As a shopping editor, I'm often asked about the best fashion items around. Immediately, an array of iconic creations springs to mind, from beloved handbags to the most popular tailoring pieces, but what might surprise you is how many of these items come from the high street.
Those who are able to invest in luxury brands for their staples would be right in arguing that there are benefits to design and fabric, but the high street has come a long way in recent years, leaning into designs with a timeless edge and an enduring appeal, and make from good-quality fabrics. Alongside seasonal pieces and trending buys can be found a select group of decidedly great pieces that are so good that they remain online and in stores for years. Yes—years.
What binds these items together is their classic appeal. From the white cotton t-shirt that won't lose its shape after one wash to the perfectly pleated pair of tailored trousers, these pieces work as sturdy starting points for a long-lasting capsule wardrobe. Whilst they all deserve individual praise, I like to make shopping as easy and enjoyable as possible, so I'm bringing all the best high-street items together in one place. Plus, I'm sharing my expertise to highlight the new pieces that are destined to join this list. Give them a chance, and I promise you'll find they become treasured pieces in your collection.
Keep scrolling to explore the most reliable high-street items and discover my soon-to-be best-seller predictions.
Shop the Best High-Street Items:
1. COS Relaxed Tailored Wool Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: COS is known for its excellent tailoring, and these trousers are a perfect example. With sharp pleats, a wide-leg silhouette and crafted from 100% wool, it's easy to see why these feature in so many great wardrobes.
Shop the COS Relaxed Tailored Wool Wide-Leg Trousers:
2. Whistles Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
Style Notes: Compared to the rest of my best high-street buys, this Whistles jacket is on the more expensive end, but trust me when I say it's worth it. Made from smooth, supple leather with a minimalist look and cool, oversized shape, this jacket is always selling out. We recommend sizing down as it does come up roomy, whilst the petite version has a shorter hem and arm length and tends to fit more true to size.
Shop the Whistles Clean Bonded Leather Jacket:
3. Arket Cloud Loose Wide Jeans
Style Notes: When wide-leg jeans emerged as a staple denim style, Arket's Cloud jeans became an instant favourite. Relaxed in shape and made from 100% cotton, these jeans are not only comfortable but transform from easy day looks to elevated evening attire with the swap of a shoe.
Shop the Arket Cloud Loose Wide Jeans:
4. Arket Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper
Style Notes: One jumper that features in so many of our editors' wardrobes is the Arket Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper. The luxurious mix makes for a supremely soft knit with a relaxed shape, and with a vast range of shades available, there's a cosy jumper for all.
Shop the Arket Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper:
5. COS Studio Bowling Bag
Style Notes: Elegant, understated and practical—it comes as no surprise that COS's Bowling Bag has already claimed its place in the brand's best-seller list. If you're looking for a roomy tote with a polished appeal, this is one to consider. It now comes in two other sizes and a range of shades.
Shop the COS Studio Bowling Bag:
6. Sézane Clyde Trench Coat
Style Notes: A trench coat is a do-it-all piece that can be relied upon throughout the year—and even take on the British rain. French brand Sézane brings together a classic design with a playful touch of check detailing to set this one apart from the rest. Years since its first release, this trench comes in a host of shades and consistently sells out.
Shop the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat:
7. Aligne Leo Long Waist Coat
Anna wears the Aligne Leo Long Waistcoat (£119)
Style Notes: Last year, waistcoats gained such popularity that I now officially consider them a capsule wardrobe piece. My top pick? Aligne's Leo Long Waistcoat. Like all of Aligne's creations, there's a clear consideration of silhouette with the longline fit bringing an added touch of elegance to this classic piece.
Shop the Aligne Leo Long Waist Coat:
8. & Other Stories Equestrian Buckle Loafer
Style Notes: Whilst loafers have gained considerable popularity of late, they've maintained their status as a staple shoe for many years. This & Other Stories pair combines a sleek low heel with smooth leather and distinct horse-bit hardware.
Shop the & Other Stories Equestrian Buckle Loafer:
9. COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Jumper
Francesca wears last year's navy version.
Style Notes: With an understated design, this knit lets the premium fabric and oversized cut do the talking. Crafted from sumptuous GCS-certified cashmere, this jumper has a cosy composition with a contemporary loose-fit shape to match. From the deep cuffs to the ribbed collar, it can easily take on designer styles three times the price.
Shop the COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Jumper:
10. Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
Style Notes: The Sloane trousers are a best-selling style for Abercrombie & Fitch, and have recently become a favourite amongst our Who What Wear UK editors. With three leg lengths, sizing from 23 to 37 and a Curve Love fit option, they can be tweaked to find the ultimate fit.
Shop the Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant:
11. Melie Bianco Brigitte Faux Leather Satchel
Style Notes: If expensive-looking bags with a luxury appeal are what you're looking for, Melie Bianco's Brigitte should be on your radar. The bag is woven from vegan leather and has an understated slouchy shape. Currently, it's available in three sizes and a range of shades.
Shop the Melie Bianco Brigitte Faux Leather Satchel:
12. Free People We The Free Good Luck Barrel Jeans
Style Notes: The latest denim cut to come to the fore is the barrel-leg, and this pair has impressed editors and fashion people alike. In a dramatic horseshoe shape starting as a wide-leg silhouette and tapering at the hem, like most of Free People's best pieces, these come in a huge variety of shades and washes, and you'll be surprised at how easy they are to dress up or down.
Shop the Free People We The Free Good Luck Barrel Jeans:
13. Reformation Dusk Knit Top
Style Notes: Reformation may be considered more of a mid-range brand when it comes to most of its items, but there's a selection of more affordable pieces, and the Dusk Knit is a standout. The top is an elevated take on a simple tank with an elegant scoop neckline and thicker strap details. Whilst black may be the most versatile, you'll find this sleek top comes in an array of shades and patterns.
Shop the Reformation Dusk Knit Top:
14. COS Swing Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: Yes, this is the second COS bag to grace this list, but for good reason. The Swing bag has spent years being a go-to crossbody bag for some of the most stylish people around, with a refined leather finish and surprisingly roomy interior. Consider this the elevated version of that Uniqlo bag.
Shop the COS Swing Crossbody Bag:
And Now, the Best-Sellers to Be:
Bringing together the classic appeal of a cardigan and the contemporary asymmetric closure, this refined knit is sure to be an eye-catching staple for years to come.
A brown shade, a barrel-leg cut and a linen finish? These are destined to be a favourite as soon as warmer temperatures arrive.
If you didn't get a barn jacket last autumn you'll be pleased to know that Arket's version is back in a lighter shade. It's a real classic.
Not only is this incredibly premium-looking, but it also comes with a longer strap for over-the-shoulder wear.
The collarless design and sharp shoulders bring a supremely elevated feel to this blazer, and its innate polished look is one we'll want to embrace year after year.
I've tried on these jeans and can confirm that the straight-leg shape and deep indigo shade has serious staying power.
Stripes are eternally chic, and when combined with a classic shape and elegant gold buttons, they become next-level good.
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