the fashion sphere at the moment.
Editor's note: I love a summer dress that can both be worn to a picnic in the park and dressed up for a dinner date with my nearest and dearest. This smocked option from H&M is perfect for those who like me, love to style their clothes for different occasions. I love the idea of wearing this over a crisp white button-up and paired with strappy white heels.
13/29
Natural fibre bag with leather handles
Mango
Why it looks expensive: Straw accessories will forever be a sign of warmer weather and are often seen in both cruise and S/S collections of designer brands around the world.
Editor's note: Personally, I love a bag that can fit both a towel, change of clothes, makeup bag and a bottle of wine so when I saw this natural fibre option with sturdy leather straps I knew I had to add it to my cart. Not only is this bag functional, it's also seriously chic and will go with almost every summer ensemble.
14/29
Classic long sleeve tee
Monki
Why it looks expensive: The bow craze is still very much on trend, loved by fashion moguls, designers and everyone in between.
Editor's note: If there are two things I love more than most it's bow motifs and graphic t-shirts. This long sleeve is the perfect seasonal layer, easy to wear with jeans, shorts or a skirt or over a silk slip dress when the sun starts to set.
15/29
Mini Crossbody bag
Stradivarius
Why it looks expensive: As we all know, yellow has been coined this season's unofficial it-girl colour.
Editor's note: If you're someone who struggles to style colour, a bold accessory is just for you. I love this affordable mini bag because it will instantly elevate any ensemble and breathe summer life into monochromatic 'fits.
16/29
Button halter top
Mango
Why it looks expensive: Knitted goods are forever a style statement and this baby blue option looks as though it could be from Gigi Hadid's brand Guest In Residence.
Editor's note: This effortlessly cute knit with a built-in necktie is giving major Carrie Bradshaw goes to festival vibes. I love the idea of wearing this with the matching shorts and knee-high chunky boots or with a white linen maxi skirt.
17/29
Crocheted Fringe Tank Top
& Other Stories
Why it looks expensive: Crochet is having a major moment right now and many luxe brands are including the knit technique in their collections.
Editor's note: I love how this easy-to-wear white tank features an open-back design and appliqued flowers. This would look so cute over a bright bikini and maxi skirt while on holiday or even with jeans and a pair of sandals for a picnic afternoon.
18/29
Pink Plisse Frill Bandeau Top
River Island
Why it looks expensive: There's something about structured floaty fabrics in blush shades that just feels like it's from a high-end boutique.
Editor's note: I love the colour of this top and think it’s the perfect summer wardrobe staple for when you want to get dressed up with minimal effort. I love the idea of wearing this with the matching pants, however, I think it would look great over a white t-shirt or with a silky slip skirt in the same shade.
19/29
KOMONO Ana Sunglasses
Arket
Why it looks expensive: Bold framed sunglasses are a luxury brand hallmark and these oval lens options could easily be from Loewe.
Editor's note: Investing in a good pair of summer sunglasses is essential for summer, however finding a pair that is both chic and affordable is no easy feat. These quality options are perfect for those who are known for either losing, breaking or lending their beloved sunnies to a friend who never gives them back.
20/29
The Structured Tote - Leather
COS
Why it looks expensive: When I first saw this leather tote option I honestly thought it was from Victoria Beckham because it's that dreamy.
Editor's note: I for one am swooning over this white structured tote because not only does it look designer, but it's also wildly interesting to look at, easily elevating any ensemble.
21/29
Brown Beaded Shoulder Bag
River Island
Why it looks expensive: Jacquemus who? This River Island beaded bag boasts big French designer energy and that’s just a fact.
Editor's note: This spring is all about fun bag shapes and this affordable River Island option isn’t just fun in shape, it’s also fun in colour and will instantly elevate any ensemble. I personally love a statement bag and think the beauty in styling them is pairing them with outfits that kind of clash.
22/29
Triangle Leather Scarf
Arket
Why it looks expensive: Leather is a luxury material and this scarf is giving major The Row energy.
Editor's note: This luxe accessory is the easiest way to spruce up any simple outfit. I love the idea of wearing this with a double denim outfit and brown cowboy boots to really channel Beyonce’s latest style love.
23/29
Point-Toe Pumps
& Other Stories
Why it looks expensive: Sheer in all forms is majorly trending right now.
Editor's note: You can never go wrong with a classic black heel. I love these sheer options as they are still classic and go with everything but are also slightly different from your usual.
24/29
Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flats
COS
Why it looks expensive: Leather ballet pumps are one of the fashion world's most sought-after footwear silhouettes right.
Editor's note: Black footwear in all forms is a wardrobe staple every fashion lover should invest in. If you're wanting a pair of comfortable kicks that can be worn with fancy dresses, casual trousers and everything in between, then these are it.
25/29
Double Sateen Bow
Stradivarius
Why it looks expensive: Bows in all variations are being loved by the likes of Simone Rocha, Miu Miu, Prada and more.
Editor's note: We can’t escape the bow craze and to be honest, we don't want to. These double-looped bow clips from Stradivarius are the easiest way to bow-tify anything. Clip them in your hair, on your sneakers, to your handbag, jean loop, boyfriend or anywhere you feel needs a little girl touch.
26/29
Suede Tote Bag
Arket
Why it looks expensive: There's something about brown suede that just feels luxe.
Editor's note: Obsessed. I mean look at it. Excessively oversized, this brown suede tote quite literally could fit everything and the kitchen sink. This bag boasts big high fashion energy and could easily be mistaken for the designer brand. *chefs kiss*
27/29
Longline Trench Coat
John Lewis ANYDAY
Why it looks expensive: I love the buttons and extra attention to detail this coat has. Because it is made from cotton this coat is structured and will hold it's shape.
Editor's note: If there's one wardrobe essential every fashion fanatic should have in their wardrobe it's a chic trench. I am in love with this John Lewis ANYDAY option in the colourway 'Stone' because it can be worn with basically everything in your wardrobe. Great for all seasons, including summer as a light layer or in winter over your favourite knit.
28/29
Printed Silk Scarf
Arket
Why it looks expensive: I feel like the black and white colourway paired with the line design on this scarf makes it look like it could be from anywhere.
Editor's note: If you’re looking for a simple accessory to spice up your style game, then a silk scarf is definitely it. Easily worn in a multitude of ways, a silk scarf is your best friend when it comes to bad hair days, chilly winter breezes and when you forget you have lunch plans and need to look fab. I love tying my silk scarf around my handbag strap for an extra pop of colour.
29/29
Leather Shoulder Bag
Arket
Why it looks expensive: This satchel-esque mini bag is understated enough to look like luxury.
Editor's note: Arket is known for making some of the best bags on the high street and this retro-inspired leather number is no different. I would wear this bag with everything and anything and use it everyday.
How we chose the pieces:
Aesthetic: After combing through the internet's top high street fashion websites, we have selected the pieces that look categorically luxe. Despite boasting a modest price point, these buys could be mistaken for designer. That could mean a beautiful, flattering bias cut, a carefully constructed print, rich embellishment or another thoughtful design detail.
Price: We have tried to keep pieces in this edit affordable, under the £250 mark, except for items made from precious materials.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Features Writer. With a love for all things fashion (the quirkier the better), I can usually be found playing dress-up in my own wardrobe, watching Gilmore Girls for the 8th time or finding new outfit inspo and DIY musts on TikTok, nothing in my closet is safe from a safety-pin bow embellishment. I have been in the styling world for almost 5 years now, specialising in editorial features, luxury campaigns and music videos. As for the world of magazines, I have worked for various digital and print publications around the world, focusing on fashion. Basically, fashion is my bread and butter.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
